Alam Hwang
A graduate student in international studies at Seoul National University in South Korea, Alam Hwang aspires to become a diplomat in the Korean Foreign Ministry. Alam always had an interest in law school, so she enrolled in Georgetown's Semester in Washington program to deepen her knowledge of the legal implications of politics around the world. "I took this opportunity as my first foray into the field of law," she says, "to enhance my understanding of the interrelationship between legal studies and the social sciences."

Another interplay--among the three components of the Semester in Washington program--especially appealed to Alam. An internship at the Center for Strategic and International Studies seamlessly connected to her weekly academic law seminar and research project on Japan's recent policy toward North Korea. "I have no doubt that this program will be a momentous step forward in my path toward a career in law and politics," she says.

Courtney Edmonds
Courtney Edmonds, a history major at Ohio's Cedarville University, was an academic star with a 4.0 average when she discovered Georgetown's Semester in Washington program. "I was drawn by the opportunity to experience the excellent academic environment at Georgetown University while living and working in the nation's capital," she says. "I have not been disappointed."

Courtney's internship at the Hudson Institute sharpened her research skills and deepened her international relations knowledge. She studied the effects of the Iraq war on South Korea--fulfilling her dream of working with an agency that develops Asian foreign policy. She also attended dynamic events and seminars addressing key current policy issues. "As a student of history and international relations, I've had an excellent opportunity to gain an up-close look at the political center of our nation. I know my experience here will be truly valuable preparation for my professional future," she says.

Garrett Clark
From the moment he walked onto the campus at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, Garrett Clark embraced his role as a leader and dedicated student of political science. Already chairing numerous academic and community boards, Garrett sought to integrate the Semester in Washington program at Georgetown with his college experience. The program offered pragmatic professional exposure to the worlds of government, law, and diplomacy. At the Center for the Study of the American Presidency, where Garrett interned, he found opportunities to do exactly that.

"While assisting with the Center's research and policy efforts, I gained valuable knowledgeabout the formation of policy and the pressing issues facing our next executive," he says. Garrett extended his studies here through participation in a Semester in Washington research seminar. "These experiences lay the foundations for my career in international law," he says. Upon completing the summer program, he enrolled as a part-time student in the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program. Under the guidance of professor John L. Esposito, PhD, hisresearch continued on "The Moroccan-Based Al Qaeda Inspired Terror Network" while continuing his undergraduate studies at Washington and Lee.

Happy Acee
Happy Acee, a biology major from Tulane University in New Orleans, was drawn to Georgetown's Semester in Washington program because it provided him with an opportunity to broaden his many interests. "Having the chance to learn so much, to participatein a program from a prestigious university, and to have summer fun in Washington, DC, was too much to pass up," he says.

In his pursuit of new and challenging experiences, Happy took on an internship in the International Trade Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce. He worked closely with senior staff and deepened his knowledge and professional experience preparing briefs and writing reports. "I made many points of contact and learned about the inner workings of government," he says. "It opened my eyes to so many different opportunities--the benefits of this program were just great."

Harsha Sekar
Grinnell College history major Harsha Sekar wanted something he couldn't get in Iowa--an up-close look at life, law, and politics in the big city. He hoped to further develop his academic skills and better understand the practical aspects of the legal profession while spending his first summer away from home. "Georgetown's Semester in Washington Program provided all of these opportunities," he says. "It was a perfect way for me to pursue my interests."

As an intern for U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Harsha gained practical experience on Capitol Hill. In the classroom, he broadened his academic and research interests in the legal issues surrounding health policy. "It thrills me to imagine putting my skills to use at a law firm," he says. "This program will prepare me for both higher education in law and law practice. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants exposure to the political culture of Washington."

Katherine Relle
As a transfer student from Bucknell University, Katherine Relle was eager to immerse herself in all that Georgetown and Washington, DC, had to offer. "Washington is full of history and current events," she says. "It's a vital part of American culture that can only be fully understood from actual experience rather than simply a history class or textbook."

Georgetown's Semester in Washington program gave the incoming sophomore the ideal opportunity to do just that. As the only undergraduate intern at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, Katherine gained firsthand knowledge of the legal system from her supervisor, judges, and law clerks. Even better, she brought that experience into the classroom, making connections to her "Law: Ethics and Leadership" lectures, reading materials, and original research into expert testimony. "The program allows students to view their work from the vantage point of the seminar theme," Katherine says. "It really offers a unique balance of classroom and real-world education."

Laura Wilson
As far as iconic figures go, not many contemporary politicians have made as significant a mark on American legislation as has Senator Edward Kennedy. For Laura Wilson, a political science enthusiast, interning in his office has given her a front-row seat to history in the making.

Her internship has helped her expand her ability to grasp new concepts and engage other intellectuals in discourse related to politics and current events. Just as importantly, she has learned that the rudimentary concepts of teamwork and putting forth extra effort can take on added significance in a Congressional office. "Working in Senator Kennedy's office has taught me how valuable symbiotic relationships are in the work place," says Laura.

Luke Rappoport
Luke Rappoport knew that the first six months of the Obama administration would be among the most exciting periods in recent decades. As the political atmosphere changed in a tangible way, he decided to take the Semester in Washington opportunity to live in DC and work in politics. "Our country is in difficult economic times," says Luke, "but I think we are in unprecedented times in terms of how politically engaged the community is, and to me, that is exciting."

His work in Pennsylvania Congressman Joe Sestak's office showed him that on Capitol Hill hard work and commitment can take you far. Through the relationships he has developed in that office, he has a perspective on politics that will guide him as he works toward a career.

Mubarak Al-Khalifa
Mubarak Al-Khalifa considers himself an opportunist, so when he got the chance to come to Washington in the wake of a definitive presidential election and work for a major law firm, he jumped at it. "It was characteristic of me," says Mubarak, "to lunge the opportunity to study at a prestigiously long-lived institution, execute a worthwhile internship, where prospect never fades, and gain first class experience and unprecedented knowledge." Through the program, he was able to secure an internship at powerhouse law firm Patton Boggs.

Learning and working in Washington has proven to be a transformative experience. He has great regard for his home institution, Bentley College, but definitely admits to enjoy studying in the nation's capital.

Samantha Mina
Samantha Mina had a life-threatening illness that necessitated an operation. Complications from the surgery were so severe that even some doctors suggested that she sue. While she was contemplating her next steps, she received the mailer inviting her to participate in the Georgetown University Semester in Washington Program. Instead of launching a lawsuit that could consume her time, she decided to work towards becoming a lawyer herself by studying at Georgetown and interning in the office of Indiana Congressman Dan Burton. "I realized that this was what I was meant to do next," Samantha says. "Instead of derailing my education further and allowing a lawsuit to consume my days, I would move on with my life and seize such opportunities that would cultivate the skills and knowledge I needed to ultimately become a more capable attorney.