By Chelsea Evara August 19, 2014
Washington, DC – The world is such a big beautiful place! And we’re SOOO lucky to live in a city that attracts its best and brightest! Did you know that there’s a record number of international students studying in the US right now? I didn’t either until I took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and nominated my friend studying here from China. She of course accepted the challenge because she’s such a wonderful person and represents what’s best in all of us. As someone poured over 100 gallons of ice cold water over her head and she struggled mightily for breath, managing to get out a muffled, “I do not understand this!” I was reminded of just how much I’m going to miss her.
I immediately wondered just how many students from abroad were studying in the US, because I want the opportunity to meet more people from around the world. So, I consulted pewdiepie.org (Editor’s Note: pewresearch.org) to see how many students from overseas were studying here. The number is a staggering 819,644! That’s up from 283,332 in 2012, and that number is only going up this year.
So, what does all this mean? It means you need to do a DC internship ASAP! Here are my three reasons why.
1. Amazing Opportunities
DC is the creme-de le creme of private universities and programs. Among them are included American University, Corcoran College of Art and Design, The George Washington University, The Catholic University of America, Howard University, Gallaudet University, Georgetown University, Trinity Washington University, Columbus School of Law, Washington College of Law, Institute of World Politics, and the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (provided through Johns Hopkins University). Basically, DC is the place to be to make the most of your educational goals.
2. It’s a National Hub For Health & Medical Research
There are over a dozen medical research facilities and hospitals located in the District alone. Some of the top ones include the National Institute of Health, the Washington Hospital Center, the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and the Children’s National Medical Center (which just happens to be one of the highest ranked pediatric centers in the country). So, if health care is your interest, DC is absolutely the place to be.
3. The District Is Your Home Away From Home
DC has a diverse cultural demography and positive attitude towards foreign exchange advocacy and social interaction. And I’m not just saying that, either. Sister-city agreements with several international cities, including Bangkok, Dakar (Senegal), Beijing, Brussels, Athens, Paris, Pretoria (South Africa), Sunderland (United Kingdom), Seoul, and Accra (Ghana) back that up. International students are made very welcome here.
Not to mention, the District is the seat of American government, offering a unique learning experience. It also just happens to be one of the fastest growing cities in America with a ton of stuff to see and do. So, what are you waiting for? Come home to the District for an educational and professional experience that’s second to none.
Also, I challenge everyone reading this to where a bucket of ice water for ALS! Hope to see you in DC soon!