Washington DC guide: Where to do your J1, Grad visa or US internship

Host to America’s movers, shakers and decision-makers, where better to do your Grad USA visa or Internship USA visa than Washington DC. America’s capital is home to iconic monuments, sprawling museums and a work hard-play hard mentality that makes it a dynamic place to live and work. Working in the same city as some of the best politicians, diplomats, journalists, curators and academics in the world (plus a very famous resident at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue...), Washington is a definite powerplay for your CV.

Why Washington DC?

Best known for its fancy white mansion, imposing national monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall (where Martin Luther King famously delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech), and the hallowed halls of the Smithsonian and Kennedy Centre: Washington DC often has a stately (and stuffy) reputation. In fact, Washington has a sports, nightlife and culinary scene that rivals most cities. From the historic cobblestones of Georgetown to the boho jazz bars of U Street Corridor and the loft-style restaurants of Shaw – Washington is also home to diverse and eclectic neighbourhoods. (As well as some excellently named ones, looking at you Foggy Bottom). Sitting on the banks of the Potomac River and with green spaces for picnics and people watching – it's also not short on natural beauty.

Where to live

It may not technically belong to any state, but Washington DC is home to numerous neighbourhoods and districts. It consists of the District of Columbia combined with parts of neighbouring Maryland and Virginia. An efficient public transport network makes getting around a breeze. Several neighbourhoods in Arlington, Virginia, are popular with young professionals. Check out Georgetown, home to several universities, or H Street, an up-and-coming area. Dupont Circle is a hive of ethnic restaurants and amazing architecture. Some J1 employers will include subsidised accommodation, but if not – check out WashingtonDCApartments.com, Sublet.com or WashingtonDC.craigslist.org.

Where to work or intern

If Washington’s corridors of power and museums archives could talk, they’d probably say this is one of the best places in America to do your 1-year Grad USA visa, Trainee visa or Internship visa. Washington DC is a hotbed of international business, politics, diplomacy and media. As the nation’s capital, it hosts most industries and sectors, including communications, law, technology, security, finance, art, history and hospitality. Plus, Washington DC has a healthy internship culture – with businesses and international organisations used to taking on interns and graduates.

Climate

Washington DC has a climate typical of the Eastern Seaboard. Expect a mix of cool and pleasant weather in both spring and autumn. Winter can be unpredictable but very cold, so prepare for sub-freezing temperatures and lots of snow. In summer, expect humidity and soaring temperatures.

Want to put your career or summer on the US map, but not sure where you can go? Book a call with the USIT team.