<p>I would like to find out which schools in the Midwest have the best International Relations/Studies programs, good Study Abroad programs and options for internships. I am planning to become a Foreign Service Officer and would like the best preparation that would also assure me the progression to a prestigious graduate school... </p>
<p>Unfortunately due to financial reasons I am limiting myself to the Midwest, preferably Illinois and Chicagoland area, although private schools in Wisconsin/Indiana/Michigan could work as well. </p>
<p>Any suggestions? Also, opinions on which school would make a better fit - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Loyola University or a liberal arts school such as Lake Forest?</p>
<p>Indiana University - Bloomington has a good/great Poly Sci program, from what I've heard and read. I'm not sure how well the IR program would tie in, but IUB is a great school regardless for most majors.</p>
<p>You should take a look at the James Madison College at Michigan State, it's a residential college focused on public policy and international relations, kind of a "small school within a big school".</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestions, but what about private schools? I can't afford to go to a public institution out of state, the tuition is almost twice the amount - yet my academic standing can get me significant aid at a private school.</p>
<p>I would add Depaul if you want to stay in the Chicagoland area. As far as being the best fit, that is a question you really have to make yourself. Although, it can easily be anwsered with how big of school do you want to go to, how big do you want the campus to be, etc.</p>
<p>AliBubble do you even know what your talking about?</p>
<p>Beloit is a wonderful school, that has a great regional rep and is a top 30 producer of PhDs in the country and has one of the best anthropology departments in the country. It is not "the most selective" college, but is very self selective. You obviously very ignorant.</p>
<p>I second the Macalester and Kalamazoo suggestions, and would add Lawrence to the mix. Lake Forest is pretty "meh" in my opinion... it tends to have a reputation as a country club for wealthy kids who couldn't get into better schools and just want to coast through four years. The students from my school here in MN that have attended LF have definitely fit that profile.</p>
<p>Just a bump. Thanks for the opinions, I have looked into all of the schools and I'm debating whether to apply to Macalester and Kalamazoo. Any other views on Lake Forest? Also, is it true that the LAS courses at U of I Urbana-Champaign are mostly blow-off?</p>
<p>I'd like to second the Beloit suggestion. According to their website, Beloit is a member of the International 50, which are the top 50 LACs and Universities that prepare students for the foreign service. On top of that, roughly 50% of their students study abroad for a full semester or a full year. That number doesn't even include students who do summer programs, or a week long trip over spring break. They also provide grants for students who are abroad and want to complete their own research or special project while they are abroad. It's definitely worth checking them out imo.</p>
<p>IR might be one place where it's worth it to try to get to the east coast for. Most of the best programs are there, and even if you can't afford financially to go to the top of the line (Georgetown, Hopkins, etc) you could get significant merit aid at a place like American or George Washington. I went through the same process a year ago (from Wisconsin, looking to major in IR/IS) so if you have any questions let me know. I know quite a bit about a lot of undergrad IR programs, but I'm not too familiar with midwestern ones because I quickly realized that there wasn't much there when it came to IR. Good luck with your search.</p>
<p>My son is a sophomore at Kalamazoo whose interests match yours. He also wants to go into the foreign service. Recently a foreign service rep visited campus and told the students who came to the presentation that K College had a very good reputation in the service.</p>
<p>There are surely a number of good options in the Midwest for what you want to do, but you should certainly look closely at Kalamazoo. They are also fairly generous with their aid packages.</p>
<p>Ah yes, I almost forgot about Macalester. It's definitely one of your best options if you do want to stay in the midwest. Not sure how much aid they'll give you, as its almost as expensive as East Coast private schools.</p>
<p>I can say in the midwest Michigan State University is the top school for students attending study abroad. I've been told often that MSU has the most study abroad students in the nation, but have read articles where it's been said for New York University.</p>