Internships

Read this step-by-step guide on how to get FMST course credit for an approved internship. 

UCDC Program

The UCDC (quarter in Washington, D.C.) Program supervises and supports students who pursue internships and academic study in the nation’s capital. The program is open through a competitive application process to juniors and seniors (occasionally sophomores) in all majors. Students enroll for fall, winter, or spring quarter, earn 12-17 course credits, and continue to be registered as full-time students. Applicant selection is based on academic record, a written statement, letters of recommendation, and possibly a personal interview.

To Apply

SELECTION CRITERIA & APPLICATION

Students from all majors are encouraged to apply. Admission is competitive. To be eligible for consideration, students must:

• Currently be a junior or senior (although sophomores from natural sciences and engineering majors may also apply).
• Have a strong academic record
• Complete an application form
• Provide strong letters of recommendation (if possible from faculty rather than TAs or employers)
• Clearly articulate how this program fits into their academic goals

Admission will be based upon the student’s statement of purpose, academic record, letters of recommendation, and in some cases a personal interview. Consideration is also given to the distribution of academic disciplines participating in the program. Participation in UCDC changes the way in which a student meets residency requirements for a degree. Contact your college academic preceptor for more information.

DEADLINES

Completed applications for Fall 2011 or Winter 2012, with all attachments are due to Marianna Santana in 5 Merrill Academic Building by 4:00 p.m., APRIL 12, 2011.

For questions contact Marianna Santana, ucdc@ucsc.edu or 831-459-2855.

Courses

Students take 2 courses during the program: The centerpiece of the program is a 12 unit internship seminar (Social Sciences 194A/B). This seminar features group meetings and tutorial sessions related to the student’s internship placement. Each student completes a research project, which is an essential component of the Washington program. For many students it is the most extensive paper they will write as a college student. Yet it is also the paper for which they will have the most support and feedback through the faculty sponsor, teaching assistants and internship supervisor. Students also have access to excellent research resources in the Washington area. Thus, our expectations are high.

In addition, each student chooses one upper-division elective course from a range of classes offered by faculty in residence from all the UC campuses. These elective classes are 4-5 units each, and are in several disciplines, including selections from the social and natural sciences, arts and humanities. All courses take advantage of Washington’s unique resources for study and research.

Internships

Program administrators will help students find an unpaid internship placement in a Washington organization whose work is in the area the student wants to study. Students are expected to work three to four days a week in the placement. A list of typical placements might include the following areas of interest and organizations:

Financial Aid

Students eligible for Financial Aid will receive a somewhat higher allocation based on expected costs in Washington. Additional funding comes from a scholarship program (President’s Washington Scholarship, provided by the UC Office of the President) designed to enhance student participation in the UCDC program. The goals of the program are to ensure that qualified applicants have an equal opportunity to participate, and that internship participants reflect the diversity of the University’s student population. The Presidents Washington Scholarship funds will be available to students who:

• are in good academic standing.
• have applied to and been accepted by UCSC’s UCDC program;
• qualify for financial aid as determined by University financial aid offices;

Student Cost Estimate

You CAN Afford a Quarter in Washington The UCSC Financial Aid Office adjusts aid awards to meet the increased costs of participating in the Quarter in Washington Program!!

Did you know….

• UCDC Students can receive scholarship assistance from the President’s Washington Scholarship Program!
• Santa Cruz’s UCDC program awards about $26,000 in scholarships each year.
• About 60% of UCDC students are Financial Aid Recipients.

….Estimated expenses based on information from students who have participated in the UCDC program in recent quarters:

*First payment (50%) due before leaving for Washington; second payment will be made in Washington

UCDC EXPENSES	Costs
UCSC Registration Fees (est.)	$3,082
Books & Supplies	$250
Housing	*$2,478
Food (groceries + restaurants)	$1280
Household Expenses	$300
Round-trip Airfare to DC	$600
Metro Transportation ($20 week)	$330
Taxis (1-3 per week)	$100
Entertainment/Sightseeing	$500
Professional Wardrobe	$500
TOTAL ESTIMATED COSTS	approx. $9,420

Other Budget Considerations:

• UCDC offers financial assistance through the President’s Washington Scholarship Program. Students must be financial aid eligible.
• The Financial Aid Office adjusts awards to incorporate the increased costs of participating in UCDC’s Quarter in Washington Program.
• Discounts on airfare to Washington are often available when students travel in groups of 10 or more. Check with airlines for group rates.
• Most UCDC Alumni indicate that, overall, living expenses in Washington seemed to be more expensive than living expenses while attending UCSC. Alumni also remark that they tend to eat more meals at restaurants while in DC.

Living in DC

UCDC participants are housed at the UC Center in Washington D.C.

Computer workstations, a student lounge, and a student library are available for student use at the UC Center in Washington. Participants in the UCDC program also have access to the undergraduate library at Georgetown University in Washington as well as to the Library of Congress.

FAQ