Washington Internship Program

Since 2000, Flinders has sent over 127 students on a unique program which provides a placement in the US Congress.

The Washington Internship Program (WIP) runs for 8 weeks, with an alternative 17 week program - combining the Washington Internship Program with a Capital Semester Program (WIPCASP) - also available. Students work full-time in the office of a member of the United States Senate or the US House of Representatives, providing an opportunity unparalleled in Australasia, to experience political life in Washington DC. WIPCASP students also study at George Mason University to complete 2 topics.

Both programs are open to enrolled Flinders University students who have met the pre-requisite topic requirements. Admission to the programs is by application only and is competitive.

If you are interested in partnering and supporting the Flinders Washington Internship Program – please get in touch with Professor Don DeBats.

If I had the chance to do this again, I would... you will make new friends, experience different cultures, see Washington up close, and develop all of your skills necessary to help you gain employment post-study.

Kyle Whenan (2022 Washington Internship Program Intern)

What you will do in Washington

The goal of the internship is to provide an experience of political life in an influential congressional office and the many tasks, priorities and pressures of that office.

You will be assigned to a US Senate or House of Representatives office, where a congressional office supervisor will set your daily tasks.

A requirement of the internship is that you produce a research paper. The topic of that paper will be worked out by you, Flinders University's Professor of American Studies and Politics and your congressional office supervisor.

Students applying the internship list three preferred areas of policy or partisan interest and every effort is made to match student interest with the interests of the offices offering placements.

As emerging leaders for free societies, it is our responsibility to never forget the legacies of those who came before us, nor lose sight of the responsibilities we have to those who will come after us.

Jack Naismith (Spring 2019 Capital Semester Closing Ceremony)

Student Experiences

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