First Year Experience
Intro to College Life
American University Experience (AUx) introduces you to college life and the resources available on campus so you can begin to consider your future experiential learning opportunities.
Think Like a Scholar
In your Complex Problems seminar—part of AU Core—you examine a variety of perspectives and practice thinking like a scholar. You’ll have unique out-of-class experiences and in-class discussions with field experts.
Live, Learn Together
In a Living-learning community (LLC), you live in a residence hall with other students who have a common academic interest or shared identity. LLCs also bring you exciting social experiences to enhance your first year of college.
Sophomore Year Through Graduate School
Choose Your Path
AU fosters your active learning by providing different types of learning experiences that empower you to be a responsible, engaged citizen. You have flexibility to choose your experiences with faculty and staff support.
Career Readiness
Explore your current or intended career field through internships and supervised practical experiences. Apply what you have learned in class through hands-on job experience while earning credit in most situations. In 2021, 89 percent of AU undergraduate students and 50 percent of graduate students participated in an internship.
Student Leadership
Develop skills for future success by engaging with one or some of AU’s hundreds of student-led organizations. You may also develop leadership skills as teaching assistants in the classroom, living-learning community program leaders, or as academic program peer mentors.
Global Experience
Whether you want to immerse yourself in a semester or year-long study abroad program, short-term study abroad through your academic program, or service oriented travel through an Alternative Break, globally-focused learning opportunities are available for all students.
Research
Undergraduate, masters, and doctoral students complete research through faculty-guided assistantships, clinics, field work, labs, and more. Whether in the classroom or out, you have many chances for creative and scholarly pursuits.
In the Community
AU students serve the community through new student activities like Explore DC, and math and literacy tutoring through DC Reads. You may also receive academic credit for service-learning. Our Center for Community Engagement and Service connects you with community-based learning opportunities.
In the Classroom
Many classes feature unique experiential learning labs. Using Washington, DC as an extension of the classroom, you’ll have opportunities to visit government agencies, cultural institutions, and non-profit organizations to see real-life applications of what you’ve learned in class.
Experiential Learning Opportunities at American University
Find out more about individual undergradaute and graduate experiential learning opportunities at AU by scrolling through our database or using the search box. Notice something missing from the list? Reach out to us at learnbydoing@american.edu.
| Program | School Dept | Program Level | Program Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-Credit Internships | AU CC | Any | Career Readiness | Apply lessons learned in the classroom to professional settings with unparalleled access to internships in Washington, DC. |
| Capital CoLab Digital Technology Credential | AU CC | Undergrad | Career Readiness | Gain digital technology skills important to employers and your future career with this credential. |
| On-Campus Student Jobs | AU HR | Any | Career Readiness | Develop your career skills through part-time work in AU offices and departments on campus. |
| Tech Safari | CAS | Grad | Career Readiness | Learn about tech innovation through this guided experience in Silicon Valley, California. |
| Carmel Institute | CAS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Participate in Russian-focused cultural events and conferences and apply for grants to study Russian language and history. |
| The Game Studio | CAS | Undergrad | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Gain invaluable experience working on real-world game projects. |
| Public Health Scholars | CAS | Undergrad | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Enter an accelerated, interdisciplinary three-year course designed for highly motivated first-year students. |
| CAS Leadership and Ethical Development Program | CAS | Undergrad | In-Classroom/Curriculuar-Driven | Confront ethical challenges and learn leadership skills with seminars and community-based learning opportunities. |
| Humanities Truck Fellowship | CAS | Grad | Research | Facilitate collaborative community-based research, scholarship, and exhibitions, and share your findings. |
| Design and Build Lab | CAS | Any | Research | Immerse yourself in this maker space for digital fabrication, rapid prototyping, and experimentation. |
| Inequality, Social Justice, and Health Lab | CAS | Any | Research | Investigate structures of inequality that impact public health, using this knowledge to promote health equity. |
| Neuroscience Labs | CAS | Any | Research | Take part in active research programs spanning topics including addiction, decision-making, development, memory, and nutrition, among others. |
| Psychology Labs | CAS | Any | Research | Participate in a variety of research and clinical training opportunities, including scholarly analysis and internships. |
| Multiscale RECIPES for Sustainable Food Systems | CAS | Any | Research | Help advance the science needed to make our wasteful food system sustainable, equitable, and resilient. |
| The Playful City Lab | CAS | Any | Research | Investigate the power of playful tactics to advance equity, strengthen the sense of place, and build strong communities. |
| Institute for IDEAS | CAS | Grad | Research | Get involved in research and creative work involving immersive technologies—virtual, augmented, mixed, and extended reality. |
| Center for Media and Social Impact | CAS | Any | Research | Bridge boundaries among scholars, social justice groups, and media producers, and communicators with stories for social change. |
