What We Do
The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) hosts Washington, D.C.-based Academic Internship Programs for undergraduate students each summer.
TFAS programs include academic credit from George Mason University, an internship and furnished housing in the heart of Washington, D.C. Students participate in a variety of exclusive guest lectures, site briefings as well as professional development and networking events.
TFAS students leave Washington with 250+ hours of professional experience, an expanded network of contacts, and a greater understanding of the variety of career opportunities.
TFAS Virtual Office Hours
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Schedule a time to speak one-on-one with an admissions representative during our virtual office hours.
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Summer Programs
International Affairs
International Affairs
In-Person in Washington, D.C. >> 8 weeks >> 3-6 Credits from GMU >> International Affairs Internships
Public Policy + Economics
Public Policy + Economics
In-Person in Washington, D.C. >> 8 weeks >> 3-6 Credits from GMU >> Public Policy Internships
Journalism + Communications
Journalism + Communications
In-Person in Washington, D.C. >> 8 weeks >> 3-6 Credits from GMU >> Journalism, Communications + PR Internships
Business + Government Relations
Business + Government Relations
In-Person in Washington, D.C. >> 8 weeks >> 3-6 Credits from GMU >> Government Relations Internships
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Angela McCallum, Clemson University
Intern, Citizens Against Government Waste
“I truly came here thinking that D.C. was just another step in my career path, and that this was just another internship program. However, this program gave me the courage to go up and shake the hand of someone I respect, rather than standing in the back of the room at guest lectures or networking events. Attending every extra event and having the courage to simply introduce myself connected me to many people, who are so willing to help me start a career in D.C. after I graduate in December.”
Alexis Wright, College of Charleston
Intern, United Nations Association of the National Capital Area
“This program gave me a great introduction to DC. I knew that I wanted to live and have an internship in DC, but I knew that I would not be able to do this on my own. By providing housing and great contacts in DC, I was given a great introduction to the area that I would not have experienced without this program.”
Andrew Konnerth, Providence College
Intern, Advisory Council for Bosnia and Herzegovina
“This program’s strengths lie in its ability to create an engaging and interactive community for first time interns in DC. With the extensive network and support services, you can’t not take advantage of everything DC has to offer.”
Mary-Claire Spurgin, Lewis & Clark College
Intern, Partnership for Transparency Fund
“Living and working in DC has been a dream of mine since I was a child, but because I go to school on the West Coast and I don’t have any connections here, I didn’t know if I would have the opportunity to experience DC –trying to secure my own internship and housing seemed both daunting and cost-prohibitive. Because of the amazing help provided this program, I have enjoyed a completely transformative summer. These past few months have affirmed my desire to move to DC once I graduate and to go into public policy as a career…”
Ervin Bryant, Prairie View A&M University
Intern, National Campus Leadership Council
“This summer has been transformative and has exposed me to the professional world in a way I didn’t know I needed. From the classes, to the networking opportunities provided through TFAS, to my internship, I have gained a far better understanding of what I want to do with my life and how I need to grow in order to do so.”
Makenna Arnold, University of Oklahoma
Intern, Institute for Faith, Works & Economics
“I left feeling empowered, equipped, and prepared for the next steps in my professional career. I will remember my summer with this program as being a pivotal moment for my career.”
David Medina, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Intern, The Institute of World Politics
“This program has a network that helps students find interesting and hidden job sites that you wouldn’t know about otherwise.”
Brooke Cary, Thomas Edison State University
Intern, New York Times
“This program was one of the greatest experiences of my life. It helped me hone in the path I wanted to take.”
Austin Sheehy, University of Central Oklahoma
Intern, Senator James Lankford (R-OK)
“This program will provide you with knowledge and values that will enable you to be a better leader in the future.”
Andrew Novak, William Jewell
Intern, Office of Government Ethics
“Interning at the United States Office of Government Ethics was a tremendous experience. It helped enhance skills I intend to use later in my career and it developed a burning passion inside me to enter public service.”
Allie Miller, Clemson University
Intern, kglobal
“My internship taught me so many things about myself – it helped me form a better idea of my career goals while providing me with professional skills I will be able to use for the rest of my career.”
#TFAS Updates
TFAS Alumni Profile – Andrew Visentine ’24
Discover the enriching journey of TFAS alumni Andrew Visentine ’24, a chemical engineering major from Texas A&M University, who discovered a whole new world during his transformative summer in Washington,…
Application Advice from TFAS Staff
We asked our Collegiate Programs and Admissions Teams for their best application advice. Keep these tips in mind as you work on your TFAS application! Timely Transcripts Request…
How to Submit Your Official Transcript to TFAS
No matter which TFAS Program you apply to, you will have to submit your official transcript to TFAS as part of the application. This post will provide information about submitting…
TFAS Alumni Profile – Sandra Taboada-Palau ’24
Discover the enriching journey of TFAS alumna Sandra Taboada-Palau ’24, a journalism major from the University of Houston, who discovered a whole new world during her transformative summer in Washington,…