Overview

The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) hosts Washington, DC – based and virtual Academic Internship Programs for undergraduate students each summer, fall and spring.

TFAS programs include academic credit from George Mason University, an internship placement and furnished housing in the heart of Washington, D.C. Students participate in a variety of exclusive guest lectures, site briefings as well as professional development and networking events.

TFAS students leave Washington with 250+ hours of professional experience, an expanded network of contacts, and a greater understanding of the variety of career opportunities.

There are five program tracks offered each summer and one program held each fall and spring semester. Review the program overview pages linked to below to determine which program is for you!

Upcoming Deadlines

November 16

Spring 2021: Final Application Deadline

December 8

Summer 2021: Early Application Deadline

January 25

Summer 2021: International Student Deadline

Summer Programs

Student participating in a Diplomatic simulation at the U.S. Department of State. International Affairs

International Affairs

8 weeks // 3-9 Credits // Intern: embassies, international NGOs, policy groups, federal agencies // Learn: International Economics + lectures with foreign policy exports

Journalism and Communications student hosts podcast. Journalism + Communications

Journalism + Communications

8 weeks // 3-9 Credits // Intern: radio, newspapers, online pubs., magazines, comms. firms and news services // Learn: Economics for Journalists

Students attending a briefing at Capitol Hill. Public Policy + Economics

Public Policy + Economics

8 weeks // 3-9 Credits // Intern: Congressional offices, public policy groups, think tanks, federal agencies, NGOs // Learn: Economics + Policy course

Business + Government Relations students on The Hill. Business + Government Relations

Business + Government Relations

8 weeks // 3-9 Credits // Intern: govt. relations offices of major corporations, trade associations + public affairs firms // Learn: Public Choice Economics course

Leadership + the American Presidency students pose outside the White House. Leadership + the American Presidency

Leadership + the American Presidency

8 weeks // 3-9 Credits // Intern: public policy groups, NGOs, media outlets, public affairs firms, congressional offices // Learn: American Presidency course

Fall + Spring Capital Semester Programs

Capital Semester students visit Monticello in the fall. Capital Semester Fall – Leadership + the American Presidency

Capital Semester Fall – Leadership + the American Presidency

15 weeks // 12 credits Intern: Congressional offices, policy groups, NGOs, think tanks, government relations offices, media outlets. Learn: International Economic Policy + American Presidency

Students visiting the U.S. Capitol in spring, Capital Semester Spring – International Affairs + Public Policy

Capital Semester Spring – International Affairs + Public Policy

15 weeks // 12 credits // Intern: Int’l NGOs, think tanks, embassies, congressional offices, policy groups, federal agencies, media outlets // Learn: Int’l Economic Policy + American Politics courses