Since Washington is the political center of the country, it is also the policy center and home to organizations that cover everything from the arts and social science to the military, science and technology. While many students enjoy the opportunity to become involved in national politics through internships on The Hill, others prefer to pursue their interests at non-profit organizations (such as the National Women's Law Center) or cultural institutions such as The Smithsonian.
Michigan students are in demand because of the good reputation established by other Michigan students who have served in the capital.
Students who are not Poli Sci majors may be able to arrange credit in their area of concentration with oversight from faculty in that department, whose role will be oversight on the research paper.
It is helpful to get up to speed on key political issues before spending a semester in DC; students from other majors might consider a subscription to a periodical such as The Week, which offers a concise summary of right, left and middle-of-the-road ideas on national and international issues.