tomasdavis

admit to Georgetown MAAS, waitlisted for funding

Im actually appling to MA Mideast studies programs, but I wanted to encourage anybody considering MA in Lat Am studies... I spent some time in Mexico and Colombia, and I think that the benefit of this kind of program is that you just get to explore your interests, may/may not improve job prospects, but I think the personal and intellectual experience would be fascinating. If I hadnt transitioned to the Mideast a few years ago, Id be applying with you all...

Hi Kevin and Onelove, I applied to Georgetown and AUC - I just received an email from AUC today that decisions come out in July!! If I get an offer from Georgetown I'll ask for an early decision from AUC - I have an opportunity to continue at my job in Khartoum and fly in a few weekends each semester, which could happen from Cairo but not from DC, and I like this job so that's a big factor for me. I can tell you from being in Khartoum that you DO learn the dialect on the street and that also makes Cairo very appealing, the same would happen there. Kevin re MA/PhD, Im actually a uni prof currently, I have an MBA but am choosing another MA instead of any type of PhD because I just like being in the action... the MA is to give me some additional skills/knowledge, then get back in the action ASAP, and I think a PhD would be a very long process involving a lot of writing and probably less relevant to on-the-ground skills that Im looking for - but ask around, you'll get a lot of different perspectives.

Jebreel, my understanding is that the admit decision is based on your self-reported beginner/intermediate/advanced level of arabic, then once in the program you take a test and the school decides whether you require arabic classes.

go live in the MIdeast and do anything during your 4 year period. I recommend something outside of the Gulf. If you want to emphasize your arabic skills, you will be working on and possibly in the Arab world - the more time you spend here the more expertise you gain. I am in Sudan, was in Abu Dhabi before that for 3 years. The gulf is not really unusual, but people are shocked - inside and outside of Sudan - that I would come here. I am confident that for grad school apps and for professional opportunities after graduation, Arabic and professional experience in the Mideast are really valuable If you mean the 4 years is for your BSc program, then you have less flexibility to follow this kind of plan, but spend as much time as possible in the mideast.

Hi Soar, Im applying for 2015 ME studies programs, if I get some funding to reduce the financial burden I will do it, and I cant really give you a clear career plan. Ive been teaching in the Mideast for 4 years, Id like to improve my academic arabic and learn more about the Mideast - even if i were to return to university teaching afterwards, I would consider it worthwhile (again, assuming I get some reasonable amount of funding). I would strongly discourage anybody from applying to programs who hasnt spent at least a year in the Mideast - both for a competitive grad school app as well as the opportunity to experience the language and culture to get a realistic sense of whether this is for you - its definitely not for everybody.

I think most of these programs are relatively small (irrespective of number of applicants) and if, say, 20 students are admitted each year, for practical admin/finance reasons the schools structure ME programs to all start in the fall.

Hi, Would love to get a discussion going about thoughts regarding location for Mideast studies. Comparing, say, Georgetown or Johns Hopkins, to AUC in Egypt - doing a program in the Mideast offers a much different experience re. language and cultural experience than a program in the US. Any perspectives to share? Two sides could be "nothing beats the Arab world for learning about the Arab world" and "a top tier name from a US grad program is the way to go, it is the ultimate door-opener/networking asset (particularly the DC programs)". I'll frame this in my personal experience. I currently live in Khartoum. Previously I was in the UAE. Evaluating grad programs based on my UAE experience (the UAE isnt really Arab culture or language-intensive), I thought that the program name was the most important factor, thus all I really was considering were US programs . However, after relocating to Khartoum, I now see huge benefit in living and interacting in the Arab world (Arabic everywhere, constant exposure to Arab and Islamic culture) if your goal is becoming an expert on Mideast affairs and Arabic. I'll note that my personal interest is in working in the MENA region after grad school (not in DC). Regards!

The FLAS scholarship is available for several languages, Persian might be one, and if so then consider the higher-priced programs (check which ones work with the FLAS scholarship, its only available at certain schools). Im also applying to grad program after many years out of school, with the plan to emphasize my work and personal experience as an asset to the programs I apply to, I think you have the same opportunity.

Im 43 and Im applying this year for fall 2015... as much for personal growth as for professional opportunities, and I already have a masters (MBA). My best advice would be to not limit your career goals to the "prestigious" posts. Early in my career I was a bulge bracket i-banker in NYC. I just accepted a 1-yr post in Africa for under $1,000/mo and given my 15 yrs of experience since leaving wall street, I have no doubt that this job that very few people would even consider will be a more meaningful experience than i-banking. Im not suggesting you take a $1k/mo job after taking on debt from grad school... the more general idea is that there are meaningful, fulfilling opportunities out there, not all under the big labels.

Hi, I like this program also... probably your best "enhancer" would be to do something in the arab world (work/volunteer/study) for 1-2 years. But not "a must"... perhaps your personal experience there will make a compelling story for your app. I dont think the biology major is a disadvantage... Id say that in general, a "general" undergrad field + strong connection to Arab world is an advantage over an international relations undergrad without MENA experience. Your language skills are a big plus for sure!

get out of the US for at the very least a year, at the very least teaching English (although a business-related role would be more interesting)... the more "developing" the country the better... for two reasons, 1) the programs prefer international experience, 2) saying "I want to do.... in a developing country" is one thing, and saying "I have done... in a developing country" is another, and 3) you personally will know a lot more about what working in that kind of environment is like

thanks all! sounds positive, to be sure, I will check with the admissions offices...

Hi, I have a GRE score that is 5yrs old on Nov.5. Most program app. deadlines are after this date. If I apply and request my score transmission BEFORE Nov 5 (say September), will schools accept my scores? In other words, what determines the 5yr mark... the date they receive my application, or the application deadline? Thx!