By Hailey Shull
I am currently in Washington, D.C this semester in the Washington Semester Program hosted by the American University. I am focusing my studies on Global Economics and Business while interning at The United States Small Business Administration as an HR/Payroll intern.
My experience in D.C so far has been unimaginable; unlike at any other university. We do not just sit in the classroom for hours a week; but rather, we use the entire city and the people in it as our classroom. I have met with speakers from think tanks such as Cato and CSIS, the Federal Reserve, Sub-Saharan Africa’s Chamber of Commerce and so much more. Our seminars include going to museums, cryptocurrency discussions, the Capitol Building, the White House, as well as New York City. At my internship, I am able to learn about the HR aspects of a US cabinet level agency, as well as network and shadow with people that focus on Economic Development, Financial Services, and International Trade.
However, the most important connections I have made are with my fellow classmates. As a small class of 22 students, spending about 15 hours a week together, we have become a very tight-knit group. Our class is enriched with many different cultures, perspectives, and ideas that are embraced. Out of the 22 of us, 17 of my classmates are from countries outside of the US such as places like; China, South Korea, France, Norway, Germany, Ghana, and Peru. Embracing our cultural differences and similarities is one of the best parts of this trip and gaining lifelong friendships.
So, although I am still in the United States, one of the biggest differences I have experienced is still a cultural shock. Like I said, most of my class consists of exchange students. More so,the rest of the city is filled with people of all different races, nationalities, and ethnicities. Although, this is wonderful to me, it is still a big difference compared to back home. Another huge difference is having to either take public transportation, an Uber, or walk EVERYWHERE. Most of the people driving here are Uber drivers, or people that live outside of the city but work in the city. As I am used to back home, if you want to go somewhere 5 miles away, you would just hop in your car, drive, and you would be there in roughly 10 minutes. However, in D.C, my 5 mile commute to my internship turns into an hour long commute because of having to walk to public transportation, get on one bus, get on the metro, then switch metro trains several times. I will definitely appreciate this more at home, when I want to go somewhere!
Nevertheless, exploring D.C on your own is a wonderful experience. Of course you have to go and see some of the monuments, museums, and other “touristy” attractions – because most of it is free! However, some of the best moments are to go away from downtown, and step into the suburbs. Two of my favorite spots are in Georgetown (by the waterfront) as well as old-town Alexandria. The feel of these two places are indescribable, and make you feel renewed inside.
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