Live. Learn. Intern. in Washington, DC

Students enjoying The National Mall at sunset. — *During Orientation Weekend, students participate in a guided tour of the monuments at sunset.*

Outside of your classroom and internship, there will be many opportunities to grow personally and create your own D.C. Experience.

Enjoy an engaging community of peers in furnished housing in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Participate in social activities planned to help you make life-long friends.
Explore the historical and cultural elements of the Nation’s Capital.

Participants will be required to follow all current social distancing and mask-wearing policies put in place by George Mason University, Washington Intern Housing, as well as local jurisdictions. Learn more about TFAS’ Summer 2021 COVID-19 Health and Safety Planning.

“One of the greatest gifts I have received is the group of friends I made. I have become very close with four of the ladies and we have had an incredible time exploring Washington, DC. We are already planning our reunion as well.”
Emily Ferguson, Emory University
Intern, SAP

Summer Housing

In summer 2021, TFAS summer students will live in two properties owned and operated by Washington Intern Student Housing (WISH). For more than 25 years, WISH has provided short-term student housing in Washington, D.C. for those coming to the city for internship experiences. TFAS has used WISH properties to house semester program students for more than 10 years and we are glad to be able to partner with WISH this summer.

The properties are located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC, as well as the Woodley Park area near the National Zoo. Both options are included in the cost of the program.

Students will indicate their preferred housing option as they enroll and staff will do their best to honor students’ requests and will give preference to early enrollees. TFAS staff will hand-match students with roommates based on compatibility criteria they provide during the enrollment process.

As conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic continue, TFAS and WISH will take precautions to limit students’ exposure to larger circles by limiting bedroom occupancy to 2 and suite/apartment occupancy to no more than 6 students. We will follow all current local guidance on quarantining and COVID-19 testing as needed.

Woodley Park Suites

Live near the National Zoo, Embassy Row, Rock Creek Park, Naval Observatory (where the VP lives!) as well as the Adams Morgan, Kalorama, and Dupont Circle neighborhoods.

These fully-furnished spacious suites are comprised of 3 double occupancy bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, as well as a kitchen and large living area shared by all suitemates. All furniture, appliances, and kitchenware are provided. More details on what items to pack will be provided in future communications.

Building: Secured building with 6 floors of apartments housing 180.
Style: Suite-style apartments with 3 bedrooms for a total of 6 students per suite.
Size: Approximately 400 square feet.
Bedrooms: Double occupancy (shared with 1 roommate) includes a bed, desk, set of drawers and closet space for each resident.
Kitchen: private kitchen in the suite (shared by 6 students) with full-sized refrigerator, 4-burner stove/oven, microwave, dishwasher, and kitchenware.
Bathroom: 2 bathrooms shared by 6 students.
Public Transportation: One block from the Woodley Park Metro Station on the Red Line.
Time to GMU Arlington Campus: Approximately a 26-minute Metro ride.
Time to Downtown (Farragut Square area): 5-minute Metro ride.

Neighborhood Highlights

Woodley Park is an excellent neighborhood, no matter what kind of vibe you are looking for. Rock Creek Park, all 2,100 acres of it, is a perfect spot for running the trails, biking, or picnicking. Visit the Smithsonian National Zoo (it’s free!) to see over 1,800 animals including the famous giant pandas.

Just a mile walk and you’re at the National Cathedral – can you spot the Darth Vader gargoyle on the building exterior? And finally, a few blocks southwest is Adams Morgan, which boasts some of D.C.’s best international eateries and an energetic nightlife.

Congressional Apartments

Live just blocks from the U.S. Capitol, House and Senate Office Buildings, Union Station, Library of Congress and the Supreme Court in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.

*The Congressional Apartment Building is located in the* *Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C.*

These fully-furnished double efficiencies are comprised of an open bedroom area, as well as a private kitchen and living area to be shared between two individuals. All furniture, appliances, and kitchenware are provided. More details on what items to pack will be provided in future communications.

Building: Secured building with 6 floors of apartments housing 110.
Style: Studio-style apartments with 2 students per unit.
Size: Approximately 400 square feet.
Bedroom: Double occupancy (shared with 1 roommate) includes a bed, desk, set of drawers and closet space for each resident.
Kitchen: private kitchen in unit (shared by 2 students) with refrigerator, toaster oven, 2-burner cooktop, microwave, dishwasher and kitchenware.
Bathroom: 1 bathroom shared by 2 students.
Public Transportation: Three blocks from Union Station on the Red Line and five blocks from Capitol South Station on the Orange/Blue/Silver Lines.
Time to GMU Arlington Campus: Approximately a 27-minute Metro ride.
Time to Downtown (Farragut Square area): 9-minute Metro ride.

Neighborhood Highlights

The Capitol Hill neighborhood is quintessential D.C. You are steps from the Capitol building, the Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress. Grab a pair of running shoes and jog from your apartment down the National Mall, to the Lincoln Memorial, and back.

