becca18

I'm having the exact same debate! I've applied to both International education development and masters in development programs and I am not sure which type is best given my career goals. My background- I studied international studies undergrad and then went into teaching through TFA. I taught immigrants in Houston for 3 years, did a teacher exchange in Uganda and now for the past year and half I have been teaching Cambodia. I've seen how access to quality education programs affects many different aspects of development- health, gender equality, human rights etc... I'm interested in working in the NGO world on the larger impact of education programs (UNCIEF, UN, Save the Children). So I"m not sure if a international education vs international development program is a better fit. I've noticed the Education programs are a year long where as the development ones are two years- trying to also weigh the pros/cons of both. I've been accepted to SAIS, Georgetown GHD, Trinity Dublin- Development practice, Columbia TC, and UPENN International edu devp and they all seem to have a good reputation, good faculty and good alumni outcomes. Any advice/insights on what you've heard or decided and from those who've gone through the programs with similar career aspirations would be greatly appreciated!

I got the opposite news- more funding from UPENN then TC, but some from both. Got the most from SAIS, which was a huge surprise but with no guarantee for funding the second year and none from Georgetown. I would do UPENN over 1.5 years just to ensure I have time to make connections to faculty, and through internships and research opportunities. But that being said, it's interesting to me that all the masters in development are 2 years, where as the international education devp ones are both only a year. I wonder why that is. Do you know what most UPENN graduates go on to do? or TC grads either? SAIS has really good data on what they're grads are doing and did a great job connecting me with grads, but I haven't seen such detailed data on any of the other programs. Ideally- I'd like to work for a org like UNCIEF, Save the Children, UN as an education devp officer- I'd love the opportunity to combine being in the U.S with experience in the field. I know someone in Devp who started about 20 years ago and had a job with 3 years in the U.S followed by 3 years in the field alternating which sounds amazing. Not sure which of the 5 programs would set me up for something like this and whether it's wiser to focus on education devp or more broadly on devp and finally if I should be more concerned with the financials. thoughts? Anyone applying for FLAS language fellowship?

Hi! I've just been accepted too to TC IED program, Upenn IED, Georgetown Global human development program, Trinity Dublin Development practice and John Hopkins SAIS and I'm concerned about job prospects, 1 vs 2 year programs and m. of arts vs. m.s.ed degree. Still waiting to hear on funding for some as well. I'm hoping to work in the future with an NGO or other development organization on education issues. I'd love to hear advice/insight into any of the above programs. Thanks!