The most "international" IR programs in the US?

[farsoodgee]

I would like to get some opinions on IR programs within the US. I probably cannot afford a top school, but likely have the credentials to get into something near the top. I have 7+ years of international development experience and scored a 169V, 157Q, and 5.0 AW on the GRE.  However, I'm interested in programs where the graduates tend to end up working internationally in great numbers. Obviously graduates of many IR programs land good jobs in think tanks, the State Department civil service, the UN HQ, and elsewhere in the US. And many go on to work internationally in international finance, development, etc. Are there programs that emphasize future overseas work more than others? Perhaps they have strong connections to internships overseas? My interest is working overseas as an FSO, USAID employee, or possibly in a corporation overseas.

 

I'm also looking for an IR program that requires a foreign language and strongly emphasizes this aspect of the program. There are quite a few IR programs out there that mention a language requirement but then won't allow language classes to count as part of program- or the level of fluency required is minimal just so you can say you know a bit of a foreign language. Very few seem to emphasize this and it often seems like they are checking the box in terms of foreign languages since those with strong language interests tend to end up in Area Studies programs.

 

And thirdly, I'm interested in an IR program in the US that accepts a large numbers of foreign students. I am an American but want to experience a mix of different cultures and backgrounds within the program rather than sit in classes with people who are just like me.

 

Any suggestions?

 

Thanks.

 

 

[leon32]

I'm at Fletcher, and they have about a 50-50 mix of foreign/domestic students, but they don't really emphasize the foreign language bit.

[thevillagersid]

Yale Jackson is also about 50-50 domestic/international, and there seem to be excellent opportunities for those who want to go abroad after graduation.

 

Many of the top programs (Yale included) are quite good about offering funding in the form of scholarships or teaching assistantships, so I'd encourage you to apply to all the schools you think would be a good fit for your interests and worry about funding later.