QU in DC gives students unique look at government

September 28, 2017

Students walk through Washington D.C., to the presidential inauguration earlier this year.

Washington, D.C., is more than America's seat of government for many Quinnipiac students. It is a key component of learning – a way to get outside of the typical university setting and gain real-world experience to better prepare them for a successful career in politics, media and government.

Through Quinnipiac’s QU in DC program, led by Scott McLean, chair of the philosophy and political science, students have the opportunity to take 1 or 2 classes in the nation’s capital, “but the real attraction is the internship,” McLean said.

Quinnipiac partners with American University, The Washington Center and the Washington Media Institute to provide students with a rewarding, hands-on experience.

“We’ve had students interning for Interpol, the FBI, embassies, Homeland Security, think-tanks, historians at the Smithsonian and more," McLean said.

Alex Branzell ’17, who interned for the Human Rights Campaign valued the variety of programs and seminars available to him.

“One of the most appealing aspects of D.C. to me is the access you have to a seemingly unlimited number of events for every interest imaginable," said Branzell, "I was able to volunteer for Amnesty International, join a language exchange, attend sessions on Capitol Hill and walk in Black Lives Matter, sensible gun legislation and immigrant rights protests.”

One benefit McLean emphasizes is that the semester has a long-lasting effect on the participants.

“Students learn more than anything that they can go toe-to-toe with any students in the country – and do better," he said. "The semester changes them. They come back more confident and capable and they know they can do anything.”

QU in DC has been recognized as “2017 Partnership of the Year” by the Washington Center. It’s open to students of any major and is recommended for juniors and seniors.

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