<p>How are McGill's programs for foreign language and international relations, mainly for French, Spanish, and Arabic? When I looked at McGill's website, I noticed that International Relations and Arabic were minors/concentrations? I found their website confusing, and I do not know if I should apply. </p>
<p>I would be an international student from the United States, if that helps.</p>
<p>Rockman:</p>
<p>Check out University of St Andrews, in Scotland, for international relations.</p>
<p>It supposedly is a top program.</p>
<p>McGill is a good choice, but I know someone who turned down McGill for St Andrews.</p>
<p>No. Do not go to the UK, or Europe for that matter, for serious academic IR. To put it bluntly, the way that International Relations is done in the US (and by extension, top Canadian departments such as McGill) is different from the way it is done in the rest of the world, and there is a reason why American IR is the dominant and most scientifically rigorous research being conducted in the field. Try search for relevant threads under the “Other College Majors” section of the site to find out more. Of course, you’re welcome to go to St. Andrew’s if you (1) do not wish to work/live in North America in the future (2) do not want to work in IR, and/or (3) want to hang out with posh, upper-crust old money. </p>
<p>Specifically, McGill’s IR program is relatively strong, particularly in conflict/crisis theory, and to an extent, IPE. IR is not a distinct major at McGill, but a subfield within the discipline of political science. Honestly, you would be poorly served if you went through a purely IR program without learning the normative or methodological foundations of contemporary poli sci. Too bad you just missed Saideman though; his classes were extremely popular, and his intro to IR class was quite fun and accessible. </p>
<p>There are many Americans who come to McGill, as the cheap tuition is very attractive (I could be wrong, but pretty certain that McGill has the largest proportion of Americans out of any Canadian RI.) </p>
<p>I don’t know much about McGill’s language departments, but I remember being impressed by the diversity.</p>
<p>Also, I’m not sure what part of the website you were looking at - I agree that McGill’s website is quite horrendous, even by the (low) standards of university websites - but try taking a look at the program guide available here:</p>
<p>[Faculty</a> of Arts | Programs, Courses and University Regulations - McGill University](<a href=“http://www.mcgill.ca/study/2012-2013/faculties/arts]Faculty”>Faculty of Arts | 2012–2013 Programs, Courses and University Regulations - McGill University)</p>
<p>Thanks for the help!</p>
<p>Be aware too that le D</p>