Global Business Exchange Programs

Incoming Exchange Students: Pre-Arrival Guide

Annual Events

One of the most exciting annual events in the area is the Cherry Blossom festival in mid-Spring when Washington, D.C., celebrates the profusion of pale pink flowers. There is almost always a festival, celebration, protest or other event going on downtown.The arts are vibrant in the area, featuring the Kennedy Center (there are free events there daily), fantastic opera, the Shakespeare Theatre, all the Smithsonian museums (all free, including the zoo), myriad galleries, dance events, and more. Because the area incorporates such diverse cultures, there are many events celebrating countries and festivals (Diwali, Caribbean Carnival, etc). There are also fundraiser events throughout the year.

In addition, there are great historical offerings, tours of the White House, monuments to visit, Arlington National Cemetery (where Presidents, including John F. Kennedy) are laid to rest), and architectural walks through Georgetown.

Some fun areas of Washington, D.C. are: Dupont Circle, featuring the more avant-garde life of the city; Adams Morgan, with young crowds; the Eastern Market, and Capitol Hill. Georgetown is also alive at night, with plenty of restaurants and bars.

Natural areas abound in the area: the Chesapeake Bay is beautiful and one of the best places for sailing, there are many state and national parks nearby (Great Falls National Park should not be missed – either the Virginia or the Maryland side), and rivers for rafting in warm weather. Possible day trips include going to Baltimore to the Inner Harbor and their fantastic aquarium or a baseball game at Camden Yards, Annapolis to see the colonial architecture and naval activities, Manassas to the Civil War battle grounds, Shenandoah National Park for camping or hiking, and to Ocean City, Rehoboth or any of the lovely Atlantic beach areas.