Seven Florida State University students are spending their spring semester living and learning in the heart of Washington, D.C., as the first participants in the university’s new FSU DC Study Away Program.
The group — Rachel Armstrong, Gabriella Burke, Ryan Nutzman, Isabella Perez, Mickey Wagoner, Jonah Watson and Mia Zamora — will gain hands-on experience through internships at congressional offices and other organizations while residing in FSU-managed housing just blocks from the U.S. Capitol.
In 2025, Florida State University purchased two townhomes in a residential neighborhood to provide FSU students with a supportive living environment as they pursue internships at agencies, advocacy and association groups, corporations and government sites. The university’s innovative housing solution allows students to make the most of their internships and network opportunities in D.C. as they continue their academic coursework. The housing includes a house manager who offers on-site support, monitors the units and communicates student needs to the FSU Housing Office.
“This initiative is yet another great milestone for Florida State University,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “The FSU network in Washington is strong, home to more than 7,500 alumni. By providing our students with housing options, they have even more support as they gain hands-on experience in the nation’s capital.”
The FSU DC Study Away Program is a collaboration among FSU’s Division of Student Affairs, the Career Center and University Housing. Students can apply to participate during the fall, spring or summer semesters. If accepted to the program, they have easy access to the Capitol, both major political party’s headquarters, and House and Senate office buildings.
“We’re truly excited to offer this opportunity to our students, providing them safe, affordable housing to bolster their educational and professional journeys,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “Even though they’ll be farther from campus, they will remain deeply connected to Seminole spirit and community.”
Rachel Armstrong, a criminology and criminal justice major, said she is ready to take what she has learned at FSU and apply it while interning for U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz.
“I am incredibly excited to immerse myself in Washington, D.C. and gain firsthand exposure to the federal policymaking process,” Armstrong said.
Jonah Watson, a political science student, will be interning with U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn. He said he is looking forward to gaining hands-on experience in Washington, D.C. while representing FSU.
“Being able to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real-world work while also connecting with other FSU students and alumni in D.C. is something I’m especially excited about,” Watson said. “I think this program will be a great opportunity to grow professionally, expand my network and better understand how my field operates at the national level.”
Rob Liddell, assistant vice president for FSU’s Career Services, said experiential learning, like internships, facilitates identifying and strengthening skills students need to succeed post-graduation. This emphasis on career readiness secured FSU the No. 13 spot on The Princeton Review’s 2025 list of the Top 20 Best Schools for Internships among public schools across the U.S.
“Our top priority is accelerating student success,” Liddell said. “The DC Study Away Program is another way we strive to meet the expectations, goals and interests of our students.”
Mia Zamora, a Tallahassee native majoring in international affairs, is interning with the Office of Congresswoman Lois Frankel.
“Interning in Washington, D.C. through the FSU DC Study Away Program is such an exciting opportunity for me,” Zamora said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how my background in political science and international affairs translates into real policy work and public service, and I cannot wait to represent my community in the heart of politics. I know we’re all so excited to start.”
Applications for fall 2026 are due Feb. 23, 2026. For students interested in the FSU DC Study Away Program, visit career.fsu.edu/dc-study-away-program.