MHC Semester in D.C.
Information Sessions
Learn about MHC Semester in D.C. from faculty director Sohail Hashmi and hear from students who just returned from this exciting program. All students welcome, especially juniors who are eligible to apply by 2/24 to spend the fall 2020 semester in D.C.
Info sessions scheduled in Dwight 202:
- Monday, February 3 at 4:30 pm
- Friday, February 7 at 2 pm
About the Program
MHC Semester in D.C. is an exciting academic and internship program for students to live, study, and intern for a semester in Washington, D.C. This program is available to seniors each fall semester.
MHC Semester in D.C. combines an intensive internship with rigorous coursework in government, policy, advocacy and related fields. It’s right for students with strong motivation to pursue their interests – whether in politics, policy research, government, nonprofits or international issues. Students spend a semester at a top-ranked university located in Washington D.C. They will study and live alongside ambitious and diverse students from the United States and around the world.
Selected students are mentored by esteemed alumnae members who serve on the Advisory Council to MHC Semester in D.C. In addition, site visits with accomplished alumnae give students an insider’s view of the dynamic culture and political vibrancy of the nation’s capital.
Sohail Hashmi, Professor of International Relations on the Alumnae Foundation and Professor of Politics serves as the faculty director of MHC Semester in D.C. The program is administered through the Weissman Center for Leadership and coordinated by Associate Director Janet Lansberry.
Read about the students' experiences and the impact of MHC Semester in D.C., from the inaugural class:
Eligibility
This exciting program is for students who will be seniors during their fall semester. Fall 2020 Semester in D.C. applications will be available in February 2020.
Program Details
Mount Holyoke students will live and learn alongside students from across the country at a prestigious Washington D.C. university. Students will receive a total of 12 course credits and work at an internship three to four work days a week (approximately 20-25 hours per week).
In addition to the work experience, students are enrolled in:
- two seminars taught by faculty/Washington area experts at the partner institution that range from courses in American politics, foreign policy and global economics to international law, journalism, public health policy and sustainable development. (8 credits)
- an independent study that will be taught by Sohail Hashmi, Professor of International Relations on the Alumnae Foundation and Professor of Politics and faculty director for MHC Semester in D.C.
Students are required to find their own internships. The Weissman Center and the faculty director will offer guidance towards this process. The faculty director and the Weissman Center will approval final internship placements. Recent internships have been in congressional offices, federal agencies, advocacy groups, think tanks, and nongovernmental organizations.