Best international studies programs in the US?

I'm a high school junior interested in studying international relations. What are some of the top international studies programs in the US that I should consider applying to? Are there any unique aspects of these programs compared to others?

There are many colleges and universities in the U.S. with renowned International Studies programs. Here are five you might want to consider based on their highly respected faculty, access to exceptional resources, and notable curriculum.

1. Johns Hopkins University: The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) is highly regarded in the field of International Studies. The program offers interdisciplinary coursework that integrates political science, economics, history, and language studies. The school also has campuses in Bologna, Italy and Nanjing, China, providing students with unique opportunities to study International Affairs across different cultural contexts.

2. Georgetown University: The Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service holds a long-standing reputation for excellence in International Studies. Georgetown's location in Washington D.C provides students with extensive opportunities for internships, networking, and career placement in agencies and organizations specializing in international affairs. Furthermore, the curriculum emphasizes a balance between theory and its application to contemporary global challenges.

3. Harvard University: The Social Sciences faculty at Harvard offers one of the best International Relations concentrations, drawing from the resources of the Harvard Kennedy School, a graduate professional school focused on public policy and administration. Harvard also provides significant research opportunities in the field.

4. Princeton University: Its Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs offers a multidisciplinary undergraduate program which combines social sciences with an international and public policy focus. The Woodrow Wilson School also provides fully-funded internships around the globe.

5. Stanford University: The Stanford International Relations program offers a variety of tracks tailored to students' interest areas, such as international security, global economy, and regional studies. Stanford is known for its integration of research into its curriculum, even at the undergraduate level, providing students with experiential learning opportunities.

These schools stand out due to their integration of language studies, unique global opportunities, high-level internship prospects, and a faculty involved in influential policy formation and research. Each of these schools has its own unique strengths, so when choosing the best fit for you, besides program reputation, also consider factors such as curriculum, study abroad opportunities, research opportunities, faculty, and overall academic environment.