Faculty of Arts
Further information
2013 Washington internship guide
Students with an academic background and strong interest in United States political systems and history can apply for the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Programme (UCWIP) that each year provides an action learning opportunity for twelve undergraduate students from Australian universities.
The eight-week internships, beginning in early January, involve placements in a Congressional office in Washington DC such as Democratic and Republican offices, personal offices and committee staffs, the House and the Senate.
Applications for the following year close in June.
Experience
Students receive a unique perspective of and access to the US political system and institutions. A student's experiences in any office will vary widely, even within the same office from one year to the next. Administrative functions, constituent liaison and legislative research and support have been core experiences. Interns are often encouraged to attend hearings and explore official Washington.
In the past, the program has arranged briefings by the US State Department, the Australian Embassy, and the National Journal's senior congressional correspondent, and arranged access to numerous events and individuals. Guided tours of Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania and day trips to Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell and the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia have been included.
In 2005, UCWIP became a member of the National Center on Citizenship, a service and civic engagement network in the United States.
Selection
Placement is determined by Eric K. Federing (the US founder and director of the scheme) in consultation with participating offices. Federing was a senior congressional advisor for a dozen years, serving as communications director for Rep. Norm Mineta of California, the House Transportation Committee, and Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut.
Federing is now Executive Director, Business and Public Policy, Office of Government Affairs for KPMG LLP, the global assurance, tax and advisory services firm. In 2004, Federing received a KPMG Chairman's Award for Excellence in Volunteerism in the Washington, DC in recognition of UCWIP. He is also a Board member of the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation and the congressionally-chartered National Conference on Citizenship.
Accommodation and cost
A$13,000 – A$15,000 for airfares, accommodation and ground travel.
Successful applicants usually share apartment accommodation with other interns.
Enrolment
Interns enrol in the Arts Internship (HUMA3901), a 12 point, level 3 undergraduate unit offered at UWA. All interns are required to submit written work and deliver an oral presentation at the conclusion of their placement.
Eligibility
To apply you must meet these criteria:
- Australian citizen
- 18+
- enrolled in an undergraduate degree at UWA
- completed 48 points of degree
- taking level two or three units at time of application
- course weighted average of over 65 per cent
- demonstrate an academic focus on US history / politics through completed units, current enrolments and essay work
- financial resources necessary to undertake the trip
Applications
The application and selection processes are rigorous and application does not guarantee placement. You should be able to demonstrate a very good academic record and a mature approach to the challenges of the internship including travelling abroad, working in a busy environment that demands reliability, professionalism and confidence, and adapting successfully to a shared living environment.
Timeline
Applications are open for 2014.
Information session: 1pm Tuesday 16 April 2013
Webb Lecture Theatre (Geography and Geology Building)
All interested students are encouraged to attend and past students will speak and be available for questions.
Expression of interest for 2014 UCWIP due 19 April 2013
Submit the expression of interest form to the Arts Practicum coordinator. At this stage, students' eligibility for the scheme will be assessed. Students are expected to begin considering and researching their preferred placements.
Group teleconference call: 9:30am 24 April 2013
Students must attend a group teleconference call with Eric Federing, the director of the scheme. Attendance is compulsory. It is an opportunity for students to refine their four placement preferences before completing their applications.
Applications due: 4pm 7 June 2013
Applications are due at the Faculty of Arts Student Office.
All applications will be checked by the Arts Practicum coordinator and the Faculty academic student adviser. They will be forwarded to the United States based coordinator of the program. Please note that applications are assessed by personnel attached to the program and not by UWA staff.
Notification: Mid-July 2013
Students will be notified of the outcomes of their applications.
Application form
The completed application form must include:
- one page explanation of the student's interest in the internship
- explanation of the student's interest in each of their four preferred placements (one page per preference)
- one page self-assessment of the student's ability to live and work independently overseas
- official transcript of academic record
- resume
- example of written work prepared in relevant units (usually political science or history units with a US focus) at UWA
- one written character reference
- one written professional reference
Two hard copies must be handed in and all applicants must keep an electronic copy. The electronic copy will be required immediately after successful applicants are notified of their placement.