Political Science Internship

The Washington Center

Hofstra University partners with the nation’s largest internship organization, The Washington Center (TWC), so you can intern or participate in academic seminars in D.C. while earning academic credit. TWC provides a diverse selection of world-class internship programs and seminars in the heart of Washington, D.C. Through TWC, students become equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive in the workplace.

 

Thanks to a generous gift from Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of RXR Realty LLC Scott Rechler ’88, select Hofstra students will receive scholarships to participate in TWC’s Academic Internship Program or Academic Seminars. Mr. Rechler is an alum of the TWC program.
 

Student Testimonial

Matthew Arnold '22

Political Science Major
Interned with BIED Society – Foreign Service Institute, Summer 2021

“My experience at TWC really expanded my ability to portray myself as an international affairs specialist. I was excited to meet so many knowledgeable people in the field and expand my communication and research skills. I’m grateful to the Scott Rechler Hofstra University Scholarship for the opportunity to take part in this internship and be able to network with others in this field.”

Internship Program

During your semester or summer with TWC’s Academic Internship Program, you’ll engage in three main program components:

  • Internship: TWC partners with hundreds of internship sites in D.C. and works with you one-on-one to select an internship that’s right for you. Once you begin your internship, you’ll be working on projects related to your interests with a supervisor who cares about your growth and success.
  • Academic Course: One night a week, you’ll take part in one of TWC’s courses. You’ll be able to choose a course based on your interests and gain access to faculty members who not only work as professors, but often as professionals in their field.
  • Career Prep: This programming is a mix of professional development workshops, career exploration sessions, networking events and one-on-one career advising designed to help you make the most of your internship experience and gain the tools and insights you’ll need to launch your career.

Academic Seminars

The Washington Center offers a range of seminars aimed at providing participants with unparalleled behind-the-scenes access, discussions with Washington, D.C.'s political and media elite, and an in-depth understanding of the biggest issues facing our nation and the world. Seminars typically last one to two weeks and are particularly useful for those with a specific career interest or who are unable to commit to a full internship semester. Additional details about all of TWC’s seminars are available on their website. 

Upcoming seminars include:

Inside Washington Seminar: Inside Washington is an essential resource for college students and faculty interested in learning more about what goes on behind the scenes in the nation’s capital. Combining lectures, site visits, tours and special events, it is one of the best ways to see the impact of the political process and learn how national leaders address important issues.

Seminar Dates: January 2–10, 2022

Application Deadline: November 10, 2021

*Note: If you are ready to apply, please contact Dr. Meena Bose. You will need to complete a Hofstra application process before applying online to TWC.

National Security Seminar: Take part in a one-week seminar in which you'll explore the protection of U.S. interests at home, abroad and online. Through morning plenary sessions, educational briefings, and small-group discussions, you'll interact with national security experts who tackle these issues every day and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this intriguing field.

Seminar Dates: May 15-21, 2022

Application Deadline: March 30, 2022

*Note: If you are ready to apply, please contact Dr. Meena Bose. You will need to complete a Hofstra application process before applying online to TWC.

Student Testimonial

Alyson Sann '20

Political Science Major
2020 Inside Washington Seminar

“Getting the literal ‘Inside Washington’ experience was truly amazing. I gained a new understanding and respect for lobbying. I am deeply grateful that I had the opportunity to feel that I have a place in a professional environment. As a first generation college student, I often struggle holding my ground. This seminar truly boosted my confidence career-wise and as an academic. It was powerful to be exposed to various perspectives and understand what keeps the machine running.”
 

Additional information

Washington Monument

  • At least 18 years old

  • 3.0 minimum GPA

  • Junior (rising junior acceptable for summer)

You’ll earn 16 credits for the semester program (6 credits for the summer) and pay your Hofstra tuition plus TWC’s housing fee if living with TWC in D.C.

Thanks to a generous gift from Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of RXR Realty LLC Scott Rechler ’88, select Hofstra students will receive scholarships to participate in TWC’s Academic Internship Program or Academic Seminars. Mr. Rechler is an alum of the TWC program. 

To learn more about the scholarship, email Dr. Meena Bose or Dr. Rosanna Perotti, Hofstra’s TWC liaisons.

If participating in Washington, D.C., you are guaranteed housing in fully furnished and equipped apartments in TWC’s Residential and Academic Facility (RAF). The RAF is located in the NoMA neighborhood and within walking distance of Union Station and Capitol Hill. You'll share your apartment with other TWC interns and have access to Washington's Metro subway system, Capital Bikeshare, shops, restaurants, museums and grocery stores.

Student Testimonial

Benjamin Morawek '21

Political Science Major
2020 Inside Washington Seminar

“The time I spent in our nation’s capital gave me a sense of perspective - the perspective that I too could engage with the great issues of the day. This seminar motivated me to begin writing more about political issues in my free time and to seek interesting internships with some of the think tanks that I visited in D.C. The greatest lesson I learned from these two weeks in Washington was that I could and should engage myself in the debate for America’s future.”

Next Steps

Student Testimonial

Iman Elshazly ’22

Psychology Major
Interned with Ecological Society of America, Summer 2021

“My experience at TWC showed me how vast my career options are. I further developed skills of teamwork, professionalism and technology. I’m grateful to the Scott Rechler Hofstra University Scholarship for this opportunity which has allowed me to grow so much professionally.”

Questions? Contact Us

For answers to additional questions and/or guidance in completing your application, please connect with TWC Admissions at info@twc.edu.

TWC Academic Internship

Dr. Rosanna Perotti
Hofstra University liaison
Professor, Political Science
 

Send an email

TWC Academic Seminar

Dr. Meena Bose
Hofstra University liaison
Executive Dean for Public Policy and Public Service Programs
Peter S. Kalikow Chair in Presidential Studies

Send an email