DualCitizenIR

beautiful smile

animal cell

Wow legallyproper that is a serious serious accomplishment! That is 3 years for free, right? And you get to learn at least 2 languages in the process... You're set for life, so now just enjoy the ride.

Thanks for the offer, I'll keep it in mind. Speaking of the revolution, I knew some people that were going to study abroad at AUC that semester, but then they got told to go to Morocco or to Bogazici University (where I was studying abroad at the time). They weren't very happy about coming to a non-Arab country and a university with almost non-existent Arabic classes. I got into the MA Near and Middle Eastern Studies, but it is basically the same thing (political society in the Middle East and state and transformation in the Middle East). I think we got in on the same day too according to the survey...

cunning plan

one united

That is good to know about deferring, beefmaster... CairoKid: I've heard a lot about AUC for Arabic. If I did go, though, I would probably do something cheapish. Thanks for the information about prices. I see you're a finalist for Turkey Fulbright... I hope you get it! (I was born in the US but am originally Turkish, btw.)

Thanks for the perspective, JAubrey. I pretty much don't have a chance to get into Cambridge, unfortunately, as one of my letter writers never submitted the letter for them. You know, beefmaster, I did think about doing that... Qatar University has a 1 year scholarship to study Arabic there that I may apply for but it would mean deferring or reinstating which is trickier at UK schools than in the US. My level is not beginner, but not quite intermediate. I can't really hold a conversation but am better at writing and reading to a limited extent. Anywhere you would suggest in the Middle East? The Levant? I might try to go this summer at least.

So I applied to 11 schools for masters programs in the UK, US, and Switzerland and have received 6 acceptances so far, but no real funding at the US schools, which leaves me with some questions about where to go in the UK. The best-case scenario in the US, Korbel, gave me a half-tuition scholarship, but with cost of living, it would be almost $70K in loans over the two years. I am still under consideration for a graduate assistantship at BU that will also cover half-tuition, but that would leave more than $75K total debt. No funding at AU SIS, so that would be out of the question at $100K. I think I have ruled out these US schools. On the other hand, the three UK schools are all one year programs and would on the whole be the cheapest options (around $50K for the London schools and $30K for Durham). The problem I am having in making a final decision is that there are differences in the types of programs I got into at each school. I applied to mostly MA IR programs, but in this case only LSE is a straight-up IR program. Durham is also an IR program, but focusing/specializing in the Middle East, which is my interest. SOAS though is a Near and Middle Eastern Studies masters (politics of the Middle East), which is what they're known for (area studies) and it seems quite relevant with the current events in the region. I am interested in working in an NGO or think tank after the program, either in Europe or the Middle East. I know this isn't that specific, but I am hoping to do some networking during the masters and maybe an internship to help fine-tune my interest in IR. (Some background: I don't have that much work experience but lots of travel to Turkey and Europe and studied abroad a semester in Istanbul. Also, I graduated with a BA in political science in December, a cert in international studies and a cert in religion and conflict, so basically applying straight out of undergrad. I can speak Turkish at an intermediate to advanced level, and have studied Arabic for many years, though still at a basic to intermediate level.) So I am wondering if I should go with the highest ranked IR program (LSE), or a more specific MES program (SOAS) and if this would make a difference for career opportunities? The only reason Durham is still in the running (but only just) is because it is also highly ranked but significantly cheaper than the other two mainly due to the location and also has the college system ala Oxbridge. I am leaning towards LSE strongly at the moment because it seems like it will be a great experience academically and in terms of networking/events. I just can't seem to ignore how competitive admissions there is and that I actually got in, as well as how it is so reputable around the world which will provide flexibility if I do end up working in the US. (Then there is the entirely different proposition of Fletcher's Map Your Future MALD which lets one work for a couple of years full time in the field before attending the MALD program (in 2014). I haven't received a decision from them yet as the deadline is in May, but I can ask if they can give me an "early read" on my application. I think this may be the best for one's career based on what I have read here about work experience, but I am not that sure I want to go this route.) Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions you all may have.

I agree with JAubrey, Jean Jacques... Follow the money (or in this case, lower tuition). Otherwise those two programs are basically a wash ranking- and quality-wise and neither would be a bad choice IMO for what you want to do.

Yeah 2012IRgrad, I've heard the same thing from others who applied very early. Now the applications are closed, so I count myself lucky for getting while applying so late...

I have a cat named Dusty (who is absolutely obsessed with drinking fresh water out of your hand while standing up on his hind legs). He started getting chubby in the last couple of years, but not too bad. He's the one on my profile pic...

Wow, Poland sounds so fun! Congratulations!

Just got into LSE today. Turns out it took about 6 weeks... Very happy about this!

Congratulations on your choice, legallyproper! I've heard great things about Budapest. I myself got notification of an unconditional offer to LSE (MSc IR), and I think I am now most likely to go there in the fall.

I just got into LSE for IR and I think I am most likely to accept.

I just got into LSE for MSc IR today! I think this is my top choice right now... though SOAS and Durham are not that far behind. No funding, but still much cheaper than all of the US offers. I am more interested in working in Europe or the Middle East than in the US for now, so that is a non-issue with LSE's name being as well-known as it is.

sweet stuff

tough errand

Good to know that it is by email first... That will make it a few days quicker: a lifetime in the admissions process!

Sorry to hear that Srunner... I didn't get a letter yet! I wonder what that means... Maybe I survived the first or second round of offers. Oh I hope I get the news soon either way, because it says it can take until mid-June here: http://www.bu.edu/ir/graduate/prospective/how-to-apply/notification-of-decision/

I love the 13 inch screen size on my Toshiba... Build quality isn't all that up there and the contrast on the screen sucks but can't complain as it was $500 with 4GBs of ram. The problem with many 13 inchers is lack of an optical drive, but I haven't had the need for one for the most part, and a usb-powered $40 external one does the job when needed. If and when I upgrade it will hopefully be to an ultrabook of the same screen size.

beautiful city

shop talk

tight wad