Top Tier Universities (often requiring high academic credentials):
* Ivy League: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Brown, University of Pennsylvania (all have renowned international relations and area studies programs)
* Other Elite Universities: Stanford, MIT, Columbia, University of Chicago, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins (each with unique strengths within international studies)
* Public Flagships: University of California, Berkeley; UCLA; University of Michigan; University of Virginia (strong programs, often more affordable than private institutions)
Excellent Liberal Arts Colleges (strong focus on undergraduate education):
* Wellesley College: Known for its strong women's focus and international connections.
* Mount Holyoke College: Similar to Wellesley, with a focus on global perspectives.
* Swarthmore College: A rigorous program with strong faculty.
* Bowdoin College: Excellent liberal arts education with opportunities for international study.
* Amherst College: Strong humanities and social sciences, supporting robust international studies.
Universities with Specific Regional Strengths:
* Georgetown University: Strong in Middle Eastern and Latin American studies.
* Columbia University: Renowned for its East Asian, South Asian, and Middle Eastern studies programs.
* University of California, Berkeley: Broad range, with exceptional strengths in several regions, including East Asia and Latin America.
* University of Texas at Austin: Strong Latin American studies program.
* University of Washington: Strong East Asian studies program.
Things to Consider When Choosing:
* Regional Focus: Do you have a particular geographic area of interest (e.g., Africa, East Asia, Latin America)?
* Theoretical Approach: Are you interested in political science, economics, anthropology, history, or a more interdisciplinary approach?
* Language Requirements: Many programs require or highly recommend fluency in a foreign language.
* Study Abroad Opportunities: Look for programs with extensive study abroad opportunities in your region of interest.
* Faculty Expertise: Research the faculty's publications and areas of expertise.
* Career Services: Consider the career support offered by the program.
To find the best program *for you*, I recommend:
1. Identifying your specific interests: What aspects of international studies excite you the most?
2. Using college ranking websites: Websites like US News & World Report, Niche, and The Princeton Review offer rankings, but remember these are just one factor.
3. Visiting program websites: Explore the curricula, faculty profiles, research opportunities, and student resources of programs that interest you.
4. Contacting program advisors: Reach out to program advisors to ask questions and learn more about their programs.
By carefully considering your interests and researching specific programs, you can find the best fit for your academic and career goals.