Life in D.C.About D.C.
Students visit the Vietnam War Memorial while touring the D.C. monuments
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Founded in 1791, the District of Columbia was the world's first planned national capital. Today, the world's most powerful city, Washington is also renowned for its handsome architecture, stunning vistas, colorful landscape, and its world-class cultural attractions.
Museums
Besides numerous monuments and landmarks, Washington is home to more than 90 museums and public galleries, including the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex. The Smithsonian comprises 19 museums, art galleries, and the National Zoo, all of which are free to the public.
Theater & Music
With its vibrant theater and music scene, Washington is second only to New York in number of public performances of the arts. Ranging from low cost performances at the National Theatre to live concerts on the Mall, entertainment is never hard to find.
Athletics
From kickball, softball and soccer on the Mall to watching professional baseball, hockey, or tennis, DC has numerous opportunities for the athlete and fan. Catch at game at Nationals stadium then swing by the Washington Monument for a pick-up game, or a run on the numerous pedestrian trails in the area.
“The Fund for American Studies provided me with the opportunity of a lifetime! Nowhere else would I have been given the chance to see so much and be so active within the DC area. The program is a great way to get a feel for Washington DC and to further your understanding of government and the politics that guide it.” Nathan Foster
University of Central Oklahoma
Intern, American Red Cross, General Counsel
International Community
In addition to its abundance of attractions, Washington is a cosmopolitan city with the nation's most diverse international community. Tree-lined Embassy Row is home to many of the over 170 foreign embassies present in the nation's capital. These embassies, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Organization of American States, and several other international institutions all call Washington home.
Professional Opportunities
Professionally, Washington is clearly most famous for being the political powerhouse of the US, and the home of the American government. Thousands are employed on Capitol Hill and 40,000 interns flood the city each summer. In addition, the D.C. area hosts the world's largest concentration of think tanks and trade associations, as well as numerous science and technology firms. Also notable are the hundreds of distinguished nonprofits (including The Fund for American Studies!) headquartered in Washington. The nation's capital has been forecast by American Demographics to be the region leading the nation in job growth over the next ten years.
All of these factors combine to help create a city that is incredibly unique and celebrated. For visitors and residents, there is an endless possibility of things to see and do.
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