SCHOOL of INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

American University · Washington, D.C.

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS -- WASHINGTON LOCATION

The International Economic Relations Program at the School of International Service emphasizes the integration of academic
and professional pursuits.  Faculty members and students alike
take full advantage of our location in  Washington, D.C., which provides unparalleled opportunities to gain experience and refine our knowledge of international economic policy.

Washington, D.C., is the premier venue in the United States for
the study of  international economic policy.

The international economic policy of the United States is  formulated first and foremost in Washington, D.C. The major public players in  the process - the White House, the U.S. Department of Treasury, the State Department, the Department of Commerce, and the Congress- are all located in Washington.

As the capital of the largest single economic power in the world,  international attention focuses constantly on Washington for a wide variety of economic issues.

Several major international economic organizations, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, have their headquarters in  Washington, D.C.

A number of private corporations, consulting groups, and the government relations offices of large companies have been attracted to the seat of  government and to the extensive economic policy expertise located in Washington.

Numerous prestigious institutes, or "think tanks," that focus on international economic policy are located in Washington, D.C. (Brookings Institution, Institute for International Economics, etc.)

Virtually every major U.S. interest group and an increasing number of foreign  businesses and organizations have an office in Washington.

Economic officials in foreign embassies are well informed on the economic  policies of all other countries.

As a result of these resources, Washington offers unparalleled opportunities for research in the IER field, including interviews and personal contacts with policy-makers and their staffs, personal associations and  internships with numerous private organizations and government agencies, the use of the resources of the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the libraries of the major government agencies.

Many students in the International Economic Relations program pursue employment in the field. There are a wide variety of opportunities in the nation's capital to achieve this goal. Moreover, American University has a highly successful internship program in which students gain first-hand experience in government and private positions that often lead to full-time employment.

IER Web Pages:
Home | Advisement Worksheet | Capstone Project | Washington Location | IER Faculty | Courses & Syllabi | Useful Links | Listserv | Internship/Career Opp