| Robin Mathias Annual Research Conference | CAS | Any | Research | Present original research, scholarship, and creative work before colleagues, faculty, and friends. |
| Kogod BU Los Angeles Internship Program | Kogod | Undergrad | Global Experience | Intern in Los Angeles for a semester while taking courses in your business and entertainment major. |
| Kogod WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management | Kogod | Undergrad | Global Experience | Complete core, specialization, or elective courses for a semester or a year in Vallendar, located on the famed Rhine River. |
| Kogod WHU Graduate Summer Institute | Kogod | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study international business, corporate strategy, or finance in this program designed for MBA and MS students. |
| Kogod WHU Summer Undergraduate Business Program | Kogod | Undergrad | Global Experience | Attend a summer course taught in English on the business, political, and cultural environment in Europe in Vallendar, Germany. |
| Kogod Programs: France EDHEC Business School | Kogod | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study for a semester in Lille, France, taking courses in English or French. |
| Kogod Zurich University of Applied Sciences | Kogod | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study in Winterthur, Switzerland, for a semester. |
| Kogod Sweden MSSM Global Consulting Program | Kogod | Grad | Global Experience | Consult with corporate clients on-the-ground in Stockholm as part of this required course for MSSM degree candidates. |
| Kogod Case Competition | Kogod | Undergrad | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Examine an issue faced by an organization and work with fellow participants to recommend solutions to its leadership. |
| AU Center for Innovation | Kogod | Undergrad | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Develop an entrepreneurial mindset, conduct market research, acquire financing, manage cash flows, and grow your ventures. |
| Kogod in Practice | Kogod | Any | Career Readiness | Kogod in Practice encompasses a variety of experiential learning opportunities, including pro bono projects and Kogod Co-ops that bring résumé-worthy hands-on experiences to all Kogod students and to students across all AU schools. |
| Student-Managed Investment Fund | Kogod | Any | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Gain real-world experience in securities analysis and portfolio management. |
| Alternative Breaks Program—Domestic | Student Affairs | Undergrad | Global Experience | Develop and implement programs driven by social justice issues during school breaks in the US and abroad. |
| Community-Based Courses | Student Affairs | Undergrad | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Take courses with learning objectives and projects that are connected to collaborations with partner nonprofits. |
| Community Service-Learning Program | Student Affairs | Undergrad | Service Learning | Deepen your understanding of DC through a free experiential learning add-on attached to a course you are already taking. |
| Explore DC | Student Affairs | Undergrad | Service Learning / Student Leadership | Experience your new home by serving DC nonprofits and exploring neighborhoods, history, and culture. |
| President's Volunteer Service Award | Student Affairs | Any | Service Learning / Student Leadership | Serve a minimum of 100 eligible volunteer hours to earn the President's Volunteer Service Award. |
| DC Reads | Student Affairs | Undergrad | Service Learning / Student Leadership | Be an education advocate as you tutor and mentor students with community-based organizations that support DC public schools. |
| Eagle Endowment Grant | Student Affairs | Any | Student Leadership | Apply for a grant and a year of mentorship to make change through a DC community-based service project. |
| Student Organization Leadership | Student Affairs | Any | Student Leadership | Participate in leadership opportunities in student government organizations, clubs, media, and fraternities and sororities. |
| First-Year Orientation Leaders | Student Affairs | Undergrad | Student Leadership | Help prepare and support first-year and transfer students as they start their AU journeys. |
| CDI Student Dialogue Facilitator | Student Affairs | Undergrad | Student Leadership | Facilitate intergroup and intragroup student dialogues about a range of identity topics. |
| Washington Semester Program | OGIS | Undergrad | Career Readiness | Experience DC as you earn credit with program-specific seminars, elective courses, and structured internships. |
| DC Internship Gap Year | OGIS | Undergrad | Career Readiness | Work in a professional setting while you take seminars, optional electives, and an internship course. |
| Belgium and Kenya: Transcontinental Politics, Policy, and Practice | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Examine current issues confronting the European Union and Africa through academics and an internship. |
| Belgium: European Union in Action | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Learn about the European Union and NATO through classes with decision-makers, internships, and field trips. |
| Belgium: Graduate Brussels Summer Internship | OGIS | Grad | Global Experience | Intern for credit with organizations and businesses in Brussels while pursuing academic requirements with AU Brussels faculty. |
| Belgium: Undergraduate Brussels Summer Internship | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Participate for credit in a full-time English-speaking internship with an organization in Brussels. |
| Belgium and Spain: SIS Global Scholars | OGIS | Global Experience | Study contemporary and historical international relations issues and conduct independent research in Belgium and Spain. | |
| Belgium and Spain: SPA Politics, Policy, and Law Scholars | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study the historical and contemporary perspectives of public policy and legal issues in Belgium and Spain. |
| Spain: Art History (Summer) | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Learn about the creative forces that shaped the Mediterranean region, explore Madrid's museums, and earn AU Core credit. |
