Frequently Asked Questions

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Who can attend PLEN programs?
Women students and recent graduates from any college or university may participate in PLEN programs. Our programs are designed for women undergraduates, but graduate students and recent college graduates have attended and benefited from our programs.

How do I register for a PLEN program?
Go to the page for the program in which you are interested to download and print a registration form. Fill out and mail the form to PLEN along with your registration fee, program fee, and housing fee (if applicable) by the registration deadline. PLEN will contact you after the deadline to confirm your acceptance into the program.

How can I become a PLEN member?
PLEN membership is composed of women's and coeducational colleges and universities. If you attend a PLEN member school you automatically receive member benefits. Although individuals are not eligible for PLEN membership, students are encouraged to speak with their colleges and universities about the benefits of institutional membership in PLEN. Learn more about the benefits of PLEN membership .

Why are there different fees for the same program?
Each program has a three-tiered fee structure based on school membership. Institutions that are PLEN members and associate members pay an annual membership fee, so their students receive a discounted fee for PLEN programs. Students from non-PLEN institutions pay the regular program fee. Learn if your school is a PLEN member institution .

Where can I look for possible funding?
Many students have been very successful in finding funds from various sources to cover costs associated with a PLEN program. We suggest contacting different departments on your campus to inquire about the availability of funds: your major department, career services, student activities, student affairs, women's studies program, student government association, or other similar organizations. You may also want to check with your parents' workplace, religious groups, or community/civic organizations. Learn more about obtaining funding for PLEN programs .

Can I receive academic credit for attending a PLEN program?
Many students receive academic credit for attending a PLEN program; we encourage you to check with your academic advisor. Your college or university grants credit for participation in a PLEN program. Students typically receive between 1 and 3 credits, depending on the PLEN program and the requirements of your advisor and institution. Some faculty members may require that you complete a paper or independent study/research project in conjunction with the PLEN program to receive credit. Many students in the Women & Public Policy Internship Semester receive academic credit from their home institution.

What is appropriate dress for the programs?
You should plan on dressing in a semi-professional or business casual manner for the seminar sessions (nice pants/skirts and tops, etc.).  We will be moving around the city on most days and transportation will be by foot and Metro, which may result in being on your feet for extended periods.  Comfortable, yet appropriate shoes are a very good idea.  Depending on the time of year, you should also bring warm, comfortable clothes for sightseeing on your time off.

I sent in my registration. Why haven't I heard back from PLEN?
Notification of acceptance into PLEN programs is sent to students after the registration deadline. Check the program page to find the deadline for the program to which you have applied. If it has been a week since the registration deadline and you have not heard from PLEN, please contact the PLEN office.

How do I find housing for the PLEN program?
Week- or weekend-long seminars : PLEN has negotiated a reduced rate for seminar housing at a local hotel for an additional fee. See the page for the program you are interested in for more housing information.

Internship semesters : PLEN identifies housing options for participants in the internship semester and allows each participant to choose her own housing. Options:

* Stay at a local school: During the summer, D.C. area schools often rent out their dorm room to interns. Check the websites of schools like:

* Sublet an apartment: D.C. residents who are planning on being away for a semester will often sublet their apartment to one or more individuals. Look for postings on Craigslist.com , Washingtonpost.com , other local newspapers, or search online for short-term housing.

How do I get to D.C.?
For a great listing of transportation options, check out TheCapitol.Net .

By air: D.C. is close to several airports, including Reagan National , Dulles Airport , and the Baltimore/Washington Airport .

By train: Arrive at Union Station, conveniently located on the Red Line of the Metro system.

By bus: For arrival by bus, you will be near Union Station and can easily find a cab or walk to the Metro station. If you are arriving in the evening, PLEN recommends you take a cab.

How do I get to the hotel?
Click for detailed instructions on getting to the hotel .

What is Metro?
Metro is Washington's public transit system and includes both Metrobuses and Metrorail (an under- and above- ground railway system). Because the streets of D.C. are congested and parking can be expensive, Metro provides the easiest and most affordable way to get around. Visit www.wmata.com for more details and be sure to check out the Trip Planner on the right; by entering in starting and stopping locations (which can be street addresses, landmarks, metro stations, etc.) the site will plan your trip via Metro for you. Also find great tips about using Metro at TheCapitol.Net

How safe is D.C.?
Although the national media may portray Washington, D.C. as a crime-ridden city, many areas of the city are rather safe. However, D.C. is a major city, and therefore subject to similar crime levels as other big cities. Hundreds of thousands of tourists and business travelers visit D.C. every year, and the vast majority experiences no crime while they are here. The most common crime that visitors may experience is having their wallet or purse snatched. We recommend that you follow the same precautions that you would when visiting any large city. Click for more tips to help you to avoid even a purse or wallet theft, and/or to minimize the damage if you do experience one.

How can I learn more about D.C.?
Washington, D.C. is an exciting city to explore and is rich with history and vibrant with culture. You can add to your PLEN experience by taking advantage of the many opportunities Washington, D.C. has to offer. Visit the websites below for more information:
www.washington.org : pages on what to do, getting around, and maps
www.washingtondc.com : lists of hotels, activities, and dining
www.thedistrict.com : tips and activities
www.washingtonpost.com : current news and a great entertainment guide
www.washtimes.com : news of the area
www.washingtoncitypaper.com : news, food, and housing
www.thecapitol.net/VisitingDC/ : great tips for visitors
www.si.edu (Smithsonian Institution): information about the Smithsonian museums in D.C.

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