SAIS Bologna

[compost&recycle]

Hi there,

I am considering going to SAIS Bologna (still deciding between GSPP, Fletcher and possibly GT depending on funding). A lot of thoughts going on in my head in terms of comparing different aspects such as tuition (SAIS Bologna is definitely the more expensive option), quality of program, but also simple personal factors such as - am I ready to move - again, sell all my stuff and leave everyone behind - again? I have moved countries a couple times and find that the older I get the less ambitious I am to do the whole ‘abroad adventure’ again. I do like the idea of Bologna for one year (as I would be somewhat closer to home) and being part of the SAIS experience (as so many rave about it), but the associated costs of moving there and possibly not having a TA/research position or any sort of job due to its rigorous curriculum should not be neglected. Plus, the Italian visa regulations for spouses/significant others are rather unfavorable, which makes it an even harder decision for someone who would bring along their partner. Is the idea of living in Italy exciting? YES! Is it something that makes the most sense financially, academically and personally - NOT SO SURE! Would love to hear your insight.

Who else is considering SAIS Bologna (vs which other programs) and what are your thoughts?

Edited March 17, 2011 by compost&recycle

[billyzy]

Hi there,

I am considering going to SAIS Bologna (still deciding between GSPP, Fletcher and possibly GT depending on funding). A lot of thoughts going on in my head in terms of comparing different aspects such as tuition (SAIS Bologna is definitely the more expensive option), quality of program, but also simple personal factors such as - am I ready to move - again, sell all my stuff and leave everyone behind - again? I have moved countries a couple times and find that the older I get the less ambitious I am to do the whole ‘abroad adventure’ again. I do like the idea of Bologna for one year (as I would be somewhat closer to home) and being part of the SAIS experience (as so many rave about it), but the associated costs of moving there and possibly not having a TA/research position or any sort of job due to its rigorous curriculum should not be neglected. Plus, the Italian visa regulations for spouses/significant others are rather unfavorable, which makes it an even harder decision for someone who would bring along their partner. Is the idea of living in Italy exciting? YES! Is it something that makes the most sense financially, academically and personally - NOT SO SURE! Would love to hear your insight.

Who else is considering SAIS Bologna (vs which other programs) and what are your thoughts?

I am having a hard time deciding between CIPA and SAIS DC. Any thoughts? I didn't get SAIS Bologna. If I did, I probably would go.

[Fong Sai Yuk]

Has anyone of you done the interview for the Bologna center of SAIS?

And has anyone of you already received decisions?

Thank you

[compost&recycle]

I received my acceptance last Monday. I believe the Non-U.S. applicants receive their acceptance in April. Good luck!

Has anyone of you done the interview for the Bologna center of SAIS?

And has anyone of you already received decisions?

Thank you

[cckrspnl56]

US applicants do not do an interview in the application process and are notified a few weeks before international students because we apply to the DC school rather than directly to Bologna.

Edited March 18, 2011 by cckrspnl56

[julia9109]

Compost & Recycle - I'm in the same situation! I'm torn between GSPP, SAIS Bologna, and Fletcher($$). Fletcher is a great program but I'm leaning towards either GSPP or SAIS. In terms of finances, I have some savings and if get a well paid research position at GSPP I can graduate with very little debt. SAIS Bologna is $$$ and researearch/TA seem more scarce and pay between $10-18/ hr while the GSPP ones pay around $20/hr and can remit a large portion of your student fees (I think up to 14k???). I emailed SAIS financial aid office who said the average student graduates with about 70k in debt. That makes me nervous.

In terms of quantitative training (which is a priority for me), I think GSPP and SAIS are about equal. In terms of international policy, SAIS is the best. I hear GSPP is trying to strengthen its international focus - they have some international policy type electives and you can take classes outside of GSPP. But from talking to students, many in class discussion in the core courses revolve around domestic issues. In terms of network, I'm not sure. I know SAIS has a strong DC network and I don't have a good sense of Goldman's network, even after looking at the stats. Not sure about the Berkeley name v Johns Hopkins, or if it matters.

The one thing I'm not clear on is which one is better for international climate change/ development policy, which is what I currently work on. SAIS has the Energy, ENvironment and Resources track but at GSPP you have access to the Environment and Resources Group, which is very well respected. Plus GSPP has electives on international climate change policy, development, us security, etc.

Also, I'm with you on the whole moving thing. Living in Italy would be a blast but I just spend last year in China and the idea of moving to another country where I don't speak the language is tiring. Berkeley would be less exotic/exciting, but I hear it's beautiful and everyone I know there loves it.

Which one are you leaning towards?

[SaraDC]

Hi there,

I am considering going to SAIS Bologna (still deciding between GSPP, Fletcher and possibly GT depending on funding). A lot of thoughts going on in my head in terms of comparing different aspects such as tuition (SAIS Bologna is definitely the more expensive option), quality of program, but also simple personal factors such as - am I ready to move - again, sell all my stuff and leave everyone behind - again? I have moved countries a couple times and find that the older I get the less ambitious I am to do the whole ‘abroad adventure’ again. I do like the idea of Bologna for one year (as I would be somewhat closer to home) and being part of the SAIS experience (as so many rave about it), but the associated costs of moving there and possibly not having a TA/research position or any sort of job due to its rigorous curriculum should not be neglected. Plus, the Italian visa regulations for spouses/significant others are rather unfavorable, which makes it an even harder decision for someone who would bring along their partner. Is the idea of living in Italy exciting? YES! Is it something that makes the most sense financially, academically and personally - NOT SO SURE! Would love to hear your insight.

Who else is considering SAIS Bologna (vs which other programs) and what are your thoughts?

It's definitely a move, and you're right about it being an adventure abroad. But SAIS BC makes the transition relatively easy for students. The Center has a local on staff responsible for helping students find housing in the city. When you arrive (either for preterm or fall semester) he brings you and a car-full of other students around the city to look at apartment rental options at a variety of prices and comfort levels. If you want to live in an upscale 1 bedroom, that option is available. But most students end up with a number of roommates in apartments that are comparable in price to apartments in DC - almost all of them are furnished.

Regardless of what program you pick, you're going to have to weigh the pros and cons of finding a paid position. I knew a couple people that had TA positions their second semester there (they already had specialized experience), but there are also a number of jobs available at the Center itself - at the front desk, or in the library, etc.

I don't know enough about the Italian visa regulations (I'm assuming you're not European?) to respond specifically to your concern about significant others. But I often saw spouses/partners of current students around "campus" (which is really just the Bologna Center building - although it's been renovated since I was there). I'm sure SAIS would be able to help you in this regard - they definitely play a big role in helping matriculating students get their documents in order.

Academically? It depends on what you want to study. If you're focused on Asian Studies - I don't think the Bologna Campus has much to offer. But in many other areas, it definitely holds its own (you might want to take a look at which professors are going to be there next year - sometimes DC professors spend at Bologna).

You're probably the only one in a position to determine whether it makes sense personally. Although, if you have a significant other that will be accompanying you - I'm sure they have a say as well. One of the most valuable parts of the experience turned out to be how close everyone had become by the end of the year. I heard a lot about this from my friends when they came back to DC for their second year. Of course the students who had been living in DC were close, but because they hadn't had the unifying experience of spending a year abroad - it was sort of a different level. You'll definitely leave Bologna with a strong network that you'll be able to draw on long after graduation.

It sounds like you have two really good options. I'm sure both experiences would be valuable (and very different). Let us know what you decide!

Edited March 18, 2011 by SarahL