| Spain: Clashes and Alliances of Mediterranean Civilizations (Fall) | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Dive into Mediterranean history, culture, and politics with courses, homestays, internships, and excursions by AU Madrid. |
| Spain: Global and Public Health Issues in Spain and Europe | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study the health systems of Spain and the Mediterranean and improve your Spanish with a semester in Madrid. |
| Spain: Graduate Summer Internship | OGIS | Grad | Global Experience | Use your advanced Spanish language skills as you immerse yourself in the unique aspects of the Spanish workplace. |
| Spain: Iberian Experience (Spring) | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Live, study, and intern in Madrid while you travel the Iberian peninsula to experience its culture, politics, and history. |
| Spain: Intensive Spanish (Spring) | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Experience life in Madrid as you learn Spanish with AU Madrid-organized courses, homestays, and cultural excursions. |
| Spain: Madrid Business Program | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Take courses in English or Spanish at one of Spain’s premier business schools and at AU Madrid. |
| Madrid: Spain: Madrid Summer Language Program | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Immerse yourself in Spanish language and culture as you study abroad with a summer term at AU Madrid. |
| Spain: Transforming Arts Institute in Madrid | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study in Spanish at a premier performing arts school with housing, field trips, and potential internships through AU Madrid. |
| Spain: Undergraduate Madrid Summer Internship | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Use your advanced Spanish language skills as you immerse yourself in the unique aspects of the Spanish workplace. |
| Spain: Universidad Pontificia Comillas—Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study independently along local Madrid university students using your advanced Spanish language skills. |
| Spain: Universidad Pontificia Comillas—ICADE Business School | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Use your very advanced Spanish language skills as you enroll directly in a premier business school in Madrid. |
| Kenya: Environment and Human Health | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study human responses to environmental changes through coursework and internships in Nairobi and rural Kenya. |
| Kenya: Graduate Summer Internship | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Intern with Kenyan-run organizations and businesses while pursuing academic requirements with AU Nairobi. |
| Kenya: Politics of Identity and Development in Africa | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Live in Nairobi and explore history, politics, development, gender, and international relations via courses and excursions. |
| Kenya: Public Health | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Intern at a Kenyan-run public health organization while pursuing academic interests at AU Nairobi. |
| Kenya: Undergraduate Nairobi Summer Internship | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Live in a vibrant Nairobi neighborhood, intern five days a week, and attend seminars that complement the internship. |
| International Accelerator at American University | OGIS | Any | Global Experience | Develop the English proficiency needed for admission to AU while you partake in DC cultural experiences. |
| AU Cornerstone Wroxton College (UK) | OGIS | Any | Global Experience | Explore your field of interest at Wroxton College and experience UK culture as a first-year student. |
| Argentina: Universidad Torcuato di Tella | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Take Spanish classes with local Argentine university students in this independent study abroad program. |
| Armenia: Advanced Russian Language and Area Studies Program (American Councils) | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Immerse yourself in the Russian language with courses taught in Russian in Armenia. |
| AU Cornerstone: Madrid SIS Scholars | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Jumpstart your international education as a first-year student with support of AU Madrid faculty and staff. |
| Australia: James Cook University | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Live and study in North Queensland as you explore UNESCO World Heritage listed rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef. |
| Australia: New York Film Academy, Gold Coast | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study filmmaking and do production work with renowned Village Roadshow Studios in this hands-on intensive program. |
| Australia: University of Melbourne | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Experience the Australian education system firsthand at a university campus in the heart of Melbourne. |
| Australia: University of New South Wales | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Experience the Australian education system firsthand at a university acclaimed as a teaching and research powerhouse. |
| Australia: University of Queensland | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Experience the Australian education system firsthand at a park-like campus five miles from Brisbane. |
| Austria: Vienna Music (IES) | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Choose from a wide selection of courses in English or German that focus on music and European culture and society. |
| Brazil: CET Brazil Social Justice and Inequality | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Understand Brazil from a local perspective with a combination of courses taught in English and Portuguese. |
| Canada: Killam Foundation Fellowship | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Attend a Canadian university through this nationally competitive fellowship. |
| Canada: National Student Exchange | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study at the collegiate level in Canada through the National Student Exchange. |
