culturalpolicy

@joshc618 Haha yes, I guess that makes sense about being a few years out and people not asking where you went. I guess I'm just trying to decide if making the leap of faith to go to SP is the right move for someone who is interested in working internationally.

Hello, I'm an American that was recently accepted for an MPP in the School of Public Affairs for 2019 and granted the Boutmy as well. What has your experience been like post-graduation? I know our programs/schools aren't the same, but I'm curious to know how an education at Sciences Po translates generally in the US vs internationally.

Hello! I've been a lurker of Grad Cafe for a while, but after years of just reading it's come time for me to actually post. It's crunch time to decision day and I'm feeling a bit torn by two very different programs. Heinz Master of Arts Management (70% tuition) or Sciences Po Paris Master of Public Policy (Emile Boutmy Scholarship ~66% tuition). Total COA and living in Paris will actually be less than in Pittsburgh because tuition and health insurance is so much less in France. I get the feeling that I have a slightly different background and goals from most government affairs folks, but I am interested in public sector work. In the end, I see myself in cultural affairs and /or cultural diplomacy work. I come from a background of working in local arts and culture non-profits, but in a small US city with few international connections. The reason why it is a difficult decision for me is not necessarily a financial one (thanks to the scholarship offers), but rather, the uncertainty of picking a French school over an American one. I know Sciences Po is well-regarded internationally, but I don't know how well it will translate if I want to come back to the US. I would like to spend some time working internationally after the degree if possible, but I know there is no guarantee, especially when it comes to visa issues. Heinz on the other hand is a great opportunity for me to get more quantitative and data analytics skills, which isn't always something that people working in the cultural sector think about. Heinz has been super accommodating and welcoming. I was able to go to admitted students weekend and really enjoyed the opportunities and campus. As someone with an arts background, I was really excited about the opportunities to learn more policy and data skills. I get the feeling that I know exactly what I'm signing up for if I go to Heinz. In contrast, I won't get to visit Sciences Po. I have a few contacts in Paris and at the school and I have been assured that if I have been granted the Emile Boutmy Scholarship that the school wants me there. I've lived in France before and do already speak French, so I'm not too concerned about language barriers. I am mostly worried about moving my life to another country and not really knowing what I'm getting into opportunities wise. The Sciences Po curriculum is not as technical, but the internship opportunities are prestigious (UN, UNESCO, European Commission etc.). I've heard that Sciences Po is more about the network than anything else. Any thoughts or feedback?