<p>I’ve been accepted to both of these schools and plan on studying Jewish Studies and Hebrew (with psychology as well but that’s less of my focus). I was wondering if anyone has any insight into which of these two schools would be best for my intended studies. Any help is greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>I don't know anything about GW, but AU's Jewish Studies has a very strong, involved faculty advisor/department chair. If you haven't spoken with her, I recommend you do. You can find her name on the AU site, look up the Jewish Studies department. I believe its a very small department.</p>
<p>My roommate took a year off to work for BBYO and chose AU for its opportunities for Jewish studies. They have recently added Jewish/Hebrew/Israeli conflict studies (not sure on specifics but saw it in an article in The Eagle this year). There are several professors at AU who do some pretty extensive research in these fields.</p>
<p>I also know about two dozen students (and close friends) who participated in the Birth Right trip (very popular at AU), and a handful of others who are doing a fellowship program which allows for travel around the Middle East with professors and guest speakers. </p>
<p>In short, I think AU would offer a great many opportunities for what you are looking for. It also wouldn't hurt to contact an advisor in SIS...</p>
<p>Here's an article about the Israel studies program at AU: <a href="http://veracity.univpubs.american.edu/weekly/060607/060607-israelstudies.html%5B/url%5D">http://veracity.univpubs.american.edu/weekly/060607/060607-israelstudies.html</a></p>