National Student Exchange - Profile: Washington Alexandria Architecture Center

Alexandria, VA

About This Campus

The Washington Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC) is Virginia Tech's unique urban campus, combining upper-year study away exchange opportunities within several graduate degree programs, including Architecture and Urban Design. Our graduate programs attract a diverse international student body, enriching the experience for exchange students. In our small boutique environment, students work closely with faculty in a program emphasizing individual discovery and hands-on research. With Washington DC across the river, exchange students have access to world class museums, galleries, and lectures at think tanks and embassies. Our students have regular and numerous opportunities to meet and mix with DC area design professionals, and obtain part-time internships in firms. We are linked to the DC/Virginia/Maryland metro area via excellent public transportation, and to the entire northeast corridor through train and bus.

Location Information

We are located in the middle of Old Town Alexandria, a lively and walkable 18th century city just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. We occupy several unique buildings, including a 100-year old former elementary school and a 19th century church. With an active design/build program, our buildings represent years of student alterations. Our apartment housing is less than a block away, and with easy access to public transit, a car is not necessary for transportation at this campus.

Helpful Information

Because of the unique character of the WAAC as a urban satellite campus, over half of our students are new each year. We have a long tradition of welcoming the world and are accustomed to working with exchange students from other campuses. NSE students will be treated just like our own. Our primary degrees are architecture and urban design, but we will welcome students in any related field. NOTE: Financial aid is NOT available to incoming exchange students.