About

Since 1967, The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) has been a leader in educating young people from around the world in the fundamental principles of American democracy and our free market system. TFAS has been the launching pad for more than 18,000 students who have participated in our programs in Washington, D.C. and around the world in Asia, Europe Central America and South America. Alumni of our program are leaders in government, business, the media and the nonprofit sector.

Students attend an exclusive briefing on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Students attend an exclusive briefing on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Summer Academic Internship Program in Washington, D.C.

The summer program provides students from across the U.S. and abroad the opportunity to spend 8 weeks earning 3-6 credits from George Mason University, complete an internship placement in their field of interest, and live in furnished housing provided through George Washington University. 

Our goal is to provide a real-world professional and academic experience for college students to help prepare them for responsible leadership in the future. Four program tracks are offered during the summer:

  • Public Policy + Economics: for students seeking careers in public policy, economics, law, government and the nonprofit sector.
  • International Affairs: for students interested in a career in foreign service, international relations or multi-national NGOs. 
  • Journalism + Communications: for students planning careers in journalism, communications and public relations. 
  • Business + Government Relations: for students studying business or political science, and interested in learning about the legislative process and how businesses represent their interests to the federal government.  

“I would not be here today if it weren’t for The Fund for American Studies. I’m very grateful for the opportunities and experiences of those two summers. It certainly propelled me into the arena…it made me recognize that what we have in this country is very precious, but also exceptionally fragile.”

U.S. Representative David Rouzer of North Carolina
TFAS Alumnus
Students exploring the National Mall during The Monument Tour on Orientation Weekend.
International Programs

Our international programs are 2-3 week cross-cultural academic experiences bringing together students from around the world. Programs are offered in:

  • Prague, Czech Republic
  • Singapore
  • Guatemala
  • Santiago, Chile

Learn more and apply at TFASinternational.org.

Other Programs

TFAS provides programming for high school students and teachers through The Foundation for Teaching Economics. TFAS also offers several fellowship opportunities for law students and working professionals, continuing education programs and conferences are available to alumni around the country, as well as a campus speaker series. 

The Fund for American Studies is headquartered in Washington, D.C. For additional information about The Fund for American Studies, please visit TFAS.org. 

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