3 Options: Advice Needed!

[britboi04]

Ok, so April 15th is drawing nearer and I'm no closer to being able to make what is undoubtedly one of the most important decisions of my life thus far. So, I'd be greatful for any advice and insight as I've been collecting from as many people as I can!

The prospects:

School 1: Florida State University

Program: Masters in Higher Ed.

I attended FSU for undergrad where I got my BA in French and International Affairs. I studied and interned abroad several times through our international programs office, where I also worked as a student worker and now hold a full time position.

The pros:

-I have a full time position and the prospect of a promotion in the coming month that would provide relevant experience to the field I want to work in.

-As an employee of the university, I would have my masters virtually paid for.

-I do like the office I work in and my work is valued.

-The city, though not my ideal one, is much cheaper to live in than the others.

The cons:

-It's in a city that I've lived in for almost 6 years now and do not really have an affinity for. I've never seen myself staying in this place and have always longed to live in a bigger city.

-The program is not focused on International Education like the other two (however my job provides this aspect.)

School 2: George Washington University

Program: Masters in International Education

The pros:

-It's located in D.C., a city where I believe I could make a lot of pertinent connections pertaining to international education.

-I've been offered one fellowship so far that would pay for 3 credit hours per semester, and the prospect of additional aid coming in a separate letter.

-The program specifically focuses on International Education which is exactly the field I desire to work in.

The cons:

-It's located in D.C. which would feature a significant climb in cost of living (plus, I have never been to D.C....yet)

-The debt I would incur, even with any additional aid I might be awarded.

School 3: New York University

Program: Masters in International Education

The pros:

-Located in NYC, probably THE dream location stateside I'd want to live/work in (plus I have family who live nearby)

-NYU's program offers the ability to concentrate in specific areas of the field, particularly study abroad administration which is exactly what I want to do.

-The potential to make contacts with NYU's study abroad office which is very reputable in the field and something I've had my eye on for some time now.

The cons:

-It's located in NYC and thus, significantly more expensive than what I've been accustomed to.

-There's no guarantee of being able to work in some capacity within the study abroad office.

-No word yet on financial aid, though I know the letters have yet to be disbursed.

-The extreme debt I would most probably incur.

I guess the crux of my problem here lies within me having the chance to follow the dream I've always had for myself about living in a place I want to live while working towards what I want to become though potentially incurring lots of debt versus already having an 'in' in the field I want to work in and having grad school paid for but being in a place I definitely do not want to stay in.

I am very grateful that I have options as I didn't expect to be presented with these choices, however it's such a life-changing decision I don't know how I can feel comfortable either way. I've spoken to my supervisor and she's let me know that they don't want to lose me and have plans to implement my skills, however, she also said from a mentor's standpoint, she doesn't want me to miss out on what would undoubtedly be an excellent personal growth opportunity by moving away and attending either of these programs. However, she also noted that if I intend to get my PhD later on, it might be prudent of me to stay where I can get my masters for 'free' while gaining experience and then consider applying to one of these program for my PhD where I could then go into debt. She also says that in our field, the biggest battle is usually landing a position in the field, which I've already done.

Couple this with thoughts of the horrid economy and the worry that I won't be able to get some sort of employment when I move (or in the future!) and the decision becomes even more worrisome.

I know it's important to play it safe to some extent, but isn't taking a risk sometimes the only way to attain one's dreams and experience great success?

All input is welcome as decision time is almost here!

[Sassytune]

I've spoken to my supervisor and she's let me know that they don't want to lose me and have plans to implement my skills, however, she also said from a mentor's standpoint, she doesn't want me to miss out on what would undoubtedly be an excellent personal growth opportunity by moving away and attending either of these programs. However, she also noted that if I intend to get my PhD later on, it might be prudent of me to stay where I can get my masters for 'free' while gaining experience and then consider applying to one of these program for my PhD where I could then go into debt. She also says that in our field, the biggest battle is usually landing a position in the field, which I've already done.

Couple this with thoughts of the horrid economy and the worry that I won't be able to get some sort of employment when I move (or in the future!) and the decision becomes even more worrisome.

I know it's important to play it safe to some extent, but isn't taking a risk sometimes the only way to attain one's dreams and experience great success?

I tend to agree with your supervisor's assessment - if, you plan on a PhD later. It just depends on what you decide is your dream - you mention only way to attain one's dream - is your dream to live in DC and/or NYC? If you follow the sup.'s advice - you are not giving up the dream, just holding off till later, when you will have a better CV and NO DEBT! You can also move to a bigger city in Florida, if you want to experience BIG city life or take time off and take a short class in DC/NYC - you might find it exhilarating or a bit of a drag and to top it you will not be in debt.

Good Luck with your decision!

[britboi04]

<br />I tend to agree with your supervisor's assessment - if, you plan on a PhD later. It just depends on what you decide is your dream - you mention only way to attain one's dream - is your dream to live in DC and/or NYC? If you follow the sup.'s advice - you are not giving up the dream, just holding off till later, when you will have a better CV and NO DEBT! You can also move to a bigger city in Florida, if you want to experience BIG city life or take time off and take a short class in DC/NYC - you might find it exhilarating or a bit of a drag and to top it you will not be in debt.<br /><br />Good Luck with your decision!<br />

<br /><br /><br />

Thanks Sassytune. Yes, my dream is kind of multi-faceted. Ultimately, I dream about living and working in Europe!

But, right now, it is more feasible dream to move to a big city and obtain a job in my field of interest. It's a good point you bring up that I wouldn't be giving up on my dream, just holding off on it. I guess I worry cause I'm the type of person who likes to have everything planned now, and though I'm only 23, it feels that if I keep putting things on hold, before I know it I'll run into what happens to so many people and become too old to really change anything about my situation. Of course, I know that's a silly way to think about things as one is never 'too old' to change things, but sometimes it certainly does feel that way.

Anyways, thanks again!

[s33]

<br /><br /><br />

Thanks Sassytune. Yes, my dream is kind of multi-faceted. Ultimately, I dream about living and working in Europe!

But, right now, it is more feasible dream to move to a big city and obtain a job in my field of interest. It's a good point you bring up that I wouldn't be giving up on my dream, just holding off on it. I guess I worry cause I'm the type of person who likes to have everything planned now, and though I'm only 23, it feels that if I keep putting things on hold, before I know it I'll run into what happens to so many people and become too old to really change anything about my situation. Of course, I know that's a silly way to think about things as one is never 'too old' to change things, but sometimes it certainly does feel that way.

Anyways, thanks again!

[s33]

Agree with Sassytune. The ability to obtain your Master's without incurring significant debt is a huge plus; it really expands your post-degree options (just as large debt limits your options and your freedom of action). Also, bear in mind that you will be very busy during your program, and probably won't have as much opportunity to enjoy the surrounding city as you might think/hope.