American University (AU)

American University leverages its Washington, DC, location to deliver “global exposure and access to opportunities outside the classroom,” including internships, volunteer work, and professional experiences. As one student shares, “I can connect what I learn in class to real-world settings, which makes my education feel practical and relevant.” Favorite class experiences include student-run communications firms, on-the-ground journalism classes that build on data and interviews from local elections, and visits to the Superior Court of DC. With “so many” programs available, “study abroad is a huge culture here.” One student studying at the AU campus in Brussels “visited close to a dozen international law and policy institutions with speakers and interactive visits.” Another huge part of the AU culture is professors who “bring interdisciplinary expertise and a genuine passion for teaching undergraduates.” For instance, a student in the popular School of International Service points to educators who are “incredibly well-connected, [and] diverse in opinion and research opportunities.” In addition to SIS and political science, students highlight AU’s communications, business, and economics programs. Many professors go “above and beyond for their students…They are also willing and able to provide valuable connections to those in your field.” And importantly, “the professors use DC as our campus, often taking students on visits to the institutions or places we are learning about to enrich our learning.” Many agree: “The faculty and location are just about unbeatable for political science and international relations,” allowing AU to be “a school where you DO while you learn.”

American University fosters “a very community-oriented campus,” drawing students with “strong political interests and eagerness to be involved in issues on and around the campus.” Overall, students “are very dedicated, driven individuals who take on a lot— academically, professionally, and socially. I know very few people who aren’t taking a full load, double majoring, with an internship, and part of multiple clubs.” Additionally, students are commonly “very interdisciplinary individuals!” One Eagle emphasizes: “Most students who double major/minor/etc. are taking them in wildly different subjects or have club interests outside of their major.” Another student agrees, saying, “This truly is a school for those who are intellectually curious and question everything.” This curiosity includes self-reflection, and many acknowledge that views on campus skew left-leaning. One student points out: “My peers are very enthusiastic about change, whether it be climate or social and racial justice.” Regardless of political views, “the common thread seems to be that students place their career goals very high on their priority list.” All in all, Eagles “are very interested in how the world works and wish to be active members of society.”

The name for students, Eagles, gives rise to a punny tradition—“Thank Clawed it’s Wednesday!” Starting in late-February, the quad transforms into a midday party with pop-up markets, food trucks, and giveaways for those decked out in AU colors—red, white, and blue. Other traditions include “student published media organizations, which are a large part of campus life,” and a student radio host reports: “The community for the station was great, the training was comprehensive and facilities and equipment were nice.” Student writers also enjoy a variety of opportunities at both the official student paper and “an unaffiliated but student-run newspaper and satire site.” AU also has intramural sports, Greek life, and “tons of clubs on lots of things,” such as Model United Nations, which the members appreciate, “whether it’s organizing the conferences, being on a team, or visiting embassies and ambassadors.” It helps, too, that whether visiting political, cultural, or just foodie landmarks, students get free Metro passes. Such perks ensure that students can explore the overall “beauty of DC. There are so many opportunities and experiences readily available to us to encourage and inspire our learning.”