Semester in Washington
FAQs
Academic and administrative policies and procedures that affect all students in SCS and at Georgetown University can be found on the Academic Affairs Handbook page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Application and Eligibility
Academics and Transfer Credit
Internships
Financials
Housing
Dining
The Georgetown Campus and Washington, DC, Area
International Students
Who should apply?
Qualified candidates are well-rounded students who demonstrate academic ability, professional composure, ambition, leadership, maturity, and involvement in campus activities and community service. The SWP admissions committee looks at every application as a whole.
Are international students eligible?
Yes. SWP will review applications from students enrolled in international undergraduate or graduate schools. (Please review the special guidelines for international students.)
Which academic program should I apply for?
You should apply to the program whose curriculum and internship placement most closely matches your academic and professional interests. In your selection you are not limited to your declared major. You may apply to any program that best matches your individual interests and goals. If you have questions about particular programs or have difficulty deciding which program to select, please contact the assistant dean to discuss your program choices.
I will be a freshman this spring, can I apply?
The Admissions committee will consider those freshmen with an exceptionally strong academic record and a demonstrated ability to work in a professional setting. In general, SWP considers applications from juniors, seniors, some graduate students and students who have graduated the previous semester.
I will graduate this spring, can I apply for the summer program?
Yes. Graduating seniors can apply for the summer program. In special circumstances, graduating seniors can also apply for the following fall/spring program.
Do all of my materials need to be submitted at the same time?
No. You may submit your application before or after your supplemental material is received. You may also send materials in different packages as they will be added to your file as the materials are received. However, your application will not be considered complete until all materials have been received.
How should I submit my supplemental materials?
Recommendation
You can register your recommender for the online recommendation and have them fill out the form electronically. Should your recommender need a paper copy instead, you can download it (in the online application) from the Supplemental Forms page.
You can also ask your recommender to mail, fax, or (scan and) e-mail the recommendation directly to the SWP Office of Admissions.
Transcript
All relevant official transcript(s) need to be submitted in a sealed, signed envelope via mail.
International Students: TOEFL Scores
All applicants whose native language is not English and who have not attended an English-speaking undergraduate institution may submit their official TOEFL scores via mail, fax, or (scan and) e-mail to the SWP Office of Admissions. We also accept the iLETS score.
Do I need to have an internship in order to apply?
No. If you do not already have an internship when you apply, Georgetown University provides SWP students with a network of organizations and extensive guidance and assistance in identifying and securing an internship position. The SWP internship advisor helps you find and select an internship that aligns with your individual academic and professional interests.
What is the fee for applying?
The application fee is $50.00 and is non-refundable.
How do I pay the application fee?
You should submit payment online using a major credit card.
Where do I send my application materials?
Semester in Washington Program, Georgetown University, Office of Admissions, 3307 M Street, NW, Suite 202, Washington, DC 20057
When will I be notified of my admission status?
The admissions process is on a rolling basis. Therefore, the admissions committee reviews all applications within two to three weeks after they are complete. Applicants will be notified immediately upon acceptance into the program via e-mail.
Can I sign up as a part-time student?
In the summer: No. All students who are U.S. citizens or who are enrolled in an undergraduate program in the U.S. must take 6 credits in the summer program. International students requiring a visa through Georgetown University have to be full-time students.
In the spring: No; all students enrolled in the SWP fall/spring semesters have to take all program components for a total of 15 credits, including the academic seminar, research seminar, and internship/internship class. The fall/spring semesters is for full-time students only.
How many credits will I earn for the semester?
In the fall/spring semesters, students earn a total of 15 credits: 9 credits for the academic seminar, 3 credits for the internship and accompanying internship class, and 3 credits for the research seminar.
In the summer term, students earn a total of 6 credits: 3 credits for the internship and accompanying academic seminar; and an additional 3 credits by taking the guided independent research seminar.
Please note: Your home institution makes the final determination concerning all transfer requirements, including minimum course and GPA criteria and whether or not the course credits and GPA earned here can count at your home institution. Please review the policies of your home institution, school, and major department regarding study elsewhere and transfer credit before enrolling in courses at Georgetown.
How much academic credit can I earn?
In the fall/spring semesters, students earn a total of 15 credits: 9 credits for the academic seminar, 3 credits for the internship and accompanying internship class, and 3 credits for the research seminar.
In the summer term, students earn a total of 6 credits: 3 credits for the internship and accompanying academic seminar; and an additional 3 credits by taking the guided independent research seminar.
