The EMU Washington Semester is a transformative academic experience that places students at the center of one of the most influential cities in the world: Washington D.C. Designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, the program offers a unique opportunity for students to live, study, and work in a dynamic urban environment. Students build confidence, independence, and a clearer sense of direction for life after graduation.
The EMU Washington Semester combines a full-time internship with academic coursework. Students are placed in internships across a wide range of fields, including government, nonprofit organizations, communications, business, and advocacy. These placements are tailored to each student’s interests and career goals, ensuring that every student gains meaningful, hands-on experience. No matter where they end up working, students develop practical skills that set them apart in a competitive job market.
One of the most impactful aspects of the EMU Washington Semester is the personal growth it fosters. Living in a new city, navigating professional environments, and building a network from the ground up pushes students out of their comfort zones. For many students, this experience opens doors they may not have previously imagined.
Students live alongside peers who are also pursuing internships, creating a supportive environment where they can share experiences, challenges, and successes. These connections often last well beyond the semester, forming a network of driven individuals across diverse fields.
The EMU Washington Semester is more than just a study away program; it is a launching pad for future careers. By combining academic learning with professional immersion in the nation’s capital, it equips students with the knowledge, experience, and confidence needed to thrive in their chosen paths.
The Washington Semester is intentionally interdisciplinary, welcoming students from a wide range of majors, and the spring 2026 semester is no exception. Spring 2026 participants span the breadth of majors at EMU, pursuing studies in political science, public health, engineering, and recreation and sport management.
EMU Washington Semester Director Ryan Good noted: “Disciplinary diversity is a hallmark of the EMU Washington Semester and distinguishes us from other D.C.-based study away programs. Over the past two years, EMU Washington Semester students have pursued 31 different majors, hailed from six colleges and universities, and worked at over 40 internship sites around the D.C. region.”
This diversity shapes both internships and classroom learning. Students pursue opportunities aligned with their fields and learn alongside peers with different perspectives, creating a richer, more dynamic experience.
By embracing a wide scope of majors, the EMU Washington Semester ensures that students from all disciplines can gain valuable professional experience while exploring how their field connects to broader societal challenges.
Read on to learn more about the internship experiences of our spring 2026 students:
Leah Cap, from Spotsylvania, Virginia, is a senior majoring in political science. This spring, Leah is an intern at Voices for a Second Chance, a D.C.-based nonprofit that supports incarcerated and returning citizens with holistic reentry services. Her main tasks include helping clients find shelters and other programs, scheduling appointments, distributing food to people experiencing homelessness, and making phone calls.
Through her internship, Leah has gained a broader perspective on how systems work and a behind-the-scenes look at how to support at-risk clients. The highlight of her internship experience has been seeing clients come in down on their luck and later seeing them return happier and healthier.
Edwin Rios Sanchez, from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is a senior majoring in recreation and sport management, with minors in business administration and coaching. This spring, Edwin is working as an equipment manager for DC Power and Loudoun United football clubs. His main duties include preparing equipment for coaches, attending trainings, and setting up for games, including steaming players’ jerseys and ensuring they have their game-day gear.
One highlight of Edwin’s internship experience was traveling to Florida for a weeklong away trip with DC Power. During his time in D.C., Edwin has learned to feel more comfortable in a new environment.
Fortie Chipeta, from Mount Jackson, Virginia, is a junior majoring in public health with a minor in environmental science. This spring, Fortie is an intern at Community of Hope, working with its housing and homelessness prevention department. Her main duties include researching local resources and writing helpful tips for a weekly newsletter, handling medical records by scanning and uploading patient documents into eClinicalWorks (eCW), and answering calls and assisting with the patient intake process.
During her time in D.C., Fortie has focused on growing from her experiences rather than striving for perfection. Instead of stressing, she is learning to focus on how to fix problems and do things the right way the next time. One of the biggest highlights of her internship has been taking ownership of the weekly newsletter. She enjoys researching resources for residents and takes pride in ensuring each issue is finalized and sent out on time every Wednesday.
Alexandre (Zander) Armstrong, from Waynesboro, Virginia, is a senior majoring in engineering. This spring, Zander is interning with the Clinical Engineering Department at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital.
One of the highlights of his internship has been getting a behind-the-scenes look at a hospital and learning how it operates. Life in the city has been challenging at times, but it has also given Zander the opportunity to navigate public transportation.
In addition to the four Washington Semester students, the Nelson Good House is home to two other students who have been important members of the community this semester:
Morgan Hutchens, a Goshen College senior, is majoring in Deaf Studies, the study of the origins of American Sign Language, Deaf community, and Deaf culture. The goal of the program is to promote awareness, social justice, and accessibility. As part of her program, Morgan is attending Gallaudet University for one semester. Gallaudet University is the only Deaf university in the world and also offers programs for hearing students.
Morgan describes living in the Nelson House as an amazing experience because it has given her the opportunity to build strong connections with others. One of her favorite things to do with her housemates is cook together, which brings her joy through good food and meaningful conversation. Morgan describes her time in D.C. as both challenging and exhilarating. Attending Gallaudet University has been a lifelong dream, and the experience has been eye-opening and deeply meaningful.
Leslie Meja is a graduate student at EMU’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP). He is completing his CJP practicum at the Kenyan Embassy in D.C. The inclusion of graduate students in the Washington Semester community enriches the experience for everyone and creates additional opportunities for learning and exchange.
Students interested in spending a semester in the nation’s capital should visit emu.edu/washington for more information or to apply. Be sure to also check out the EMU Washington Semester Instagram account to see what our students are up to.
Join the Discussion on “Where every major meets opportunity: Inside the EMU Washington Semester”