Maybe you have big dreams of becoming a diplomat, a humanitarian, an embassy officer, or an intelligence specialist one day. From experiential courses to networking opportunities, you stand to gain many benefits from studying abroad to help you jumpstart your career.
But we get it, the world is a pretty big place with many enticing dishes to try and monuments to see. Thankfully, you’re in the right place to help you decide where to study international relations abroad.
No matter what you hope to become one day, college is the prime time to earn the foundational knowledge and skills you need to achieve your dreams. Many universities around the world cater to international relations students with diverse elective choices, reputable professors, and more. Get ready to discover a deeper understanding of world affairs, global politics, diplomacy, and more in any of these 10 best countries to study international relations.
Why study international relations abroad?
Deciding where to study international relations is your first step to taking your education beyond books and classrooms.
International relations, a specialization in political science, is concerned with studying the intersection of public and private organizations at a global level. What better way to gain new cultural perspectives than with your boots on the ground abroad?
Future employers also look for candidates that can demonstrate that they know how to plan for and manage a wide scope of global issues. From studying international relations abroad, you can confidently tell employers that you’ve learned how to:
- Collaborate with others with diverse backgrounds.
- Empathize with other cultures.
- Broaden your global horizons.
Plus, you could become more fluent in another language by studying and practicing it abroad. With many international relations study abroad programs, you’ll also find volunteer and internship opportunities available too.
By adding all the courses you’ve taken abroad, any languages you’ve learned, and any special hands-on experience you’ve had on your resume, you’re also setting yourself up as a more attractive candidate for future employers.
Where to study international relations
So what are the best countries to study international relations? In addition to the United States, many European countries and two Indo-Pacific countries offer some of the world’s best universities for studying international relations. The most important consideration, however, is what you’re ultimately looking to get out of your experience abroad and what opportunities are available in that country that best align with your academic and career goals.
1. United States
The United States ranks on top on where to study international relations because of its first-rate universities, such as Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), to name a few! Many programs in the U.S. offer flexible coursework options to create a program that suits your aspirations.
Plus, the United States is a model country for democracy, home to many international organizations, and a key player in global diplomacy, so you’re literally in the ballpark for many networking and internship opportunities. You can get the ball rolling in almost any career branch of international relations that interests you after you graduate.
- Recommended program: Washington, DC Internship Program
2. United Kingdom
Picture yourself studying with iconic UK destinations surrounding you.
The United Kingdom is one of the best places to study international relations, boasting crown jewels of universities, such as the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, where you’ll be among diverse student populations and top-notch professors.
In particular, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) features one of the largest and oldest international relations departments in the world, with many interdisciplinary, research, and graduate program options available. Tally ho!
The UK is also a member of several foreign relations organizations, most notably the United Nations, G7 forum, and the World Trade Organization. And, if you so choose to get additional experience under your belt, you can even work up to 20 hours a week with a student visa.
- Recommended program: London School of Economics Summer School
3. France
As a founding member of the United Nations, and a highly networked country thanks to its membership in the European Union, NATO, UN, and many other international organizations, France is undoubtedly the crème de la crème for international relations. Some of the top-ranking universities include Sciences Po, PSL University, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, and the University of Paris-Saclay. Many of the programs feature multidisciplinary coursework and include practical experience.
Also, did you know French is the second most-learned language in the world after English? Oui, oui! Plus, you’re just a hop, jump, and skip to many neighboring countries.
- Recommended program: European Study Center (ESC) Strasbourg, France
4. Australia
Nah yeah, mate, Australia’s unique geographical position and global prowess make it a top country for studying international relations. The Land Down Under is one of the founding members of the United Nations. It’s also a member of the G20, East Asia summit, and many other international organizations, maintaining strong relationships with the U.S., many European countries, and many Asian countries.
You’ll find many high-quality universities in Australia, and get this, it’s even the fifth-largest recipient of international students in the world! Some of the best universities in Australia to study international relations include Australian National University, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Sydney.
