<p>Like many others on the forums, I am choosing between a school in the US and one in the UK. (I am mainly considering Edinburgh and Tufts) I have also applied (and received an offer from) St Andrews, but I think the town is too small to consider spending four years there. I am going to be studying International Relations. I'm really not looking for others' opinions on here, unless you have specifically studied at any of these universities, and if you have studied at two that's great. </p>
<p>There are significant drawbacks to studying in the UK, but the overall experience would be incredible. Drawbacks include less flexibility, a different approach to undergraduate education, less opportunities for internships, etc. I know that sounds like a long list of important things, but the University of Edinburgh, despite receiving low marks from students due to lack of prompt feedback from professors, is one of the better universities in the UK. But, I spoke to a Scottish girl studying Politics at Edinburgh who had just returned from a year at Georgetown, and she said (among other things) she learned so much more at Georgetown than she ever did at Edinburgh.</p>
<p>The thing that makes this decision so hard is Tufts' great International Relations program. I would have great internship opportunities, the ability to study more than one language, etc. But I don't much care for the cost, nor do I care for its location or social scene. </p>
<p>It seems like I'm choosing between one university with great academics and academic opportunities with a dismal overall student experience, versus a university with a student experience I would really enjoy, but questionable academics (the politics department is ranked anywhere between 9-16 in the UK league tables). </p>
<p>Again, if you have experience at these universities, or an experience between the UK and US undergraduate education systems, your input is greatly appreciated. I'm not looking for opinions from students who have not yet graduated high school, and are basing their analysis on rankings and prestige. Thanks.</p>