Uni-Capitol Washington Internships

The Uni-Capitol Washington Internships Programme (UCWIP) provides an action learning opportunity for twelve suitably qualified undergraduate students from selected Australian universities who have an academic background and strong interest in US political systems and history. The internships are located in one of a number of Congressional offices based in Washington DC and are of eight weeks duration beginning in early January. Internship placements are offered in Democratic and Republican offices, personal offices and committee staffs, the House and the Senate.

Students are accorded 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. Further, offices often encourage interns to attend hearings and otherwise explore official Washington. In the past, the programme has also arranged for briefings of the students by the US State Department, the Australian Embassy, National Journal�s senior congressional correspondent; access to numerous events and individuals; and, 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. In 2005, UCWIP became a member of the National Center on Citizenship, a service and civic engagement network being constructed in the United States.

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 (currently US Secretary of Transportation), the House Transportation Committee, and Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut. Federing is now Director, Business Public Policy, 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. While still a congressional staffer, Federing lectured on American government, politics and news media at numerous universities, business groups, and think tanks across Australia between 1992 and 1998, inclusive. In the US, he is a board member of the National Conference on Citizenship, a congressionally-chartered non-profit organisation.

Successful applicants will usually share apartment accommodation with other interns for the duration of their placement. The basic cost to the student for airfares, accommodation and ground travel has been estimated by the US host at AUS$12 000, although past interns have reported costs of over $15 000. The current exchange rate may help in reducing costs slightly.

Any student applying for and subsequently accepted as an intern will do so within the enrolment/credit framework of the Arts Practicum II (HUMA2211), a 6 point, level 2 undergraduate unit offered at UWA. This is a graded unit and all interns are required to submit a report on their placement along with other assessment items.