Frequently Asked Questions
Parents FAQ
1. Basics
Will credits earned with SIWJ transfer to the students home institution?
Depending on the semester, students may receive up to 12.0 credit hours for courses taken at George Washington University. It is up to the student to meet with academic advisors to determine eligibility of SIWJ courses and transferable credits may vary from school to school.
Why should my student participate in this program?
There are many reasons for why a student should come to Washington, DC and every student who attends the SIWJ program comes for a different reason. In the past, we have seen students who search for a different kind of education, some come for hands-on internship experience, others for a taste of the real world. We have had students looking for an opportunity, a way to get their foot in the door at the job of their dreams and some who are not sure why they come, but claim they are looking for “something.”
Program Director Amos Gelb counsels every student who participates in this program and throughout the last 10 years almost all claim, "It's something you just have to experience."
Soon, your student will need a job and that is the biggest reason for anyone to consider this program. If your student is looking for a job in media or journalism, they are unlikely prepared for what awaits them. The industry constantly evolves and this program is at the forefront of change. We have designed the curriculum in an effort to prepare students for constant change and aim to give a realistic idea about what they may do in the real world.
What is the approximate cost of the program?
For the Spring 2010 semester the total approximate cost for the program will be:
$13,884: Tuition
$6,125: Housing
$20,009: TOTAL COST
For the Summer 2010 semester the total approximate cost for the program will be:
$6,288: Tuition
$3,000: Housing
$9,288: TOTAL COST*
*Price based on Summer 2009 cost
2. Safety and Housing
How safe is Washington, DC?
The GW main campus is located within blocks of both the White House and the State Department in Northwest DC, one of the safest areas of the city. All buildings and residence halls on campus are locked allowing students to enter with special swipe-card keys. The campus is patrolled by GW's own University Police, whose staff is available 24 hours a day. For student convenience there is also a free escort shuttle service which runs from 7 pm to 5:30 am seven days a week .
Keep in mind Washington, DC is a major city in the USA and compared to smaller cities and town there is a higher potential for crime. We remind our students to be aware of their surroundings at all times and protect themselves while on campus. For more information please visit GW campus safety advisory website and sign up for text message or e-mail alerts.
Where will my student live?
Students can choose to live on or off the GWU campus. It is not required that students live on campus to participate in the program. Students may commute to DC for class seminars and internships.
Those who choose to live on campus will live in apartment-style housing with other Semester in Washington students. Each residence features a full kitchen, living area, bathroom and bedroom furnished with a bed, dresser and desk. Typically, students will be assigned rooms with double occupancy and at times triple. *We can not offer single occupancy to most SIWJ students, but if there are health reasons requiring a single we will work with GWU housing to accommodate the student.
3. Payment and Financial Assistance
How do most students pay for the program?
Each student has a different situation, but there are 3 different ways to cover the cost of the SIWJ Program.
1. Consortium Agreement
This is an agreement between the student's home institution and GWU allowing students to participate. This must be filled out by the home institution and then mailed directly to the SIWJ offices. (DO NOT MAIL TO GWU ADMISSION OR FINANCIAL AID OFFICES) We will work with the GWU financial aid office to make sure the home institution receives proper certification of the students enrollment in the program. It is highly suggested students talk with their home financial aid office about this option since it is the preferred method of payment.
2. Direct-To-Consumer Loans
Students participating in the SIWJ may NOT use private student loans, PLUS, Stafford, federal or any other private loan which dispenses funds to GWU to cover the cost of the program. The only loans accepted by GWU for SIWJ students are direct-to-consumer or personal loans, where payment is dispersed from the financial institution to the student and then the student may pay GWU.
3. Direct Payment
Those wishing to cover the cost of the program may pay GWU directly through the Student Accounts Office located at Colonial Center on the bottom floor of the Marvin Center using a check or money order.
Its About The Job
Landing a job in the media industry today requires skills, experience and connections. The SIWJ program provides students with exactly what they need to get that job after graduation.
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