Heather Lacy, left, beat-off strong competition to secure the internship after studying for an MA in international journalism at University College Falmouth (UCF).

During her first month in the US capital, the bureau has covered stories ranging from President Obama's new Middle East initiative to the latest on the swine flu outbreak.

"The chance to spend three months working at ITN's Washington Bureau not only allows me invaluable hands-on experience with a top news network, but also gives me a major leg-up in the extremely competitive world of broadcast news," said Heather, who originates from Austin, Texas.

It was whilst travelling in India last year that Heather decided to pursue her interest in international journalism to MA level, having studied the subject as an undergraduate in America.

George Matheson, course leader at UCF and himself a former ITN reporter, said: "I am very pleased that Heather has been selected from a large number of applicants for such a prestigious posting.

"It shows that our students can aim for the highest openings in the expanding world of international journalism and be successful."