DevDoc82

I am awaiting for a FLAS for Pashto, but after thinking it over for a while I kinda wished I had put Hindi. My reasons for this is that I know Arabic, so with the combination of Hindi and Arabic I would be half way to Urdu. I hope that the Syracuse will allow me to switch if I receive the FLAS.

Ok, the link does not work, but if you go to the IR program page and click on New Students. Then, go to the "To-Do-List" Tab. Under this you will see list of items. Go to number 2 and select student handbook. Then you will be able to find the information I am talking about. Also, from what I have been told, adding a second masters degree is fairly easy to and recommended.

Use this link: http://www.maxwell.s...te%20Handbook(1).pdf Then, scroll down to the Global Development section. You will notice under the Selected GDP courses, most of the courses state that they are x-listed as PPA #. This means that the courses can be taken under the MPA. Hence, allotting you the opportunity to take more Global Development courses than otherwise possible under the MA-IR program.

If it helps any, every opportunity I have had to speak with anyone from the Maxwell School, they have been very helpful in answering my question. I am looking into International Development as a career, and the MPA/MA-IR are a great combination in that sense. After plotting out my courses, I realize that you can make the program into whatever you want, customizing it to fit your personal goals. The aspect I like is the fact that the Global Development track has a lot of cross over with the International and Development Administration emphasis under the MPA program. This gives me more options to choose from within the MA-IR program, concerning Global Development, which in the end will give me a robust education and skill set. So, some of the electives I will take for my MPA degree are cross listed with the Global Development track, which will allow me to take more courses in this field. My second track, Global Markets, only augments this plan of action with more quantitative skills. Whatever your desire is, I bet you can tailor your program to meet your needs. Also, seeing that you are abroad right now, the program has a plethora of options for abroad internships. I spoke with a lady, named Samantha, concerning internships and going abroad. She stated that whatever your desire maybe, they are willing to do whatever it takes to get you where you want to go. Most of my questions dealt with programs they did not have, but still she stated that they could find a way with there connections. I hope my two cents helps.

If you are thinking about going for sure, which days are you going to? Right now, I am scheduled for March 31(MPA) and April 1-2(MA-IR). In watching the 2010 Welcome Weekend video, do you think you obtained enough information to make a decision on the program? This is were the money will make the difference on the trip. Meaning, if you are not sure about the program going to this event may assuage your concerns or help you make a choice. Also, I did not check the box to stay with a student. I have made other arrangements. Best of luck to you on this decision.

So, I was just wondering, have any of you heard anything on funding from the Maxwell School? Does anyone know last year's trend when such information had been released? It would be nice to know where we stand in terms of funding.

I would check into ABF moving. You can use the pods, which will probably make the move a little easier. Also, I think you can store your items for some time as well. However, I am not sure on the specifics. Also, if you do not mind me asking, what are you planning to concentrate in for your MPA and MA-IR?

I am going out there mainly to look for housing for my wife and I. Also, it will be nice to get an idea about there Arabic language classes that are available. Right now, I am waiting for funding like yourself, but I hope out of all the funding I end up with the FLAS fellowship, which is a pretty substantial amount. I assume you will be out there around June or whatnot if all goes as you think it will right now.

I'll be flying in for visitors weekend blingem. Is anyone else coming to this event?

I withdrew my application from the LBJ program the other day, so hopefully that will open a slot for you guys. Good luck to you guys. Also, I think a lot of you will love Austin, it a fun place to go.

No. I just applied to the MPA/MA-IR program offered by the Maxwell School. Do you plan on accepting the offer for this particular program or do you have your eyes set on another program?

I've been accepted to the Maxwell School at Syracuse University. I applied for a FLAS for Pashto. Mandarin is a great language, for it is the language that got me interested in language acquisition; however, I switched to Arabic and have continually pursued it. I wished the Maxwell School at Syracuse offered a FLAS for Arabic, but they do not. Hopefully, Pashto will be fulfilling like Arabic and Mandarin are, but only time will tell. Good luck to you!!

never mind...totally different program.

Hmm...If I remember correctly, when I received my admissions package from Syracuse, they stated that funding for the Maxwell School would be sent out before April 1st. Hence, we should receive word on funding in the next few weeks.

Although I am not applying to language Masters programs, I do know something about learning Arabic. I studied Arabic in Amman, Jordan and I must say that I loved it. After, a summer there, my reading skills reached advanced levels. My speaking ability, according to the ACTFL OPI, reached Advanced High. I know that people speak English in Jordan, but not all. I went to the University of Jordan daily to find speaking partners to practice with for 3 hours a day, except on Friday. I also read newspapers for about four to five hours a day. This is what helped me achieve the level Arabic I am at. I hope this helps some people. If you are willing to put in the time, the effort will pay off. As for Damascus, it is a great place to learn Arabic as well. However, I was unable to get a visa to study there, as the government kicked me and some CASA students out. Last I heard some of the CASA students were invited back, but the Middle East is in shambles right now.

