Website: https://www.american.edu/provost/ogis/washington-semester-program/international-student-program.cfm
Offered by the Office of Global & Immersive Studies , the Washington Semester Non-Credit International Certificate Program has enabled thousands of students from international universities to live, work, and study in Washington, DC. Offered in conjunction with American University’s Washington Semester Program (WSP), the International Certificate Program (ICP) allows international students from partner universities to take American University (AU) courses that can count towards the requirements of their home school degrees.
The unique value of the program is that it combines coursework from a nationally-ranked university, experiential learning through topical seminars, and a structured and supervised career practicum at one of DC’s most dynamic institutions. The program-specific seminars, 3-days-a-week career practicum, and AU elective courses allow students to earn the noncredit equivalent of 8 to 16 credits.
Students study at AU for the fall or spring and enjoy the services and benefits of full-time AU students. Additionally, students learn from experienced AU faculty and are supported by dedicated program administrators and academic advisors. Students can participate in AU’s hundreds of clubs and activities and immerse themselves in the richly diverse campus community.
Students enroll in:
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Two noncredit seminars from the following topics:
- American Politics
- Foreign Policy
- Global Economics and Business
- International Law and Organizations
- Journalism and New Media
- Justice and Law
- Sustainable Development
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One noncredit career practicum course
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One noncredit elective (optional)
ICP students enroll in courses with students in the credit-bearing Washington Semester Program. However, the following only applies to ICP students:
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Grades are based on class attendance and participation, completion of readings, selected assignments and demonstrated efforts to achieve established academic and professional learning goals
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Upon completion of the International Certificate Program, students are graded and receive an American University transcript listing the courses and grades; however, the transcript noted that courses are noncredit
WSP Global Economics and Business Track:
Students in the International Certificate Program can enter the WSP Global Economics and Business Track offered in conjunction with American University’s Kogod School of Business.
Students in the track work with the Kogod School of Business Office of Career Engagement to secure a business-oriented career practicum.
Students take courses from the following:
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WSP Noncredit Seminar 1: Globalization in Crisis: International Business, Law and Organization Policy Issues
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WSP Noncredit Seminar 2: One course from the following topics:
- Criminal Legal System: Roots of Mass Incarceration and Racial Disparity
- Managing the Pandemic in Globalized Societies
- National Conversations in Times of Crisis
- Political Transitions and Policy Implications
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One noncredit course from a Kogod School of Business elective course list
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WSP Global Business and Economics Career Practicum noncredit course
