International Student Resources & Activities

As a student in the International Summer program, you will have the opportunity to live on campus and access the variety of resources that the George Washington University and Washington, D.C. have to offer.

Housing

Although highly recommended, residing at the Foggy Bottom Campus during the program is optional. The campus is located in a lively academic and business environment in the heart of Washington, D.C., within walking distance from the White House, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, museums, embassies, and monuments.

Housing at GW varies by residence hall, but you can expect shared rooms (2–4 students) and private bathrooms. Residence halls are air conditioned and secured by building locks as well as individual room locks. If you are interested in on-campus housing, please indicate your interest on the online application.

Take the Foggy Bottom Campus virtual tour

GW Health Insurance

All students sponsored for F-1 visas by the International Summer program must have health insurance. Review instructions to obtain insurance through GW’s Medical Services office or show proof of alternate insurance coverage.

Use of GW Facilities

Gelman Library

This library features over two million volumes and access to a variety of resources - both print and electronic - in order to complete research papers, group projects, and other schoolwork that will be assigned as part of your coursework. Study rooms are also available to reserve in various parts of the library.

View library hours

Writing Center

The center is an open, welcoming, professional environment where you can go to receive dedicated attention to your writing and research projects.

View policies and resources

Lerner Health & Wellness Center

An on-campus fitness center with a variety of cardio and strength training equipment, the fitness center also has a three-lane indoor 25-yard lap pool. The upper levels include two large gymnasia with a suspended track and four courts for drop-in recreation and scheduled events including basketball, volleyball, and badminton.

See center hours

Living in D.C.

Experience Washington, D.C.

International Summer gives you the opportunity to discover the many resources that the city has to offer.

Weekly Events & Activities Around D.C.

D.C.'s Monuments & Museums Explore the vast Smithsonian Institution network of museums such as the Natural History Museum, National Air & Space Museum, the Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and more. Take a moonlight monument tour and see D.C. landma

Weekly Events & Activities Around D.C.

Cheer on D.C.’s professional baseball team, the Washington Nationals, at the impressive Nationals Park baseball stadium. Attend free concerts and shows at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Meet with Experts in a Variety of Fields

Listen to lectures at places such as the National Institute of Health, World Bank or Brookings Institute. Professionals in a variety of fields will offer you insights from the center of the United States’ political

Trips to Nearby Historical Cities & Sites

Throughout your summer at GW, we will organize weekly events around the city as well as day trips to nearby locales such as Annapolis, Baltimore or Mount Vernon Estate.

Safety and Security

GW values the health and safety of all the participants in the Pre-College Program. Several on-campus offices are dedicated to the well-being of students for the duration of the program. See our Health & Safety page more information regarding GW Safety and Security, Campus Advisories, and other resources available for the health and safety of your students.

 If there is an emergency involving your student, our office will be in contact with guardians (listed as the Emergency Contact) to inform them of their child's well-being. 

Disability Support Services

Disability Support Services (DSS) at GW works collaboratively with students, faculty and staff across the campus to foster a climate of universal academic excellence, while also promoting disability culture and GW’s broader diversity and inclusion initiatives.

You should indicate an interest in speaking with a member of the DSS staff on your enrollment forms, and our office will connect you to the appropriate person. Once you have discussed your needs with DSS, our offices work closely with your family to find ways to make reasonable accommodations during the summer program.

Multicultural Student Services Center

The Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC) is dedicated to building a welcoming, enriching, and inclusive environment at GW. The MSSC enhances the GW experience by preparing students for success in an increasingly diverse and global society. MSSC offers resources to students of varying cultural backgrounds, as well as religious and LGBT support resources. You are welcome to attend any events hosted by the MSSC, or just drop in to learn more about what the office does.

International Services Office

The International Services Office (ISO) serves as the primary administrative and advising office for the GW international community. ISO advisors are regularly available to help you with immigration questions related to your time at GW.