iowahoya

A few points in response ir_gradstudent's post based on my experience as a Georgetown SFS undergrad with plenty of friends in both SAIS and SFS graduate studies, including MSFS. Sorry for focusing on the semantics but hopefully provides some help. -MSFS and SAIS were equated as being neck and neck, but a better comparison would be GSFS (SFS graduate school, including the broad host of programs) vs SAIS (which is actually how it is ranked in the SFS-SAIS #1-#2 in Foreign Policy, assuming we're playing this game). Both programs have their strengths in various areas, but MSFS being the most selective within GSFS is on average more competitive than SAIS. -Transportation for Georgetown is not easier, given its being off the beaten path and without a subway, and housing is not cheaper, as Georgetown is the place with the John Kerrys of the world live. -Don't be overly excited about Asian Studies at SAIS based off an institute. I would compare their course lists. Both institutions have utilized adjuncts to fill their gaps, resulting in SAIS and SFS probably having the greatest breadth and depth of course work on Asia. However, all in all its pretty fair to say that Georgetown edges out on Korea and Japan (Mike Green + Sheila Smith), while SAIS is strong on China and Southeast Asia. Regionally, SFS for Asian IR and SAIS for Asian econ.

Hi jujubea, Do you mind if I pick your former FSO brain on the Asia policy programs I am considering? Some background: Georgetown SFS (International Politics) and JET Program alum (immediately following graduation so no full time work experience), 2+ years of writing and internship experience on policy of and toward Asia at top think tanks in DC and Tokyo, currently completing intensive Japanese language program at Keio University. Interested in a career in US Asia policy, particularly in the FS political cone. My options are Johns Hopkins SAIS with $20K/year, Georgetown SFS Asian Studies with $40+/year (practically tuition), or Columbia-Tokyo dual master's with no funding (second year in Tokyo will be $5K at most). Given the Georgetown funding package I am leaning away from SAIS and toward either Georgetown SFS Asian Studies or Columbia SIPA- Todai GraSPP. From this point funding is a relative non-issue. The principal debate is whether further DC experience or in-country/region experience and the addition of a top regional degree is more important for my career goal. Recognizing 1) that there is no magic bullet for getting into the Foreign Service, 2) my previous DC policy experience and in-country/ region experience, and 3) the potential (unconfirmed) to supplement the Georgetown DC placement with in-country/ region experience through a Boren Fellowship, do you find one of these options a better fit for my goal of working as a political officer on/ in Asia? Thanks for your advice!

aishunbao, I’m not sure on what would work at this point. In my particular case I had expressed my interest back in September and then apparently had my application forwarded in February (before we were informed) and have since interviewed. I’m sure you’d be competitive, but I feel similar caution about the risk of picking a program primarily on the hopes for Todai admission. I’m also geared toward Foreign Service. While Todai would not perhaps be the most important thing, it certainly has some pro-FS potential: year in Tokyo, classmates from foreign govs in a much more intimate program than SAIS, and the Todai network which will certainly be useful one inspire to be a US-Japan alliance manager.

Thanks everyone for the feedback so far! As a point of clarification, I have been recommended to the dual MA program by SIPA but have not received my confirmation from GraSPP yet. aishunbao, I'm not sure where you are at in the application process, but if you are interested in confirming whether you will be accepted to Todai and are accepted to SIPA this should be possible. intotherainbow, I should note that the Asian Studies program, being part of the SFS, is policy oriented. In fact- along with SAIS -SFS has the greatest depth and breadth of Asia policy courses of the major policy schools. My concentration would be in "Politics and Security of Asia".

Hi all, Should anyone have the time or interest, would appreciate some advice on the difficult graduate school decision! Admittedly, I'm in a pretty lucky situation, but that in itself has made it rather difficult to break down the variables at play. Some background: Georgetown SFS and JET Program alum, 2+ years of writing and internship experience on policy of and toward Asia at think tanks in DC and Tokyo, completing intensive Japanese language program at Keio University. Interested in a career in US Asia policy. The priority in my graduate school decision is locking down a job in this field with the government upon the completion of my studies. Secondary concern is Asia reach/ prestige of program. Tertiary is cost. My options are SAIS with $20K/year, SFS Asian Studies with $40+/year (practically tuition), or Columbia-Tokyo dual master's with no funding (second year in Tokyo will be $5K at most). 2 points I am hoping to clarify: 1) Admittedly, there is something very attractive about a Columbia MIA and Tokyo MPP in 2 years. However, assuming my priority of a US government job should I limit my decision to the DC schools? 2) Given my SFS alum status, should I be concerned about double dipping despite the significant cost difference? Thanks for any and all input!

Hi thevillagersid! Thanks for volunteering to provide input. Really excited to hear the results for Jackson. I noticed based on a post you made last year that you didn't hear on funding at the same time admissions were announced. Having secured significant funding from a competitor program receiving comparable funding from Jackson will be significant in my decision. As such, it'd be great to be able to develop a time frame for when I might find this out should I be admitted. Thanks!

Sukasa, Per what you mentioned on programs you have applied to I would expect nothing financially higher than Georgetown's fellowship, and my general bar for funding expectations would be much lower across the board. Although within SFS, MASIA is in a somewhat unique position that seems to make it an outlier vs. funding schemes at SAIS, SIPA, etc. Admittedly not familiar with GW's program though. Re: TA/ RA positions you may be able to find within Georgetown broadly speaking but unlikely specifically within MASIA- classes are generally small and profs do not use TAs. As mentioned there are plenty of options in DC- one of the strongest draws of SFS, SAIS, etc.- but we're talking internships and almost all unpaid.

Sukasa, seems like I'm in a similar position. Also admitted to MASIA with the same funding scheme. It is an almost unbeatable deal in context of this league of programs as well as MASIA- my friend who was admitted received nothing, bar the summer fellowship which I believe everyone receives. Having went to Georgetown SFS for undergrad I am hesitant about double dipping, but considering SFS is arguably best for Asia IR (with SAIS holding the top spot for Asia IEcon), it would be hard to justify turning it down unless I got a match or match + stipend elsewhere.

Also received.