Hey all!
I'm a May 2010 graduate, BA Psych, and after taking two years off from university I think I've finally figured out what I'd like to pursue a graduate degree in... International Education!
I first started contemplating an "International Relations" degree, but I wasn't liking the policy/government focus of many of the programs, shifted to a "International Communication" degree but wanted something more broad and applicable to a variety of careers and then I stumbled across "International Education!"
I would eventually love to work at a university in a study abroad office, with an international non-profit, maybe a government program, something like Fulbright/Peace Corps... anyway, I have a few questions...
1. I don't have too much experience in "education," I've never taught and don't wish to teach, at least not now, would this be weird that I'm considering an education degree without this concrete, "teaching" experience...
2. I have no idea as far as "research interests" go... should I have a definite idea of research interests upon applying to grad schools? or would my "study abroad experience, international conferences, international studies certificate be enough to show an interest despite an education degree and a clear research interest)
3. I've spent some time looking at different programs and considering courses, tuition, location, degree program, internship requirement, etc... I'm really liking American University and New York University Int'l Ed programs, would it be difficult to get some sort of funding... are there other good, broad programs that aren't too policy focused?
4. Are there any national, fellowships in which someone in the education field could apply for? I applied for a Fulbright ETA this year and was just notified of my alternate status, is there something I could apply for and get funding to cover graduate expenses?
I'm sorry for asking so many questions, but I'm just really wanting to pursue this graduate degree and feel that despite researching for two years there is still so much of the field and study that I know little about.
Any and all help would be GREATLY appreciated... I would really like this thread to become a place of continual discourse for anyone interested in the international education field... I see y'all out there!
Thank you!!!