AAU is a very special place. Aside from its obvious beauty, it is home to some of the most remarkable professors, students, and staff members there are. It feels huge because of the infinite opportunities the location and city brings, but at the end of the day, it is a very close and intimate school where each students’ name is known. I studied IR with a specialty in Security Studies, am from the US, and chose the school for the comparative low cost and ideal (and idyllic) location. I knew the academics were strong, but I didn’t realize how strong. The learning structure overall is nice, with the class times, sizes, and topics being relevant and refined. The thing that sticks out the most is how passionate each professor I had was about whatever they were teaching. I got pumped up about learning because they seemed excited to share their knowledge, but also to discuss the topics as peers. It truly is a culture, education, and history hotspot like no other. Not to mention, at AAU, only the coolest people apply, so you’re bound to meet some of the best friends you will ever have. I love my Alma Mater, I really do, and it will forever be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself.