Program Description

Co-sponsored by Hansard Society and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, this program offers students the unique opportunity to spend eleven weeks in London engaged in a parliamentary internship. You will study British politics at the London School of Economics (LSE), have seminars with politicians and do an internship with an organisation which corresponds with your research interests. Internships are for three days (20 hours) per week and, in the past, have included Houses of Parliament, The Cabinet Office, Government Departments, Campaign groups, Lobbying/ Public Affairs Organisations, Businesses and Consultancies, NGO's, etc.

When not hard at work, all of the historic and cultural treasures of London are available to explore. London, the capital city of England, is the most populous city in the European Union. The city is an international leader in finance, and its involvement in politics, education, entertainment, fashion, media, and the arts contribute to its status as a major global city. London is an international transport hub and a major tourist destination, counting iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace amongst its many attractions, along with famous institutions such as the British Museum and the National Gallery.

Academics

The parliamentary internship combines practical experience with academic training in political science. It has five elements: Study Placement (internship), Parliament & Politics course, Politics & Public Policy course, Guest lectures and Dissertation (research paper). Students will earn 10 credits for the program: four graded credits for the 2 courses, three graded credits for the research project and three graded credits for the internship.

This program provides students with a hands-on work experience in a political environment. Interns typically research local, national, and international issues and write reports, press releases, subject briefs, and even speeches. Students will be expected to work three days (20 hours) per week, and to be flexible with their schedules.

Housing

The program provides accommodation in apartments (flats) in central London for all students. The apartments include kitchen facilities, furniture and bedlinen. Accommodation is based on students sharing rooms. All apartments are cleaned regularly and are located close to shopping and entertainment facilities in central London. The cost of housing is included in the program fee.

Excursions and Activities

Students will be provided with a Welcome Packet and a week long orientation when they arrive. Orientation week will cover aspects of the program including introductory sessions from all of the classes, and will discuss the academic courses, the scholar’s placement and what is expected of them during their time in London. In addition, there will be tour of LSE, Parliament and a theatre visit.

To insure that students experience the best that London and the UK have to offer, the program organizes a few study visits, day-trips, and theatre trips for all students. These include: a four-day political study visit to Edinburgh, Scotland; a day-trip to the historic city of Oxford and lectures in the world famous Oxford University Theatre; and trips to some of the top shows playing in London’s famous West End.