| Chile: Santiago Program | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Take classes in Spanish in this structured program with internship, homestay, and field trip opportunities. |
| Chile: Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Experience the Chilean education system firsthand by taking classes taught in Spanish at a Santiago university. |
| China: CET Beijing | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Immerse yourself in the culture as you improve your Chinese language skills in China’s capital city. |
| China: CET Shanghai | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Immerse yourself in Chinese culture in Shanghai as you partake in English-speaking courses and an optional internship. |
| China: Chinese University of Hong Kong | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Experience this cosmopolitan city at the crossroads of Asia through study abroad at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. |
| China: City University of Hong Kong | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Experience this cosmopolitan city at the crossroads of Asia through study abroad at the City University of Hong Kong. |
| China: G-MEO China Program | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study in Chendu, China, in an English language, US-style learning environment. |
| Costa Rica: Universidad Nacional (IFSA) | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study at the Universidad Nacional in Heredia, Costa Rica, with its outstanding natural environment. |
| Czech Republic: CET Prague | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study business and economics, Central European studies, or Jewish studies in Czech Republic capital. |
| Czech Republic: Film Production in Prague (CET) | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Master the filmmaking process and the medium of 16mm film as you work in a group to create a short film. |
| Denmark: DIS Copenhagen | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study off the beaten path as you participate in an academically-themed program of courses and tours throughout Europe. |
| Ecuador: Rehearsing Change (Pachaysana Institute) | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study in the Ecuadorian Amazon as you practice your Spanish skills and explore global challenges on the local level. |
| England: BU London Internship Program | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Combine an internship with courses that examine an academic area in the context of the UK’s history, culture, and society. |
| England: IES London Internship Program | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Explore contemporary London and the global impact of Britain on Western culture with an internship and courses at IES London. |
| England: King's College London | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Live and study with King's College London students at campuses in the heart of the UK's capital. |
| England: London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Take part in the great theatrical tradition of Britain as you work and study with its leading actors and directors. |
| England: London Health Practice and Policy Program | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Take health studies courses and participate in a required service learning placement in UK capital. |
| England: Oxford University—Lady Margaret Hall | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study at Lady Margaret Hall at one of the most renowned academic institutions in the world—Oxford University. |
| England: Oxford University—St. Anne's College | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study at St. Anne's College at one of the most renowned academic institutions in the world—Oxford University. |
| England: Queen Mary University of London | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Live and study with other university students at the only London institution with a residential campus. |
| England: SOAS—University of London | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study abroad with the largest concentration of Africa, Asia, and Middle East specialist faculty in the world. |
| England: The London School of Economics and Political Science | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Be a general course student at one of the most prestigious institutions in the heart of this multicultural city. |
| England: University College London | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Take upper-level courses at one of the most prestigious institutions in England. |
| England: University of Exeter | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study in a small British city in the countryside along the beautiful coast of southwest England. |
| Finland: University of Helsinki | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Experience the Finnish education system firsthand while taking classes taught in English. |
| France: API Grenoble | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Immerse yourself in French with language and civilization courses. |
| France: API Paris | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Gain a full semester of college credit in this international center of commerce and culture. |
| France: IFE Paris | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study and intern in Paris, where students are conducting significant research across many fields. |
| France: MICEFA | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Immerse yourself in French life and Parisian culture while studying with support from an intercultural office. |
| France: Sciences Po Lille | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Take courses on political science, international relations, and French language, all taught in English or French. |
| Germany: Berlin Language and Area Studies (IES) | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Use Berlin’s urban landscape to enrich your academic focus as you take all your classes in German. |