Please note: Your home institution makes the final determination concerning all transfer requirements, including minimum course and GPA criteria and whether or not the course credits and GPA earned here can count at your home institution. Please review the policies of your home institution, school, and major department regarding study elsewhere and transfer credit before enrolling in courses at Georgetown.
How do I transfer credit back to my home school?
Every student's home academic institution, school, and major department can have its own unique transfer policies and procedures. We recommend that all SWP students review the policies of their home institution regarding study elsewhere and transfer credit before enrolling in courses at Georgetown. In many cases, students need advance, written permission from their home institution in order to have credits earned elsewhere be considered for transfer back to those institutions. Please note: Your home institution makes the final determination concerning all transfer requirements, including minimum course and GPA criteria and whether or not the GPA earned here can count in your home institution's GPA. At the conclusion of your studies, you will receive an official Georgetown transcript listing your classes and final grades earned. This document will be required by your home school to complete their official transfer review.
What is the daily schedule for the academic seminar?
Due to the experiential learning nature of the academic seminar, the schedule varies from week to week. Your professor will provide you with a course syllabus online prior to the start of the semester as well as on your first day of class, which will give you a general overview for the semester. Over the course of the semester, you will receive specific dates and times on a weekly basis.
How do I find out what my textbooks are?
On your first day of classes, you will meet with your professors, receive the syllabi, and find out which books you need to purchase. You can purchase them at the University bookstore. If you want to order your textbooks early, for example through an independent seller such as amazon.com, please contact your professor.
What kind of research topic can I choose in the individual programs?
The SWP research seminar allows students to touch on a timely and relevant topic within their field of study while here in Washington. Students are encouraged to utilize all the unique resources of the Washington, DC, to complete original research.
Do I need to find an internship before I get to Washington?
No; SWP students can secure and start their internships after they arrive.
How do I find an internship?
To secure an internship, Georgetown University provides SWP students with a network of organizations and extensive guidance and assistance in identifying and securing an internship position. The Internship Director guides students in selecting an internship that aligns with their academic and professional goals. Georgetown University provides advice on every aspect of the internship, including resume preparation, interview techniques, and professional networking.
Can I set up my own internship?
Yes. Some of the students already have secured an internship when they apply to the program. We work with every student to ensure that the internship matches the student's individual academic and professional goals, that it provides a substantive experience, and that it fulfills the program requirements. If you wish to discuss your internship prior to applying or the start of the program, please contact the SWP internship director.
Does my internship have to be directly related to my academic seminar?
Most SWP students choose internships that are related to their academic seminars. However, we encourage students to apply to internships that most closely match their academic and professional interests. In your selection you are not limited to your selected program area and may apply to any internship that best matches your individual interests and goals. If you have questions about particular internships or have difficulty deciding which internship to select, please contact the SWP Internship Director to discuss your choices.
How many hours per week and which days do I have to work as an intern?
During the fall/spring terms you will work as an intern three full days per week, Tuesday through Thursday.
During the summer term you will work as an intern five full days per week, Monday through Friday with the exception of one morning a week from 8:30-10:30am, when you will attend your academic seminar.
What is the cost of the program?
2013 Summer Tuition - $1,140.00 per credit ( or $6,840.00 for 6 credits); Application Fee - $50.00; Transcript Fee - $20.00; Housing and Meal Plan - optional; Books and Personal Expenses, including transportation, metro cards, site visits, and dining out.
2013-2014 Fall/Spring Tuition - $22,140.00; Application Fee - $50.00; Other Fees - $225.00; Housing and Meal Plan - optional; Books and Personal Expenses, including transportation, metro cards, site visits, and dining out.
How much does Georgetown housing cost?
Fall/Spring Housing: Georgetown University housing cost varies depending on the individual's room and residence hall assignment. SWP students staying in Georgetown residence halls can select to stay in double, triple, or quad rooms. Rates range from an estimated $3,900.00 to $4,700.00 per semester.
Summer Housing: Semester in Washington Program's summer housing costs about $2,000 for the eight-week program.
For on-campus housing rates, please visit the Georgetown University Housing page.
What is the cost for a Georgetown meal plan?
SWP students may sign up for and select among several Georgetown meal plans. Rates per semester range from $615.00 for a total of 45 meals to $2,250.00 for a carte blanche.
For meal plan options and prices, please visit the Georgetown University Dining Services page.
How much will my books cost?
