US Capitol Hill InternshipWhat is it?The University of Wollongong is one of eight Australian universities that participate in a program that allows students to complete an eight week internship on Capitol Hill in Washington DC, USA in January and February each year. Students are placed in US Congressional offices and gain a unique insight into the operation of the US political system and the workings of Congress.
The core principle of the program is to “match good people with good people in good places”. Internship prospects are offered in Democratic and Republican offices, personal offices and committee staffs, the House and the Senate. Offices typically encourage interns to attend hearings, briefings and press conferences both on and off Capitol Hill.
Administrative functions, constituent liaison and legislative research and support have been among the core areas of past internships.
Students also have the opportunity to consider how Australia is perceived from abroad and to learn more about a country whose policies, laws and culture impact on Australia so significantly.
The internship will count towards your University of Wollongong degree. Previous Australian participants have come from many academic disciplines including international relations, politics, law, political communications, economics, science and American studies. Student TestimonialIf any one ever told me that I would spend a day picking turnips at the home of former United States President George Washington or get the chance to meet George Lucas I would have told then they were crazy. However, after participating in the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program I’m proud to say I have done those things and many more including touring the Pentagon, the White House and of course working within Capitol Complex in Washington DC. 
I was placed with the House Committee on Science who have jurisdiction over much of the non-defence Federal research and development within the United States. Under their jurisdiction they have well known organisations such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
However, the UCWIP is so much more than experiencing United States politics. For me, it was a chance to play in my first snow, head to New York, Philadelphia or Boston for a weekend and develop a few crazy travel stories bound to cause laughter or utter disbelief. All the other Aussie interns and I feel we have made some long lasting and very special friendships within the group and our offices.
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