Bolu

Let me start with what I assume is your most pressing question: Monterey is not well known in the academic world, yes, but in the professional world, it is one of the best schools in the nation. You should keep in mind that the Institute is a professional school meaning we train students to go directly into the field after graduation. Many of our students are not planning on attending a phd program, so if you are more interested in the academic side of things then you might want to go to a school that offers you more theory than practical skills. If you are looking to get the theory behind your practical skills then the Institute is the right place for you. Monterey is not as isolated as it seems, we are in a community that is extremely international, I mean you can walk on any street in Monterey and hear 4-5 different languages. The school is great at giving students opportunities to work with local organizations and building out network. I can tell you as a student, we constantly have guest speakers and recruiters from numerous organizations, from NGO's to government organizations-two weeks ago we had our biggest career fair ever with over 90 organizations in attendance. For example, USAID is one of the biggest recruiters in campus, we have both officials and foreign service members come to speak at least 3 times a semester. Furthermore, Monterey relys on the skills and networking oppurtunities that many students have to offer, seeing that many of them have been working in the field either professionally or through the peace corps. I can assure you that the institute is a big fish-despite its size- in a small pond. Students who attend the institute make it their home and almost on a daily basis we get job/internship announcements from past students in the field. Also we have an in house job/internship site with over 700 job postings at the moment. Student organizations are also a great way to get involved and build network, workshops offered on campus are also a great way because these are experts in the field teaching the class. Since you are in the Policy program you have the chance to get the theory and work more with IGO's and InGo's rather than NGO's-thats more of an MPA sector. The community is small, but we are a hop and a skip away from San Fransisco or San Jose, besides the program is only two years, so you wouldn't go too crazy. I personally enjoy the quiet atmosphere here, and while there aren't too many social options, school keeps many of us so busy that there is limited time for social endeavors anyway, besides the breaks are long enough to where you can get lots of home time, for example our winter break was 6weeks long!! As mentioned you have been accepted to some great schools, we hope you consider the Monterey Institute in your decision, but feel free to give us a call at the enrollment office, and we can put you in touch with current students. At the end of the day, Monterey Institute is the perfect school for practitioners and those who wish to work in the field. Also I am available to chat with you, if you want to get more information. Bolu