The Lutheran College Washington Semester is a small, personalized program where students live, study, and intern while earning a full semester of academic credit from their college. Located in the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington, VA, across the Key Bridge from Georgetown, students enjoy condo living, not dormitories, while the LCWS maintains administrative offices, classrooms, computer lab, conference room, and study lounge.
Fall and spring semesters are offered during which students attend internships on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. On Wednesdays students attend field trips, briefings, tours, and various other activities. Every Wednesday there is at least one activity and sometimes two or even three on rare occasions. Each of these field trips or activities are mandatory and must be completed to fulfill the program requirements. On special occasions, events may be planned on other days of the week than Wednesdays but this is rare and typically will not interfere with work schedules.
While attending LCWS students are also required to fulfill the Dean’s Requirements. These include a Congressional Committee Summary, a Protest or Demonstration Paper, attending all field trips / events, and completing 12 hours of community service.
The Lutheran College Washington Semester also offers a summer residential housing program allowing students to use the LCWS condos while living in D.C. for the summer. Only housing is provided as LCWS does not secure internships for students and there are no classes or field trips. Please visit our Summer Housing page for more details.