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DODO partners with Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, as part of Flinders University's Washington Internship Program, which enables Australian undergraduate students to intern in the US Congress and Washington, D.C.-based think tanks, media outlets, and nonprofits. DODO provides local support and advice, organizes tours and extracurricular activities, and other services to ensure visiting students get the full U.S. internship experience.
The 2025 internship came to an end in early March. In our final post for the 2025 Intern Diary series, Alyce Ferme, who interned with Representative Lloyd Doggett (TX-37) in the winter of 2025, reflects on what an "off week" -- a week in which Congress was not sitting -- looks like in a congressional office.
Navigating a Congressional Off-Session Week
Navigating a Congressional Off-Session Week
Alyce Ferme
Alyce Ferme
April 27, 2025
April 27, 2025
With my internship (as part of Flinders University's Washington Internship Program) in Congressman Lloyd Doggett’s office now wrapped up and having arrived back in Australia, I’ve had the chance to reflect on just how much I’ve learnt and experienced over the eight weeks spent in Washington, D.C.
The week of February 17th was an off-session week in the U.S. House of Representatives, meaning most Members of Congress returned to their home districts. While this provided a slight reprieve from the usual fast-paced nature of Capitol Hill, the office remained busy with meetings, research and daily responsibilities.
Tuesday began with a briefing hosted by the Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network on the implications of President Trump’s executive order to halt all foreign aid. The discussion provided critical insights into how this decision has impacted international development efforts and how organisations are working to navigate these challenges.
Wednesday was a personal highlight of the week, as the Australian Embassy hosted a thank-you event for all congressional intern offices. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with staffers from other offices, Australian government representatives and fellow interns while enjoying some classic Australian treats - sausage rolls, lamingtons and pavlova.
I attended a meeting on Thursday on behalf of the foreign affairs staffer, which focused on the organisation’s actions to respond to the ongoing foreign aid freeze. The discussion offered a deeper understanding of the challenges global aid initiatives are currently facing. Later, I worked on finding photos for Congressman Doggett to use at an upcoming Ukrainian Caucus press conference and a one-minute floor speech - an exercise that underscored the importance of visual storytelling in shaping policy narratives.
On Friday, I met with other staffers in the TX-37 Office to discuss my research paper for the Internship Program. I have decided to focus on how U.S. allies have responded to President Trump’s tariffs and the implications for Texas trade relations. This topic aligns well with my interest in policy and international trade, and I’m eager to explore it further.
Amidst all of these engagements, the everyday responsibilities of answering phones, routing emails and assisting staffers continued. While these tasks might seem routine, they provided valuable exposure to constituents’ concerns and the intricate workings of a congressional office.
As I reflect on my internship, I am more appreciative than ever of the experiences I have gained. These eight weeks in Congress have not only solidified my passion for policy but also reinforced the importance of adaptability, curiosity and initiative in a fast-paced environment like Capitol Hill
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