Preface

Here begins my blogging of my journey to Washington, D.C.: Finals week at UGA and I can't sleep. I've never had a blogger blog before, but I had a strong inclination to try it out for this. For everyone who reads this, my other blog that I've had for three years and filled with interesting, illuminating examinations of world politics, the human psyche, and The Beatles is http://www.xanga.com/tacotank10.

So what is this, then? Next year, January 13-April 28, 2007, to be specific, I, Matthew Harvey Brandenburgh, am going to Washington, D.C. in an internship program thingy. I will learn about how our political process operates (which will probably make me never want to get involved in it), I will see the many sights around the capital city that are routinely not seen by high school students on class trips from all over the country (on account of, they are passionately making out with another in the back of their bus), and I will maybe see George W. Bush and tell him he is stupid (only because Tulsi requested). In this blog, I shall catalogue my semester in Washington in at least five (5) thoughtful entries. Do you like the title? It was the best I could do in one minute.

I don't feel like writing too much more; I'd rather just be asleep. Plus, right now, I'm still technically in Athens, Georgia. I'm curious, though, when this blog will be discovered. It's probably already been looked up. Well, here it is.

And if you are wondering about the email of information they sent me, replete with information you may be curious about, as well as much you are not curious about, well, here it is:


INFORMATION ON THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM
2007 Spring Capital Semester
January 13 – April 28
Nature of the Program
The Capital Semester, sponsored by The Fund for American Studies, is an academic program designed to educate students about the political, economic, and moral foundations upon which the United States was founded. We encourage students to continue discussions of the issues raised in class outside of the classroom, as learning is often best done with peers at the residence building or elsewhere. For this reason, the program is designed in a manner in which students get to know each other outside of class, and we plan events to facilitate this interaction.
The program offers social as well as academic benefits, but participants are expected to maintain a high level of academic performance. As you can see from the schedule, days are long and free time is limited mostly to the late evenings and weekends. During the 15 weeks of the program you will have an intense schedule of internships, courses, and lectures; be prepared to be busy. The Capital Semester schedule is designed to be rigorous, but promises students a rich immersion in education, politics, and government – the true Washington experience of a lifetime.
Because of the limited duration and intensive schedule of the program, we highly discourage long distance travel by participants or visits from friends or relatives during weekdays. Weekend visits are acceptable, although some social events occur on the weekend. While the program will be intense, it will also be a very FUN semester!
Student Participation
We fully expect each student to attend every academic and extra-curricular session, complete all reading assignments, participate actively in class discussions, and show respect and consideration to fellow program participants, staff, faculty and guest lecturers. Students are also expected to adhere to scheduled internship hours and complete all internship assignments.
Attendance will be recorded at all Capital Semester events (excluding optional social events) and you must ask permission of the professor or program director to be absent from any class or mandatory event. Failure to regularly attend all scheduled program events will result in your dismissal from the program. If any student is removed from the program, there will be no refund of money paid, and travel costs will be the responsibility of the student.
Program Format
Capital Semester is comprised of the following major components:
Academic courses for credit from Georgetown University (12 credit hours)
Internships in organizations throughout the Washington area
Guest lectures and panel discussions
Site briefings at key Washington institutions
Group social events
A schedule detailing times for classes, internships and other events is included in this packet. However, since dates and times for events are subject to change, you may receive updated schedules as required. The program director will inform you of schedule changes. You will receive the syllabus for each class next month after the professors have decided if they will make any changes to the syllabus from last semester.
Grades
The professor of each course will issue a letter grade for each student. Your grades will be available online by logging into Georgetown University’s system with the confidential netID and password you will receive from the university by mail to your permanent address. In order to obtain an official transcript from Georgetown University, you must pay a $12.00 transcript fee and submit a request in writing to the Office of the Registrar, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057. Should you have questions about obtaining a transcript, you can reach the Georgetown University registrar by telephone at 202-687-4020, fax 202-687-3608, or in person at lower level of the White-Gravenor Building.
