Abroad, abroad, abroad. If you're a sophomore, junior, or even an ambitious freshman, chances are you've heard the term thrown around a bit (read: a LOT) at information sessions, in classes, or by friends who are beginning the application process. Applications vary by college and program, with certain colleges throwing language restrictions, prerequisites, and credit limits on top of the application process.

I'm not saying going abroad isn't worth it--from what I've heard, it is one of the most rewarding experiences of most people's college careers. However, if for one reason or another, you decide not to go fully abroad yet still want to spend a semester away from Ithaca, I highly recommend checking out Cornell in Washington.

Open to all majors, the program is available for Spring, Fall, and Summer sessions. Applications for the upcoming Spring are due on October 20th. The application consists of a faculty recommendation, 500-word personal statement, resume, and transcript. No visas required, no housing scramble. Participants live at 2148 O Street NW, right in the heart of Dupont Circle. As a current resident of the Cornell Wolpe Center, I can say that I will probably never live in another location as nice as this. Really.

Classes are administered under the Cornell schedule by highly vetted lecturers and Cornell professors alike. I'm currently taking an Art History course taught by the head lecturer at the National Gallery, and a Shakespeare class by an Oxford lecturer who has worked with Ralph Finnes (Voldemort!). Our core class, taught by Cornell professor David Silbey, is worth eight credits and excellent preparation for a senior thesis. All classes are marked as Cornell credits, which means you don't have to worry about them transferring. There is no limit on how many classes you can take, but most people tend to stay in the 12-16 credit range.

Equally important in the program are internships. Every student is required to work an internship during the day on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Because of this, classes are only taught Thursday, Friday, and MTW at night. If you have a hard time finding an internship, the Cornell staff are always there to help. Currently, we have students working for organizations like the Department of Defense, the White House, Bloomberg, the Democratic National Committee, and the US House of Representatives, to name a few. If you don't happen to aspire to work in government, it is easy to find an opportunity in the private sector (and even get paid!). I'm working for PredictIt, an online prediction market based out of Aristotle International, doing graphic design and marketing. I can truly say that taking the opportunity to gain such valuable real world experience while enrolled in 16 credits is the best choice I've made at Cornell.

Best of all, you're away from Ithaca, but not that far. I just made the 6-hour drive up for homecoming, and love to know that I can get there and back comfortably in the matter of a weekend. You'll be in the same time zone as your friends, and don't have to worry about international data charges.

Any of this sound interesting, or at least a good excuse to escape the blizzard that is Ithaca in November? Apply online at ciw.cornell.edu, or visit the Cornell in Washington Office at 101M McGraw Hall.

Additionally, any general questions can be directed at cwash@cornell.edu. Living in the nation's capital has made this semester my best one yet, and given the chance, I think you'll agree with me.