indecision18

Yale Jackson, but I've also heard of this happening at SAIS

I assumed it was BS, but actually got $10K more a year after the deadline. My guess is that you're more likely to receive additional funding in smaller programs, where the multiplier is less likely to be accurate.

True, I only know of one. Do you hear bad things about SAIS/Fletcher?

And they kind of do, at least about Bologna. From where I sit it appears SAIS offers a big leg up into the World Bank, as in my global practice there are 2 practice managers from the same SAIS class. For context, I believe there aren't more than 3 american practice managers total (in my global practice).

My main worries are the strength of its connection to undergrad alumni network, and the freedom to choose almost every course is a double edged sword- I have to be sure I know exactly what I want to do post graduation (as opposed to MIB or SAIS IDEV, which are fairly controlling). But yes, they are generous with funding.

I'm deciding between SAIS IDEV and other options, and work at the World Bank. I can tell you that SAIS is the best for getting into the World Bank, but there are plenty of others that enter from Georgetown, Fletcher, and SIPA. SIPA is definitely seen as more of a UN feeder, and at least some people at the Bank don't respect SIPA that much. There are, however, people in the World Bank from SIPA, they just aren't nearly as strong as SAIS (or Georgetown & Fletcher in my practice).

Please- don't go avoid MIB because of the other students' experience. That experience will provide you with different perspectives, and more career opportunities post employment. I've gained the most from a job at a MDB where I was out of my comfort zone- as I've always been the youngest person in meetings by at least 10 years. And Rebelslav, I don't know much about Michigan, but I have colleagues from the strong, tight-knit community of Fletcher alums. It can definitely get you into international orgs, but I'm not sure which ones. Still deciding between SAIS MA (IDEV), MIB and others myself.

Hi y'all. First time poster, but think it's time we have a 2018 international affairs decision thread. Me first- I work at the World Bank, and am leaning toward Fletcher's MIB or SAIS' MA. Want to work in economic development, though not necessarily for a large development organization again right after graduation. I'm trying to play the funding game- I know I'm fortunate to get anything from Fletcher or SAIS (and I'm getting ~$20K a year from both), but hope to increase that as I was fortunate enough to be accepted to every program I applied for. I would seriously consider other institutions like Yale Jackson or Georgetown if they're willing to provide a similar level of funding. I recognize I'm probably biased towards Fletcher and SAIS, but several colleagues rave about Fletcher, and at the World Bank I'm surrounded by SAIS alums. Please let me know if you think I'm overrating them, but I believe Georgetown is struggling with placement now, SIPA has a worryingly high acceptance rate (and NYC is insanely expensive), and I'm not sure Yale has the kind of ability to place that SAIS has.