GWU Elliott vs Fletcher School

[dianameng]

Hi all,

 

I know this is super late to make a decision for enrollment in Fall 2013. But I just got accepted to Fletcher MALD from waitlist (also still on SAIS waitlist) and weighing this offer with GWU Elliott's Intl Development Studies. I did not see specific thread for these two schools and would really appreciate your input!

 

My top concerns are the locations and opportunities to do internships/part-time jobs. I graduated last year with humanity majors and didn't have much work experience, in fact, most are internships and thought I would take the DC opportunity to prepare for a career in an intl development agency/relevant ngos. Also, Elliott's program seems to be more "practical" in that regard. But I wonder if simply being in DC, the chance to attend way more (?) relevant organizations events and networking would be there-- just to what extent is this proximity helpful compared to being elsewhere? Heard alumni saying against any other city than DC for Intl affairs.

 

As for Fletcher, I somewhat perceive Fletcher with higher rigor in terms of its program, and more "academic."  I also heard alumni and students from Fletcher (and Harvard) recommend Fletcher for the alumni/community relation (that important?), the resources and, yes, the cross-registration. I wonder if choosing this program is more beneficial for me to pursue a career in intl development for the suppose abundant events hold around the different schools and chance to do projects with inter-school student clubs. Yet courses available at GWU such as, project monitor/evaluation, and management, just seem of a lesser focus at Fletcher. 

 

Would you say Fletcher is for those who already have a few years in the field to enhance their overall understanding of the entire intl affairs? It seems GWU better prepares me (someone with little field experience) to work in Intl Dev than Fletcher; but I would really appreciate your thoughts on whether learning all these practical skills and gaining as many practical experience are necessary or even tremendously beneficial at this stage? I'm really unsure the chance in securing an internship around Boston (Medford, Massachusetts to be precise). After all, probably hands-on experience is all what matters in Intl Dev?

 

It might also be important to mention groups are formed for capstone project at GWU; whereas capstone projects are recently allowed but a field study probably is less probable? Just some thoughts..

 

Thank you! 

[mrgreen102]

My two cents: One of GWU Elliott School's major advantages is the fact that you can enroll in the program part-time.  You can take classes in the evening and work/intern during the day.  There should be numerous internship opportunities in international development in Washington, D.C.  You could gain experience in your field while you study.

 

The Fletcher School does not give you a part-time option and I would imagine you would be very busy with classes.  I do not know how many opportunities there are in Medford, MA for international development work.

[NGP]

I don't think you'll be at a disadvantage in terms of gaining practical experience at Fletcher.  Because of all the schools up in Boston, there are tons and tons of organizations.  I think it's as practical as you make it.  Anecdotally, I know people doing stuff in Syria and with OPIC in DC for their summer internships.  One of my friends at Fletcher interns (with pay) with a human rights organization during the semester.

[IRToni]

TBH, when reading your post, it sounds like you want to go to GWU, but are a little torn because you now got into Fletcher. It doesn't sound like you actually wanna go to Fletcher, but more  like "I got in, so I should at least think about it", maybe mixed with the idea that Fletcher's prestige is higher. If that actually is true, I say take GWU and don't look back. It's an amazing school with much more of an emphasis on interning during the semester than Fletcher, by all accounts.