Polibee

Thank you everyone for your advice! It seems there are opposing views. It would be interesting to hear from someone who has actual experience working in admissions. I think perhaps the importance of a recommender's credentials depend on the program to which one is applying. I am going to take my chances since I am applying for an M.A./M.Ed. and not a Phd. I believe my recommender can provide a strong recommendation since she has ample experience in the field of education, especially with managing projects for a very important organization in the state of Texas. I did two senior capstones (psych/spanish double major) as an undergrad and took courses in research methods and statistics, so I'm hoping my GPA, GRE and coursework will reflect my ability to do research at the graduate level. To my understanding most graduate programs in education (M.A./M.Ed.) are designed with foundation courses in research methods so I will be able to refreshen these skills. What I feel is most important is my professional experience in the field of international education and I am confident my recommenders can attest to the skills I have attained working as a teacher and coordinator in various cross-cultural educational settings. I guess the only thing left for me to do is wait it out and see if I get accepted. If not, it just was not meant to be.

I have been out of school for over 5 years now and have not kept in touch with old professors other than through Facebook feeds. With that said, I was able to get a letter from one professor, who was my academic advisor, and the other two are from previous employers. One, has his master's and the other has a B.A. but is an Assistant Director of College Readiness at a Higher Education Board and oversees many education projects. My question is, do recommenders' credentials actually matter especially if the applicant has been out of school for a while? I am applying to M.A./M.Ed. programs in International Education and to my understanding professional experience, especially in international settings, is vital. Thanks!

Thanks! Doctoral programs do require higher stats. Luckily I am only applying to M.A./M.Ed. programs. Best of luck to you, too!

It's good to know people are interested in these programs! I hadn't seen many posts on here related to international ed, at least not for fall 2014. What are your areas of interest (ed policy, higher ed, global ed, etc)? Any idea how competitive these programs are? As for my stats: B.A. Psychology & Spanish (Double Major) - 3.3 GPA from a small private liberal arts university. I graduated in 2007. GRE: 1170, V: 500, Q: 670, AW: 4.5 Undergrad Experience: 5+ years as a volunteer, tutor and advisor in after-school and college prep programs (Upward Bound, AmeriCorps programs, etc). Work Experience: I have been living, working, studying and volunteering in Chile for the past six years. I teach English as a Foreign Language and coordinate a certificate program at the university level. Areas of Interest: Language, Literacy and Culture (TC), Global Education (NYU), Ed policy (Vandy, Penn). Best of luck!

Is anyone applying to International Ed Programs? If so, where? I am applying to 4: PENN GSE, TC Columbia, NYU and Vandy.

Is anyone applying to Stanford's IEAPA program? If so, what is your area of interest for research? Is there anyone currently enrolled in the program who can give some insight and tips for applying?

Hello! I will be applying to several International Education programs (NYU, TC, American, GWU) for the Fall 2014 semester and was wondering if anyone has feedback on what makes someone the ideal candidate for these programs. I am particularly interested in the TC IED program and its LLC specialization and would like to know more about the academic and professional background of students studying or interested in this program. Thank you in advance!

Hi! I just came across this forum and was wondering what kind of academic and professional background you have and would like to know your reasons for choosing your program in international education. So far, I see that financial aid is a determining factor. I will be applying to TC, NYU, GWU and American for the fall 2014 semester and would love some insight on the application process and competitiveness of these and other programs. Thank you in advance. I am really glad I found this forum!