The cost for books varies according to individual classes and programs. Most professors require a combination of books that you have to purchase and academic articles that are available in electronic format, such as in the library, on blackboard, or on the internet. The estimated cost for your books is $350.00.
What other expenses will I have?
Other expenses include personal expenses, such as for transportation, metro cards, site visits, and eating out.
When do I have to pay my tuition?
The Fall/Spring tuition due dates can be found by visiting the Office of Student Accounts.
When do I have to pay for Georgetown housing?
The payment for Georgetown University housing is due the same time as your tuition.
When do I have to pay for my meal plan?
The payment for Georgetown University meal plans is due the same time as your tuition.
Do I have to live in Georgetown housing?
SWP students are not required to live in Georgetown University housing.
How do I sign up for Georgetown housing?
To sign up for on-campus housing, please visit the Georgetown University Housing page.
I have a medical special housing request; whom do I contact?
SWP students requiring special housing due to medical needs, please e-mail the Academic Resource Center to discuss medical special housing requests.
What is the deadline to sign up for Georgetown housing?
The official deadlines to sign up for on-campus housing are posted on the Semester in Washington Program academic calendar.
When will I receive my housing assignment?
Fall/Spring Programs: Students in the SWP are housed in July and December and will be notified by email. At this time, students can also log on to their Housing at a Glance page (accessible through the Housing website) using their Net Id and password to see their housing assignment and their roommates.
Summer Program: Students in the SWP are housed together as a group in on-campus apartments and receive their individual room assignments upon move-in.
How do I find out who my roommates will be?
Fall/Spring Programs: When students in the SWP are housed and notified by email, they can log on to their Housing at a Glance page (accessible through the Housing website) using their Net Id and password to see their roommates.
Summer Program: Students in the SWP are housed together as a group in on-campus apartments and receive their individual room assignments upon move-in.
When can I move into Georgetown housing?
Generally, SWP students move into Georgetown University residence halls the day before the start of the semester.
Can I arrive later than the official move-in date?
SWP students can arrive late. Depending on how late students arrive, they can either check in at the Residence Hall Office (RHO) of their assigned building or in the Housing Services Office (Harbin 103). For a list of RHOs, please visit visit the Georgetown University Housing page.
How do I get there?
For directions to Georgetown University, please visit http://otm.georgetown.edu/index.cfm?fuse=directions.
Where will I live?
Summer Program: Students enrolled in the SWP summer program are housed as a group and stay in Georgetown University on-campus apartments.
Students enrolled in the Semester in Washington Program are entitled to Georgetown University housing. SWP students staying in Georgetown residence halls will be housed in double, triple, or quad rooms. For more information on on-campus housing, please visit the Georgetown University Housing page.
Will I have internet, telephone, and cable service? Are there laundry facilities in residence halls? What items should I bring with me?
For all questions regarding on-campus housing, please visit the Georgetown University Housing FAQ page.
Can I send boxes ahead of time?
For all questions regarding on-campus housing, please visit the Georgetown University Housing FAQ page.
Can I bring my car?
We discourage SWP students from bringing their cars because of the difficulty with parking. Parking is not available on campus, and street parking is limited to two hours for non-residents in DC. SWP students are not eligible for resident-parking stickers. SWP students may use the free shuttle bus service provided by Georgetown University to travel between the campus and several metro stations in DC and Virginia.
Does the program include meal plans?
SWP students are responsible for their own meals during the program. A meal plan is required for most students living on campus. Read more about meal plan policies at the Georgetown University Dining Services website. Admitted fall/spring students may sign up for a Georgetown University Meal Plan through MyAccess. Admitted summer students may sign up directly through the Georgetown University Dining Services page by clicking here.
What kind of meal plans does Georgetown University offer?
SWP students may sign up for and select among several Georgetown meal plans. For meal plan options, please visit the Georgetown University Dining Services page. Students who select a meal plan which includes Flex Dollars can also use their Flex Dollars to dine at several locations on campus including Cosi Restaurant, Hoya Court, Starbucks, and
How do I sign up for a meal plan?
Fall/Spring Semesters: Admitted fall/spring students may sign up for a Georgetown University Meal Plan through MyAccess. Admitted Meal plans are offered for the entire semester only and not on a weekly basis. Please note that a meal plan is required for most students living on campus.
Summer Term: Admitted summer students may sign up directly through the Georgetown University Dining Services page by clicking here. Summer meal plans are purchased on a per week basis.
How do I change my meal plan?
In the summer, students can sign up for and change weekly their meal plans.
