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Program Overview
The UCSB Washington Program provides a unique experiential learning opportunity. It is a residential program that combines research, internship and optional elective coursework. In addition, the Washington, DC area offers students the opportunity to observe public policy processes firsthand and to gain a wide variety of cultural experiences. Designed for undergraduates in their junior and senior year at UCSB, the program assumes students have completed a significant part of their upper division and major courses, and that their internships and research projects will serve to enhance their academic study. This is not a program designed for any one major. Students in all fields are welcome and encouraged to apply.
During the quarter or summer in Washington, students receive academic credit for working in a structured internship with an agency or organization of their choice (INT 192DC), and for enrolling in a research seminar (INT 199DC). The weekly seminar instructs students in the development of an original research project-usually on a topic related to their internship experience culminating in the submission of a substantial final paper at the end of the quarter.
Students also have the option of earning additional academic credit by completing elective courses taught by UC faculty in residence at the Center. Guest speakers and field trips are also regularly scheduled in conjunction with the other UC Washington Center participants.
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Admissions
Admission to the Washington Program is open to upper-division undergraduates from all majors. Students maintain full-time enrollment at UCSB while residing at the UC Washington Center. The Program is offered each quarter during the academic year and during the summer. UCSB EAP Reciprocity students should consult with the campus EAP office prior to applying to the UCDC Program.
Recruitment and application activities on campus are handled by Peer Advisors who are returning interns selected and trained to conduct informational group meetings, to answer individual questions about the academic and work experience, and to assist in identifying suitable internships prospects.
Participating interns have access to a fully staffed UCSB office in Washington, DC that includes the Center Director, a graduate student assistant, one or more faculty in residence, and administrative personnel. Computer-equipped study areas are accessible 24 hours a day. Students admitted to the program must reside at the UC Washington Center, where they share a fully furnished, 2-bedroom apartment with three other interns.
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INTERN ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
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While in the program, participants may not have yet graduated from UCSB. Students who graduate in the quarter prior to their proposed participation in the program will not be eligible to participate.
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Applicants must be juniors or seniors who have completed a substantial part of their major courses by the time of their internship in Washington.
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Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 2.8 (no exceptions) and should make a persuasive case that participation in the Washington Program will contribute significantly to their education.
An internship need not be secured before applying to the program; however, the application essay should contain a well-formulated idea of the type of internship that will allow integration of study and career goals. It should be noted that some agency deadlines are six or more months in advance of the internship term, and that it is the student's responsibility to submit an application for an internship position by the agency's required date. Once admitted and prior to departing for Washington, the student must secure an internship position, and have it approved by the UCSB Washington Center Director. The student is ultimately responsible for securing an internship, but the search will be much more productive if the student takes advantage of the expertise and contacts of our Washington Program Administrator, Melody Johnson (phone: (202) 974-6371, email: johnson@ucdc.ucsb.edu). Internship placement is a very large component of Melody's job and she welcomes the opportunity to provide advice and assistance in securing an internship. Please note: some internships will require proof of U.S. citizenship or residential status.
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WHEN TO APPLY
Please refer to the UCDC calendar below for current program dates and deadlines. Early applications will be accepted up to two quarters in advance, particularly from students who will be participating in the Education Abroad Program. It is the student's responsibility to find out and comply with agency deadlines for internship positions that may occur earlier than our program deadlines. The Washington Center calendar differs slightly from the UCSB campus calendar because of the need to coordinate with the other campuses that participate in the Center.
Upcoming Application and Program Dates
Interviews will be conducted within 10 days after the application deadline. Admission decisions will be announced three-five business days following the last interview date.
Winter 2009 |
Spring 2009 |
Summer 2009 |
Fall 2009 |
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| Early Application | April 17, 2008 |
October 9, 2008 |
January 15, 2009 |
January 15, 2009 |
| Application deadline | October 9, 2008 |
January 15, 2009 |
April 16, 2009 |
April 16, 2009 |
| Move-in Dates | January 4-5, 2009 |
March 23-24, 2009 |
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| Program Start Date: (attendance mandatory) |
January 6, 2009 |
March 24, 2009 |
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| Final Program Date (attendance mandatory) |
March 13, 2009 |
June 5, 2009 |
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| Departure Date (No later than 1:00 p.m.) | March 14, 2009 |
June 6, 2009 |
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Students may move into their UCDC Center housing one or two days before the program start date, and must vacate by 1:00 p.m. the day after the final program date.
Printable Application and Application Information:
- Submitting Your Application
- UCDC Application Word Document Version
- UCDC Application PDF Version
- Listing of Internships (Excel)
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Program Costs
A quarter studying in Washington, DC costs more than living on-campus for a quarter. The principle differences are the added cost of airfare, housing and personal expenses. Students who already receive financial aid will have their aid package adjusted to reflect the cost of living in D.C.
Sample Budget for the 11-week Program (based on Fall 2007 rates when available)
- UCSB tuition and fees: $3,101.97 (California resident including all campus fees & health insurance)
- Housing at the UCDC Center $2,478
- Transportation CA/DC airfare round-trip: $600 (Much less if you book early, special rates apply)
- Local transportation: $600 (Biweekly pass for the Metro is $35-$50. Additional costs are for optional, special excursions)
- Food, entertainment, and personal expenses: $1600 (Assumes conservative spending)
- Books and supplies: $200 (Includes cost for materials if you select to take an elective class offered through the UCDC Center)
Estimated total for one UCDC quarter: $8,579.97 (based on Fall 2008 rates when available)
To encourage participant diversity, scholarships are available for students who meet academic and financial aid eligibility and who are interested in participating in the program but might be restricted from doing so due to financial hardship. Students receiving financial aid are automatically considered for a scholarship upon admission to the program. No additional application is required.
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On-Campus Services
The UCDC office is located on the second floor of North Hall in Room 2105.
The Peer Advisor will provide information available internship sites, general guidance in preparing your application, and answer your individual questions about the Program.
Hours for Summer 2008 (June 9 through September 19)
—None—
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Contact Information
Telephone |
E-Mail |
FAX |
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UCDC Peer Advisors |
(805) 893-3090 |
(805) 893-7780 |
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Melody Johnson |
(202) 974-6371 |
(202) 974-6379 |
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Esther Williams |
(202) 974-6373 |
(202) 974-6379 |
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Dr. Stephen DeCanio |
(202) 974-6372 |
(202) 974-6379 |
Mailing Addresses:
Campus Administration:
UCDC Program
College of Letters and Science
University of California
Santa Barbara, CA 93106 -2085
Washington DC Office:
UCSB Washington Program
1608 Rhode Island Avenue NW, 3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20036
Links:
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