Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the application process?

The application process is made up of three steps: the written application, a group interview, and a panel interview.

After applications are turned in, applicants will go through a group interview that will last approximately one hour. If chosen to go through the next round, the applicants will then go through a 30-minute panel interview.

After all interviews have been conducted, the panel will select the final group that will be offered the opportunity to participate in the NTDC program. From there, our office will send your applications out to congressional offices in Washington D.C. to be reviewed and given interviews from there.

If accepted, what happens to my current financial aid and scholarships the semester I intern?

To ensure you are eligible for consideration of financial aid, you must be enrolled in a half-time course load (according to the UNT Registrar) during the semester you intern. 
The criteria for scholarships vary from scholarship to scholarship. You should confirm the requirements of your scholarship to determine any restrictions.

Scholarship criteria may be obtained from the department of your major, Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, or the external donor of your award. You can attain a waiver from the Office of Financial Aid for your semester in DC for certain UNT scholarships. 

What semesters are the internship available?

The NTDC internship program is available for the Fall and Spring semesters. Fall and spring internships last the length of the entire semester (approximately 15-16 weeks).

All interns are expected to complete the FULL term, even if the minimum number of hours required for their degree plan has been fulfilled before the end of the semester.

How many hours of course credit can I get while I am in DC?

Students may receive up to six (6) hours credit for the fall or spring semester. Determination of credit hours is at the discretion of the student's advisor.

Students should work with their academic department to determine the best class(es) in which to register. In most cases, departments have internship or special problems courses that will accommodate the needs of your NTDC internship. A university course, UCRS 4800/5800, was created for those areas that do not have one, or where the internship requirements for the department do not match with that of the NTDC internship.

Please note: you will only be able to enroll in virtual courses as you will physically be working and interning out in Washington D.C.!

Where do NTDC interns live?

Interns will live in housing that is chosen and paid for by the NTDC program administrators. NTDC generally uses WISH (Washington Intern Student Housing) to accommodate the interns.

All WISH locations house student-interns only and are within walking distance to Capitol Hill. NTDC makes an effort to ensure that all UNT interns are assigned the same housing location.

Most of the WISH properties are set up in a dorm fashion, with two students per room. You can learn more by visiting the WISH website: http://internsdc.com/

Where have students interned in the past?

Students have interned in over 40 offices, including the congressional offices of Senator John Cornyn, Congressman Michael Burgess, and Congressman Henry Cuellar, as well as Museums such as the Naval Art Museum, Smithsonian American History Museum, and the National Portrait Gallery.

Students have also interned in organizations such as the Hudson Institute, the International Rescue Committee, and the American Security Project. 

Students today are primarily placed in Congressional internships with occasional placements in non-profits or public policy groups.

Are travel costs covered by the NTDC program or are they the responsibility of the interns?

Travel costs are NOT covered by the NTDC program at this current time. Selected interns should make their own plans when traveling to Washington D.C.

How can I get around in D.C.? Should I bring my vehicle?

When in Washington D.C. there are many ways to navigate the area. Most people living in D.C. walk to get to their destinations, use rentable bikes, the Metro train system, LYFT/EMPOWER ride apps, and/or drive their own cars.

Interns can purchase a parking permit when out in D.C. for a parking lot near the WISH apartments. Parking spots and prices may vary. When living in D.C., traffic can be bad at times and parking can be expensive depending upon where you visit so we encourage our interns to keep that in mind if they decide to bring their own vehicle.