LSE or American SIS

[Chouchous]

I've been accepted into the Msc Political Science and Political Economy program at the LSE and also into the Masters in US Foreign Policy at American/ SIS.

My primary area of interest is US foreign policy and so I'm leaning strongly towards American. I am looking to work in DC upon completion of my studies.

My impression is that the LSE has much greater prestige than SIS, so my question is would it be foolish to not attend LSE in my case?

Any input would be highly appreciated, as I have to make a decision very very soon.

[tkovach05]

Not sure if this reply is too little, too late, but I wanted to give you my two cents for what it's worth.

If you are looking to focus on US Foreign Policy, then I think American is a very strong candidate (and I'm not just saying that because I'm starting there this fall). It is the largest and one of the oldest schools to cover these fields in APSIA, and it has a very strong faculty. Also, being in DC is an invaluable resource if you are working in any international field.

Personally, I am strongly attracted to the idea of getting an MA abroad (though, for some reason, I never actually pulled the trigger and applied abroad), because you can get a very different perspective of the world from outside the States. If you would like to have an outsider's (or international) understanding of American foreign policy, as opposed to the insider's perspective, than LSE may be a better option. I have been told by my professor from my semester in Geneva, Switzerland that many in IR view LSE as the best school in Europe for graduate studies. I would certainly agree that it has a better reputation/more prestige than SIS, especially internationally. I'm not sure if you are looking to work within the US, for the government or an NGO, etc., so it is difficult to give educated advice.

Also, is there a funding discrepancy? DC is far from cheap, but London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Also need to keep in mind the exchange rate (as I'm sure you know), as the Pound is currently worth $1.62, and it hasn't dipped below $1.50 in a long time.

Just some things to consider; I don't have enough info to really give my opinion one way or the other.

[Chouchous]

Thank you so much for the reply, I really appreciate your perspective. And no, it's not too late at all. I'm still not sure what to do. On the one hand, LSE is a dream come true and it would be foolish to underestimate its prestige, but at the same time, I just love the idea of studying in DC.

I am from Europe and did my undergraduate degree in Canada. So in my case an SIS education would allow me to get the outsider perspective I guess.

I hope to work for NGOs in Europe or abroad after graduation.

SIS offered me some funding, which makes it the (much) better option financially.

Since you seem to know a lot more about SIS than I do, what is your impression of the school's reputation with potential employers in DC? Is it fairly easy to find internships? If I decide to attend SIS, it would be for the unparalleled opportunities that DC has to offer, given my interests.

[tkovach05]

Thank you so much for the reply, I really appreciate your perspective. And no, it's not too late at all. I'm still not sure what to do. On the one hand, LSE is a dream come true and it would be foolish to underestimate its prestige, but at the same time, I just love the idea of studying in DC.

I am from Europe and did my undergraduate degree in Canada. So in my case an SIS education would allow me to get the outsider perspective I guess.

I hope to work for NGOs in Europe or abroad after graduation.

SIS offered me some funding, which makes it the (much) better option financially.

Since you seem to know a lot more about SIS than I do, what is your impression of the school's reputation with potential employers in DC? Is it fairly easy to find internships? If I decide to attend SIS, it would be for the unparalleled opportunities that DC has to offer, given my interests.

SIS does appear to have a very good reputation within DC. I am starting in the Global Environmental Policy program, and the professors have connections with most of the major environmental NGOs and government agencies in the area. My will-be advisor has just co-written a grant with the World Wildlife Fund and the American Red Cross to provide module trainings to students and development/aid workers on environmental issues in post-conflict and disaster relief situations. They also have a pretty good job placement track record, given the current economy. In 2009, 75% of students had jobs within 6 months, and 3/4 of those were making $50,000+. I got some pretty good one-on-one advice from the head of the Career Center for SIS, John Charles. You may want to contact him directly with more personal questions (charles@american.edu).

[Chouchous]

SIS does appear to have a very good reputation within DC. I am starting in the Global Environmental Policy program, and the professors have connections with most of the major environmental NGOs and government agencies in the area. My will-be advisor has just co-written a grant with the World Wildlife Fund and the American Red Cross to provide module trainings to students and development/aid workers on environmental issues in post-conflict and disaster relief situations. They also have a pretty good job placement track record, given the current economy. In 2009, 75% of students had jobs within 6 months, and 3/4 of those were making $50,000+. I got some pretty good one-on-one advice from the head of the Career Center for SIS, John Charles. You may want to contact him directly with more personal questions (charles@american.edu).

wow thank you so much- this is very helpful! Makes me lean toward SIS even more!

[tkovach05]

Glad I can help. But don't just choose SIS because some stranger on the interwebs seems nice . I know I would have a tough choice turning down LSE, even if it was for SIS. Luckily you have two great options and one of them is funded (I'm quite jealous you got funding for SIS by the way).

If you have other questions, you can post them here or PM me. Good luck.