Keephopealive

MSU was one of the schools I visited recently, so I can only offer the benefit of three days worth of knowledge. cemelokko, you shouldn't have any problems living off your grant. Prices seem really low compared to most of the other cities. I didn't really get a sense of which might be the best area to live in, but I suggest trying Craigslist or http://offcampushousing.msu.edu/ as options in your housing search. Good luck.

Unfortunately, I do not have any tips regarding your program of interest. My interests lie in the area of Development and MSU's program is one of the few in African Studies which I felt might be capable of properly supervising me. Most of my applications, consequently, we're to IR/Dev. Programs. The only advice I would offer is simply to look at MSU's overall strength in literature and ensure that it's a good fit for you. You'll be a part of AAAS, but as the program is interdisciplinary, I imagine that you'll end up relying on faculty from other departments quite a bit as well. Nonetheless, MSU's AAAS faculty has such breadth that I would imagine you'd be easily able to locate more than one person interested in your research. I've spoken with a few people associated with the program, but I found Dr. Edozie (the Program Chair) to be extremely responsive. Just email her, indicating your interest, and try to schedule time to speak with her. She really sells the program. I believe that she's on sabbatical this semester, so it may take her time to reply. I'm sorry, I don't know anything about the Sankofa other than the fact that it exists at this point. Sorry I can't be more helpful. Good luck with your other applications.

I entered a second master's program at a top five program (I.e. highly competitive) in IR when my child was still an infant as a single parent. During the course of the program my child joined me as I interned internationally and participated in a semester long exchange with another program. I graduated on time and with a decent gpa 3.65. So ladies, you can do anything you set your mind to. It wasn't easy, but I made a decision early on to prioritize my child above everything else, so while everyone else bonded through partying, we bonded through parenting. I missed out on a great deal of the social networking, which has its own benefit, but I don't regret the decision. I really believe that the reason things worked out for us as well as they did is because a wealthy international student in my program brought her nanny with her and offered to share her with me. Being able to drop my child off whenever I needed to enable me to attend classes and study groups and spend time in the library without guilt or worry. Quality childcare was definitely the lynch pin that helped me hold it all together. You may also find that the people in your program LOVE LOVE LOVE children (or at least they did in my program) and offer to babysit whenever needed. The experience can also greatly benefit your child(ren). My child's nanny spoke another language exclusively and she understands that Language as well as English. I've already been admitted to two doctoral programs, so we're off on next adventure.

Hello there: I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.