The Washington Community Scholars’ Center, or WCSC, is one of the few in-country options for students who are looking to fulfill their cross-cultural experience. Each semester and summer, a new group of students move to the Brookland neighborhood of DC to grow personally and together in community.
Over the course of the term, students live and attend class together, explore the city, and attend internships. One of the biggest draws to WCSC is the opportunity for internship work. Once accepted into the program, WCSC staff work with students to find an internship that best meets their interests.
During the last semester in DC, students worked at a variety of internships. From studying mice in a lab at Georgetown, to building sets for renowned plays at Keegan Theater and organizing protests at our nation’s capitol with Congregation Action Network, the type of internship a student can choose is basically limitless.
Senior Avery Trinh talks about how important his internship was to him. “Vocationally, I have thought of working in a school in some capacity, but never had a lot of experience… My internship with Little Friends for Peace allowed me to get a taste of what that would be like, and because of my time with them I have a better understanding of where I will fit best.”
Working at internships allows students to grow in their own self-confidence. Students are given the freedom to work in fields they are passionate about and get that “real world” experience. Internships allow students a no-risk way to experiment with their future vocation, while also allowing them to build professional connections.
While students spend most of the week at internships, they also attend a few classes in the WCSC house. The content of these classes allow students to think critically about and process all they experience while living in DC. Students learn about the history of Washington DC, while also exploring neighborhoods first hand to see that history in action.
The most unique and potentially challenging part of WCSC is group living. The house can hold up to 15 people, so conflict can arise quickly without proper communication and compassion for your housemates, as you’re all cooking and cleaning and living together in the same space. But while community living is challenging, it is also extremely rewarding.
There is always someone around who will help you figure out the bus schedule, or go on a freezing walk to stargaze, or be a listening ear when stress piles up. EMU students may also get the chance to build connections with students from other Mennonite colleges where this cross-cultural experience is offered.
Goshen Junior Benji Wall says this about his experience in the program: “Coming into WCSC without knowing who I was going to meet and live with was somewhat nerve-wracking, since I knew that everyone already knew each other, but by the end of the semester, I felt like I’d gained many new really good friends!”
EMU offers many cross-cultural options and the majority allow students to travel to other countries. WCSC can be a less intimidating option for students who aren’t ready to travel outside of the US, while also providing opportunity for meaningful professional and personal relationships. WCSC allows students to live in community with others, share in their cultures, and grow in their understanding of themselves.
