American Semester
American Semester in Washington, DC
In the spirit of the Benedictine hallmarks, Belmont Abbey College invites students to the American Semester–a residential program in the heart of our Nation’s Capital.
The American Semester in Washington, D.C. forms college students academically, professionally, and spiritually through first-class internships, interdisciplinary coursework, devotional life, and intentional socialization.
This 12-week, internship-based program is open to college sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Program Details
- Must be a currently-enrolled Belmont Abbey College student.
- Open to any major.
In addition to Belmont Abbey College’s standard tuition, the cost details are:
- $850 Program Fee
- Room (similar in cost to BAC on-campus housing)
- Daily board (meals) are not included except for a limited number of dinner receptions and family-style dinners.
- Complete your application.
The application can only be accessed by current BAC students. So, login to your BAC student email and complete the application here. - Complete an interview.
After completing your application, the American Semester program director will contact you to schedule an interview. - Applicants are admitted on a rolling basis, so apply at any time.
The American Semester is designed to allow students to complete 15 college credits toward their degrees:
- 6-9 credits – (required) College-approved internship, which may satisfy either particular or general course requirements at departmental discretion
- 3 credits – (required) American Semester Colloquium, incorporating weekly lectures from political and academic
leaders in a variety of fields - 3 credits – (optional) Political Agency and Human Anthropology, an interdisciplinary course
- 3-6 credits – (optional) In-person or Online Coursework, which may include graduate courses
- 3 credits – (optional) Independent Research Project, resulting in a paper of publishable quality
With one building for male residences, one for female residences, and one for personnel and other College guests, Belmont Abbey’s three contiguous row houses (collectively the “Belmont House”) bring students to the very heart of Washington–500 feet from the United States Capitol, the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court. In addition, several policy institutions sit less than 100 feet from Belmont House.
Student apartments each include a living space, full kitchen, full bathroom, and washer and dryer. Additionally, the facilities offer larger communal kitchens and living spaces for family-style dinners and socials. BAC Residence Life maintains on-site staff.
A Washington internship provides professional training and substantive practical instruction, allowing students to explore interests in a host of fields, such as law, social or natural science, human
services, economics, statecraft, finance, and business. Emmett McGroarty, Executive Director of the Belmont House, will work with students to identify and facilitate internship placements.
Beyond the networking related to internships, Belmont Abbey will organize formal social events throughout the semester for students to meet influential national leaders.
Such events may include:
- Semester opening and closing receptions at the Belmont House
- Evening receptions
- Professional lunches
- Local conferences and related events
Internship Opportunities
Students may explore a host of potential internship opportunities, including:
- Congressional committees, congressional research agencies, and federal executive agencies
- Advocacy offices of national organizations such as USCCB, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Catholic Relief Services
- Republican Party headquarters (2.5 blocks away) and Democratic Party headquarters (5.5 blocks away)
- Museums and leading academic, religious, cultural, and non-profit institutions such as the Folger Shakespeare Library, the Smithsonian Institution,
- Fortune 500 and homegrown business offices
- Sport franchises such as the Nationals, the Wizards, the Capitals, D.C. United, and the Mystic
“I whole-heartedly recommend Belmont Abbey College’s program in Washington. As a 2024 graduate of the College, I stayed at the Belmont House while interning for the Hudson Institute’s Center for Religious Freedom and its director, Nina Shea. Living in the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, I enjoyed early-morning runs along the National Mall, conducted research in the stunning Library of Congress reading room, and explored the cafés and shops along Independence Avenue. At Belmont House, I befriended some of the leading figures on Capitol Hill, some of whom remain a source of wisdom for me”. — Christopher Mee, ‘24
Social & Professional Life
The American Semester cultivates the art of socialization in furtherance of community formation–the practices of good citizenship and building the Body of Christ. In that regard, many of the country’s leading intellectual, nonprofit, and professional organizations are neighbors of Belmont House. In support of their missions, these organizations develop political narratives by hosting lectures, receptions, and other public events.
The American Semester integrates students into that dynamic, guiding students in discerning truth –separating the wheat from the chaff – while building their own lifelong networks of friends and mentors.
Spiritual Life
Students participating in the American Semester will find a robust and thriving community grounded in the Benedictine spirit of prayer and
work.
In addition, students will have access to the spiritual activities and sacramental life of both neighborhood Catholic parishes–Saint Peter’s Church on Capitol Hill (less than one block away) and Saint Joseph’s on Capitol Hill (five blocks away).
Our Capitol Hill Neighborhood
Program facilities are located at the intersection of Pennsylvania Ave and 3rd St SE, within one block of the Library of Congress, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, and a 24-hour US Capitol Police multi-officer kiosk.
A short walk away, students will find The United States Capitol and Supreme Court Building, Folger Shakespeare Library (and Theater), St. Joseph’s on Capitol Hill, congressional office buildings, Capitol South Subway Station, and much more!
