Frequently Asked Questions:

Questions about Housing?

Housing

 

  • Will these classes count towards my degree?
    • Yes, these classes can count towards your degree. Please work with our team and your academic advisor to find out how they fit into your specific program.
  • How much does the program cost?
    • There is no additional program fee. The classes cost the same as if you were taking them on campus in California. Because this is on-site in Washington, DC, there are additional costs for housing and travel. Roundtrip airfare is roughly $300-$500. Housing for Spring or Summer is roughly $4000. The program helps subsidize some of these costs and we have special scholarships to help. Please contact us for more information.
  • Do I get to pick my roommate?
    • Yes, this is possible in most situations although most have found it better to expand professional networks by expanding housing situations to others.
  • How do I know where I will intern?
    • The program will help you find an internship, but part of the experiential learning process is also searching for what you want with our guidance. Internship offices will want you to apply directly but the program and we work to help you find the right office, tailor your application, and use our alumni connections to help make it possible.
  • Will FAFSA help cover this?
    • Yes, financial aid applies just like you are taking classes here.
  • Who teaches the classes?
    • The program assigns regular faculty to the program based on their interest, expertise about DC, and ability to design curriculum to match the city and your experiences.
  • Do other schools have something like this?
    • We are the longest running and largest DC program in the CSU system and we partner with several other CSU campuses.
  • Is this the same as Panetta?
    • No. The Panetta program is a great program focused mostly on Congress and is limited to one student per campus per year. Students in our program have interned in Congressional offices but also with interest groups, the media, Smithsonian and other DC library, theaters, and many other areas.
  • I don’t have any political experience. Is this a program I should consider?
    • Yes, the program is designed to be an inter-disciplinary program with interests and experiences that are far ranging.
  • I am nervous I won’t know as much about politics as other people there. Is that something I need to worry about?
    • Not at all and you will quickly learn about DC politics and DC culture which is one reason to go!
  • Is there a strong alumni network?
    • Yes, and they want to help you. Our alumni help facilitate internships, mentor Cal State DC students while they are there, and help provide financial support through the program.Is it hard to be accepted to the program?

Questions about Program Cost?

Costs

 

  • I would prefer not to fly alone. Is there a group flight? 
    • We do not coordinate flights but many students do coordinate flying together.  We will discuss travel options more at the Orientation Sessions.  
  • I have a lease in Orange County. How do I cover two apartments at once? 
    • In the past, some people have sub-leased if their contract permits that.  We do provide financial assistance to help off-set the costs of housing in DC because we know this is a difficult situation.
  • I am not a political science major – can you show me how these classes will look on my TDA? 
    • These courses will be listed as elective units and GE units when appropriate.  It is also possible for some of the units to count towards your major.  Please work with us and your advisor for this option.
  • What do I need to bring to my apartment? 
    • More information will come directly from the housing provider.  Apartments are fully furnished and most students just bring personal items.
  • Will my roommates be from CSUF? 
    • Most students do room with someone else from the program but others choose not to do so.
  • How do I go grocery shopping without a car? 
    • As you’ll learn, DC is both a walking city and has a great public transportation system including the Metro.
  • How does paying for utilities work? 
    • Utilities are included in the housing costs.
  • When should I start applying for internships?
    • As early as possible.  Once we have your application, we can start this process together.
  • Are there any field trips included in the program? 
    • There are occasional optional field trips and a mandatory networking reception.  Often students explore on their own, in small groups, and with their internship offices.
  • Where do I take classes? 
    • Classes are offered near your housing facilities.
  • My flight gets in late at night. How will I get into my apartment?
    • Work directly with the housing provider to arrange for after-hours arrivals.  The closest airport is Reagan National (DCA) but students also fly into Washington Dulles (IAD) and Baltimore (BWI).  Taxis, ride-shares, and public transportation options exist from each airport.

Information about other CSU campuses?
CSU-Wide