Travel to major cities is easy and affordable.  Several of the Spring 2008 took a trip to Philadelphia.

COSTS:  It’s more affordable than you think, read on…

There are four main areas of expense: tuition, housing, living expenses and travel.

• The $5,000 in compensation is granted specifically to help interns with the higher cost of living in Washington.   Also, the compensation (minus taxes and other deductions) is paid, in most cases, twice a month while the student is living and working in Washington.  Students find that this amount is quite adequate in providing for their living expenses in D.C.

• Students usually find that spending a semester in Washington, DC with the Washington Semester Program does not cost them any more than what they would spend studying and living at their home college or university.   All of the South Carolina sponsored scholarships (Hope, Life and Palmetto) are applicable for this semester in D.C.  Some department and university scholarships apply as well.   Check with your financial aid advisor to see which of your grants and scholarships will apply.

• Students from other colleges enroll at USC for the semester as transient students and pay the USC tuition rate, along with the USC students.  Tuition at USC for 2007-2008 is $3,973 – plus $200 in technology fees -- per semester for South Carolina residents.  Non-resident tuition is $10,616 per semester.  Non-residents who hold scholarships entitling them to a tuition reduction pay tuition of $5,882.   Tuition and fees are reviewed by the USC Board of Trustees each summer and are open to revision.  The University usually announces the tuition rate in July of each year.  Students from Francis Marion University and S.C. State University do not enroll at USC, but remain as students at their home university, thus paying their regular tuition and fees.

• For Fall 2008, we anticipate the housing in Washington to cost $3,600 for the semester.  For each semester, there is a processing fee charged by the Washington Intern Student Housing office of $100 and a security deposit of $200.  These fees ($300) are due at orientation in the semester prior to the one spent in D.C.  The security deposit may be refunded in full at the end of the semester, depending on the condition in which the student leaves the housing area.  The Washington Intern Student Housing (WISH) management office manages the apartments.  All utility costs plus Internet connections are included in the rent.  WISH requires payment prior to moving in.  Specific details and payment arrangements will be provided at orientation.

• Most students have to invest in business clothing for their fellowships. Eating out and groceries will run about 30% more in D.C. than in South Carolina.  The apartment has two full kitchens.  Typically, there are no textbook requirements during the semester since all of the research is based on current events, so that is a significant savings for the semester.
   

• Travel costs vary considerably depending on how far the student is traveling to get to D.C. and how often students return home during the semester.   Students working on Capitol Hill can walk to work.  Students with placements off Capitol Hill may spend over $350 on Metro subway charges traveling to and from work depending on their placement location.

CALENDAR

Students should note that the Interview and Orientation Days are required. Failure to attend either event will result in the cancellation of your application, unless it is pre-approved by the Washington Semester Program staff.

FALL 2008

Applications due:  Thursday, February 14, 2008

Interview day:  Saturday, March 1, 2008

Orientation day:  Saturday, March 29, 2008

Move-in days:   September 1 & 2, 2008

Classes begin:  Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Classes end:  Friday, December 12, 2008

Applications due:  Thursday, September 18, 2008

Interview day:  Saturday, October 4, 2008

Orientation day:  Saturday, October 25, 2008

Move-in days:  January 10 & 11, 2009

Classes begin:  Monday, January 12, 2009

Classes end:  Thursday, April 23, 2009

FALL 2009

Applications due:  Thursday, February 12, 2009

Interview day:  Saturday, February 28, 2009

Orientation day:  Saturday, March 21, 2009

Move-in days:   September 1 & 2, 2009

Classes begin:  Thursday, September 3, 2009

Classes end:  Friday, December 11, 2009

Applications due:  Thursday, September 17, 2009

Interview day:  Saturday, October 3, 2009

Orientation day:  Saturday, October 31, 2009

Move-in days:  January 9 & 10, 2010

Classes begin:  Monday, January 11, 2010

Classes end:  Friday, April 23, 2010

FALL 2010

Applications due:  Thursday, February 11, 2010

Interview day: Saturday, February 27, 2010 

Orientation day:  Saturday, March 20, 2010

Move-in days:  September 1 & 2, 2010

Classes begin: Friday, September 3, 2010

Classes end:  Friday, December 10, 2010

**These dates are subject to change.**

 Anthony Rouen, Michael Simpson and Les Braswell on the office balcony of the Speaker of House, overlooking an incredible view of the Washington, DC.