Every semester, 20 students can earn 12 hours of University credit, add work experience to their résumé and discuss interests with like-minded students – all while in the backyard of the nation’s capital.

The Washington Semester Program allows University students from all different academic fields to live and study in D.C. Students make connections with public policy leaders, government officials and business executives during the semester-long program.

Barclay Hendrix, a political science and economics major from Columbus, said her semester in Washington last fall was the experience of a lifetime.

“There is no doubt that I learned more in my semester in D.C. than I could possibly have learned in all four years in a classroom,” she said. “I not only gained invaluable political science experience, but my time in D.C. inspired me to add an economics major.”

Alex Ruiz, a political science and French major from Acworth, said the program “genuinely enriched my understanding of our political processes and enhanced my desire to pursue a career in the public sector.”

But political science majors aren’t the only ones who can participate – the Washington Semester is can be useful for students studying the arts, medicine, history, business, journalism or any other area of interest. Participants work about 30 hours a week in congressional offices, law firms, government agencies, non-profit organizations, think-tanks and more.

Don DeMaria, director of the Washington Semester Program, said the program prepares students for their future careers.

“I work closely with the internships to make sure the experience is more than just busy work,” he said.

According to Hendrix, a summer internship allows students little time for on-site work; spending a semester in D.C. gives participants four months to learn more about their area of study.

Experiences vary, but most students last fall interned daily, met two nights a week for class and went to an area alumni career seminar. They attended receptions or lectures on The Hill with other participants on additional nights.

Ruiz worked at the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund.

“I also liked being able to do all of my homework in the Library of Congress, witness a Supreme Court Case, shake Hillary Clinton’s hand and play frisbee on the National Mall,” she said.

The Washington Semester Program is only in its fourth semester at the University, but DeMaria sees more and more applications upon each review.

“As the program grows in demand, we’ll see different things,” he said. “One thing I certainly hope to continue is our partnership with the D.C. Dawgs – our group of alumni living in the area.”

Hendrix said the networking opportunities available to University students in D.C. make for unforgettable memories.

“One of the coolest things during the fall was to watch the football games at a local bar with fellow UGA alumni,” she said. “They are all so giving of their time and sincerely want to help their fellow Bulldog. Seeing a UGA flag outside the bar and hearing the Dawgs being called from that far away was pretty awesome!”

Students interested in the Washington Semester Program can attend an information session today at 5 p.m. in room 250 of the Miller Learning Center.