IHEID (MDev) vs The New School (MS International Affairs)

[xavb]

So I've been accepted to the Graduate Institute of Geneva, (IHEID),  for a Masters in Development and The New School for a MS in International Affairs. My career goal is to work with child soldier rehabilitation in the development realm, building off a fellowship experience that I had in 2015-2016 in Colombia. I potentially would like to use my Masters as a stepping stone to top tier law school. Both of the programs are AMAZING and each has their own perks. Being in Geneva or New York is obviously advantageous to anyone wanting to work in international development. IHED seems to be way more academically focused, but lacks the internship program and all-around flexibility of The New School. Also IHEID, has a mandatory thesis options which is a turn-off for me because the whole institution of thesis writing is slightly outdated. I feel like student wise I'm way more fit to the very progressive and left-leaning New School. However, The New School lacks the reputation of IHEID and is not a member of the APSIA, but TNS is more flexible in study options and has an amazing internship placement program (International Field Program), some really cool classes,  and has other capstone options than the outdated thesis option. 

 

I would be content at either school and I go back and forth each day. I would love to stay at home in NYC and study at TNS but also IHEID is a prestigious institution with Geneva connections and networking opportunity and the chance to live in Europe for two years is also really cool. 

 

Which should I pick? 

[POLPOL]

I feel like you have already made a decision. You seem more with New school. 

IHEID is good school, but it is only good when you are fit with the institution. 

If I were you, New school. BY THE WAY, what is your choice?

 

[POLPOL]

On 3/22/2020 at 9:02 AM, ARLG said:

Hey everybody, I want your thoughts. 

**Admitted to MALD at Fletcher with a $30k/$140k scholarship for the 2 years & IHEID IRPS fast-track without any aid. Waiting on external aid which should be another $30k. 

**My background: Fresh out of college. Financially independent. International. 

Options are:

1. Attend Fletcher. Defer one-year. Work. Apply to more fellowships, and eventually take loans. Overall, very expensive, but possible. 

2. Attend IHEID. Should have sufficient to pay for first year, but should pray to get any aid for the PhD. 

I love both programs, but Fletcher has been more active in reaching out and selling the program better.

What would you do? Either choice would be expensive. 

Where did you choose? I am also thinking about applying to development studies this year.