Qualified students may spend one semester of their junior year at American University (Washington, D.C.) studying a variety of topics. Students enroll in a core seminar, which consists of meetings with guest lecturers from a huge network of national and international organizations and agencies, and class readings. An elective course or research project is undertaken, along with an internship placement two days a week. For the period of study away, no fees are paid to Wheaton; students pay tuition and fees to American University. Wheaton merit scholarship and financial aid funds are not available, though students are eligible for state and federal aid programs and may apply to American University for special scholarships. Credits return to Wheaton, though grades are considered as transfer courses and do not effect the Wheaton grade point average.

For information on these programs in the United States, visit the Filene Center in Kollett Hall.  Applications for these programs are done in consultation with Dean Steve Viveiros in Academic Advising.