Alex313

HELP! I've got a decision to make and I don't know what to do. I'm interested in working in Project Management in NGOs in Latin America. I have been accepted into American University and Berkeley for Masters in International Development. I currently live in SF and really don't want to pack up and move but I want to try to make my decision based on the programs and not lifestyle. AU is the 8th best program in the country for ID, it has been around for 35 years and is well established, has a huge alumni network and support system and is located in DC kind of the epicenter of development. The curriculum is very similar to that of Berkeley but is kind of more theory than practice focused which is something the school is currently changing. I would also combine it with 2 years in the Peace Corps so I don't think it would be too much of a detriment. Berkeley's Masters in Development Practice is a new program only introduced last year and so there's not even a graduating class to discuss with. However there are thousands of Berkeley alums from different programs working in Development fields. The program is more practically based but because it is so new I'm worried. You can check the program out here: http://mdp.berkeley.edu/ I think American is more organized and has greater resources in place, but Berkeley is Berkeley. What should I do?

Thanks for your response! My regional focus is actually Latin America. So far Berkeley has offered me a small scholarship which makes it about the same cost as American. I'll be eligible for In-State tuition starting Spring 2014 but for fall I'll be out of state.

HELP! I've got a decision to make and I don't know what to do. I have been accepted into American University and Berkeley for Masters in International Development. I currently live in SF and really don't want to pack up and move but I want to try to make my decision based on the programs and not lifestyle. AU is the 8th best program in the country for ID, it has been around for 35 years and is well established, has a huge alumni network and support system and is located in DC kind of the epicenter of development. The curriculum is very similar to that of Berkeley but is kind of more theory than practice focused which is something the school is currently changing. I would also combine it with 2 years in the Peace Corps so I don't think it would be too much of a detriment. Berkeley's Masters in Development Practice is a new program only introduced last year and so there's not even a graduating class to discuss with. However there are thousands of Berkeley alums from different programs working in Development fields. The program is more practically based but because it is so new I'm worried. You can check the program out here: http://mdp.berkeley.edu/ I think American is more organized and has greater resources in place, but Berkeley is Berkeley. What should I do?

Hi! I've written it out and reviewed it but I'd really like to get an outside opinion. I'm applying for an MA in International Development combined with the Peace Corps International Masters. I'm down to exchange and look over someone else's SOP as well. PM me if you're interested and I'll send it over. Thanks so much for your help!

Hello, I am looking at AU and Sciences Po for their Masters in International Development. If I were to attend AU I would want to do the combined Peace Corps International Masters Program. I also want to do a regional concentration on Latin America. Am just wondering am I shooting to high? If so could you recommend some schools more in my range... Undergrad Double Major: Communications and Modern Languages from a small liberal arts school in Florida, Eckerd College. -Modern languages meant I learned French as my primary language and Italian as my secondary. I also informally learned Spanish in Latin America and speak it at an advanced level. - Graduated with Honors and a 3.66 GPA -GRE: V163 QUANT152 Writing:4.5 I started my undergrad at The American University of Paris, later did a semester abroad at a French university. Since college I lived and taught TEFL in Argentina, and started my own social enterprise travel agency that worked with NGOs in Latin America to send volunteers from the US to them. I have 2 years experience doing that. I've independently taken Microeconomics and Statistics and took Macro as an undergrad. I'm just worried because I don't have any direct experience in the development world. What are your thoughts on my chances?