Many students choose an internship that provides practical experience to augment their theoretical knowledge of government. Every year a number of Sweet Briar students have internships in Washington, DC, in executive, congressional, and public agency offices or with interest groups. Students also undertake law-related internships with judges, lawyers, and prosecutors. Topics covered at A.U. include American politics, public law, justice, journalism, international environment and development, international business and trade, foreign policy, economic policy, and peace and conflict resolution. Students are invited to attend PLEN seminars and workshops throughout the year in Washington and abroad as well as PLEN's semester in Washington.
Students also have frequent opportunities to hear and meet with guest lecturers.
Recent speakers include former Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder, former Texas Governor Ann Richards, UPI White House Correspondent Helen Thomas, political cartoonist Pat Oliphant, Cherokee Chief Wilma Mankiller, Washington Post Supreme Court correspondent Joan Biskupic, Clerk of the U.S. Supreme Court William Suter, and Carl Bernstein. Leading experts from business, labor, government and academe participated in these events. This page maintained by Sweet Briar College Public Relations.