Excited students from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will experience the buzz of the American Presidential Election first-hand on a trip to Washington DC.
The group are heading to the States on Sunday for the university's first visit to the capital, where they have been invited to tour one of the most famous buildings on the planet - the White House - which is a 'huge coup'.
Members of the group will also get to question a lobbyist at offices in 'America's Main Street', Pennsylvania Avenue, as part of the #DMUglobal trip, which they say will help them gain greater insight into US politics and could even boost career prospects.
Alex Ridley, 19, a second year History and Politics student, said: "It is a brilliant opportunity and I don't think I would have gone to Washington without DMU.
"I'm really interested to see how the city changes with the election and the controversy around Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump.
"It is really good for the course, especially visiting the National Archives and seeing how it all works."
Second year Politics student Hannah Rowe, 20, says it's an exciting time to be going to America.
She said "Being able to see the White House, the pinnacle of American democracy, is the highlight. The insight into American politics could influence the way I view UK and international politics, as the American system is an interesting parallel to ours.
"The visit will also help with my career, as it will make me more open-minded looking at issues around the world."
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Twenty-year-old Tom Cole, a second year Politics and Journalism student, hopes the trip - part of the university's #DMUglobal programme giving students the chance to enjoy a valuable international experience - will help with his dissertation.
He said: "I can't wait to see Washington in the flesh. I want to do my dissertation on American politics. I will be able to look at my own experiences and use them as examples and will have more of a personal touch."
Charlotte Quille, 19, a second year History student, is looking forward to learning more about US politics and culture.
She said: "I am really excited. It makes you more rounded if you are culturally and politically aware."
During their five-night stay the students will visit the Supreme Court and the Pentagon, view the Declaration of Independence in the National Archives and spend time at the Brookings Institution, a non-profit public policy organisation.
Clodagh Harrington, Senior Lecturer in Politics, said the trip is fantastic for the US Politics and Government module.
She said: "All the first term is about the government and how it works, so to go to the courts and Congress and get that sense of living history is really constructive. It will bring text books to life and give students a deeper perspective.
"Being given a tour of the White House is a huge coup, as since 9/11 it is extremely difficult to get in."
Dr Harrington says the students will also benefit from meeting a lobbyist to hear first-hand what they do, as well as being exposed to the US media directly and getting to speak to people to find out the priorities of the average American voter.
She added: "We'll be a bit closer to finding out why people vote the way they do, and to understanding how the US political system really works."
Posted on Friday 11 March 2016