University of Wisconsin–Madison

USA: Hope Karnopp (Our Global Classroom)

Our three classes are held in UW-Madison’s very own office in D.C., which is located in the United Methodist Building. The building is right next to the Supreme Court, which is a beautiful landmark to pass by during our twice-weekly walks to class. While it’s exciting to be in the center of action on Capitol Hill, it’s also comforting to be in a classroom decorated with Badger colors and photographs of familiar Madison locations.

Five people sit around a table in a room with a "Wisconsin in Washington" banner in the background.
Our classroom space is small, which helps us have meaningful discussions with guest speakers. The Wisconsin decor makes the room feel like a little slice of home.

While in D.C., we attend classes on presidential campaigns, foreign policy and professional development. Having a small cohort of 12 students allows us to dive deep into discussions about current and historical political events. Often, our professors will bring in a guest speaker, who sits with us at the table and shares career advice. Some of these guests are alumni of UW-Madison — or even the Wisconsin in Washington program — who give us helpful recommendations about life in D.C.

Our classes are only one part of the program. Outside of the classroom, we all have internships where we apply the knowledge we gain through academics. For example, our conversations about previous political campaigns allow me to be more knowledgeable when we talk about the upcoming 2024 races at work.

In addition, we have learned a lot through group excursions in D.C., especially trips to Smithsonians and other museums. Personally, the most meaningful was the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which we visited on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We reflected on what we learned at the museum when we discussed the historical segregation of D.C. in class. Our classes are engaging and relevant, but just as much learning happens outside of classroom walls in D.C.

Hope smiles wearing an orange sweater in front of a blurred tree.

Hope Karnopp

Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin

Major: Journalism

Program: UW Wisconsin in Washington, DC Internship Program

I chose this program to gain exposure to the professional media landscape in D.C. I am excited to work for a large news company and gain new production and research skills. I hope that being close to Capitol Hill, the White House, the Supreme Court and executive agencies will provide new reporting opportunities and learning experiences. I also hope to network with professionals in the news industry while in D.C. Seeing the cherry blossoms in spring is a plus, too!