Frequently Asked Questions

Q. - What is the difference between the UCDC Academic Internship Program and the UCDC Summer Internship Program?

A. - The UCDC Academic Internship Program is offered during the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters.  Students who intern in D.C. during the academic year combine internships with course work or field research as full-time students.  Financial aid eligibility is maintained and may also qualify for the Presidential Scholarship.  Students from all majors are encouraged to apply, Juniors and Seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is recommended.  For more information on the UCDC Academic Internship Program, please visit:  www.dccenter.uci.edu

        The UCDC Summer Internship Program sends students to Washington D.C. during the summer for experiential learning only.  Each student admitted into the UCDC Summer Internship Program works closely with the Student Coordinators and Staff Advisors in preparation for the internship application and living experience in D.C.   Students from all majors and class standing (including Graduating Seniors and Graduate Students) are encouraged to apply. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is recommended.

Q.- What is the application process for the UCDC Summer Internship Program?

A. - Students must submit a completed application packet (application, critiqued resume, letter(s) of recommendation, and essay) by the stated deadline.  Coordinators and Advisors will then conduct a paper screening and invite a select number of applicants in for group interviews.  Group interviews are usually held within a week or two of the application deadline.  Final selection of the UCDC interns is determined after all interviews have been completed.

Q. - Approximately, how much will it cost to go to Washington D.C. for the summer?

A. - Students have reported spending on average about $4500 to include the cost of rent (10 weeks), airfare, entertainment, food, travel, and other incidentals.

Q.-Are students covered through Financial Aid for the summer program?
A.-Unfortunately, financial aid for the summer does not apply. However, if you are eligible, you may qualify for the Presidential Scholarship. Also, as part of the UCDC Summer Internship Program, you will be able to take advantage of numerous fundraising activities throughout the year.

Q.-Isn't UCDC only for students interested in law and politics?
A.-Absolutely not! UCDC is open to all majors and interests. There are many opportunities for students interested in journalism, communications, engineering, physical sciences, biology, theater, and many more. See a list of potential internships for specific majors

Q.-How long is the UCDC Internship Program?
A.-The UCDC Internship Program is ten weeks long. The move-in days are typically the weekend after finals and move-out days are at the end of August. However, some students choose to extend their stay into the fall quarter. If you decide to do this, you must let the UCDC Advisors know so they can forward your information to the UCDC Academic Internship Program. If you are a graduating Senior, you may even be offered a full-time job after the completion of your internship. In this case, your stay in D.C. will be indefinite!

Q.-Where do students live when they are in Washington D.C.
A.-Students from each UC stay at The University of California Washington Center. The Washington Center provides fully furnished apartments, classroom and conference facilities, a computer lab, a gym, a TV room, laundry room, and much more. The Washington Center is under 24-hour security surveillance and requires students and staff to present their UC Washington Center ID Card prior to reentry. The facility is located a few blocks away from the White House in the heart of the city, and is within walking distance to the metro.

Q.-Do students intern part-time or full-time?
A.-In most cases, your internship site will allow you to set your own hours. Some students may choose to work full-time while others will work a few days during the week so that they have more time to experience the city. We have even had interns work at two different sites, however, this is not recommended as you will want to leave time to see the sights and take advantage of the numerous travel opportunities.

Q.-How do I find an internship in Washington D.C.?
A.- Once you are accepted into the program, there are many resources available to you through the Career Center that will help you find an internship. The UCDC Summer Internship Program provides it's students access to a database of hundreds of available internships in D.C and how to apply to them. We also frequently refer to various web sites as well as hard copy directories. The UCDC Advisors and Coordinators work closely with each individual student in assisting them with their resumes, cover letters, and phone interview techniques.

Q.-Can I earn units for my internship?
A.-There are two ways you may earn units. First, if you are affiliated with the school of Social Ecology, many students choose to use their internship to fulfill their field study requirement. Please speak to your Field Study Coordinator before spring quarter to get approval.  Secondly, individuals can approach a faculty member on a 199 Independent Study for the summer. 

Q.-Do I have to be accepted into the UCDC program before I can seek internships in D.C.?
A.-Most students apply to the UCDC Internship Program first and then while in the program, they seek and secure an internship in D.C. Those people interested in applying for those sites that have early deadlines (i.e. FBI, CIA, etc) can apply to those internships prior to applying to the UCDC Internship Program. However, for those motivated individuals, some start to seek and apply before they get accepted into the UCDC programs.

Q.-What happens if I don't get an internship before leaving for D.C.?
A.-There are so many opportunities in D.C. that it becomes very rare that you will go there without an internship secured. However, if you do not have an internship secured prior to leaving for D.C, you may still go through the program. There have been several students who have found their internships after arriving in D.C. As part of the UCDC program, we do our best to make you the strongest candidate and applicant as possible. And we also directly assist you in the Internship-seeking process.

Q.-Am I guaranteed an internship if I get accepted into the UCDC program?
A.-No, once accepted into the UCDC program, the advisors and the coordinators will help you find an internship that best suits your interests. Accepted students are granted access to the UCDC internship database that provides a list of information and deadlines about many internships. We will do our best to help you in any way we can!

Q.-Can I apply for the UCDC Program while abroad?
A.-We do encourage you to apply for the program.  However, as a student abroad you may face several obstacles. During the recruiting and application process for the UCDC Summer Internship Program, we request that students be present for the interview. However, since this may not be feasible, interviews may be conducted via telephone. Unfortunately, in the past we have had difficulty contacting students internationally. In addition, students who are accepted into the UCDC program but live abroad, may miss out on the regular meetings held throughout winter and spring quarters in an effort to help all interns prepare for their experience in Washington D.C. These meetings/seminars also serve as an opportunity for students to get to know their peers with whom they will be traveling to D.C. Finally, as a UCDC Intern living abroad, you may be at a slight disadvantage throughout the application to internships in D.C. as most of them take place via telephone. It has been done before but it will just require more work and dedication on your behalf.

Q.-I'm an International Student, can I apply for the UCDC Summer Internship Program?
A.-International Students who are interested in interning in Washington DC for the summer must have the appropriate visa and documentation required to work in the US.   (Please check with the UCI International Center for proper documentation).   In most cases, Governmental, Federal Agencies, and Congress will not accept students who are not US citizens. In addition, internship sites may be required to complete certain documentation on their end, in order to "employ" you for the summer.   For international students who are here during the academic year, you may find that the UCDC Academic Internship Program would allow you to be enrolled in UCI and intern in a non-governmental agency without jeopardizing your status as an International exchange student. 

If you have additional questions, please attend one of our Information Sessions or contact us at: (949) 826-6886 or dccoords@uci.edu