Elliott VS IR/PS

[aaron4848]

Hi, I am an international student who is disturbed by the question that HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO BE AWAY FROM D.C.? I would like to work in a big organization on US-China economic relation policy after graduation. But I have not given up the idea of getting a PhD degree, which is the necessity for most senior positions in think tanks. Apparently, UCSD has better reputation, better faculty and better curriculum than GWU. But the location of San Diego is really a problem for internship/job. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

Edited April 6, 2012 by aaron4848

[JAubrey]

Hi, I am an international student who is disturbed by the question that HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO BE AWAY FROM D.C.? I would like to work in a big organization on US-China economic relation policy after graduation. But I have not given up the idea of getting a PhD degree, which is the necessity for most senior positions in think tanks. Apparently, UCSD has better reputation, better faculty and better curriculum than GWU. But the location of San Diego is really a problem for internship/job. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

UCSD has a strong asian focus and reputation...in California. GWU while not quite on par with MSFS or SAIS, is a strong university with a massive alumni network in DC. Academically, especially in IR and policy circles there is no contest, GWU by a country mile.

[understatement700]

It depends exactly what you want. I'd prefer IR/PS over GW because I have a specific focus on Asia and they have top scholars there and also a very practical professional curriculum. Obviously GW has more of a network in DC since it's in DC, but there are also a good number of IR/PS grads in DC as well. Also, would you prefer to intern in the day and take classes at night or have a two year basically just studying kind of experience?

Personally, I'd prefer the latter and I feel that IR/PS does a great job of blending high caliber academics/research on Asia/the Pacific Rim, with a professional curriculum. But you really could go either way depending on what is most important to you.

[OregonGal]

I had the same concern about location with UCSD... however, a selling point for me is the support that their Career Services gives for getting internships and paying for living expenses during them. If you get an unpaid summer internship they'll give you a couple thousand dollars--not a loan, but an outright grant--to pay for travel/living expenses.