Home or Abroad: IR programs

[greenapplesea]

I'm looking at US and European IR programs and weighing different pros and cons. While I've thought about a PhD at some point, for now I'm primarily looking for a master's program that will accelerate me to the next level of my career and open new global networks. I currently have a strong network in DC, but I would like to move my career to London, New York, Brussels, or Geneva/Vienna, though I'd be open to 1-2 year posts pretty much anywhere. 

 

Any second years or recent alums lurking around these forums? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts, as well as those of other prospies. 

 

In an ideal world, my first pick would be Oxford followed by DA Vienna for location. However, I've already experienced the rough job hunt, and I'm concerned about the post-graduation transition. As a US citizen, I am well aware that the prospects of staying in the UK or EU as a mid-level recent grad are very slim. 

 

Can anyone speak to the career preparation or specialization provided by the UK and European schools? Additionally, I'd be interested to hear more about students' experiences with foreign language study at any of the schools below and whether there are opportunities to increase linguistic and/or regional abilities in a general IR program.

• Woodrow Wilson
• Tufts Fletcher
• Oxford MPhil IR and/or Global Governance 
• LSE MSc IR
• Georgetown SFS

 

I'd also be very interested if anyone can provide more insight into the following programs:

• Diplomatische Akademie Wien
• Central European University
• Sciences Po
• Hertie School of Governance

 

Thanks!

Edited December 29, 2012 by greenapplesea

[GomSaem (Bear Teacher)]

I can only speak to what the LSE offers. I completed a MSc in IPE there a few years ago. You would certainly have opportunities to discuss and research regional topics (The system for meeting with professors allows you to sign up and meet with any of the professors at the school, regardless of the department), but I don't see how you would be able to spend much time improving upon a second language.The programs there are incredibly time consuming and you will be pressed to simply keep up with the reading and formative tasks. In terms of preparing and assisting you to find employment in the UK, the LSE has an excellent track record. The school is often ranked higher with employers than it is academically (although some argue that the lower academic rankings are due to ranking systems that discriminate against schools that only have social science programs). All of my classmates that wanted to stay to work in the UK found jobs (even the US citizens).

Edited December 31, 2012 by GomSaem (Bear Teacher)