Senior Nicolle Fefferman, an international relations major, said she is using knowledge she obtained while in Washington, D.C. to find a job that is right for her when she graduates in the spring. While there, she had an internship working for a nonprofit organization that dealt with development issues focusing on women's positions in a changing world. University fees are the same as a quarter on campus, but the cost of living in Washington, D.C. is higher. Since UCDC participants are registered as full-time students, they are still eligible for financial assistance. Another program is offered during the summer and students may earn five academic units while working at an internship or they may opt to participate without receiving units.
Students receiving units pay the summer sessions rate per unit in addition to an application fee.
Chris Lehman, a UCD graduate who earned degrees in political science and physics, participated in the 1998 summer program. In Washington, D.C. he interned at the United States Department of Energy Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs - the legislative office for the Department of Energy. Juniors and seniors from any major may apply for the undergraduate program as long as they have completed 89.9 units prior to the quarter in which they want to participate. A grade point average of 3.0 or higher is also recommended for applicants. The admissions committee considers student's full academic record, overall relevant experience, a personal essay, letters of recommendation and a personal interview.