<p>Okay so Im in at Champaign and my parents are reallllly pushing for me to go there-in state tuition, good rep, pretty close to home etc. I am going into international studies (now im thinking of changing my major to econ actually) interested in a career in the development of third world countries (world bankish type job) im hearing i shud just go to champaign bc for undergrad its not THAT big a deal if champaign isn't renowned for this field. I also got in Maryland which is like 20 minutes from d.c. and has an international development center. Also im interested in northeastern in boston for its amazing coop programs. i'm just really confused on weather or not its worth going to one of the out of state schools that i've applied to....anyone have any thoughts? oh and i can still change my major to econ right?</p>
<p>I would go to Illinois. The knowledge vs price deal there is the best by far. Illinois is a very strong school, and the money that can be saved over out of state or private tuition could be put to use for grad school possibly.</p>
<p>Basically, assuming you're going to graduate in 4 years, your major should be decided by the end of your sophomore year, so you have plenty of time with that.</p>
<p>Or you could go for 2 years then transfer to Hopkins, or somewhere with a better rep.</p>
<p>Same degree, cheaper price! ;)</p>
<p>what if i throw madison wisconsin in the mix? make a difference?</p>
<p>you definitely need to study one or more foreign languages, and to spend at least one semester abroad. So find out at the schools you're considering what percentage of students go abroad, where they go, etc. This should be a big factor in your decision because without that foreign exposure you are not going to be taken seriously as a candidate for jobs in 3rd world development.</p>
<p>just to note: if your school doesn't have a study abroad option you want, it's highly likely they can work it through another school</p>
<p>soccerguy315 is right, if your school doesn't have it then don't give up. On the other hand, if you're choosing colleges and this is important to you, then I'd tend to avoid schools that don't have an established program. If the program is in place they have already figured out how to transfer credit, the majors are set up so you can spend time abroad and still get all the required courses you need to graduate, and so on. Doing it all on your own is possible, of course, but its going to be a lot more work.</p>