Washington, DC: Global Gateway Summer 2026 (First Impressions)

May 28, 2026

Program: UW Global Gateway in Washington, DC, Summer

Ann-Jeanette H: Sustainable Travel Goals and Practices

One of the biggest issues when trying to be sustainable, especially when travelling, is that we live in a society that promotes–and even forces–the use of plastic waste or other forms of pollution. Because of this, I have been considering my actions by weighing the cost to our planet vs. benefits of self-interest. My main areas of focus have been what to pack, how to move around, where to go, and what to buy.

When packing for this experience, I made sure to bring items that reduce plastic waste or can last me a long time.

A wooden toothbrush with black bristles lays next to a white floss threader with black floss. — Some of these items include: a bamboo toothbrush, biodegradable floss, shampoo and conditioner bars, a metal water bottle, and reusable containers.

Furthermore, I considered transportation in regards to sustainability. The best environmentally conscious form of transportation is walking. With this in mind, I made sure to pack good walking shoes and while on site, make sure I check the weather and look at the distance of where I am trying to go. Besides walking, public transportation isn’t terrible–at least not as bad as cars–and trains or buses are a cheap choice.

I also set a goal to reduce the amount of waste that I am creating by only purchasing items that I need. This has come to form in considering souvenirs in whether I need the item or not, but it has also manifested in dining. When looking at places to eat, I consider whether I can dine in or not because dining in usually reduces plastic. If I have to use plastic, I often take it back to my room and recycle it.

Overall, being sustainable while travelling is difficult but it is also rewarding! I am reducing the amount of “junk” that I have and doing right by our planet.

Trinity J: The 5 Senses in Washington, DC

In this first week of experiencing Washington, D.C. I have been trying to just absorb what I can and take it all in. The first beautiful site to see was while flying into the airport. There was a delay at the airport, so we circled the city a couple times and could see the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Then as we flew into the airport, the runaway landing strip was along a body of water, and it made landing so much more beautiful and peaceful.

A white plane wing flying through a blue sky with clouds. In the background, just to the left of the wing is the Washington Monument, a tall, white tower next to a large body of water. — See: A photo I took from the plane while we were landing where you can see the Washington Monument.

This city is busier than Madison and people move at a faster pace. The city is also louder. The subways are so loud, inside and outside, it can be hard to have a conversation sometimes. The streets above ground are also noisy because people are not shy about using their horns, especially the buses and garbage trucks because they have places to be. Getting into a new city is always exciting and nerve-wracking, but being in D.C. gave me an extra layer of nervousness because you can’t miss the police presence and the national guard groups posted in different corners dressed in full camouflage army uniforms. I think the National Guard groups patrolling may be the biggest culture shock of the city.

Another more externally physical feeling I experienced since being here in D.C. was the train doors closing on me as we tried to get on the Metro. I was pushed out and everyone else was still on the train on their way to the next stop. I quickly learned this is not the Metro bus and those doors will not wait for you because the conductor likely can’t see you and they have schedule to keep; so, get on and off efficiently! Another sense that has been stimulated since being here in D.C. has been my sense of smell, and the city is potent. I’ve noticed a stronger smell of garbage and pee compared to Madison’s downtown. The smells were especially present when we went into the elevator in the Metro station.

A wall with six different TV screens. Three are playing the same portion of a music video with a man's face front and center. The others are showing various clips of sports or Congressional meetings. — Hear: in the 21st century section of the lower level of the African American History Museum there was music playing for Sly & The Family Stone to Nas to Tupac.

The last sense I’ve been really excited for is to taste the food in D.C. I’m a very picky eater, but I have been optimistically trying food since I’ve been here; I love to try everything, but I don’t end up liking very much. So far, my favorite tasting experience was when we went to Ben’s Chili Bowl for a group lunch. I love chili cheese dogs, and the restaurant had such a beautiful story with so much history and prominent figures who have visited, like President Obama for example. My experience with the program in D.C. has been very impactful so far, and I’m eager to continue to see and learn as much as I can before our time here is done.

Shawn P: “We’re not in Madison anymore” Moment

When I learned that I was selected for the Global Gateway DC program, I was ecstatic. I had never been to Washington and was so excited to learn about the city’s rich culture, history, and growth while enrolled in a class that is very much in line with my interests. As with every new place, I had some basic preconceptions of how Washington would look and feel that were quickly replaced with facts based on my experiences here as well as those of others around me.

My real “we’re not in Madison anymore” moment came on our first walk to class. Our cohort is staying at a hotel in the Navy Yard, which is a part of DC that is brimming with new development. The area has many luxury apartments and condos, along with new restaurants, giving the city a feeling of modernity. Walking up 1st Street to class, you begin to see a more historic part of the city with smaller townhomes and older architecture. Before arriving at our class building, we walk through Capitol Hill alongside the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court. To the west lies the Capitol and the adjacent house and senate offices.

Looking at the US Capitol from out front. There is a barricade of small black barriers and then the building in the distance. It is white with a long, flat bottom floor and then a tall rounded section in the middle. — The view of the Capitol seen by the cohort on our daily walks to class.

On the walk to class, I noticed that many D.C. residents were wearing suits and walking quickly to their destination. Washington DC is a city run on politics. This makes sense as the city acts as the nation’s capital, but the extent to which politics is prevalent was a culture shock to me. Many of the conversations I overheard while exploring the city had something to do with the presidency or Congress. That being said, staying in Washington has shed light on the other residents of the city who are not involved in politics. There are many people with regular jobs that help keep the city running. This realization challenged many of the misconceptions I had.

A tall stone building with round columns and a carved sculpture on the top of men sitting. There are large, stone men in chairs on either side of a tall set of stairs leading to the building. — The view from the Supreme Court plaza on the way to class

Being in D.C., I’ve also learned a lot about the city’s diversity and history through informative excursions with the cohort. Restaurants and museums have allowed me to understand more and reflect on my new environment. While D.C. is a very different city to Madison with its political backbone, understanding that there are many people with lives similar to those back home defied my preconceptions.