Why Washington Semester? Unforgettable moments await in nation's capital
December 06, 2024
Picture it: You're living in the center of U.S. politics, policy and history. You've got an internship that takes you behind the scenes of Congress or a national nonprofit or a cutting-edge corporation. You're still taking classes — but you're learning so much more than textbooks alone can teach.
Roanoke College's Washington Semester is a unique opportunity to dive into life in a new city and get resume-building experience while still taking your required courses. Offered for all majors, it’s designed to open doors for students who are ready to take on new challenges and immerse themselves in one of our nation’s most dynamic cities.
Guidance is available from program coordinator Professor Todd Peppers, and scholarship opportunities are offered.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward your future — learning, growing and getting experience that will set you apart — the program could be the right fit for you. Why Washington Semester? Hear directly from some of this year’s students to find out:
Expanding Horizons
"The time spent in Washington, D.C., taught me that I love my chosen career and that I can live and work on my own in an unfamiliar city. With the program, I grew a lot personally and professionally, and I am incredibly grateful for the experience."
Raigan Lindquist '25
Majors: Communications, Literary Studies
Washington Semester internship: Narrative Strategies, a strategic communications and PR firm
Career Goals: After graduation, Raigan is eyeing a career in sports communications and PR.
Exploring Career Paths
"After graduation, I want to attend law school, so I chose the Washington Semester program to dive into an internship that would provide a lot of direction for what I want to do as a career and that would expand my networking connections."
Luke Coburn '24
Major: Public Health Studies
Washington Semester internship: Office of U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith
Invaluable Experience
"I am passionate about serving within the justice system, and I sought these opportunities to gain exposure to both the law enforcement and advocacy sides of the field. I have built, and will continue to build, a diverse experiential background to best equip myself to enter the field following the completion of my studies."
Heather Farnsworth '25
Majors: Psychology, Sociology
Washington Semester internships: U.S. Marshals Service, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Children of D.C.
Career goals: Heather plans to pursue her master's degree in social work and help children in the juvenile justice system as a social services provider.
Real-World Learning
"The museum to President Woodrow Wilson caught my interest because of my prior knowledge of Wilson. His impact is hotly debated, and I was exposed to that debate early on in my academic career and built up a solid foundation of knowledge on events surrounding Wilson. It was a no-brainer to apply to the Woodrow Wilson House so I could learn more about this figure."
Damien Fellows '26
Major: International Relations
Washington Semester internship: Woodrow Wilson House
