How good is USC's International Relations, E. Asian Area Studies, Chinese & Japanese Language dept?

How good is USC’s International Relations, E. Asian Area Studies, Chinese & Japanese Language depts?

For those in it (or their parents), what do you most like/dislike about it?

What, if anything, really stands out about each of these areas that is unique to USC?

Are there any special opportunities associated with them that wow you? Do these special opportunities cost a lot of $$ (over and above fall and spring tuition)?

Has the fact that the IR department is housed in its own School of IR made a difference in your education or the opportunities available to you? If so, how?

I’ve heard that high caliber practitioners come to speak at USC (diplomats, generals, etc.) – how frequent or infrequent is this?

I ask this as a mom of a senior who will also be considering excellent INTL Relations programs in the Washington DC area. By comparison, what might we gain or lose by choosing USC?

How would you rate USC’s IR/E. Asia/Chinese/Japanese language programs/opportunities compared to the top Ivies? Top UC’s?

Granted, since nearly every one only attends one undergraduate program, the latter two questions might be hard for most to answer. But if anyone has any input re: the above, that would be very helpful and much appreciated!