<p>Hello there!
So I'm a junior in high school and I really want to major in international affairs/relations, therefore I've been looking and researching about schools that are the best match for me, and I've found a couple that I'm really interested in. Anyways, I have some friends that would like to major in IR as well, but they are considering getting their degree abroad. I mean, that is what international affairs is about, right? going abroad and learning about new cultures (I know there's a lot more that IR is about but basically when one thinks about IR this is what pops up in everyone mind). Therefore, I was wondering, is it better to study IR abroad (whole college career, not only a year abroad) or at home. I was personally thinking that even though going abroad is what fsofficers and diplomats do, wouldn't it be better to first study and learn about one's country first, immerse in one's own culture to be a better representative when one gets a job and has to travel abroad? I mean, I know studying abroad is a really nice experience because I've done it myself (I was an exchange student last year for the whole year xD ) and it can open many doors, but is studying abroad for your entire college career worth it? and wouldn't it be better to study at home, so when you go to other countries, you are a better ambassador? Please give me your opinions! It is very much appreciated! Thanks!!</p>
<p>Because I assume that you aren’t fluent in another language you mostly have English schools to think about----St. Andrews is supposed to be excellent for international relations but a place like U. Edinbrugh is quite large and you have to think whether you want a large school. Same with McGill. Also, you can do at least a semester and potentially a whole year abroad anyway. The quality of the language instruction at the school is important, so you may be better off at a place like Middlebury, Johns Hopkins or Tufts if you have the stats for those and just do 1 or 2 semesters abroad. Also George Washington, American. A good school in the States could make it easier to get internships that you want —or at least you should examine if that’s true. Also look at which schools in the U.S. have a large contingent of international students you would be meeting.</p>
<p>Thanks Hitch123! My apologies for replying this late! I did not notice that someone has responded. Thank you so much for the info. I am actually looking at some schools abroad and also AU or GW. My dream university has been Tufts since I was very young, and we’ll see how it goes next year. Oh and btw, I actually speak Spanish, German, Swedish and I am currently in an intermediate level in Russian, so the languages are not a problem, I am a fast learner. Thanks again for your help! It is very much appreciated. :)</p>
<p>Unless you’re going to LSE or something, don’t go abroad for school because foreign degrees basically got nuthin on US. Seriously though, if you want to work in the government they’re going to hire the Georgetown graduates before they hire students from Tsinghua University.</p>