International Internships (i-Intern)

USA - Internships in Washington D.C. through The Washington Center

What is the programme about?

Experience the intensity of living and working in the political capital of the USA through an internship coordinated by The Washington Center (TWC). Located just six blocks from the White House, TWC’s strategic location creates opportunities for a broad range of partnerships. TWC seeks to produce not only future leaders in their professions, but also well-informed citizens who are public-spirited and civically engaged. As a TWC intern, you will have ample opportunities to meet other fellow interns, have fun and discover one of the world’s liveliest and most engaging cities.

Participants select a specific programme track ranging from advocacy and business to media and political leadership. Sample internship placements have included Amnesty International, National Mental Health Association, The Smithsonian Institution, United Nations Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and The World Bank amongst many others.

A copy of the TWC International Program Guide can be downloaded here.

When does it take place?

Summer 2013 – 29 May to 10 August, 2013
Fall 2013 – 28 August to 14 December, 2013
Spring 2014 – 22 January to 10 May, 2014

Students interested in the Fall and Spring programmes should speak with their home faculties about taking a Leave Of Absence (LOA) from their studies at NUS, before applying for the programme.

Where does it take place?

Washington D.C, USA

What is the academic/internship content?

The TWC internship is a three-component programme which provides students with an all-round academic and hands-on experience in their chosen programme track, cumulating in the preparation of a personal portfolio.

Internship	Academic Course	Leadership Forum
Hands-on experiencePlacements with organisations in Washington D.C. (usually IOs or NGOs).	Courses taught by faculty from Johns Hopkins University and Columbia University, amongst others.	A structured set of activities that aims to help participants understand the tenets of leadership and how to contribute to the community locally, nationally and internationally.
Personal Portfolio
A written hardcopy compliation of all documents providing evidence of what a participant has accomplished through the programme.

 

Each participant will choose one of the following programme tracks:

Advocacy, Service and Arts Business and Global Trade Global Trade and Regional Integration International Affairs Law and Criminal Justice Media and Communication Political Leadership Science, Technology and Society

Academic credit MAY be available for the internship and the courses taken. Students must consult their faculties about the procedures and requirements for credit mapping at least 3 months before embarking on the internships. Academic credit is at the sole discretion of the faculty. IRO does not apply for credit transfer on the behalf of participants.

What does the internship include?

Internship with a host organisation that matches the student’s chosen programme track Academic course taught by highly-qualified faculty from US universities Community engagement activities to enhance the learning experience while in D.C. Professional programme advisors who will mentor, supervise and evaluate you in your chosen track Social activities organised by programme advisors and the TWC Student Life team Accommodation in fully-furnished apartments

 

What is the student accommodation?

Fully-furnished shared apartment in D.C. or nearby Maryland and Virginia, as designated by TWC. All apartments are equipped with A/C, a fully-equipped kitchen, access to laundry facilities, high-speed internet, local telephone, basic cable service and secured building access.

How much does it cost?

Expenses will vary with the term of participation and the length of stay. Please see the table below for an estimate of the programme costs. Fees for Spring 2014 are tentative and will be confirmed by TWC in September 2013.

Item	Cost – Summer 2013 (10 weeks)	Cost – Fall 2013 (15 weeks)	Cost – Spring 2014 (15 weeks)
Programme Fee	USD 5,995 (approx. SGD 7,450)	USD 7,100 (approx. SGD 8,800)	USD 7,100 (TBC) (approx. SGD 8,800)
Application Fee	USD 125 (approx. SGD 155)	USD 125 (approx. SGD 155)	USD 125 (TBC) (approx. SGD 155)
Accommodation (Housing Fee)	USD 3,985 (approx. SGD 4,950)	USD 4,995 (approx. SGD 6,200)	USD 4,995 (TBC) (approx. SGD 6,200)
Food and Transportation	Approx. SGD 2,300	Approx. SGD 3,400
Course Materials Fees, Books and Supplies	Approx. SGD 100
Airfare (SIN to Washington D.C.)	Approx. SGD $2,500
Airport Transfer (Pre-arranged shared private pick-up service)	Approx. SGD 50 (two-way)
Insurance	Approx. SGD 315	Approx. SGD 470
Visa	USD 320 (approx. SGD 400)
Miscellaneous Expenditure (e.g. entertainment, etc.)	Approx. SGD 1,300	Approx. SGD 1,900
Total Cost (fees, accommodation, food, supplies, airfare/transfers, insurance, visa and expenses)	Approx. SGD 19,520	Approx. SGD 23,975

Please note, these are estimated expenses and actual expenses may differ based on price shifts and personal spending habits!

Is financial assistance available?

Participants of this programme are eligible to apply for the NASA Enhancement Bursary or Scholarship. For more information, visit this webpage: http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/financial/out/nasa/index.html

In addition, students are eligible to apply for the following competitive TWC scholarships by indicating their interest when completing the TWC online application form:

	Civic Engagement Award – USD 1,000 per award Professional Achievement Award – USD 1,500 to USD 2,500 per award William Burke Leadership Award – Up to USD 4,000 per award

 

Number of placements available?

There is no pre-determined limit on the number of placements available to NUS students.

What are the eligibility requirements?

	Students from any faculty who are currently in Year 2 and above. Students should not be in their graduating semester prior to participating in this programme. CAP of 3.5 and above. Students with a lower GPA/CAP may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

Is a visa required?

Yes. TWC will assist in providing students proper documentation to apply for a visa.

Students are to consult the United States Embassy in Singapore to determine the visa application procedures required for their participation in the programme. 

U. S. Embassy, Singapore
27 Napier Road
Singapore 258508

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have proper entry documents for all countries they plan to visit as part of this programme!

How do I apply?

Application deadlines for the programme are as follows:

	Summer 2013: Friday, 8th February 2013 Fall 2013: Friday, 26th April 2013 Spring 2014: Friday, 4th October 2013

 

Applications and Required Documents:

	Students are to complete the IRO Programme Application Form. Submit your application form with a copy of your latest unofficial transcript via email to IRO at: irook@nus.edu.sg Upon receiving confirmation of nomination by IRO, complete the online TWC application form and upload the necessary supporting documents:
		Latest unofficial transcript showing CAP of 3.4 and above CV/Resume Half-page internship request statement indicating the preferred internship experience 500-word essay on a current event of your interest Two letters of recommendation Copy of the first page of your passport
	Make payment for non-refundable application fee of USD $125 via TWC online application.

 

Who to contact for more information?

For additional information or related queries, please click here.