Loyola University Chicago

LUC in DC

A joint project of the Department of Political Science and the School of Communication

FAQs

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Please get in touch with Susan Dimock (sdimock@luc.edu) if you are interested in talking with an alum about their experience in the program.

Please contact Susan Dimock, sdimock@luc.edu, Director of Loyola’s Washington program.

You pay the tuition your normally pay on campus plus a $1,000 program fee.  Housing costs are approximately $4,540 for the semester.  Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from DC and within Washington.  Students are responsible for their own meals.

The Program Director, Susan Dimock, is a Loyola faculty member. All courses will be taught by Loyola faculty.

Yes, you will need to pay additional housing costs to WISH if your housing needs extend beyond our program and do plan ahead to see if WISH has space.

LUC in DC students live in shared furnished apartments on Capitol Hill.  Loyola arranges housing through Washington Internship Student Housing.

LUC in DC is a Loyola program; you will be enrolled full-time, your regular financial aid and scholarships that you receive at the Chicago campus will follow you to Washington, DC.  Unfortunately, we currently do not have any additional financial aid or scholarship programs for the DC program.

Monday through Thursday you will work full-time at your internship site (for example, 9 to 6 or 8:30 to 5).  You will have classes two evenings a week from 6:30 to 9 pm or 7 to 9:30 pm and class on Fridays.

Some internships in Washington are paid or offer a modest stipend, but unfortunately most are not paid.  We cannot guarantee you a paid internship.  Your best chance of securing a paid position is to apply to internships early and have an open mind about what you want to do in DC.

Ask your internship supervisor.  Most offices in DC require either business dress or business casual.  Professional attire for men: suits and ties, or slacks, blazers, ties.  For women: suits, dresses, skirts and blouses/sweater sets.  DC is a conservative town for dress, so err on the side of overdressed.

Yes, as long as your internship meets the professional and academic guidelines expected of Loyola’s Washington, DC, program.  Such placements will be approved by the Program Director.

Every student who has participated in LUC in DC has found an internship.  You need to plan to apply to internships early and you may also need to apply widely, since internships in Washington are competitive.  We will alert you to internship openings and work with you closely to ensure your success in securing an internship. 

Where you intern depends on what you are interested in.  Loyola will help you find the right internship.  We send you announcements of internship openings, advise you of organizations that work in your areas of interest, and review your cover letters and resume.  There is an organization for every interest in Washington, from education to human rights to business.  Loyola students have interned in a wide variety of offices in Washington.

All classes are cross-listed in Political Science and Communication.  Students are enrolled in a 6-credit internship practicum, core internship seminar (3 credits), and two evening classes (3 credits each).  See here for more information on the DC classes.

Spending a semester in DC is a great experience for all majors.  You will gain solid work experience, insight into your professional goals, and an understanding of the policy world in Washington.  Whether you are interested in communication, international affairs, the environment, politics, or a host of other topics, there is an organization in Washington that works on the issues you care about or uses the skills you are developing for your future career. LUC in DC allows you to get a jump start on life after graduation.

No. We are looking for the most committed students with either Junior or Senior status.

This program takes place during Fall and Spring semesters.

This program is open to all Loyola undergraduate students with at least Junior standing.  This includes “rising Juniors” who would be Juniors during the semester that they are in Washington, DC.