international09

Anyone??

I am thinking about applying to the Sciences Po MPA, but I would like to find out more about the program. I am looking for general impressions about the school and the degree, but I'd be especially interested in learning about the type of career options available to their graduates. I already looked at their website and have a general sense of where people end up, but I'd love to know more of the specifics such as: - the quality of the curriculum/how well it prepares students for the working world - the quality of the career services - are they helpful in the career search or are you on your own? - is there any recruitment on campus? - anything else career-related you can think of? My biggest concern is that the degree won't be of much value beyond France and that job prospects would be significantly limited unless one speaks French. I am an EU national with fluent English and German but no French. I got my undergrad degree from a top US school. I am considering the MPA as preparation for a career in EU policy-making and other various policy jobs with international organizations (e.g., UN, OECD, etc.) or private companies (e.g., Kissinger Associates, Booz Allen, etc.) Any feedback would be much appreciated!

I appreciate your feedback a lot, outofredink! Looking at the deadlines for the programs I am considering, I don't think that there is such a huge difference in their deadlines compared to US schools. However, there is a significant difference in their timing for announcing funding which is a HUGE problem. For example, a friend of mine got accepted to the Anthro program at Columbia, but found out about funding a week before the start of classes But the point your raise about the cost is a significant one. I also have some loans from undergrad, and REFUSE to take out any loans to fund a master's degree because, unless it is a professional degree like JD, MBA or even MPA/MPP, I do not believe that the ROI justifies it but others may disagree. Thanks a lot and good luck with the PhD applications!

thank you both for your feedback! Thanks for the advice, balderdash! Other people also suggested to me that I should apply to schools in both the US and Europe, and then decide depending on the acceptances. But the problem with this is that it will be pricey and also very VERY time-consuming (e.g. take GRE, etc.) That's why I am really trying to limit my options now, but I realize more and more that it is hard to do because I am comparing general trends in one country with those of a whole continent vs. solely comparing one university vs. another

I'd really appreciate if somebody would offer their thoughts on the following dilemma. Believe me, I have been banging my head on this for a year now and have not made much progress I am a EU citizen who graduated from a top US school 1 year ago with a BA in Political Science. In addition to my native tongue, I am fluent in English and German, just starting French. At this stage of my life, I think (like 90% certain) that I'd like to work for the EU as a diplomat. I have been working for the past year in the IR field in the US, and now I'd like to get my master's in IR or Public Policy, but cannot make up my mind if I should just stick to European schools or also include schools in the US (and therefore would have to take the GRE). Here is what I've got so far: Applying to schools in the US: Pros: - settled/comfortable with the country/culture - boasts some of the best and most known master's programs in IR/Public Policy in the world - majority of the master's programs are very practical compared to those at European schools which tend to be more theoretical/academic-y (I realize I am generalizing here and there are exceptions) Cons: - very, very expensive compared to Europe - restricted opportunities for employment (immigration hurdles) - limited opportunities to network with the European policy circles because of location Applying to schools in Europe: Pros: - generally cheaper - no employment restrictions - proximity to major European policy centers - Brussels, Paris, London, Berlin - will come out with a more balanced and more international educational background vs getting both my BA and MA from US schools Cons: - concerned that unless it is Oxbridge/LSE, the degree won't have much recognition beyond Europe (what if I figure out that I don't want to work for the EU? I'd like a degree that would be flexible enough to support alternative career paths.) I am sure that there are things I forget/I'm not thinking about, therefore I'd highly appreciate any feedback. I really would like to make an informed decision. Thank you in advance!!!

Parisienne, I was wondering if I could ask you two more questions: 1) While you were at Sciences Po, what was your impression of Sciences Po Avenir? Are they good at helping students get jobs after graduation? 2) Also, this is random but do you have any thoughts on the MPA program at Sciences Po? I know it started fairly recently, so I can't find that much inside info about it. I am considering applying in the fall. Thanks so much for your help! I appreciate it!

Thanks everyone for your feedback! bluellie, I have NEVER taken French until this last year. So really my French is at a very basic level And learning the language for my program is not a concern because it is in English. However, obviously, it would be helpful to pick up as much French as possible to make my life easier in other areas. Parisienne, Thanks so much for the insight on Sciences Po! This is really helpful Now that I am close to making a decision, French is not my biggest concern anymore. Even though it has been a pain communicating with Sciences Po with no French, my greatest worry right now is money. I did not get as much as I expected from Sciences Po, and many people I talked to, including people here, confirmed that without French, getting a student job would be quite a challenge. I am also starting to worry about the type of degree I'll be getting - Master in European Affairs. While I am very interested in the EU, I am afraid that this degree may pigeonhole me too much. Also, with a MA in European Affairs from Sciences Po coming back to the US (if I decide I want to) would be impossible unless I get transferred by a European/French company or accumulate a wealth of experience... So right now, I am thinking about deferring for a year to improve my French, save money and perhaps apply to more graduate schools. Anybody have any additional thoughts?

Thanks for the feedback! Anyone else have a take on this?

I am European, but I did my undergraduate degree in the US. I got admitted to the Master in European Affairs (English Track) at Sciences Po, which is a great program considering my career interest - work for the EU. However, I am very concerned about enrolling in Sciences Po with my poor French skills. While academically this should not be an issue (since the program is in English), I am very VERY worried that my bad French: - will screw up my social life and I'll have a hard time making friends - will make it harder to find a student job (which I will need to support myself) - will prevent me from taking advantage of the university's resources (for example, the fact that the career website is only in French raises a red flag!) In short, I am quite worried that having no French will basically impede me from functioning normally.So I was hoping that any of you who have studied at Sciences Po or have otherwise gathered impressions about the school could address some of my concerns. Am I overworrying or are my concerns legitimate? Really any info/insight would be sooo welcome THANKS SO MUCH!!!