A Snappy Dresser

Ha, I know what you mean. I can't get a word about ETH Zurich. I'm gonna go there anyway. You can't get ahead if you don't gamble a little anyway.

I've heard many great things about TU Delft. I was actually thinking about applying there myself to a different program. Unfortunately, that's about all I can really tell you. From my vacation, Sweden seemed like a much better place to live as compared to Finland, but you can't beat the Netherlands.

NYC - You essentially can't have a car. The subways are 24/7, unlike almost every other city, even those with good public transportation. This is huge; don't underestimate it. Perhaps they are open 24/7 in San Francisco, but I've got no idea. The taxis are also a life saver that most other cities lack. Boston/Cambridge/Somerville - Great without a car, but better if you have one or have access to one via a friend. I didn't have a car for a while, then did. If you don't mind a few parking tickets, the car is nice for shopping. The subways close pretty early, so watch out. There isn't a good taxi system, but the buses are fine.

Well, it's in Switzerland, and it's supposed to be nice. I was there once on vacation, and I recall it being extremely expensive but that's all I really remember. What's it like? How's the housing situation for rentals? What do people do? What are they like? How do they get around? Where do students hang out/live? What can't I find there that I might miss?

Actually, I think this will be more appropriate in the April 15th forum. You can delete this post.

As I mentioned over in the Decisions forum, I've been blindsided by a late acceptance to ETH Zurich's Master in Energy Science & Technology Program. Truthfully, I don't know much about the program itself as I didn't expect an acceptance, other than what is on the website. I am very interested in energy technology and policy, and my background is in both mechanical engineering and economics. Does anyone know someone who has gone through this program? Or barring that, does anyone know someone who has gone abroad to ETH? I'd really like their perspective. I know it's supposed to be a great technical school, but I want to know more about this particular program and about how the school has been for other Americans. How have you fared looking for jobs or internships back home? How were the classes structured? What was the relationship like between the students and faculty? What about among students? How does research work? I've heard that there is a lot more funding, in general, in US schools? Is there any way to get funding beyond traveling back in time and getting a Fulbright? Unfortunately a visit is impossible so I'm going blind here. What's Zurich like? Really, any information would help. The other acceptance I am considering (GWU International Science & Technology Policy program at the Elliott School) is already waiting on my answer. Of course I've already sent these questions to people in charge of the program, but I'd like input from alumni and students if I can get it.

Well, I just got blindsided by a really, really late acceptance. I've been accepted into ETH Zurich's (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) Master in Energy Science & Technology Program. The price will come out to be the same considering the low cost of tuition and the high cost of living. The programs, however, are radically different. This one will be more focused on Energy (although I would have pursued that any way at GWU) and certainly more technical with a different focus. I imagine the opportunities following graduation would be vastly different as well. Any thoughts on ETH Zurich, or in general on attending graduate school abroad, especially with a school you cannot visit?

Thanks again. I've made my decision.

Personally, I will be attending the Elliott Scool, but Texas A&M is an excellent school. I've heard that the Bush School, although relatively new, is up and coming as a solid option for IR.

Arg. Thanks for the advice. I think you guys are looking at two different things. The Elliott School program is International Affairs and the Minnesota program is Public Policy, so they are on different rankings and have a different focus. I'm leaning to GWU, but we'll see after my visit to Minnesota.

How late does the public transportation run?

I'd hope so, but that's still a lot of money that can't be used elsewhere. I'm not really sure of the difference in prestige level of the schools and if that will matter much, if at all. At the very least I do expect some better opportunities at GWU, if only due to its location.

I'll most likely be a grad student (single) at GWU next fall. I'd like to keep my costs low, but still live in the city, so that means a couple of roommates I'm sure. What are some decent, relatively reasonably priced neighborhoods (taking into account roommates)? It sounds like U St is a popular area, and Adams Morgan, though neither seem to be near metro stops on google maps. What about the areas near the Capitol South and Eastern Market stops? Those are both on the blue/orange lines, which is great. Are these areas ok, or is it a good idea to stay away from the eastern part of DC? I don't mind an up-and-coming neighborhood and hope to be near a metro stop, restaurants, markets, etc. I kind of like the idea of living near the actual Eastern Market, but I don't know if it's actually a perk or not.

So for me it boils down to: Elliott School of International Affairs at GWU Master of Arts in International Science and Technology Policy Half tuition fellowship ($12K) + extra cost of living in DC estimated $18k (no assistantships for the Elliott School) Hubert H. Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota Master of Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy Full fellowship + $8k stipend The programs are both similar, but I love the theoretical access to internships, job opportunities, etc. in DC. I hear good things about Minneapolis as well and I'll be visiting right before I make my final decision, but I can't imagine that the opportunities for internships year long are as great as at GWU. I'm worried that Minnesota will be limiting if I'm trying to find work out on the east coast. But I'm still wary about coming out of grad school with $40k debt or more. Thoughts anyone? Edit: Well, I just got blindsided by a really, really late acceptance. I've been accepted into ETH Zurich's (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) Master in Energy Science & Technology Program. The price will come out to be the same considering the low cost of tuition and the high cost of living. The programs, however, are radically different. This one will be more focused on Energy (although I would have pursued that any way at GWU) and certainly more technical with a different focus. I imagine the opportunities following graduation would be vastly different as well. Any thoughts on ETH Zurich, or in general on attending graduate school abroad, especially with a school you cannot visit?

If you can defer, it's the best of both worlds