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A: You can apply for either of the sessions. The main differences between the two courses are the level of teaching and length of the papers due at the end of the program. Graduate-level papers are 20-25 pages, while the undergraduate page requirement is 15-18. Keep in mind that if you plan to pursue a graduate degree at the Elliott School or any other graduate school, only graduate-level course credits may be accepted toward a graduate degree.
A: Yes. However, you must still complete the USFPI application process. The credits will appear on your GW transcript. If you’ve already graduated from GW, you may attend the graduate program and the credits may transfer to other schools.
Q: I will be a freshman in the fall. Can I still attend the Institute?
A: We would advise you to wait for a year and apply after your freshman year.
Q: I am a not a native English speaker and am interested in applying, but I do not have a TOEFL score, and no test is available to me before the application deadline. Can I still apply?
A: Yes you can apply, but we do need to see a TOEFL score before you can be fully admitted. We can grant offers conditional upon a suitable score, but this must be received before the institute commences.
A: No, you are not required to live on campus and/or purchase the meal plan. Please see our appropriate cost breakdown.
Q: What are the costs for auditing the course?
A: The costs remain the same whether you are taking the course for credit or auditing. The difference is that you are not required to complete a final paper if you are auditing.
Q: Will the tuition I pay at my home university cover USFPI’s program fees?
A: No. You will pay normal tuition fees at the Elliott School, as well as USFPI administrative fees, room and board costs (if applicable), and other miscellaneous fees for the use of GW’s facilities.
Q: If I attend one of the Washington Area Consortium Schools (WASC), will my tuition fees at my home university cover the tuition costs?
A: No. If you attend a WASC school, you must still fill out an application to attend the summer program. Unfortunately, because it is a special summer course, you will need to pay GW tuition fees.
Q: I am an international student and would prefer to pay for the deposit/course via wire transfer. How do I do that?
A: Please refer to GW’s cashier’s office website for the relevant bank transfer form. Take the completed form to your bank and they should be able to complete the transfer.
A: Yes. We will be awarding 8 partial scholarships of $1,250 each. If you are already under financial aid at your university, you may be able to apply for additional financial assistance for our summer program. Alternatively, you may be able to apply for some financial aid through GW, but you would have to be studying fulltime, which means 6 or more credits (the Institute in addition to an independent study). Details of eligibility are on their website.
Q: Are there any financial aid opportunities available for summer course?
A: Graduate students are able to use their financial aid for the course. Unfortunately, financial aid is not usually available for undergraduates to use on summer courses. This year however, we will have a number of competitive scholarships that will cover a proportion of the costs of the institutes, so this may help a bit.
Q: The scholarship option requires letter of recommendation. To whom do I address them?
A: Dr. Joanna Spear.
US Foreign Policy Institute
Elliott School of International Affairs
The George Washington University
1957 E Street, NW, Suite 501
Washington, DC 20052
Q: Should I include the letters of recommendation in the application packet, or should my professors send them separately?
A: Please mail your letters of recommendation with the rest of your application materials.
Q: I wish to audit the course. Am I still eligible to apply for a scholarship?
A: You may apply for a scholarship; however, priority will be given to students who will use the scholarship toward the completion of a degree.
A: The independent study option (which must be completed in addition to the regular course) offers three additional credits. It requires writing a second research paper under the supervision of Dr. Spear. Its focus should be on a particular case study of a significant event or theme in U.S. foreign policy. You would have an extra six weeks in which to complete the independent study.
Q: Suppose I am accepted to the program—when will I be informed, and when can I expect a course syllabus?
A: Those accepted will get a list of key readings a month before the start of the program. You will get access to blackboard, an online teaching tool that allows us to send you the readings and any other pertinent information.
Q: How is the course assessed?
A: The grade for the U.S. Foreign Policy Institute will be assessed based on: in-class questions for speakers, a three-page policy memorandum along with a oral briefing and a term paper of varying length depending on session. For the Reporting U.S. Foreign Policy program assessment will additionally be based on: in-class participation, daily writing assignments and a final report relating to foreign policy.
Q: What are the assignments and how much time do I have to complete them?
A: In addition to preparing daily questions for speakers, you will complete two writing assignments. The first is a three-page policy memorandum in which you will recommend policy on a specific issue. Secondly, a research paper on a topic of your choosing relating to U.S. Foreign Policy. For undergraduates, 15-18 pages are expected, while graduates do 20-25 pages. You will have six weeks in which to complete the research paper.
A: Generally we encourage students interested in the Journalism program to take both portions of the course. If there are additional places available, applications to the journalism program alone will be considered.