Check out Eastern Market, which hosts a huge farmers market every weekend and a Trader Joe’s if that is more your grocery speed. Walk down 8th street and you’ll be in Barracks Row, which boasts great restaurants, pubs, and the Marine Barracks. Finally, head south and you’ll be in Navy Yard – home to the stadiums where the Washington Nationals and D.C. United play.

Community + Activities

Social Network

By participating in a TFAS program, you have a built-in social network and support system from the beginning.

You’ll meet students from all over the country and world. Some may be from different backgrounds or life experiences, but you’ll find that you all have something in common – you are passionate about important policy issues and are excited to experience all that D.C. has to offer.

Our staff members are committed to your professional and personal success. Full-time staff members meet with students regularly to check in on how their internships are going, help connect them to professionals for informational interviews, and to give advice on how to balance class and internship hours. We also have former program participants living with students in the residence hall to serve the role of resident advisor. They have weekly office hours and are available to help you adjust to your new environment and provide support throughout the summer.

“Through this program, I have been able to do a number of really awesome things that not many people get to do. I have been to so many museums – Renwick Gallery, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Holocaust Memorial Museum being among my favorites. I have made so many amazing friends and meaningful connections that will last a lifetime.”
Hailey Carter, Virginia Commonwealth University
Intern, kglobal Public Relations

Activities

Yes, you’ll be busy with classes and internships, but there will be plenty of time to explore the social, cultural and historical aspects of this vibrant capital city. By the end of the summer, you’ll really feel like a D.C. insider.

TFAS plans small-group and outside activities throughout the summer to help students safely get to know others from the program while exploring the city.

These activities may include:

Student enjoying 4th of July in National Mall. — *Enjoy Independence Day on National Mall.*

Planned orientation activities during the first 3 days of the program.
Scavenger hunts to help you learn about your new neighborhoods.
Guided tour of the national monuments.
Trips to George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Abraham Lincoln’s Cottage.
Picnic on the National Mall.
Outing to the National Zoo.
Free outdoor performances at the Kennedy Center.
Pedal boating/paddleboarding in the Potomac River and Tidal Basin.
Hiking excursions along the Captial Cresent Trail.
Segway tours of local attractions.
Visit the Arlington National Cemetary and Iwo Jima Memorial.
Thematic guided walking tours of neighborhoods/attractions such as Georgetown, Embassy Row, Capitol Hill and the historic U Street Corridor.

Check out the latest on what’s currently open and plans for future reopening of museums, restaurants and other attractions in Washington, D.C.

Capital Semester Housing Overview

All Capital Semester students are housed together in a residential building in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC that has been converted into apartments.

Roommate matches are handmade by TFAS staff using compatibility criteria you provide during the enrollment process.

Living room of Capital Semester housing.

The apartments are fully furnished, including a complete kitchen. They are internet-ready and air-conditioned, and have easily accessible laundry facilities. Each apartment has a fully furnished kitchen with plates, silverware, and glassware.

Also included are twin-sized beds, a table and chairs, couch, a full bathroom and closets. The living/dining area is equipped with a TV with basic cable. While each apartment layout is different, the amenities included are the same.

The apartment building is located on the House of Representatives side of Capitol Hill and is part of the largest residential neighborhood in Washington. It is one of the oldest residential communities in DC with numerous shops, restaurants, Congressional buildings and many of the city’s most significant cultural attractions close by, including the Supreme Court and Library of Congress.

The building is located just a short walk from the Capitol South and Eastern Market Metro Stations (Orange/Blue/Silver lines), providing easy access to internships sites and other locations across the city.

Community + Activities

By participating in a TFAS program, you have a built in social network and support system from the beginning.

*Students enjoying a visit to Mount Vernon, the home of President Washington.*

Our staff members are committed to your professional and personal success. Staff meet with students regularly to check in on how their internships are going, help connect them to professionals for informational interviews, and to give on advice on how to balance class and internship hours. Staff members are always available to help you adjust to your new environment and provide support throughout the semester.

“I thoroughly enjoyed meeting people who are passionate about their communities all over America and the world. Having the opportunity to grow and learn with these leaders helped me solidify my beliefs and expanded my perspective.”
Liliana Vitale, University of North Carolina at Greenboro
Intern, American Council of Trustees and Alumni

Explore Your Backyard

*Students at Moticello, the home of President Thomas Jefferson.*

Yes, you’ll be busy with classes, internships and TFAS-planned events, but there will be plenty of time to explore the social, cultural and historical aspects of this vibrant capital city on your own. By the end of the semester, you’ll really feel like a D.C. insider.

These are just some of the exciting places and events that our students enjoy each year.

For the latest scoop on all things D.C., check out #TFAS Updates for excursion ideas, restaurant recommendations and more!

Smithsonian – The network has 17 museums, galleries and a zoo in the Washington Metropolitan area. Below are the museums located on the National Mall.

Other Museums