SMF711

I am also trying to make a decision between TC and Penn (international educational development as well!). Penn staff is very friendly and helpful, and I imagine the cost of living in Philadelphia to be a little cheaper. I agree that TC's program seems more comprehensive and has a wider variety of courses to choose from (in fact I'm finding it a little difficult to find a complete course guide for the IED program at Penn), however I really like the internship component at Penn and the close connection with UNESCO. Size: Penn has a class of 25-30 students and TC's is bigger with about 75. I think I prefer a bigger class size - more diversity of ideas and backgrounds, more connections. Even the Associate Director of the Penn IED program attended TC, as did a couple other faculty members, so I like that there's a bigger alumni base. However with more students comes more responsibility on my part to seek and find opportunities, and I have read that TC's Career Services can be unhelpful at times (unsure how credible these sources are though). Location: As mentioned above, I think living in Philadelphia would be cheaper. I have never been an NYC kind of girl, it has always seemed too claustrophobic, rushed, dirty and of course, expensive...so I'm pretty hesitant. Then again, if I go full-time, I will only be there for one calendar year... Future Employment I am still gathering information about this. Penn's program is new (it started in 2008), so I am not sure what its reputation is among NGOs and other international-focused organizations. However, that basically guaranteed UNESCO internship is sure to open many doors. TC seems to be more internationally recognized, and since I hope to wrk abroad, that's a big factor as well. Faculty: At TC, I will be concentrating on African Education and it seems as though it only has 1 dedicated faculty member, though I think the entire IED department has about 12 dedicated faculty members. Penn seems to be the same - with close to 5 being dedicated IEDP faculty and then faculty from other departments. Cost: They both cost about the same, and TC gave me a little more money than Penn. I will not have the chance to visit either before April 15 so that's a big bummer! But right now, with the info I have, I am leaning towards TC.

I received mine last Friday around the same time as emvtgse, except I'm in Europe so it was 1:30am! And it listed my scholarship, as well as my federal loans & work study.

My financial aid award letter was also in my spam folder. I did nt receive my scholarship in my acceptance letter but it was included in my award letter. So there's still hope that you could get a scholarship!!

Right now I am leaning towards TC, but I'm definitely still on the fence. When I see Penn's package, I think I will be in a better position to make an informed decision.

Hi juilletmercredi, I will be getting a MAsters in International Educational Development, and would like to work for an NGO.foundation or other non-profit that deals with community development in developing nations (especially in Africa). What programs are your TC friends in? I would definitely like to get an internship during the school year. I say $80,000 because I am including their estimates for books, personal expenses, travel, and health insurance. I agree that even with the scholarship Penn gave me, I would still be forking out quite a bit. I hope to get in touch with current students, and get a better sense. Unfortunately I am out of the country, and won't be able to make it to their preview days

Hi emvtgse, I also received my TC aid info and also waiting on Penn. I'm trying to make a final decision between the two. They're both amazing schools and their IED programs are pretty similar, so my decision might come down to the money.

I received a scholarship of just over $16,000 and $6000 for FWS for the Fall and Spring semesters. The rest were loans.

Hi midnight streetlight! Thanks for your response. I am trying to get in touch with current students and alumni at both schools to get a more personal sense of the programs. I think I will follow your advice and post this question in the Education sub forum

BUMP!!! I'd like to resurrect this topic. I have been accepted as a Masters student in the International Educational Development program at Teachers College and it's a top choice!! However, I am really freaked out by the amount of debt I will be in. It's about $80,000 per year. Is it worth it?? I'm still waiting to see what TC offer in its financial aid packages. Anyone know how graduates of TC fare after graduation, i.e. do they get good jobs easily/soon after graduation? Thanks!

Hello everyone, I would love some advice. I have been accepted as a Masters student in the International Educational Development programs at both Penn GSE and Teachers College, and I am really torn about which is the better choice. Penn GSE offered me a $10,000 scholarship, as well as a $3500 graduate assistantship, while TC - so far - has not offered me anything. They are both very expensive, at about $80,000 per year, and I am so freaked out by the amount of debt I will be in. Is it worth it?? I'm still waiting to see what they offer in their financial aid packages. Anyone know how graduates of TC and Penn GSE fare after graduation, i.e. do they get good jobs easily/soon after graduation? Internationally, TC has a better reputation than Penn GSE and is more well-known, but do you think it's makes that much of a difference? In addition, Penn's IED program is pretty new, as it just started in 2008. However, they have a relationship with UNESCO and an internship requirement, which they help you secure. Whereas Columbia lets you figure it out yourself - does anyone know if they have relationships with organizations? Current/prospective/past students and others - any advice? Thank you!

oops typo/autocorrect up there. I meant my decision was *available.

I don't know what the final deadline is for Columbia but I sent mine in on January 15. I just checked my status online and my decision was saline. I'm in! Good luck!

Heard from Penn last week, and I'm in for International Educational Development with a scholarship! I'm pretty excited

Thanks for the heads up! I just checked my status as well and I'm in for International Educational Development! Good luck to everyone

I got in! But after reading all the posts, I guess I didn't get any aid as they did not mention it in the letter.