火爆社区

American University leverages its Washington, DC, location to deliver 鈥済lobal exposure and access to opportunities outside the classroom,鈥� including internships, volunteer work, and professional experiences. As one student shares, 鈥淚 can connect what I learn in class to real-world settings, which makes my education feel practical and relevant.鈥� 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 鈥渟o many鈥� programs available, 鈥渟tudy abroad is a huge culture here.鈥� One student studying at the AU campus in Brussels 鈥渧isited close to a dozen international law and policy institutions with speakers and interactive visits.鈥� Another huge part of the AU culture is professors who 鈥渂ring interdisciplinary expertise and a genuine passion for teaching undergraduates.鈥� For instance, a student in the popular School of International Service points to educators who are 鈥渋ncredibly well-connected, [and] diverse in opinion and research opportunities.鈥� In addition to SIS and political science, students highlight AU鈥檚 communications, business, and economics programs. Many professors go 鈥渁bove and beyond for their students鈥�They are also willing and able to provide valuable connections to those in your field.鈥� And importantly, 鈥渢he professors use DC as our campus, often taking students on visits to the institutions or places we are learning about to enrich our learning.鈥� Many agree: 鈥淭he faculty and location are just about unbeatable for political science and international relations,鈥� allowing AU to be 鈥渁 school where you DO while you learn.鈥�

American University fosters 鈥渁 very community-oriented campus,鈥� drawing students with 鈥渟trong political interests and eagerness to be involved in issues on and around the campus.鈥� Overall, students 鈥渁re very dedicated, driven individuals who take on a lot鈥� academically, professionally, and socially. I know very few people who aren鈥檛 taking a full load, double majoring, with an internship, and part of multiple clubs.鈥� Additionally, students are commonly 鈥渧ery interdisciplinary individuals!鈥� One Eagle emphasizes: 鈥淢ost students who double major/minor/etc. are taking them in wildly different subjects or have club interests outside of their major.鈥� Another student agrees, saying, 鈥淭his truly is a school for those who are intellectually curious and question everything.鈥� This curiosity includes self-reflection, and many acknowledge that views on campus skew left-leaning. One student points out: 鈥淢y peers are very enthusiastic about change, whether it be climate or social and racial justice.鈥� Regardless of political views, 鈥渢he common thread seems to be that students place their career goals very high on their priority list.鈥� All in all, Eagles 鈥渁re very interested in how the world works and wish to be active members of society.鈥�

The name for students, Eagles, gives rise to a punny tradition鈥斺�淭hank Clawed it鈥檚 Wednesday!鈥� 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鈥攔ed, white, and blue. Other traditions include 鈥渟tudent published media organizations, which are a large part of campus life,鈥� and a student radio host reports: 鈥淭he community for the station was great, the training was comprehensive and facilities and equipment were nice.鈥� Student writers also enjoy a variety of opportunities at both the official student paper and 鈥渁n unaffiliated but student-run newspaper and satire site.鈥� AU also has intramural sports, Greek life, and 鈥渢ons of clubs on lots of things,鈥� such as Model United Nations, which the members appreciate, 鈥渨hether it鈥檚 organizing the conferences, being on a team, or visiting embassies and ambassadors.鈥� 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 鈥渂eauty of DC. There are so many opportunities and experiences readily available to us to encourage and inspire our learning.鈥