Academic Internship Program in Washington, D.C. (AIP-DC)
Spend the Summer interning in DC!
The Academic Internship Program provides you the opportunity to live and intern in Washington, DC while earning academic credit from UCSD.
• Immerse yourself in an environment linked to your studies and career goals
• Experience first-hand the political, intellectual and cultural atmosphere of our nation’s capital
• No classes! Your focus will be on the internship experience.
Washington, DC has something for almost everyone, whether you’re interested in politics, arts, sciences, media, international affairs, or anything in between. An AIP counselor will work with you one-on-one to help you secure an internship opportunity that suits you. All majors are welcome!
Eligibility
To participate in AIP-DC, you must meet the eligibility requirements for an AIP internship:
• 90 units completed
• at least 2 upper-division courses completed
• Minimum 2.5 GPA (3.0 for some internships and for UC President’s Washington Scholarship)
You may enroll in AIP for 4, 8 or 12 units. Internships for 4 or more units require completion of a research paper in addition to the internship hours. Click Internship Options for more information on requirements based on your desired number of units.
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AIP-DC Deadlines
In order to participate in AIP-DC, you must apply to the program TWO QUARTERS in advance of when you plan to intern. You may begin the application process before you have met all of the AIP’s eligibility requirements, but you must be fully eligible by the quarter prior to your internship.
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SUMMER 2008 Applications accepted in February
The earlier you begin the application process, the greater your chances are of securing an exciting and often competitive internship in DC. Some organizations have very early application deadlines, especially government agencies, which may require security clearance. Examples of some organizations with particularly early deadlines include:
| Organization |
Summer Deadline |
| US Dept. of State |
November 1 |
| US Attorney’s Office |
February 1 |
| White House |
March 12 |
| FBI |
May 1 of previous year |
Typical deadlines March 1- April 1
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Applying to AIP-DC
Prior to applying to AIP-DC, schedule a half-hour appointment with the AIP-DC counselor to gather information on the program and the process of finding an internship. Contact the AIP office to set this initial appointment.
Step 1: Information appointment
• Learn details of the AIP-DC program
• Receive housing and estimated budget information
• Discuss internship opportunities and resources
Step 2: Turn in application materials to AIP office
• AIP application form
• First draft of resume
• Personal statement
• 2 letters of recommendation
Step 3: Application appointment
• Review resume and personal statement with counselor
• Discuss process for applying to internships of interest
• Cover AIP’s enrollment process and course requirements
Once you have applied to the program, an AIP counselor is available to assist you throughout your internship search and experience in Washington, DC.
UCDC Program: The UCDC program is separate from AIP, and is sponsored by the Political Science Department. UCDC operates during the Fall, Winter and Spring quarters only, and students typically divide their time between classes and an internship. For more information, or to apply to the UCDC program, contact Career Services, or visit the UCDC website.
Found an internship in DC on your own?
Contact the AIP office and set up an appointment with the AIP-DC counselor to learn about how you may earn credit, and the possibility of arranging housing through the program.
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Living in Washington, DC
Housing:
The Academic Internship Program arranges housing for students in Washington, DC during the summer quarter. Students live in the UC Washington Center, located in downtown Washington, DC. However, available space may be limited, so apply early to ensure a spot.
Costs:
Cost of living varies from student to student, based upon your personal habits and lifestyle, but an estimated budget will be made available when you meet with the DC counselor. Housing is typically the biggest expense. During your participation in AIP-DC you remain enrolled as a UCSD student, and pay regular UCSD registration and enrollment fees. There are no additional program fees charged for participation in AIP-DC.
Getting Around:
Students typically get around the city easily via the Metro, DC’s public transit system. Parking in DC is difficult and expensive, so bringing a car is discouraged.
General DC Info:
For more information on the Washington, DC area, visit the website for the DC Visitor Information Center.
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FINDING AN INTERNSHIP IN WASHINGTON, DC
The AIP-DC counselor will work collaboratively with you to find internship opportunities consistent with your interests and goals. Use the following resources to begin your search, and contact your counselor if you get stuck or have any questions.
Internet Resources
• AIP-DC links to organizations with internships
• AIP-DC government
• Career Services Internship Supersite
• Online Internship Databases:
Idealist
Internweb
Rising Star Internships
Princeton Review
WetFeet.com
Resources accessible in the AIP Office
• Internship database
• Internship binders
• Evaluations from previous DC interns
• Washington, DC directories and other print resources
• Your AIP-DC Counselor!
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