Heather Goldin
4 Reasons I chose to study “abroad” in Washington
Heather Goldin
Fall 2015
Entering Boston University, I knew I wanted to study abroad. Last Spring, I was deciding between leaving the country completely — a choice that 40 percent of students make — and interning in Washington, D.C. Here are the reasons I chose to be in the Nation’s capital.
1. Networking with professionals, and other students
Boston University’s Washington, DC program is typically smaller than other abroad destinations, which is a great way to get to know other students in the program. Many of my peers are also interested in coming back to DC after graduation, so I know that they will be great connections down the road.
An instagram picture I took on the first day of my internship at CNN, which I was so excited about! I couldn’t have obtained such an opportunity if I didn’t intern in Washington (Photo: Heather Goldin)
Washington is also a city filled with young professionals, so I am able to connect with others where I am interning, on group field trips, and through class guest speakers.
2. Having a say in your internship
Watching Richard Fowler tape his weekly show for my internship with The Richard Fowler Show (Photo: Heather Goldin)
Speaking of networking, It was really important to me to find an internship that would not only stand out on my resume, but would get me closer to figuring out what kind of journalism I want to pursue after graduation. A huge advantage to staying in the states is that you don’t have to go through any outside agency to find an internship you are passionate about. Working with the program manager for Washington, I applied to internships I was interested in, and BU helped me with my cover letters and interview prep when I needed it.
If you don’t have any leads, that’s fine too. BU has strong connections with companies that BU students have interned with in the past, and in some cases alumni want current students to intern for them. I also was drawn to the DC program because unlike students who intern abroad for the second half of the program, you intern the whole time.
3. Job opportunities later on
I know I want to stay in the U.S. after I graduate, so I saw interning here as an advantage to my future career. By interning with a company in DC, I know I am more likely to be considered for a full time job compared to someone who has studied abroad. At my current internship, I was told that they look at previous interns before outside candidates for full-time opportunities.
4. Exploring a new U.S. city
Just like I would abroad, I to wanted to explore a new city. I am so grateful to the BU program for taking us to events such as a Nationals baseball game or to the U.S. Institute of Peace. I have found new favorite restaurants as well as new neighborhoods to hang out in on the weekends.
Boston University took us to a Nationals baseball game in September, one of many amazing field trips throughout the semester. (Photo: Heather Goldin)
Halfway through the semester, I can really see myself moving back to DC after I graduate. Studying “abroad” in DC was one of the best decisions I’ve made in college, and I would encourage anyone thinking about interning abroad to do the same.
Heather is a senior studying journalism and interning at both CNN and The Richard Fowler Show.
