Chicago CIR vs. Graduate Institute of Geneva

[verdigris]

Greetings one and all,

Now that the season for making tough decisions is upon us, I thought I would solicit the community's advice in choosing between some of my top choice programs since I myself am at a bit of a loss. So far, I have been accepted to two programs--Chicago's CIR and the Graduate Institute's MA in International Affairs. CIR is offering me a two-thirds tuition scholarship versus nothing in Geneva, although the low tuition rates in Switzerland balance out in the end making the cost of attending both programs roughly comparable.

I may be interested in pursuing a PhD in the long term, and both programs seem to have a robust thesis component although U. of Chicago definitely has the edge as far as I know insofar as its overall academic reputation in the United States. Still, I wonder how valuable it might be to attend school in a more professional environment such as Geneva with access to so many international organizations as well as the chance to improve my French. Besides faculty, are there other factors that I am overlooking? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Also, would it be a laughable suggestion to send a polite letter to the Graduate Institute in an attempt to negotiate their funding? I'd be very interested to hear people's opinion of these programs as well as any personal experience they might have. Thanks!

[erry3779]

I've been in Geneva, its a great city... And yes the all the international organizations are there..

And about the Graduate Institute of Geneva, it is a very good school! With people like Baldwin and etc..

If i were you.. I would go Geneva! but thats only if I were you.. because I love the city so much!

[Swissophile]

Hi, brand new on here and I've got into the MIA program at the Grad Institute. Absolutely thrilled but Geneva is mad expensive to live in, anyone heard about their scholarship from the Grad Institute? Apparently, they mail it out and I'm very anxious to know if there is another way to find out if I'll be receiving any scholarships?

Thanks a bunch!

[verdigris]

You should be able to check the status of your scholarship on the Application Follow-up website, though as I said I myself was rejected. However, despite this fact the low tuition in Geneva (discounting the cost of living for a moment) still makes it a competitive choice from a financial perspective.

Hi, brand new on here and I've got into the MIA program at the Grad Institute. Absolutely thrilled but Geneva is mad expensive to live in, anyone heard about their scholarship from the Grad Institute? Apparently, they mail it out and I'm very anxious to know if there is another way to find out if I'll be receiving any scholarships?

Thanks a bunch!

[rox87]

Hello! I've received an offer by the Graduate Institute but I'm waiting for the scholarship . I'd like to know if somebody have news about it. (in my status of application is written "waiting list")!!

Thanks a lot.

[lecorbeau]

Wow, rox87, you've been reviving all of the IHEID threads around here with the same exact post haha.

OP: You might want to try switching to the MIS/IR at Geneva (which is possible), getting the best of both worlds, that is, being in such close proximity to the professional cornucopia that is Geneva all the while pursuing a masters that is decidedly more theoretical/analytical, thus paving the way to a PhD at some point.

Your call of course, but for me it's looking ever surer that I'm going to go to Geneva next year so perhaps I may be biased when I say to choose IHEID.

[rox87]

ahhaha yes I've not idea about how this forum work!!! however i 've obtained some acceptations (LSE; SciencePo, Warwick, ecc) but i was orientated towards HEID for its link with IIOO..... my problem is the scholarship because i really need it to live in geneva!! i've read that some people have received a full scholarship so that now i've understood that "waiting list " means almost certainly a rejection......

[lecorbeau]

rox87, my understanding is that even without scholarships most students are able to make ends meet by finding part-time work outside of their studies. After all, salaries are fortunately commensurate with the exorbitantly high cost of living in Geneva.

Plus, you really can't beat 5,000 CHF/year for tuition.

(en plus sans vouloir te froisser mais on dirait que tu es français(e) ou au moins francophone d'après tes tournures de phrase dans ce forum donc t'inquiète pas pour le boulot sur genève car tu parles français, ce qui est apparemment rare parmi les étudiants de l'Institut)

Edited March 13, 2012 by lecorbeau

[Urvi]

Hey all,

I've been accepted to the Masters programme in International History at IHEID with full scholarship and while the course looks amazing, I'm wondering whether anyone has more information or any views about this particular department? Also, what are the chances that the scholarship offer will be renewed for the second year too?

Has anyone decided to go? If yes, what about accommodation? I hear that's quite a challenge!

Too many questions, sorry. I'm a little confused and would appreciate any and all advice!

[guesswho17]

Hello everybody,

I was very pleased to see that some of you here have the same dilemma as I did choosing between LSE and IHEID. I just accepted the IHEID offer though, since I received a full scholarship and no money whatsoever from LSE.

I'm doing the Masters in International Affairs Program. Have heard a view that this is not one of their best programs, though I was under a completely different impression. Anybody can clarify for me?

Somebody was wondering why you will know by April 30th - I believe this is because that is the deadline to enroll at the Institute.

Regarding housing, I applied to the newly constructed Maison de la Paix - you can apply once you accept your decision.

[verdigris]

It's interesting to hear everyone's perspective on the matter, although ultimately I myself have decided on Chicago since I am now receiving funding. Looks like I'll have to find another way to make it to Europe for a year or two, but that should be quite manageable after graduation.

[Lud]

Have heard a view that this is not one of their best programs, though I was under a completely different impression. Anybody can clarify for me?

Where did you hear that? Why wouldn't it be one of their best programs?

It looks quite fine to me for what it is, that is to say a Master's degree in International Affairs. Maybe it's less famous that the Master's degree in International Law for instance but I doubt you could compare them since they obviously have very different goals.