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The Non-Credit Certificate Program For Students from International Universities

Washington Semester Program International Students

Students from partner international universities can take part in the Washington Semester Program (WSP) through an exclusive non-credit certificate program, available by nomination from their home institution. 

The program enables students from around the world to live, study, and gain professional experience in Washington, D.C. Through coursework at American University and hands-on work placements, participants work directly with American professionals across fields such as politics, business, media, and global affairs. The program strengthens knowledge in areas such as politics, business, international relations, history, and journalism while helping students build an international professional network.

Program Highlights

  • Nomination-based access for partner university students
  • Reduced tuition structure
  • Home institution-awarded credit designed to align seamlessly with individual degree pathways
  • Experiential learning through WSP seminars featuring 15+ site visits and guest speakers
  • Internship placement support and career advising
  • Coursework and full campus access at American University
  • Direct engagement with U.S. institutions and professionals
  • Lasting global professional connections

The non-credit certificate option is available during the fall and spring terms only. Students from partner universities are sponsored by American University for a J-1 visa to participate in the program.

To confirm whether your institution is an official partner, please contact washsem@american.edu

Non-credit program students have access to the same internship opportunities as other WSP participants, with a few additional requirements to note:

Academic Training Restrictions:
Non-credit certificate students engage in internships, referred to as academic trainings and must remain in compliance to the work restrictions of their J1 visa.

Experiential Learning Form (ELF):
J-1 students must submit an ELF once their internship is secured to receive a work authorization update for their J-1 visa (DS-2019. Students cannot begin their academic training until the work authorization is received.

Working Hours + Modality Limitations:
J-1 students are limited to 20 hours per week of primarily in-person work.

To learn how to apply, review the admissions page. 

Please review the Washington Semester Program Cost Guide to view current tuition rates and expenses for one semester of the non-credit certificate program.

Students in the non-credit certificate program participate alongside domestic Washington Semester Program students, taking the same coursework.