Staff
Capital Semester has a director and program assistant who handle administration and management for the program. During business hours they are available to assist you with any issues related to internships or the academic program. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Fund for American Studies is located at:
1706 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20009
Telephone 202-986-0384
Fax 202-986-0390
About The Fund for American Studies
The Fund for American Studies (The Fund) is a nonprofit educational organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The organization was founded in 1967 to instill in college students an appreciation for the traditional principles that underlie the American political and economic system. In partnership with Georgetown University, The Fund for American Studies sponsors nine programs that educate more than 600 students each year. The Fund sponsors five programs in Washington, DC:
Capital Semester – for those interested in public policy, lobbying, economics,
politics, international relations, nonprofits or journalism
Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems – for those interested in economics, political science or international relations
Institute on Political Journalism – for those interested in journalism or
communications
Institute on Business and Government Affairs – for those interested in lobbying, business or politics
Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service – for those interested in
nonprofits and philanthropy
In addition, The Fund sponsors four programs abroad, whose participants are comprised of university students from Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as a small group of Americans selected primarily from alumni of The Fund’s Washington Programs.
Prague, Czech Republic: American Institute on Political and Economic Systems brings together students from the United States and 27 countries in Central and Eastern Europe to explore the workings of a free-market economy and democratic government.
Greece: International Institute for Political and Economic Studies brings together students from throughout the Eastern Mediterranean region and the United States for extensive study and discussion of the political and economic concepts of a free society. The Institute facilitates new personal relationships that bridge the conflicts among Judaic, Christian, and Moslem worlds.
Hong Kong: Asia Institute for Political Economy engages students from across Asia and the United States in a thorough examination of the fundamental concepts and theories of political economy, as well as an advanced course in American Studies.
Prague, Czech Republic: European Journalism Institute brings working journalists and journalism students together in Prague, the Czech Republic for a one-week seminar.
Alumni
More than 8,500 students from all 50 states and 85 countries have attended Fund Programs since 1970. Fund alumni occupy positions of influence in government, business, journalism, academia and philanthropy. The Fund maintains a vibrant alumni network and hosts regular alumni events for educational, social, and networking purposes. Alumni communicate through a monthly newsletter distributed by email and an interactive website.
About Georgetown University
Founded in 1789 in Washington, D.C., Georgetown University is the oldest Catholic institution of higher learning in the United States. Since its inception, Georgetown has been a national and international school with a student body characterized by its religious and ethnic pluralism. Today, more than 12,000 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries come to Washington, D.C. to enroll in one of Georgetown University's four undergraduate schools, the graduate school, or professional schools of law and medicine. Despite its vibrant growth and development in the 20th century, Georgetown University is still committed to individual attention and learning embraced by the small academy that staked its claim on the Potomac’s hilly riverbank more than 200 years ago. Georgetown’s School for Summer and Continuing Education has been an academic partner with The Fund since 1970.
Residential Building Overview
The Capital Semester students do not live on Georgetown University’s campus; instead, you live on Capitol Hill, in residential buildings owned by the Washington Intern Student Housing (WISH) organization. The Fund has formed a business partnership in leasing rooms for its Capital Semester students.
You will be staying in one of their historic apartment buildings located on the House side of Capitol Hill, close to the House office buildings and two metro stations. There are numerous shops and restaurants nearby. This unique student housing is just a short walk from the U.S. Capitol and Congressional buildings and many of the historical and cultural attractions of Washington. Students will have Monday and Wednesday classes on Georgetown University’s campus, The Tuesday and Thursday class will take place in one of WISH’s residential buildings close to where you will be living.
INFORMATION ON LOGISTICS
Introduction
The following information has been gathered and presented to you to ensure that you have everything you need to know to prepare to come to Washington this fall. We have tried to anticipate your questions, as well as to focus on information that previous students have found useful. However, if we have left something out or something is unclear, please give us a call at 1-800-741-6964 so that we can answer your questions.
Moving-in – Saturday, January 13
The move-in day is provided for students to get settled into their apartments and to become acquainted with Washington, D.C. Please plan to move in on the 13th between 11:00 am and 5:00 p.m. You cannot move in before January 13. If you are not able to move in during these hours, you must arrange an alternative time with John Dimos. Official registration with The Fund and Capital Semester will be at this time. An orientation and lunch will be planned for Monday, January 15 at 11:00 am in the WISH classroom located in the Congressional Apartment Building at 215 Constitution Avenue, NE. Participants should use the first week of the program to adjust themselves to their class, internship and study schedules.