- Recommended program: Study Abroad for a Semester at Deakin University Australia
5. Singapore
You’re in for the experience of a lifetime when you study international relations in Singapore.
As a key political player that maintains close diplomatic relations with both the U.S. and China, this city-state is a heavy hitter among the best places to study international relations. Singapore also offers students an entryway to learning about Eastern culture and diplomacy.
Singapore is home to excellent universities with diverse student bodies and programs that emphasize multidisciplinary coursework and cross-cultural learning environments. Plus, this island nation is one of the best countries in the world for entrepreneurship!
So, if you’re also looking to study relations among global businesses, gain hands-on experience, and network with top innovators, tech leaders, and entrepreneurs from around the world, then look no further than Singapore.
- Recommended program: TEAN - Singapore - Singapore Management University
6. Italy
Italy was one of the founding members of the EU and G7 and plays a central role in the UN with peacekeeping efforts in many countries throughout East Europe and Africa. With its extensive rail network and seaports, and its geographical location between Europe and Africa, Italy has become a leading country in world trade.
Throughout history, Italy influenced and shaped the world’s politics and economies, and this boot-shaped country continues to be a powerhouse for global markets. You’ll find a wide range of course offerings available from peace studies to global economy, with some classes taught in English, a combination of English and Italian, or Italian only.
- Recommended program: API: Experience Rome, Italy (Scholarships Available)
7. Netherlands
The Netherlands is a member of the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the EU, and many other international organizations, and historically has been a prime example of neutrality. Plus, the majority of the people in this Dutch country are fluent in English. It’s also home to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, opening a doorway for internship opportunities.
Maastricht University and the University of Amsterdam are among some of the more popular universities for studying international relations. Many programs offer hands-on learning opportunities to learn more about the roles of policymakers and political unions, with field trips available to other nearby European cities!
- Recommended program: Politics, Law and International Relations in Europe
8. Germany
See international relations in action, and learn a key language, by choosing Germany for study abroad.
Germany is a member of the EU, UN, NATO, and many other international organizations, and maintains strong alliances with the U.S., France, and other neighboring countries. While you find many world-class (and tuition-free!) institutions in Germany, Freie Universitaet Berlin and TU Dresden are some of the best universities for studying international relations, with courses taught in English or German and many immersive internship programs available too.
Even with its checkered history, Germany has emerged as a global power in science and technology and boasts the largest economy in Europe. German is also one of the highest-paid foreign languages, so a homestay placement is worth considering!
- Recommended program: AIFS Abroad in Berlin, Germany (FUB): Semester
9. Austria
Austria straddles Eastern and Western Europe and had a long history as part of many empires before gaining total independence in 1955. This Alps-laden country hosts the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Central European University in Vienna and the University of Vienna are top picks for studying international relations in Austria, with courses available in many complex global and social issues, attracting international students from over 140 countries. Vienna is also one of the most liveable cities in the world, with an excellent transportation system that can easily connect you to many neighboring countries.
- Recommended program: Bard Abroad in Vienna: Central European University
10. Switzerland
As the poster child for neutrality, home to many international organizations, and the site of the Geneva Convention, it’s no wonder that Switzerland’s a top destination for studying international relations. Most businesses and offices in Switzerland cater to international audiences, with political awareness and four national languages extending throughout the country’s institutions.
The country is also home to the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations, one of the most respected institutions that focuses on politics, business, and government on an international scale. Lying in the heart of Europe, Switzerland lets you hop on a train to many nearby countries such as France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Austria.
- Recommended program: Boston University: Geneva Internship Program
Explore ALL International Relations Study Abroad Programs on GoAbroad.com!
Study abroad is a great way to complement your international relations degree!
You’ll give your degree a serious boost by studying international relations abroad.
There you have it—now you know where to study international relations! No matter which area of international relations interests you, you’re bound to learn major-league skills in any of these countries. Plus, you’ll have the time of your life meeting people from every corner of the world, exploring new landscapes, and soaking in new languages!
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