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.
For students who are seeking academic credit, this program offers an optional 3 credit-hour course. Students of all academic programs and levels are encouraged to apply for this opportunity.
Program Fee
The program fee is $1,995 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
Applications will open at the beginning of each year.
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.
Japan Ambassadors
The Japan Ambassadors program is a 12-day international immersive experience 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, and U.S.-Japan relations through meetings with Japanese policy makers, U.S. diplomatic staff, researchers at think tanks, and Japanese university students. Visit museums, cultural sites, think tanks, Japanese government agencies, and universities.
Students in all academic programs and classifications are welcome to apply for this program. The trip will include 10 days of activities and 2 days of travel. Students will be based in Kobe and Tokyo, making several day trips to: Kyoto, Hiroshima, Himeji, Yokohama, and Miyajima Island. Students will stay at the same hotels and have the chance to experience the wonderful food and culture Japan has to offer.
Why Japan Ambassadors?
Short-term, immersive experience: Not every student has the time or financial means to study abroad. This 12-day international immersive experience program allows students to gain global experience on an impactful trip but still allow students to complete additional summer coursework or internships.
Experiential learning at a lower cost: Academic credit is optional, which allows students the opportunity to have a global experience without being concerned about adding the credit hours. Students will have the chance to take an optional 3-credit course in the summer that allows them to apply what they have learned.
Baker School unique experience: Student Programs at the Baker School provide students with special experiences uniquely designed to engage students in the public policy process, whether in Knoxville, Washington, DC, 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
- 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
- Meet with Japanese university students
- Immersive cultural experiences
Program Fee
The program fee is $1,800 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 are available and details will be provided at information sessions.
Extra funds are needed for flights (estimated at $2,000), meals, personal expenses, passport, and tuition for optional 3-credit Independent Study course (summer session 1, 2 or full).
Information Sessions
Students interested in attending the Japan Ambassadors program are highly encouraged to attend one of the two information sessions that will be listed at a later date.
Application
Applications will become available at the beginning of each year.
To learn more about Japan Ambassadors, please contact the Student Programs team or Dr. Krista Wiegand.