| Germany: Frankfurt School of Finance and Management | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Expand your business experience in the state-of-the-art facilities of one of Germany's largest finance departments. |
| Germany: Freie Universitaet Berlin European Studies Program | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study and explore Berlin for a semester, earning up to six credits of German at any level from beginning to advanced. |
| Germany: Junior Year in Munich | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Immerse yourself in the German language for a semester or year with the support of a study abroad coordinator. |
| Greece: American College of Thessaloniki | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study in small, American-style classes on the beautiful shores of the Aegean Sea. |
| India: Buddhist Studies (Carleton College) | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study the Buddhism theory and practice among more than 40 Buddhist temples within a largely Hindi and Muslim community. |
| Indonesia: Gadjah Mada University | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study at this Indonesian public ivy league research university, the oldest and largest institution of higher learning in Indonesia. |
| Ireland: Trinity College Dublin | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study on a handsome 40-acre campus in the heart of Ireland's capital. |
| Ireland: University College Dublin | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Immerse yourself at an Irish university campus with strong courses in law, business, the sciences, psychology, and more. |
| Israel: Tel Aviv University | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Experience the Israeli education system while taking classes taught in English with other study abroad students. |
| Israel: The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Learn from courses in diverse environmental fields, a peace-building and leadership seminar, and more. |
| Israel: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Live in a setting surrounded by history and take classes in Israel's largest international program. |
| Israel: University of Haifa | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Live in the north of Israel along the coast, experiencing the Israeli educational system firsthand. |
| Italy: John Cabot University | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Choose from a wide variety of courses at this private liberal arts college, which conducts its entire program in English. |
| Italy: The American University of Rome | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Enroll directly, choosing from a wide variety of courses and participating in extracurricular campus activities. |
| Japan: Keio University | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study in the international program or intensive language program at this university with six campuses across Greater Tokyo. |
| Japan: Nanzan University | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Experience Nagoya, a major cultural and economic center, for a semester, summer language program, or full year. |
| Japan: Waseda University | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study in the vibrant heart of downtown Tokyo for a full year or spring semester. |
| Jordan: CET Academic Programs | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Improve your Arabic language skills with support from a community of devoted staff, faculty, local neighbors, and partners. |
| Kazakhstan: Advanced Russian Language and Area Studies Program (American Councils) | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Learn Russian in Kazakhstan through courses taught in the language. |
| Kenya: Turkana Basin Institute Origins Field School | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study archaeology and environmental science in remote desert locations in rural northwest Kenya. |
| Korea: Ewha Womans University | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Experience Seoul's rapid industrialization, technological development, and beautiful and rich traditional culture. |
| Korea: Yonsei University | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Get a broad introduction to Korea in its Asian and world setting with classes taught in English at this Seoul university. |
| Latvia: Learn Russian in the EU | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Immerse yourself in the Russian language as you live and study in Latvia. |
| Mexico: Universidad de las Américas Puebla | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Take courses taught in Spanish while living and studying in Cholula, a suburb of Puebla, Mexico. |
| Morocco: Area and Arabic Language Studies (AMIDEAST) | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Take courses taught in English on Arabic and Morocco in its Muslim, Arab, African, and Mediterranean contexts. |
| Morocco: Regional Studies in French (AMIDEAST) | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Take courses taught in French on Arabic and Morocco in its Muslim, Arab, African, and Mediterranean contexts. |
| Netherlands: Leiden University | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Take courses alongside Dutch and other international students in the Hague. |
| Netherlands: University College Maastricht | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Take interdisciplinary courses in Maastricht alongside students from the Netherlands and other parts of Europe. |
| New Zealand: The University of Auckland | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Take classes directly enrolled at this New Zealand university as you immerse yourself in the country’s largest city. |
| New Zealand: Victoria University of Wellington | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Take classes directly enrolled in this New Zealand university as you immerse yourself in the country’s capital city. |
| Northern Ireland: Queen's University Belfast | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Choose from a suite of courses in Belfast, Northern Ireland, including renowned courses in peace and conflict resolution. |
