<p>S1 really wants to do a Semester in Washinton through American University. Now we're trying to figure out how to find the money. Since AU and his college have an exchange program set up, he will get the financial aid that he is currently getting applied to the AU bill. However because AU is quite a bit more expensive that still means we will have to come up with an additional $12,000.</p>
<p>He can take out an additional $5,000 loan and put in $2,000 of his own money. But that will still leave us $5,000 short. </p>
<p>I really want him to have this experience, but money is tight. Does anyone know of any outside scholarships that might be available? Another option I'm considering is taking a second job. This would definitely cover the extra cost but it would be tough.</p>
<p>I dream of the day when I can say to my kids, “money’s no object.”</p>
<p>I’m sure you’ve looked at this option already, but I’m thinking that there are many schools around DC, in the district, in MD and northern VA…surely some of them have programs similar to American’s? If his object is to snag an internship somewhere, might he be able to do it through one of the state schools that would be less expensive?</p>
<p>My public university is part of something called National Student Exchange which ships students to similar schools around the country. I’ve had students pick up internships in LA, for example, through this program.</p>
<p>I also was wondering if you’ve checked out programs in DC by other colleges and whether any of them would still provide a good experience yet be less expensive.</p>
<p>Some others to check -
George Washington University
Georgetown University
University of California Washington (UCDC) - I think they have some programs open to students of some other universities
I know there are ‘DC Centers’ for some other non-DC-based colleges as well so maybe check with your S’s college to see if there are any they have some kind of agreements with</p>
<p>If none of that works out, what about a summer session in DC of a shorter duration? Maybe that’ll be less expensive. </p>
<p>And if that doesn’t work out and the goal is to get to DC and experience it then maybe an internship there in the summer would satisfy the bug to go there.</p>
<p>You can also look at “The Washington Center” which sets up internships, educational programs and housing in DC and is affiliated with many universities. Many of those programs are one semester long, but some are shorter.</p>
<p>In addition, some cheaper options may involve George Mason University (a public u in Fairfax Co) and the University of Maryland in College Park. Both are known for very good political science and related academic programs, and both are on Metro stops. Also, remember that a number of government agencies and major government contractors who are likely to provide internships, etc. are in Northern Va. and Montgomery County Md, not in DC.</p>
<p>American U. also may have an option for less than a semester - such as a month at the beginning of the summer.</p>
<p>I loved the story about how university students who do an internship with the CIA are given a cover story, with a reference from a different government agency.</p>
<p>You might also find some cheaper housing than is offered by American U., such as a sublease from a DC student who is going overseas that semester. You might check craigslist.</p>
<p>Second the suggestion above to look for cheaper housing if it is possible to not have University housing and have the program cost reduced by that amount. Students at the big 3 universities in the District (GW/Georgetown/American) are always looking for sublets due to study abroad plans, etc., and the cost is often cheaper than what you would pay for housing at any of those schools. Check Craigslist, and if your student has friends at any of those schools, have him or her ask the friends to watch Facebook and posters around campus to hear of anything via word of mouth. I’m a DC college student, and from my experience, many sublets will actually be for (small) single rooms at a lower cost than a double dorm room on campus, so you also don’t have to necessarily worry about sharing a bedroom with a roommate you don’t know.</p>