Blingem, Thank you for your response on the matter. The depth you provided on your answer afforded me some great insight into why people elect to go to Harvard. I hope this application cycle is generous to you, which it seems that it already has been. I think in the end you will end up where you need to be. In my opinion that is what matters most. Good Luck!!

I know that the FLAS Fellowship pays for 24 graduate credits per year with a $15,000 stipend annually to boot.

Could you please explain to me what makes Harvard such a great pick over other programs? The reason I am asking is because most people I have met that have an education from Harvard only went there for the name. Also, one of the Officers I served under in the military went to Harvard Law and he felt that the education was about the name rather than actually using applied knowledge. I am not trying to down play Harvard. I just want to know why so many people insist on their programs.

Pertaining to International Relations, have any of you applied to the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships offered at your respective programs? If so, which language or area of interest are you going to concentrate on?

If you get funding from Syracuse, do you think you will attend there?

The Director of the MPA program hand wrote it on my admissions letter. I was pretty elated to see pen ink on a formal letter of admissions. She wrote what she thought and signed it.

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPA/MA-IR Dual Degree programs Schools Applied To: Syracuse University, University of Texas, University of Washington, University of Michigan, Harvard Schools Admitted To: Syracuse University, University of Texas (Fully Funded), University of Washington Schools Rejected From: Withdrew applications from Harvard and Michigan after receiving word on Syracuse. Still Waiting: Undergraduate GPA: 3.82 Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): 3.87 Undergraduate Major: Middle Eastern Studies/Arabic GRE Quantitative Score: 550 GRE Verbal Score: 600 GRE AW Score: 4 Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 1 year Years of Work Experience: 4.5 years Describe Relevant Work Experience: I served 4 and half years in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman attached to a Marine Infantry Unit. During this time, I deployed to Iraq for Operation Phantom Fury or better known as the Battle of Fallujah. My primary duties pertained to providing medical care under fire to wounded Marines. Also, I maintained health records to ensure all Marines and Sailors were ready for deployment by updating vaccination shots, physical exams, etc. Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): I received commendation from the admissions committee of Syracuse on my Statement of Purpose for its clarity. I stated my short and long term goals explicitly. Also, I spoke of my experience in Iraq, which changed my decision from being a medical doctor to pursuing a career in international development. Also, I spoke of my language training in Arabic during my undergraduate education and how it has helped me better understand the Arab people of the Middle East, an area I wish to do international development. The process was not bad at all. I wrote this on an airplane trip to from Utah to Texas. Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): For my letters of recommendation, I had three individuals provide them for me: a world renowned Arabic professor, a prominent Chinese professor, and a Marine Corps Officer who I served under during the Battle of Fallujah. The process was great. The day I sent all my request to these individuals they were ready to be submitted within a week. Other: I have traveled extensively throughout the world. I have been to Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Kuwait, Thailand, and Japan. I believe this international exposure has help to form my perspective of the world and a need for better government from the United States, meaning a humble foreign policy instead of policing the world. Also, it should be noted that my GPA also has many Pre-Medical courses within it: Physics, Chemistry, Micro and Molecular Biology, Anatomy, etc. Hence, my GPA is based on tough courses.

I received an email concerning admissions. Also, does anyone else know whether or not funding decisions will be made by email as well?

I applied to University of Washington, University of Texas, Harvard, and University of Michigan. The reason that Syracuse University is my top pick pertains to the study abroad programs available to students. Also, I have spoken with the faculty several time about internships in countries in which they have no programs, and they have assured me that they will facilitate my request. Also, the regional concentrations offered within the IR program are enticing to me, especially the South Asia track. However, one thing that does bother me is that they offer Hindi but not Urdu. I wish they offered the latter as well, but I guess I will just go with Pashto for the language training. I believe language training is essential to individuals desiring to enter the international scene. I have found that understanding a foreign language gives great insight into the culture of the people. Another reason why Syracuse is my top pick appertains to students I have contacted concerning the school and a connection with an individual who has engage in International Development in the Middle East and South Asia for years. The contact, and other executives, often spoke of the caliber of education and the network available to students after graduation. The students I have spoken with continually state that the school exceeds their expectations concerning job placement and the quality of education.

Yeah, money is an issue. What are your plans when you complete your degree?