Students intern with ASP in Washington, D.C.
April 22, 2008
Two Corban seniors, Carol Jones and Megan Schenewerk, have spent their final semester in Washington, D.C. with the American Studies Program (ASP). Both women are social science majors and advisees of Dr. Bob Mathisen, social science chair.
 In addition to her coursework in the American Studies Program, Carol Jones’s learning experience includes her internship at the Liberty Center for Law and Policy in Washington, D.C. |
“I was really pleased that we’re getting into the Washington, D.C. program again after a couple years away,” said Mathisen. “If I were a student, I’d be all over this internship opportunity.”
The American Studies Program is just one of many off-campus study programs available to Corban students which are offered through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.
Others are held stateside in contemporary music, film studies, and journalism as well as culture-crossing programs in Australia, China, Latin America, the Middle East, England (Oxford), Russia, and Uganda.
“We especially encourage our social science majors to go to Washington,” said Mathisen. “It’s really a great experience to see a part of the country not familiar to many people west of the Rockies, but so significant to our nation’s history. In addition, you’re with a very diverse group of students—about forty of them in this class—so you’re expanding your horizons.”
Jones explained, “You get to live with an awesome group of people from around the country who can teach you new perspectives and on whom you can have an impact as well.”
Schenewerk added, “I have really enjoyed the opportunity to live in Washington, D.C. and be in a congressional office. I have loved being able to work on Capitol Hill.”
Students in ASP earn full academic credit from their local college which includes eight hours of coursework in domestic and international policy plus an additional eight hours with an internship in their chosen field.
 A group of ASP students, including Carol Jones (front row, 4th from left) and Megan Schenewerk (back row, 2nd from left), take in the sights in the nation’s Capitol. They are shown here on Easter Sunday in front of the Jefferson Memorial, just in time for the cherry blossoms. |
Jones interns with the Liberty Center for Law and Policy not far from the White House. The Center trains attorneys, law students, policymakers, legislators, clergy and world leaders in constitutional principles and government policies.
Schenewerk interns in the office of Congressman Mike Pence (Republican) of Indiana’s Sixth District. Although her main job is to process constituent mail that comes to the office—even writing letters that answer questions—the majority of her time is spent outside the office giving tours of the Capitol.
“I really love the tours,” Schenewerk said. “I get to learn all the history and artwork, so it is really fun.”
Outside of internship, students are kept busy with classes, seminars and homework.
“The courses are challenging,” said Jones. “But you’re forced to get out in the city and learn from it. You do project research by talking to influential people and attending briefings at places like the White House, the State Department, and Pentagon, then giving that information to people who can actually make a difference in this country.”
“It’s unlike the classes and schedule at Corban or any universities,” Schenewerk observed. “I have had the chance to really push myself and search out who I am becoming and how my vocation is a part of that.”
Mathisen indicated that ASP is a great networking opportunity for students. As Jones pointed out, “My experience here in D.C. has opened up a new world of possibilities, so I’m undecided as of yet about what I’m doing after graduation.” Schenewerk, on the other hand, has plans to continue working in a congressional office at the state or national level.
“Of course, it’s not all work,” Jones noted. “By living in D.C., you have plenty of time to see the sights and experience the wonder of nation’s Capitol.”
Both women will conclude their studies and internships in time to participate in Corban’s commencement exercises on May 3.
According to Jones, “This semester has been an amazing growing experience, and I am so glad I came!”
More information about the American Studies Program and other off-campus study programs available through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities can be seen at www.bestsemester.com.