| Poland: Centre for European Studies at Jagiellonian University | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Experience Polish culture while learning from regional experts about European politics, economics, and societies. |
| Scotland: The Glasgow School of Art | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Develop your artistic abilities at a well-ranked UK school of art that offers studio immersion in many fields and mediums. |
| Scotland: The University of Edinburgh | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Spend a semester or year of study in the cultural, historical, and political center of Scotland. |
| Scotland: University of Glasgow | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Take classes from a diverse selection alongside local students in Glasgow, known for its fantastic arts and music scene. |
| Singapore: Yale-NUS College | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Live and study at this small liberal arts college founded by Yale and the National University of Singapore (NUS). |
| Spain: Art History (Summer) | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Spend six weeks in Madrid taking a Mediterranean art history course for credit toward AU Core requirements. |
| Spain: Undergraduate Madrid Summer Internship | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Intern in Madrid, experiencing unique aspects of the Spanish workplace while immersed in the language. |
| Taiwan: CET Taiwan | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Take intensive language classes in Taipei and intern in Chinese and English-speaking environments. |
| Taiwan: National Chengchi University | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study on a large, modern campus in Taipei at one of Taiwan's leading universities. |
| United Arab Emirates: American University of Sharjah | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Gain insight into life in the Emirates as it attempts to combine traditional culture with modern economic development. |
| United States: National Student Exchange | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study at one of 160-plus member colleges and universities in the US, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. |
| Wales: Aberystwyth University | OGIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study in a charming, coastal town in Wales, integrating with Welsh students in a wide array of course areas. |
| SIS Graduate Programs Practica | SIS | Grad | Career Readiness | Conduct program and policy analyses working in teams with clients, including US and international government agencies. |
| SIS Skills Institutes | SIS | Any | Career Readiness | Translate theory into practice in these intensive workshops taught by experienced international affairs practitioners. |
| Global Scholars | SIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Live, study, and intern in the US capital while a student of another domestic or international university. |
| Sakura Scholars | SIS | Grad | Global Experience | Earn a joint bachelor of arts in global international relations with AU and Ritsumeikan University in Japan. |
| Abdul Aziz Said Peace Scholars | SIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Advance the celebrated SIS professor’s life’s mission through studying peace, conflict resolution, and interfaith dialogue. |
| SIS Graduate—American University of Rome | SIS | Grad | Global Experience | Study in a beautiful villa on the right bank of the Tiber River, choosing from three master's degrees. |
| SIS Graduate—Freie Universität Berlin | SIS | Grad | Global Experience | Pursue a master of arts program in international relations from Humboldt University of Berlin and the University of Potsdam. |
| SIS Graduate—Korea University | SIS | Grad | Global Experience | Prepare for leadership roles at Korea University Graduate School of International Studies international relations program. |
| SIS Graduate—Korea University Dual Degree | SIS | Grad | Global Experience | Pursue a degree in an SIS major field and earn up to 15 credits in your second year by studying at Korea University. |
| SIS Graduate—KU Leuven | SIS | Grad | Global Experience | Spend a semester nestled in Leuven's city center at Belgium's oldest university, a 45-minute train ride from Brussels. |
| SIS Graduate—Norwegian University of Life Sciences | SIS | Grad | Global Experience | Choose from English-language graduate programs focused on food sciences, development, and environmental studies. |
| SIS Graduate—Peking University | SIS | Grad | Global Experience | Train in international studies, international political economy, and diplomacy on a campus with traditional Chinese architecture. |
| SIS Graduate—Peruvian Diplomatic Academy | SIS | Grad | Global Experience | Study diplomacy and international affairs with up-and-coming Peruvian diplomats. |
| SIS Graduate—Ritsumeikan University | SIS | Grad | Global Experience | Study international relations in the northwestern corner of Kyoto, near Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoanji Rock Garden. |
| SIS Graduate—Ritsumeikan University Dual Degree | SIS | Grad | Global Experience | Earn a dual graduate degree, spending your second year studying in English or Japanese at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto. |
| SIS Graduate—Sciences Po | SIS | Grad | Global Experience | Study politics and international affairs in Paris among elite students from all over the world. |
| SIS Graduate—The Graduate Institute Geneva | SIS | Grad | Global Experience | Study the major global, international, and transnational challenges facing the contemporary world. |
| SIS Graduate—University for Peace | SIS | Grad | Global Experience | Study at the United Nations University for Peace in a global community within a beautiful nature reserve in Costa Rica. |
| SIS Summer Abroad—Cambridge, UK | SIS | Grad | Global Experience | Explore the role of the intelligence and security agencies in a democratic society, applying principles to cutting-edge problems. |
| SIS Summer Abroad—Geneva, Switzerland | SIS | Grad | Global Experience | Study how international organizations protect human rights and humanitarian action, health and environment, and global migration. |
