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irhopefull2010

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  1. I second what 007 wrote. I had to decide between a fully funded (tuition+ stipend+ almost guaranteed job placement after) fellowship at a state school program versus an MA from Yale (with likelihood of funding to cover housing and food). While I had Ivy dreams and felt that the Yale community and curriculum was exactly what I was looking for in an IR program, it just wasn't worth the 70 grand in debt. Especially, since there is no real difference in the kind of jobs or pay I could get upon graduation (actually the State program might even be better in this regard). I am going to use this other degree to make my career dreams come true. And that's what you should do: Harris is free so you can make it work! take advantage of the other professional schools, and take advantage of a free Masters degree.
  2. If you think the internship possibilities at GW will help you get a job that will cover the extra 20 grand, then go for it. If not, then go for the cheaper option. It's a tough call, but the overall cost of living in Texas is lower than DC so that is something to consider besides the savings. I wouldn't let the Texas-centered part bother you too much, as the program is a growing program, and the international coursework seems pretty solid. It's sort of last minute, but you could try to look up internships at an organization in Austin or nearby and/or university affiliated but still relevant work during the school year. Austin is away from a lot of things but the University itself has its hands in national and international issues. on the other hand, if you can't find this info out by tomorrow,and you already were settled on the idea of GW, then maybe you don't rock the boat. It's hard that it's so last minute, but you gotta go with what feels like the calmer situation.
  3. p.s. I'm surprised at the stiffening of competition among Chinese-Speaking foreigners. Chinese I believe is one of the most difficult languages to master, even more so than Arabic or Persian (or so thought) because of the writing system. Good to know.
  4. Just a day left, and you're bringing up some good points to help with this decision! Without giving too much away, I will say that I am taking a Middle East language. The Masters program is actually geared towards being able to use the target language in the workplace and other professional settings, and to reach native to near-native fluency. You have to be at the ACTFL advanced low level to get in, so I'm not that worried about gaining REAL fluency... it at least seems very probable. I can watch tv and hold discussion in my target language already----( but it's clear that I'm not a native speaker :-/). The second year of the program is spent in a country that speaks the language studying at a local university and interning somewhere, so I thought maybe that this kind of makes up for lack of IR-rigorous training. oh, the fellowship for this program also comes with a NSEP service requirement, i.e. I have to work for the U.S. gov for a few years after graduation. But, employment is not guaranteed and I don't know what kind of priority I would receive in the hiring process. I can't find stats on how many people are actually able to find gainful employment after. Flyers, I have thought about just continuing with language at Yale, but I was an area studies major in undergrad. When talking to area studies friends, it seems that you miss out by having just one or two classes in your schedule that pertains to the language. Honestly that's how I felt in undergrad too. Plus, it seemed to make more sense to pursue an IR degree with a regional focus because sometimes employers don't know what to make of an area studies degree. Yale seemed awesome (which is why I applied), but I would be looking at around of 60-70 grand in debt, plus what I have left over from undergrad. The main question is, and guess it's what a lot people on this board have been asking, is it worth the debt? will it get me the job+salary that is significantly higher than the language degree would?
  5. Thanks Fadeindreams, that is the line of thinking that I have been following. Sometimes it's just hard to figure out which skill set is more profitable once developed.
  6. I am almost decided between a fully-funded language degree and an MA in IR from Yale with partial funding possibilities, but am wondering what people think.... Can a degree in a language, especially a less commonly taught language (Arabic, Persian, Chinese etc.) help you land the same kind of jobs that an IR degree would? My language program is not phonetics- or philology specific, but rather involves courses in the target language related to history and poli sci. I am hoping to work for the State department or UN when I'm done and am just wondering if I all paths lead to the same destination or if an IR degree gaurantees you certain advantages.
  7. Anyone that has any idea about the answer to these questions, please feel free to reply! Thanks.
  8. hmmm, I always knew that when it comes to funding, Yale could do a lot more, but it's different when you come face to face with reality. Unfortunately I am out of the country and will not be able to attend the orientation, thus making this decision all the more difficult. What are funding prospects like for second years like? Is it a new competition each year? or if you are a shut out from funding in year one then you pretty much have to do it alone? Also, what about the camaraderie in your cohort/ interactions with professors. Does being a non-funded student make you a step-child, or is everyone, in your opinion treated better?
  9. The Yale IR program is offering no money at all :-( just a letter stating that times are rough, and they can't afford to fund people, which makes me very sad. But I have been offered a spot in another graduate program at my local state flagship University . No word on funding yet, but of course it turns out to be much cheaper than the $100,000+ price tag of Yale. Is an Ivy-league education worth that much?
  10. Aren't International security and the Middle East Studies strengths at Korbel? I don't think the debt is worth it.
  11. Question to those who were admitted, do your letters say that the snail mail acceptance letter contains the "details" of their "offer" I'm trying to gauge whether this means a money offer or if its just the same general letter to all of us. Also, does anyone seem to have a personalized letter, i.e. one that states that your admission is based upon your performance/promise in particular field? thanks for the heads up.
  12. I got the email notice to check my online record a few hours a go! I'm in!
  13. Anyone Heard back yet? I haven't yet and don't know if its that decisions are delayed... or something else.
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