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November 14, 2006
Letter to the Editor
Student recommends Washington semester
The Washington Semester at American University is a great program to be involved in because of the amount of experience that one can gain.
I am currently participating in the Foreign Policy seminar.
Through this program I have been to congressional hearings and listened to speakers ranging from foreign ambassadors to the former director of the CIA. The most important aspect of this program is how you get to do an internship. I am currently working in Senator Coleman’s office on Capitol Hill. You don’t have to work for a congressperson; there are many opportunities available for internships with non-profit, NGO’s, and think tanks. This in itself is beneficial because you get to learn how politics work first-hand.
There is nothing like being thrust into this kind of atmosphere to really learn how it all works. It is also very interesting to hear first-hand from people that you see on CNN, and some of their opinions on foreign issues. Hearing something straight from the horse’s mouth is still the best way to learn about it.
I personally recommend the Washington Semester to anyone that is even remotely interested in politics, law or economics. You will be exposed to so many different issues and points of view, that it will really help you understand what your true point of view really is, and that’s what a liberal arts education is all about, right?
Through this program, I have already learned so much that it is difficult to explain. I strongly encourage everyone to look into this program and seriously consider trying it out. It will be an experience that you will never forget and you will learn so much in such a short time.
If anyone has any questions, feel free to contact me at eelfmann01@hamline.edu or contact Professor Alin at ealin@hamline.edu.
--Ed Elfmann ’08
Posted by dwright at November 14, 2006 07:19 PM
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