Parking for Move-in Day
If you are driving to Washington, you will be able to pull up in front of the residential building and unload your car. Once unloaded, you will have to find parking along the street (limit two hour parking). Please note that you will check in at one of the two residence buildings we will be using this semester, 203 3rd Street, SE, on Capital Hill.
Directions
You will want to arrive at 203 3rd St SE, near the Capitol Building in Washington, DC.
VIA SUBWAY METRO RAIL:
Take the Washington Metro's Orange Line to Capital SouthExit the Capitol South metrorail station at the corner of 1st Street SE and C Street SE.
Take an immediate right on C Street SE and walk two blocks to 3rd Street SE and turn left. Continue along 3rd Street SE until you reach 203 on your left just before the Starbucks.
(View map below)
FROM SOUTH OF WASHINGTON DC (from Interstate 95):
Merge onto I-395 N via EXIT 170A on the LEFT toward WASHINGTON (Crossing over into the DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA)
Take the C St SW exit on the LEFT toward the US CAPITOL
Keep LEFT at the fork in the ramp
At end of Ramp Turn LEFT onto 1ST St SW
Turn RIGHT onto PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE
Turn RIGHT onto 3RD St SE.
End at 203 3RD St. SE
FROM NORTH OF WASHINGTON DC (from Interstate 95)
Merge onto MD 295 S via EXIT 52 toward BWI AIRPORT (Crossing into DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA)
Merge onto E Capitol St. SE
Turn a SLIGHT RIGHT onto C St NE
Keep RIGHT at the fork to continue on C St NE
Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto NORTH CAROLINA AVE NE
Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto E CAPITOL ST NE
Turn LEFT onto 11TH St. SE
Turn RIGHT onto NORTH CAROLINA AVE SE
Turn RIGHT onto PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE
Turn LEFT onto 3RD St. SE
End at 203 3RD St. SE
Arriving at an Airport
There are three airports convenient to the Washington Metropolitan area – Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). Ronald Reagan Washington National is the closest to the Capital Semester residential building and Capitol Hill. However, many popular discount airlines -- such as Southwest, Air Tran, and Continental – only service Dulles and BWI. All three airports have taxi and bus service, and BWI also has shuttle trains. A taxicab from National Airport to the residential building is about $15; from Dulles a cab costs about $45; from BWI a cab costs about $60, while the shuttle train from BWI to Union Station in Washington is approximately $16.
There is also Super Shuttle service (703-416-7873), which costs approximately $21/Dulles-Capitol Hill or $31/BWI-Capitol Hill. The Washington Flyer Shuttle Bus (1-888-927-4359), which operates out of Dulles, transports passengers to West Falls Church Metrorail (subway) station (on the Orange Line) for $8, and the metro fare to Union Station is approximately $3. (Just remember to switch to the Red Line at Metro Center station!) While this is the most affordable option out of Dulles, it requires several transfers.
Arriving via Train or Bus
If you plan to take Amtrak, you will arrive at Washington's Union Station on Capitol Hill. If you are planning to take the Greyhound bus, you will arrive at the Greyhound Station about 1 mile from Union Station. You will then need to take a cab to 203 3rd Street, SE, at a cost of approximately $7.
Housing Accommodations
As stated previously, housing for students is provided in one of WISH’s apartment buildings. Each apartment is air-conditioned/heated and has two or three students per room. Each apartment has at least one desk, two or three twin-sized beds, a table and chairs, a full bathroom and closets. There will also be a living/dining area equipped with a TV with basic cable, and a kitchen with a refrigerator, freezer, oven, microwave, and toaster. Also provided are plates, silverware, and glassware. Lighting and wastebaskets are provided.
You must provide your own bed linens, pillow, towels, hangers, and all bath amenities. All rooms are internet-ready so it is encouraged that students bring their own computer to Washington. You will need a wireless card for the wireless broadband internet. There is no alcohol or smoking allowed in the buildings. There are laundry facilities in the buildings. Students will also have access to Georgetown University’s fitness center and library.
Roommates
You will be assigned a room designed for two/three students of the same sex. Roommate assignments and contact information will be emailed to you two weeks prior to the start of the program. It would be helpful to then email your roommate ahead of time to arrange the transport of items to be shared. You will then be given the mailing address of your room. You may send packages via UPS or FedEx to our office prior to your arrival if you are traveling by plane and don’t want to carry your belongings.
