FAQs

Program Benefits
Program Eligibility
Application Process
Application Deadlines
FAQs
Internship Resources
  • Does the Washington Program provide internships?
  • No, our program does not provide internships to students. Rather, we support students while they individually apply to internships through holding professional development workshops and offering comprehensive review process of their resumes and cover letters. Students are provided all the one-on-one assistance from experienced staff members and trained Peer Advisors (who themselves are often program alum) as their individual circumstances necessitate in order to achieve success.

    In addition to our workshops and review process, the Washington Program also provides housing and networking opportunities to students once they are in Washington D.C. 
  • What is the best way to prepare for the Washington Program?
  • It’s never too early to start preparing to participate in the Washington Program! Here are some things you can do now to strengthen your application:


    - Form relationships with faculty members or supervisors who could attest to your academic and professional abilities in a letter of recommendation.

    - Make sure your resume is well rounded by striving for leadership positions in extracurricular activities.

    - Become a better candidate for DC internships by engaging in a job, internship, or volunteer work.

    - Network within your areas of interest through jobs, career fairs, and informational interviews with professionals in your field.

    - Aim for a GPA of 3.0 or above to make yourself a more competitive applicant.

    - Meet with your academic advisor to create a four-year plan and determine how the Washington Program can fulfill your major requirements.

    - Revise your cover letter with the Internship and Career Center to enhance the maturity and sophistication of the document.

    - Learn more about the Washington Program by attending info sessions, joining our listserv, and exploring our Facebook page!                                                                                                                                                            

  • How do I apply to the Washington Program?
  • Click the "Apply Now!" button to the right, or click the following link to go to the online application: Washington Program Application
  • What are the application deadlines?
  • Application deadline page can be found here.
  • Are there any other important dates I should consider when I apply to the Washington Program?

  • Yes. See the application deadlines and timelines here.

  • What are the eligibility requirements for non-citizens applying to the program?

  • Domestic Students

    If you are a legal permanent resident, refugee, or asylee and are completing a degree at UC Davis, you are considered a domestic applicant. You must only fulfill the general requirements found above in order to be eligible to participate in the program.

    International Students

    If you are an international student who is completing their degree at UC Davis you only need to meet the general eligibility requirements above. You are eligible to apply for fall, winter, spring, and summer quarters.

    Education Abroad Program (EAP) Students

    EAP students are eligible to apply for fall, winter, and spring quarters; they are not eligible for the summer quarter.

    Global Studies Program (GSP) Students

    Unfortunately, students who fall under the Global Studies Program are not eligible for the Washington Program at this time. If you are uncertain about whether you are able to participate in the Washington Program because of your international status please contact SISS here before applying.            

    Undocumented Students

    DACA/AB540/Undocumented students are eligible for the Washington Program.

  • Is there an English proficiency requirement to participate in the Washington Program?

  • Yes. Students must meet at least one of the English proficiency requirements below:

    Complete 2 transferable college courses (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units) in English composition with "C" grades or better at an accredited U.S. college or university.

    Achieve a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 213 on the computer-based TOEFL or iBT 79-80. TOEFL scores must be less than 2 years old. For more information visit the TOEFL website.

    Achieve a minimum score of 7 (academic module) on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For more information see the IELTS website.

    Achieve a score of 5, 6, or 7 on the International Baccalaureate (IB); Higher Level examination in English (Language A). Achieve a minimum score of 560 on the SAT II Writing Section (taken prior to March 2005).

  • What does the online application include?

  • The online application includes the following: 

    1) UCDC Online Application
    When you apply using the Washington Program's online application, you will be asked a variety of questions including, but not limited to your name and student ID number, logistical information, cumulative GPA, and major.                                                                                                                                    

  • What factors determine whether or not I will be accepted into the Washington Program?
  • During the application review, we consider all the student's credentials which include:
    - Academic qualifications: We gauge this based on your academic transcripts.
    - Careful consideration is given to all the information presented by the applicant. We seek to determine if the applicant not only has the academic qualifications for admission, but also the skills and experiences that facilitate a successful internship experience in DC.

    The above holistic approach ensures that no single factor leads to either accepting the student or excluding the student from admission.