<p>People pick Washington because it’s in a big city. If you’re going to live somewhere for 4 years, then that’s important. If you’re just studying abroad for a semester, then it doesn’t really matter. Go to the football games and get drunk a lot – that’s the American college experience and both are prominent at Illinois. Visit Chicago (3 hours away) if you must see big cities. It’s arguably more impressive than Seattle. I don’t think either choice could be called a mistake for your purposes.</p>