August 17, 2018

Prestigious internship to put Henry in the heart of the political action

International studies student thrilled at chance to intern in US Congress

American government and politics are endlessly fascinating and impactful globally, and Henry Heritage will soon have a front-row seat to the action.

The University of Wollongong (UOW) student, who is in his third year of a Bachelor of International Studies, majoring in International Relations, will take part in the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Programme (UCWIP), in which students spend two months in Washington DC learning the intricacies of the United States Congress, participate in meetings around the Capital, and planned travel to New York, Philadelphia and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Henry said he was “thrilled” to find out he would soon be spending his summer holidays in the freezing climes of a northern hemisphere winter.

“Being able to spend time in Congress is not an experience that is easily accessible to Australian students, so I thought it would be a really valuable opportunity,” said Henry, the sole student from UOW selected to take part in the 2019 program.

“I’m excited and happy that my application was chosen. I don’t think it has really sunk in yet.”

A love of international relations and politics propelled Henry to apply for the program. He has previously interned for the Fiji Consulate General and Trade Commission, and said he was fascinated by seeing diplomacy in action.

“I’m really interested in geography and economics, so international relations captured both of these. I think understanding how countries interact is important to the way we see the world.”

Henry will leave at the end of December and, for two months, he will be interning in the office of Mario Díaz-Balart, a Republican Congressman who represents Florida’s 25th congressional district. He will reside in northern Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC.

“It’s such a fascinating and complicated time in US politics. There is so much conflict and it changes quickly, so it will be interesting to see how it all works,” Henry said. “It’s so hard to predict what is going to happen.”

“I really admire and respect Congressman Díaz-Balart's consistent efforts to improve community facilities and quality public education, as well as his practical and constructive approach to foreign affairs. I'm extremely honoured to be able to intern with him and know that it will be an exceedingly rewarding experience.”

UCWIP, entering its 20th program year, matches select Australian university students with congressional offices, providing a chance for students to gain valuable work experience and enhance their studies on an international level.

Ashley Tanks, Manager of Student Mobility in the Office of Global Student Mobility at UOW, said the program was an incredible opportunity for interns to build on their knowledge of politics and international relations.

“UOW is proud to have been part of the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Programme starting with the 2004 intake. It is an invaluable experience for participants that enables them to strengthen their independence, add context to their studies, and gain an insight into the US Congress system,” Ms Tanks said.

“Not many students get this opportunity. For many of our past participants, being involved in this program has provided them with a stepping stone to a career in aid, policy, and international relations.”

Henry will be one of 13 students from universities across Australia who will travel to the US for the 2019 program.

Interns are offered matched placements in Republican and Democratic personal offices in the House and Senate as well as congressional committee offices.

UCWIP’s founder and pro bono director, Eric K Federing AM, was appointed to the Order of Australia in 2015.