[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 22 (Monday, February 22, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE UNI-CAPITOL WASHINGTON INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME

 Mr. CRAPO. Madam President, today I wish to take note of a 
great international internship program that is now celebrating its 11th 
year. I am proud to be involved for a 4th year in the Uni-Capitol 
Washington Internship Programme, UCWIP, an exchange program in which 
outstanding college students from Australia's top universities compete 
to serve as interns for the U.S. Congress. This program has been 
bringing the Washington internship experience to students from 
Australia for more than 10 years. In addition to working in 
congressional offices, the program provides students with a number of 
other opportunities and activities including visits to U.S. historic 
sites, visits to government agencies and education events.
  This semester Benjamin Watson, a student from the University of 
Western Australia, is spending a couple of months in my office, helping 
me serve Idaho constituents. But students from the Uni-Capitol 
Washington Programme can be found throughout congressional offices, 
working for both the House and the Senate.
  I asked Ben to share his thoughts about this program, and he said, 
``The UCWIP has truly been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Working in 
Senator Crapo's office has given me an insight into the workings of the 
world's most influential democracy, adding a practical element to my 
studies in politics and law. My internship has given me the chance to 
interact with interesting people and understand the processes and 
procedures of U.S. Congress, within the friendly and welcoming 
environment of Senator Crapo's office.''
  Ben has been a great addition to my intern staff for the spring 
semester, and has spent many hours helping keep my schedule and 
activities running smoothly. His efforts are much appreciated. And I am 
sure that the other offices that have participated in this program feel 
that way toward the work of those assigned to their offices.
  I cannot conclude without recognizing the efforts put into this 
program each year by its director and founder, Eric Federing, who spent 
a number of years working on Capitol Hill himself. After he visited 
Australia a number of years ago, he determined to find a way to 
introduce the U.S. Congress to the students he met. He has done such 
great work in sharing his enthusiasm and experiences with so many 
Australian students. More than 100 students have made the long journey 
from their universities in Australia to Washington, DC, to take part in 
this program. In addition to the work opportunities provided on Capitol 
Hill, Uni-Capitol Washington also expands the yearly experience to 
include some of America's historical sites and famous landmarks, 
including Gettysburg and New York City.
  It has been an honor to participate with this program, and I look 
forward to continuing my association with the Uni-Capitol Washington 
Internship Programme next year.

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