Is William & Mary or George Washington better for international relations?

George Washington has the edge for international relations. Its location in Washington, DC is a major advantage for this field, because internships, part-time work, guest speakers, and networking in diplomacy, policy, NGOs, and international organizations are built into the student experience in a way few schools can match. For a major tied so closely to real-world institutions, that proximity matters a lot.

The curriculum side also favors GW if you want an IR program that feels deeply integrated with professional international affairs. GW is especially known for political science, international affairs, and public policy, and students benefit from courses shaped by faculty with direct policy and government experience. That often translates into classes that connect theory to current global issues and career paths more explicitly.

William & Mary is still excellent, especially if you want a more traditional undergraduate environment with strong academics and close faculty interaction. It has a respected government program and serious opportunities through its Washington-related initiatives, but the day-to-day access to internships and policy networks is not the same as being in DC during the semester. For international relations specifically, that difference is meaningful.

Another distinction is the rhythm of opportunity. At GW, students can more easily intern during the academic year while taking classes, which helps build experience earlier and more continuously. At William & Mary, many comparable opportunities are more likely to be concentrated in summers, special programs, or off-campus experiences rather than woven into ordinary weekly life.

George Washington is the stronger overall platform for international relations, especially in terms of curriculum plus attached opportunities.