Attire
In packing clothes, be prepared for weather that can vary dramatically over the four months of the semester. In class you may dress casually, but at internships and most program functions professional dress is required. While dress codes vary from office to office, typically men wear coats and ties, while women wear dresses, skirts, or dressy slacks. No open-toed shoes for the ladies at work. Please keep in mind that many Washington organizations take professionalism very seriously, so we urge you to bring proper attire. Prepare for a cold winter in Washington!
Meals
Please plan to bring enough money to cover meals, entertainment, transportation costs, incidental expenses, and whatever souvenir shopping you might want to do. A rough estimate of what a typical student spends is $125 per week.
Students are responsible for their own meals during the program. There are restaurants within walking distance of the residential building, and cooking facilities are available in each apartment.
Student Parking
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate student parking at the residential building. Limited street parking is available but is not recommended, as competition for spaces is tight and visiting students are not eligible for DC parking passes.
About Washington, D.C.
Founded in 1791, the District of Columbia was the world’s first planned national capital. The world’s most powerful city, Washington is also renowned for its handsome architecture, stunning vistas and colorful landscape, as well as its world-class cultural attractions.
Besides numerous monuments and landmarks, Washington is home to more than 90 museums and public galleries, including the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum complex. The Smithsonian comprises 16 museums, art galleries, and the National Zoo, all of which are free to the public. With its vibrant theater and music scene, Washington is second only to New York in number of public performances of the arts.
Washington is a cosmopolitan city with the nation’s most diverse international community, thanks in part to the presence of 170 foreign embassies and headquarters of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and other international institutions.
Washington hosts the world’s largest concentration of think tanks and trade associations, and its suburbs are home to numerous science and technology firms. The area leads the nation in workforce participation by women, and has been forecast by American Demographics to be the region leading the nation in job growth over the next ten years.
The following are some websites that have a vast array of information about many aspects of life in Washington. Sites are of general interest unless otherwise noted:
www.washingtonpost.com
www.dcpages.com
www.123washingtondc.com
www.washington.org
www.washingtonian.com
www.thedistrict.com
www.dc.gov
www.si.edu (Smithsonian Institution)
www.kennedy-center.org (John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts)
Public Transportation
The Washington area is served by one of the cleanest, safest, most efficient transportation systems in the world. You can take the subway or a bus to locations throughout the city of Washington, DC, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia. The Metrorail subway (or as Washingtonians call it, “The Metro”) has two stations near your residence buildings; Capitol South and Eastern Market, both on the orange and blue lines. If you plan to take the metro, (which most students will have to do to get to their internships and special events) you should budget approximately $20-$30 per week for commuting costs. A seven-day Fast Pass valid for unlimited Metrorail travel is $22. See www.wmata.com for additional information.
The Metro Rail System operates during the following hours (closing hours may be different for certain stations):
Monday - Thursday 5:30 am - 12:00am
Friday 5:30 am - 3am
Saturday 7:00 am - 3am
Sunday 7:00 am - 12:00am
Holiday hours are subject to extension or truncation. A Metrorail fare ranges between $1.35 and $3.90 depending on distance and whether or not it is rush hour.
Metro buses operate 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, but different routes may vary. Please consult a Metrobus timetable for service details and specific fares. Last year, Metrobus added “Bike ‘N Ride” in which cyclists can bring their bike onboard the subway or Metrobus for free.
In addition to Metro's rail and bus system, the Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle (GUTS) also provides bus service to several parts of the city. This will be the most convenient form of transportation to Georgetown’s campus, which is not located on Capitol Hill. The stops include Capitol Hill (at Georgetown’s Law Center – about a mile from the residential building), the Dupont Circle Metro Station (Red Line), and the Rosslyn (Arlington) Metro Station (Blue/Orange line). This bus service is free for students, but students must have their Georgetown identification cards with them to board the bus. The Driver will ask to see your Georgetown ID; “No ID No Service.” A schedule of each shuttle and the locations of the stops may be viewed by visiting http://otm.georgetown.edu/guts.cfm. Details of location of the office and hours to get your ID card will be provided upon check-in.
END