| SIS Summer Abroad—Tbilisi, Georgia | SIS | Grad | Global Experience | Gain broad knowledge of the Black Sea-Caspian region and its current security, political, and economic environment. |
| SIS Summer Abroad—UPEACE Program | SIS | Grad | Global Experience | Take intensive summer classes on a beautiful nature reserve in Costa Rica while networking for an international career. |
| SIS Undergraduate—Korea University | SIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study international affairs in Seoul at a progressive, globally conscious institution while immersed in Korea's unique culture. |
| SIS Undergraduate—Ritsumeikan University | SIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Improve your Japanese language skills, learn more about Japanese culture, and meet people from all over the world. |
| SIS Undergraduate—Ritsumeikan University Dual Degree | SIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Earn two degrees: one from American University and one from Ritsumeikan University. |
| SIS Undergraduate—Sciences Po | SIS | Undergrad | Global Experience | Study politics at the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris's main campus or one of six region-focused campuses across France. |
| Olson Scholars | SIS | Undergrad | Research | Pursue advanced research work in international studies as you enter your sophomore year at the School of International Service. |
| SIS Undergraduate Research Symposium | SIS | Undergrad | Research | Organize and lead a day of educational exchange of international affairs student research. |
| LA Intensive | SOC | Any | Career Readiness | Meet LA-based entertainment industry professionals and alumni via site visits, panel discussions, and social events. |
| New York Career Intensive | SOC | Any | Career Readiness | Connect with alumni and professionals working in NYC communications, including hosted events with major media organizations. |
| Dean's Internships | SOC | Undergrad | Career Readiness | Represent the School of Communication, strengthening ties with host partners via real-world assignments with future job pathways. |
| Alumni Mentorship | SOC | Any | Career Readiness | Pair with School of Communication alumni who help you navigate your career path from the classroom to professional world. |
| Center for Environmental Filmmaking Student Projects | SOC | Any | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Create innovative films and media that raise awareness, represent diverse voices, promote solutions, and inspire action. |
| Classroom in the Wild | SOC | Any | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Expand and improve your photography and filmmaking skills in this open workshop. |
| Investigative Reporting Workshop | SOC | Any | Research | Work with experienced journalists to hold the powerful accountable through original, data-driven investigative reporting. |
| Urban Teachers Teacher Preparation/MAT Partnership | SOE | Grad | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Accelerate student achievement, disrupt systems of inequity, and improve the life outcomes of children in urban schools. |
| Teacher Pipeline Project | SOE | Undergrad | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Explore dual enrollment opportunities in education courses, full scholarships, and coaching for new teachers. |
| SPA Professional Development Series | SPA | Undergrad | Career Readiness | Prepare for a career as a public affairs professional with faculty-guided, small-group weekend workshops. |
| Sine Institute of Policy & Politics: Student Associates | SPA | Any | Career Readiness | Assist Sine Fellows with designing, planning, organizing, and executing their seminar series. |
| Women and Politics Institute: WeLead Campaign Training Program | SPA | Undergrad | Career Readiness | Encourage women to get involved in politics with practical training and research facilitation. |
| Center for Data Science: Student Fellows | SPA | Any | Career Readiness | Focus on 21st-century data production, analysis, and storage with events, research, and academic journal support. |
| Center for Environmental Policy: William K. Reilly Scholars and Interns | SPA | Grad | Career Readiness | Get training and mentorship as an environmental leader through the William K. Reilly Fund. |
| Center for Environmental Policy: Environmental Careers Network | SPA | Any | Career Readiness | Learn about environmental policy work through interviews with non-academic career environmental professionals. |
| Hertie School Exchange Program | SPA | Grad | Global Experience | Study public affairs and public policy at the Hertie School in Berlin, Germany, for one semester. |
| European Public Affairs and Advocacy Institute | SPA | Undergrad | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Immerse yourself in an introduction to the art and craft of lobbying in the European Union. |
| Public Affairs and Advocacy Institute | SPA | Undergrad | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Take advanced workshops conducted by lobbying professionals and attend the Public Affairs and Advocacy Institute. |
| Campaign Management Institute | SPA | Grad | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Train for participation in local, state, and federal political campaigns. |
| Politics, Policy and Law Scholars | SPA | Any | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Work closely with School of Public Affairs faculty who teach and publish in the areas of politics, policy, and law. |
| Lincoln Scholars Program | SPA | Undergrad | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Take small seminar classes on foundational texts among intellectually and politically diverse students, scholars, and faculty. |
| Key Executive Leadership Programs | SPA | Any | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Develop skills, knowledge, and values needed by public and nonprofit leaders. |
| SPA Analytics and Management Institute | SPA | Any | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Learn a variety of skills including mapping, regulation compliance, and policy writing for a general audience. |
