<p>i’m not trying to be argumentative here, but I’m really trying to figure out how an international relations major is different than what you can study at Grinnell. I looked at Kalamazoo’s website (the other college you’re interested in) and while they have a major in “international studies” it appears to be primarily courses taken in other disciplines. I also looked up Macalester, which is widely viewed to be an excellent school for international studies (or relations), and the “International Studies” major requirements call for students to take “a five course focus in any of over 20 disciplinary programs.” Then, for something completely different, I went to NYU’s international relations major and all the courses come from the Economics, Politics and Sociology departments! How do either of these majors differ from the education that Grinnell would provide? It seems to me they just “pre-bundle” the package for you!</p>
<p>I guess there’s some way you are defining international relations which doesn’t appear apparent to me, but when I look at the Grinnell course offerings in different disciplines (and I only looked at Poli Sci, Econ and Sociology) it seems to cover a wide array of studies that would be helpful for anyone who wanted to enter the foreign service! </p>
<p>It seems to me that if you do get accepted to Grinnell, you should call the school and ask to speak to a professor who can help you figure out if the school can provide the education you’re looking for.</p>