In 1999, an educational and professional internship opportunity was designed and created in Washington DC, exclusively for Australian university students. Personalised experiences and attention in America’s capital have been hallmarks of this program. UCWIP allows students from 8 Australian universities to apply for 12 internship places annually to House and Senate offices within the US Congress.

UCWIP interns participate in 2 month full time internships each January/February. In office experiences will vary widely according to the needs of the congressional hosts. Administrative functions, constituent liaison and legislative research and support have been among the touchstones of past internships. Offices typically encourage interns to attend hearings, briefings and press conferences both on and off Capitol Hill. UCWIP has also organised briefings at the US State Department and Australian Embassy; roundtable discussions with National Journal’s senior congressional reporter; access to political dinners, evening events; a day trip to Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania; and a day trip to the origins of the American republic in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, Congress Hall and the National Constitution Centre in Philadelphia.

More information on the 2009 program can be found on the UCWIP 2009 guide (PDF 847kb).

Suitable applicants should complete the Application Form (PDF 473kb) and submit the documentation to Dr Trish Payne or the Study Abroad Office. To find out more information about the UCWIP program and important application dates and deadlines, please contact Dr Trish Payne or the Study Abroad Office in Marketing and International.

"As I walked out of the subway and onto Capitol Hill that first day, I knew that my experience as a Washington intern would be life-changing. Surrounded by iconic buildings including the Capitol and the Supreme Court, these once esoteric places were now open for me to explore and experience.

Coming from the other side of the world, my view of Washington D.C. was shaped by two-dimensional narratives, limited political rhetoric and fleeting city images. Politics and the government are completely different in my home country Australia and Washington was always a distant entity. Now, stepping onto the Hill, I had the chance to live and breathe Washington."

Suzie Allen – UC UWCIP participant 2008