In the fall/spring programs, all meal plan changes and cancellations can be made online, through Student Access+. For more information on the change, cancellation and refund policy for Georgetown meal plans, please visit the Georgetown University Dining Services website. Please note that a meal plan is required for most students living on campus.
When do I have to pay for my meal plan?
Fall/Spring Semesters: The payment for Georgetown University meal plans is due the same time as your tuition.
Summer Term: Meal plans are purchased on a per week basis. Please allow two business days for your online meal plan requests to be processed.
THE GEORGETOWN CAMPUS AND WASHINGTON, DC AREA
How do I get to the Georgetown University campus?
For directions to Georgetown University, please visit http://otm.georgetown.edu/index.cfm?fuse=directions.
How should I dress for classes and my internship?
In Washington, DC, the office dress code is business professional or business casual. SWP students are expected to dress professionally for guest lectures and briefings on- and off-campus but not for regular class. Interns are normally expected to dress in a professional manner: usually coats and ties are required for men; suits, dresses, or pantsuits are usually required for women.
Is there a grocery store close to campus?
There are several groceries stores close to the Georgetown campus, including a Safeway on Wisconsin Avenue and Wisemillers Grocery & Deli across from the Walsh building. A small, student-run mini-market called Vital Vittles is located on campus in the Leavey Center, which carries groceries, snacks, sandwiches, and other convenience items.
What is it like to live in Washington, DC?
Washington is a major, cosmopolitan city that is famous for its architecture, history, museums, restaurants, and events. Its cultural attractions include numerous monuments and landmarks, more than 90 museums and galleries, the Smithsonian Institution and the National Zoo, as well as a vibrant theatre and music scene. Many museums and events, including the 19 museums of the Smithsonian complex, music festivals on the Mall, and book readings, are free to the public. Home to various research institutions, non-profit organizations, and Capitol Hill, students have access to a variety of academic events, including lectures, seminars, conferences, hearings, and symposia that are also open and often free to the public.
Will I need a car in Washington to get around the city?
Absolutely not! DC has a wealth of public transportation services that are the most efficient and quickest form of travel from one point in the city to another. You have several options for transportation in the metro DC area.
Georgetown University Transportation System (GUTS)
SWP students may use the University operated, free shuttle buses that run regularly between the University and the Red Line (Dupont Circle), the Orange and Blue Lines (Rosslyn), the Georgetown Law Center (Downtown D.C./Capitol Hill) and Wisconsin Ave. NW, as well as
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
In addition, students may take the bus or metro rail. The WMATA is a safe, accessible, clean, and reliable transportations system, operating in DC, suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia. Metro has five lines: the Blue, Orange, Red, Green and Yellow. The nearest Metro stops to Georgetown University are in Rosslyn (Blue and Orange lines), Foggy Bottom (Blue and Orange lines) and Dupont Circle (Red line).
Bus routes cover most of the city; the G-2 bus stops directly outside the main gates of the campus, traveling to and from the Metro stop at Dupont Circle (Red line).
Are international students eligible to apply?
Yes. The SWP accepts applications from all undergraduate and some graduate students, including international students studying at national and international institutions of higher education. Students requiring a visa through Georgetown University must be full-time students in the fall/spring and the summer programs.
Is there a special deadline for international students?
While there is no special deadline for international students to apply to the SWP, students who will need to apply for a visa through Georgetown University have to send original financial documentation in addition to the immigration questionnaire.
Is there scholarship funding available for international students?
All non-Georgetown degree seeking SWP students are eligible to apply for scholarships for the Fall/Spring terms only. A scholarship is not guaranteed and is based on funding available for the semester. SWP has limited scholarship funds available during the academic year.
Do I need to send proof of English proficiency?
Yes. All applicants whose native language is not English or who have not attended an English-speaking undergraduate institution must forward results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language TM (TOEFL) for the purpose of verifying English-language ability. A TOEFL score of 600 or above on the written or at least 100 on the iBT based examination is required. Please use institution code number 5986. The iLETS test is also accepted (minimum score of 7.5 or above).
I have not yet taken the TOEFL. Can I substitute it for another English proficiency test?
Yes. For the purpose of verifying English-language ability, you must take and forward the results of the TOEFL or iLETS to Georgetown University.
What if I am international student but already studying at a university in the U.S.?
International students applying to the SWP who are enrolled in a degree-granting institution in the U.S. and have immigration documents issued by a university in the U.S. do not need to a) submit proof of English proficiency and b) follow special application deadlines for the program.
