mcquistones

I just received word from the director of admissions that I'm in the top two on the waiting list for admission and full funding for a great program that I'd love to attend. However, I never visited the school because I was swamped at work and honestly didn't think I had a shot, but applied anyways. My question is, does anyone think that visiting the program now will possibly help my chances? Or will that just bring it to their attention that I didn't visit it before now? It is a smaller program, so I'm assuming they are aware... Any words of wisdom are greatly appreciated!

If you are available for summer study Middlebury language schools offer grants, even for non-degree students. I applied this year as a non degree student for Spanish and got a pretty generous offer. It does run out quickly, so act soon if interested. Good luck!

Does anyone have experience with a dossier service? How does it work in terms of online applications and fellowship recommendations?

As for your last question, I too am curious. Has anyone ever used a dossier service? How does it work in terms of schools who only accept online applications and fellowship applications? Any ideas, experiences?

Hello, I can relate as I am applying to a total of 9 different programs, and I'm also applying for fellowships at almost every school AND outside fellowships. I've used a group of 6 different references, but two professors have done most of the work. I've found that asking that the following has helped when asking recommenders: 1. Ask EARLY - give them at least 6 weeks, they'll probably get it done well before then. 2. Offer to help in any way you can - for one reference who is a busy middle school teacher, I actually re-typed a letter that she had previously written for me (she had lost the doc), tailored it to the school and gave it back to her in a hard copy to sign, and emailed the file in case she wanted to change it. In no way did I "doctor" it, but I saved her a lot of time. 3. If the school gives you the option, paper letters are sometimes less work (unless they have a form that entails more than the signature). I always OFFER to make arrangements in case they prefer to send a paper copy of the letter, but in my experience everyone was fine with the online app. 4. Remember that those who agree to serve as references believe in you and your abilities, and although it's tedious, this can also be a fun part of their jobs. You're worth the effort:-) Good luck!

There are also other differences between Boren and Flagship programs, but I didn't think I needed to go into those:-)

The Flagship and Boren programs have the same requirements in terms of service after graduation, but the flagship require more language skills where with the Boren you can be a beginner. I'm applying for the Boren fellowship because, while I don't want to be "in contract" with anyone, the offer is just too good to pass up for me, and if it prevents me from having to take out huge amounts of loans I'll commit one year of service to the goverment. In my field that could be with USAID, and it may even help me get a job with that kind of agency. Also, keep in mind that you can always apply and turn it down if you have better funding opportunities that don't require any commitment after graduation. I found the flagship to be a great opportunity, and I would apply for it if I could. What language are you applying for? If you're looking into Arabic, keep in mind that you can also apply for the CASA fellowships, which are a different format but I don't believe they require any commitment after graduation. Good luck!

Yes, thank you I appreciate the response. I have spent this week visiting International Ed programs in DC, next week I'll be in Boston. I've just decided to go ahead and apply to Columbia and NYU as well and see what happens! Did you find study abroad was the only big difference between the two programs? Thanks again, and good luck this year!

Hello, I am visiting different programs for International Ed. Development and International Education, and next week I'll be visiting Boston U, meeting with professors and students and sitting in on a class. I will find out more about the GRE and let you know. Some schools care, others don't. I'm also looking at schools in DC and American University doesn't really look at the GRE but GW does. From what I know, the international dev. education program at BU is supposed to be one of the better ones. I like that it is one of few schools that focuses on that specific concentration (along with Columbia, and a few others). The Boston area seems to have a lot of development agencies as well, with regard to internships and such. Take care!

I am applying for MA programs in International Education at George Washington, American, Bowling Green State, and SIT Graduate Institute. I would also like to apply to NYU because their program looks incredible but I don't know if it's too high of a reach. Has anyone been accepted into any of the above programs? I have good qualifications (lived abroad for 2 years, background in education, second language fluency) but my undergrad GPA was a 3.09. Do I have a chance getting into NYU? For any students or grads in this area, do you feel there is a job market for this Masters?