W&M in Washington offers dynamic experience in hard times

By: Brittany Lane

Posted: 9/9/09

Washington, DC, an eternally popular attraction and destination for many William and Mary students, plays an increasingly relevant role every day, both at home and worldwide. The current economic predicament allows the federal government to grasp more of the reins in the domestic economy, shining the spotlight on DC.

Through the W&M in Washington Program, William & Mary students now have the opportunity to see first hand how the economic crisis of the past year has affected not only the United States as a nation, but also its economic role abroad.

This spring, the program will boast an especially timely theme: "International Politics in Economic Hard Times," taught by government professor T.J. Cheng. Students who participate in the program will have internship opportunities with a wide range of employers, including the State Department, the House and Senate Banking Committees, the World Bank, the IMF, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac.

The spring semester's theme is "devoted to studying greater power dynamics in economic hard times. Like major wars, economic crises can trigger the rise and fall of great powers, or power transition," writes Professor Cheng in his class description. "Some have denoted the current global financial crisis as the beginning of the end of the dollar hegemony and American economic leadership. Our aim will be to understand the origins, processes, and consequences of international economic (especially financial) crises from comparative-historical perspectives." Accordingly, the two courses this spring are "Power Transition and International Economic Crises" and "Managing International Financial Crises."

"The program is challenging," adds director Roxane Adler Hickey, "but presents students with an in-depth look at a relevant and important topic. Students who participate in the spring semester will gain real world experience in their internships, have the chance to network with current economic policy makers, and have access to unique DC resources." Students also have the chance to listen to and meet high profile guest speakers from different areas of the Washington environment.

The program is open to students of all majors. Classes are held in the W&M Washington Office in the vibrant DC neighborhood of Dupont Circle. Students receive between 6-8 credits from course work and an additional 6 credits from their internship, which demands approximately 30-35 hours per week. Students live in the The Buchanan, an apartment complex conveniently located just a short metro ride from downtown Arlington, VA, in Crystal City.

The W&M in Washington Program provides a unique opportunity for students to live, work, and study in DC while exploring their interests and furthering their careers. Contact information for "Program Ambassadors," or student alums, is provided at the website mentioned above, under the tab for Prospective Students. Also online you can find frequently asked questions and a program video.
An online application for W&M in Washington is now available at www.wm.edu/wmindc. Students interested in applying must submit their completed application no later than 5 pm on Monday, September 21.Please contact Director Roxane Adler Hickey at 202-939-4001 or roadle@wm.edu with any questions.