| Data Science MS Practicum | SPA | Any | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Gain analytical expertise and creative problem-solving skills to succeed across multiple industries, academia, and government. |
| Justice, Law, and Criminology MS Practicum | SPA | Undergrad | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Gain a holistic understanding of issues and institutions across the social sciences, law, and the humanities. |
| Terrorism and Homeland Security Policy MS Practicum | SPA | Any | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Approach security issues through development of strategic security solutions at federal, state, and local levels of government. |
| Center for Data Science: Institute for Data Science and Big Data | SPA | Any | In-Classroom/Curriculuar-Driven | Participate in faculty-mentored data science research opportunities |
| SPA Leadership Program | SPA | Undergrad | In-Classroom/Curriculuar-Driven | Gain the experience, skills, and knowledge needed for a leadership role in public service via this 15-credit course of study. |
| Correspondence of Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore Project | SPA | Grad | Research | Assist with locating, transcribing, annotating, and publishing the letters of the two US presidents. |
| Public Affairs and Policy Lab | SPA | Undergrad | Research | Seek advanced research experiences in collaboration with a School of Public Affairs (SPA) professor. |
| Women and Politics Institute: Gender on the Ballot | SPA | Any | Research | Be involved in research that contributes to the national dialogue on gender and politics. |
| Center for Environmental Policy: Research Assistants | SPA | Any | Research | Contribute to research that informs and educates future environmental leaders and promotes more sustainable and innovative practices. |
| Justice-Related Initiatives (Justice Programs Office) | SPA | Grad | Research | Contribute to assessing and rectifying racial and ethnic disparities in government and the court system. |
| Washington Institute for Public Affairs Research: PhD Grant Workshop | SPA | Grad | Research | Attend a workshop about pre-doctoral dissertation fellowships and other funding opportunities for School of Public Affairs PhD students. |
| SPA Undergraduate Research Symposium | SPA | Undergrad | Research | Present original scholarly and creative work before colleagues, friends, and faculty. |
| Peace and Violence Research Lab Fellowship | SPA | Any | Research | Get support for research on topics related to peace and political violence. |
| Metropolitan Policy Center Graduate Research Assistants | SPA | Grad | Research | Work with center faculty to create knowledge and propose solutions to our 21st century metropolitan and urban challenges. |
| Washington Institute for Public Affairs Research Opportunities | SPA | Research | Partner with faculty as you advance public policy research that addresses today's pressing issues. | |
| The Public Purpose Graduate Journal | SPA | Grad | Research | Write and edit for this print and online journal of public affairs, politics, and public policy. |
| The World Mind Undergraduate Policy Magazine | SPA | Undergrad | Research | Contribute cutting-edge analyses and lead production of this international public policy publication. |
| Clocks and Clouds Undergraduate Research Journal | SPA | Undergrad | Research | Contribute political science, international, or public policy articles to this undergraduate research journal. |
| Center for Environmental Policy: Projects and Workgroups | SPA | Any | Service Learning / Student Leadership | Work with faculty and staff on projects aimed at improving US environmental governance. |
| Project on Civil Discourse: Peer Facilitators | SPA | Undergrad | Service Learning / Student Leadership | Guide and support AU community members who wish to develop as listeners, speakers, and learners. |
| AU Cornerstone DC | UEAS | Undergrad | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Gain workplace experience, expand your network, and acquire knowledge that gives you an edge in the job market. |
| AU Honors | UEAS | Undergrad | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Participate in unique experiential learning opportunities and apply for funding for special projects and paid leadership positions. |
| University College | UEAS | Undergrad | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Join this living-learning community for first-year students. |
| Complex Problems Seminars | UEAS | Undergrad | In-Classroom / Curricular-Driven | Partake in unique co-curricular experiences that take you off campus or bring area experts to the classroom. |
| Complex Problems Program Leaders | UEAS | Undergrad | In-Classroom/Curriculuar-Driven | Mentor new AU students, helping them to integrate learning experiences both inside and outside of their Complex Problems seminar. |
| Community-Based Research Scholars | UEAS | Undergrad | Research | Participate in community-based research through responsible and meaningful community-engaged service and learning opportunities. |
| Summer Scholars and Artists Program | UEAS | Undergrad | Research | Receive funding to conduct full-time research that demonstrates the potential for significant scholarly or creative work. |
| Undergraduate Research Funding Opportunities | UEAS | Undergrad | Research | Apply for funding to support your own research. |
| Honors Student Student Advisory Council | UEAS | Undergrad | Student Leadership | Serve in an advisory capacity to the AU Honors Program and organize social events for the Honors community. |
| AU Experience Peer Facilitators | UEAS | Undergrad | Student Leadership | Serve as a role model and mentor as part of American University Experience first-year courses. |
Graduation
What comes next? Six months after graduation, 90 percent of AU students report they are working, in graduate school, or both. Yet, AU’s support doesn’t stop when your studies are complete. You still enjoy access to campus benefits and resources like the AU Career Center, and you can network, connect, and collaborate with fellow alumni through the Alumnifire online community.