Is Boston University or George Washington University better for political internships?

For internships tied to federal government, national campaigns, congressional offices, think tanks, and major advocacy organizations, George Washington University has the clearer advantage. Its Foggy Bottom campus is in Washington, D.C., within commuting distance of the White House, Capitol Hill, federal agencies, embassies, and a dense network of policy nonprofits. Many GW students intern during the academic year, not only over the summer, which can make it easier to build experience steadily across four years.

GW is especially well suited to a student who wants politics to be part of everyday college life. Its political science, international affairs, public policy, and communications communities are closely connected to D.C. employers and events, and students can attend hearings, panels, campaign events, and networking programs with relatively little logistical friction. The competition for sought-after roles is real, but proximity creates a large volume of openings at different levels.

Boston University can still be a strong choice for someone drawn to Massachusetts politics, city and state government, public-interest advocacy, health policy, education policy, or political journalism. Boston has a substantial nonprofit and civic sector, and BU students can pursue internships with local government, state-level offices, campaigns, and organizations throughout the region. BU may also make sense if you value its broader campus environment and would be happy using summers or a planned semester in Washington for federal-policy experience.

For the specific goal of regularly interning with national political institutions while enrolled, GW offers more immediate access and a more internship-integrated setting. BU is compelling when your interests lean toward Boston and Massachusetts civic life or when other academic and campus factors matter more than being based in D.C.