Hi everyone! I am hoping to get advice on graduate programs in urban planning. I am an American with a Bachelor's degree in geography. (I've also posted this question on Reddit, in case anyone is seeing it again...)
I've received acceptances from a few schools in the US, as well as Sheffield in the UK. (I'm waiting on a decision from a Canadian university.)
Since I haven't received funding anywhere, Sheffield is the 2nd cheapest option as a one year program. The cheaper option would be an in-state university. However, I am very interested in starting a career abroad. I spent a semester abroad in Europe as an undergraduate student, and I have been itching to take more comparative planning courses ever since.
I'm not 100% decided on a career in planning after graduation -- I would like to remain open to a career in planning or research. But I'm nervous that, in terms of a career in planning, studying in the UK will close doors rather than open them. It doesn't seem like there is a shortage of planners there, so I'd imagine finding a job would be difficult, and then I'd be at a disadvantage returning to the states... right?
Anyone have advice for reaching a decision? I'd really like to travel and step outside of my comfort zone (again!), but I'm not sure grad school is the best time to do it, especially in a location-specific field like planning.
P.S. I'd love to hear anybody's experiences studying overseas, regardless of field!