Travel Programs
Classroom studies are just the beginning of the Baker School experience. Our travel programs provide focused studies and purposeful experience.
Washington Fellows
The Washington Fellows program is a two-week intensive course in Washington, DC that connects students to some of the nation’s top public servants, researchers, and journalists by discussing pressing public policy issues with them. Each year, the trip’s itinerary is personalized to the interests of that cohort, in addition to the standard variety of career fields and policy areas that the trip covers. Washington Fellows is an experiential learning opportunity for students that allows them to network with professionals, learn about career options in their field of interest, experience the DC lifestyle, and see real-world policymaking in the nation’s capital.
This program offers an optional 3-credit-hour course for students seeking academic credit. Students of all academic programs and levels are encouraged to apply for this opportunity.
Program Dates: May 25 – June 7, 2025
Program Fee
The program fee is $1,000 and includes:
- Double occupancy accommodations in DC
- Round-trip bus transportation to DC
- Metro passes for DC transportation
- A “Monuments by Moonlight” tour
- Professional materials (nametag, padfolio, lanyards, lapel pins)
- Group meals (students will be expected to provide their own meals during the free weekend)
Financial support is available through the Baker School, but students are encouraged to reach out to their departments and other UTK offices for additional scholarships.
It is estimated that students should plan for around $300 to cover excluded meals, incidentals, and other discretionary activities.
Academic Credit
Students have the option to receive academic credit in conjunction with this learning experience. Students may request credit through their home academic departments or enroll in the Baker School course during the Summer Mini-Term. Students who opt in for the mini-term are responsible for paying for tuition, a cost separate and not included in the program fee. Students do not have to enroll in the mini-term to participate in this program.
Application
Students will be required to submit an application that includes a self-introduction letter, unofficial transcript, and updated resume. After students submit their applications, they will receive details on the brief interviews. A $700 deposit will be required to secure a student’s spot, once selected.
To learn more about Washington Fellows, please contact the Student Programs team.
Spring Break Washington Fellows
The purpose of the Spring Break Washington Fellows program is to gain a deeper understanding of a specific policy or civic topic in Washington, D.C.
Program Dates: March 16-21, 2025
2025 Program Themes:
- National Security and Foreign Affairs
- Construction and Reconstruction of the American Republic
Eligibility
Open to any Public Affairs major
Program Fee
The program fee is $800 (estimated).
Application
Applications open at the end of November.
Japan Ambassadors
The Japan Ambassadors program is a two-week programs abroad program in Japan. Students will follow in the footsteps of former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Howard H. Baker, to learn about Japanese culture, politics, history, foreign policy, and U.S.-Japan relations through meetings with Japanese scholars, U.S. diplomatic staff, researchers at think tanks, and university students. We will visit museums, cultural sites, shrines, temples, and historic cultural districts.
Students in all academic programs and classifications are welcome to apply for this program. The trip will include 13 days of class and activities and 3 days of travel. Students will be based in Kobe and Tokyo, including day trips to: Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Miyajima Island. Students will stay in hotels and have the chance to experience the wonderful culture Japan has to offer.
Why Japan Ambassadors?
Short-term, immersive experience: Not every student has the time to study abroad for a longer period. This two-week study abroad program allows students to gain global experience on an impactful trip but still allows students to complete additional summer coursework or internships after the May session.
Baker School unique experience: The Baker School provides students with special experiences uniquely designed to engage students in the public policy process, whether in Knoxville, Washington, D.C., or Japan. Through research, teaching, mentorship, and engagement, the School’s programs seek to provide a forum for exploring democracy and promoting leadership in public service.
Highlights of Program
- Gain 3 credit hours for HBS 495: Special Topics: Japan and U.S.-Japan Relations in just 2-weeks
- Learn about U.S. foreign policy in Japan, Japanese politics, diplomacy, and East Asian issues from U.S. diplomatic staff, policy makers at Japanese government agencies, and researchers at think tanks and universities
- Visit historic memorials, shrines, and museums symbolizing the transition from Imperial Japan to modern day Japan
- Share class sessions and meet with Japanese university students in Kobe and Tokyo
- Open to all majors
Program Fee
The program fee is $2,300 and includes: double occupancy accommodations in hotels, two group dinners, all breakfasts, excursions, airport transfers, local transportation, guides, museum fees, and the bullet train from Kobe to Tokyo. Airfare and most lunches and dinners are not included.
Scholarships may be available.
Extra funds are needed for flights (estimated at $2,000), meals, personal expenses, passport, and tuition for a 3-credit course.
Application
More information about the program and course, along with the application link can be found here.