Discovering new horizons: An international student’s journey through the JMU Washington Semester Program

When it comes to expanding career opportunities and gaining real-world experience, the Washington Semester Program at James Madison University stands out as a transformative experience for many students. Open to all majors, it offers students the opportunity to spend a semester in Washington, D.C., combining academic coursework with hands-on internship experiences in government, nonprofits, think tanks, and other organizations. But for international students, the decision to step outside their comfort zone and take on a semester in Washington, D.C., comes with its own set of unique challenges — and rewards.

To explore what the Washington Semester Program can offer to international students, I recently caught up with Adan Toledo, a JMU alumnus who participated in the program in Fall 2014. Adan, originally from Mexico, shared his personal journey through the program and how it shaped his academic and professional path.

A leap of faith
Adan first learned about the Washington Semester Program while walking through Miller Hall on JMU’s campus. A simple poster caught his eye, advertising a semester in Washington, D.C., with opportunities to intern on Capitol Hill, in think tanks, or at various nongovernmental organizations. The idea intrigued him, but as an international student, he had his doubts. “I was in my second semester as a full-time JMU student, and I thought it was too soon,” Adan recalls. “I wondered if I was ready for the challenge — culturally, academically, and professionally. But after talking to Dr. David Jones, who was the program director at the time, I knew this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Adan’s initial hesitations were quickly outweighed by his excitement to experience the political and professional landscape of Washington, D.C., firsthand. And so, despite his early apprehensions, he applied to the program, paving the way for an unforgettable semester.

Life on Capitol Hill
One of the highlights of the Washington Semester Program is the chance to secure internships that align with students’ career goals. For Adan, this meant interning at a congressman’s office on Capitol Hill.

“I interned with a congressman from California, who happened to be of Mexican descent, which felt like a great connection for me,” Adan explains. “I had the chance to work on a range of tasks, from researching policy issues to responding to constituent inquiries, and even giving tours to visitors. It was a small team, so I was able to get involved in a lot of different aspects of the office.”

As an international student, Adan did face some challenges navigating the world of U.S. immigration regulations. “I wasn’t sure if my visa status would even allow me to work in a congressional office, but thankfully, everything went smoothly. It was a great opportunity to see how the U.S. government works from the inside, and I learned so much from the experience.”

Overcoming challenges and embracing growth
Like many international students, Adan faced cultural and language barriers, but these challenges became pivotal moments of growth. “There were definitely times when I felt out of place,” Adan admits. “But the support I received from my professors and classmates was incredible. They didn’t care if I had an accent or made mistakes. It was all about learning and growing together.”
Adan’s experience in the Washington Semester Program didn’t just build his professional skills; it also gave him the confidence to take on new challenges. “It pushed me in ways I wasn’t expecting. I had to adapt quickly and learn how to navigate a professional environment, which is something that has stayed with me in my career.”

He credits the program with setting him on a path toward success, not just during his time at JMU, but well beyond. “After the Washington Semester, I went on to do two more internships. The program really gave me the structure and confidence to pursue these opportunities. It was the foundation for everything that came after.”

Why the Washington Semester Program Matters for international students
Most international students focus on securing internships only after they graduate, during their Optional Practical Training period. But Adan’s story highlights the value of pursuing these opportunities earlier, while still in school.

“The Washington Semester Program was essential for me,” Adan says. “It helped me build a professional network and gain experience while I was still a student, which made it much easier to find internships later. For international students, having that practical experience is so important. It gives you an edge when you're looking for a job after graduation.”

Looking to the future
Now based in New York, Adan works for a nonprofit organization that bridges the gap between the private sector and governments in Latin America. His work, which focuses on economic development and policy in Mexico and Central America, is a perfect blend of the skills he developed during his time at JMU and his experience on Capitol Hill.

“The Washington Semester Program prepared me for this role in ways I didn’t expect,” he reflects. “It taught me how to navigate both the public and private sectors, and how to bring different groups together to achieve common goals. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.”

For international students at JMU considering the Washington Semester Program, Adan offers this advice: “Don’t let fear hold you back. Yes, it’s challenging, but the growth and opportunities that come from stepping outside your comfort zone are worth it. The Washington Semester was a turning point for me, and it can be for you, too.”

Interested in learning more about the Washington Semester Program? Please reach out to Dr. Edward Yang, the program director at yangyx@jmu.edu. The application for 2025-26 program is now open. Please apply by February 15, 2025.