LSHTM

[ASA15]

So I was pretty much set on attending Emory (MSPH GLEPI) next year, but then I finally heard back from LSHTM and actually got in!! I wasn't expecting it, honestly, because I don't have much work experience in the area and I know that that is one thing LSHTM prefers. Now I'm not sure what to do. (I was accepted into the MSc in the Molecular Biology of Infectious Disease)

 

On the one hand, I think I am happy with Emory. I love the program, the opportunities, and how supportive and wonderful the school seems to be. I am less excited about Atlanta, but I'm ok with it. Emory also ends up being more expensive, BUT I know I can count on federal loans and getting a job to help me out.

 

On the other hand, LSHTM is in London! And it's an amazing school too, and would be a fantastic experience! The program sounds awesome, and is closer to what I have done in the past (molec bio). It's cheaper and only a one-year program, but at the same time I think I am correct in assuming that federal loans will not cover international tuition? And I'm not sure, with visa stuff, how part-time work would go... this is something I still need to look into. 

 

Another consideration is that I am abroad right now and have been for a year, and coming back to the US was something I was looking forward to for a while. However, working abroad and internationally is something I am ultimately very interested in... I'm currently in Samoa, so London would be a gigantic change anyway! And I've always wanted to live in London...

 

Basically, I think Emory is maybe the safer choice here... but I don't want to always regret not taking this chance. Any advice? Also, any information from current/past LSHTM students would be awesome!

[long_wait]

It is difficult to say without knowing what you want to do after your degree. But I've added a few points below for you to think:

 

• A 1-year program usually has a heavy workload, so not sure if you would be able to work part-time. There is a limit of 20 hrs a week for international students I think anyway. A two-year degree gives you a chance to do an internship. You shouldn't underestimate the value of an internship.
• LSHTM is not known outside of public health. A lot of people in the UK won't have heard anything about LSHTM. Plus Masters admission is not very competitive in the UK provided you tick all the basic requirements (decent grade etc). You may find it difficult to sell LSHTM brand in the U.S. and elsewhere.
• You are very unlikely to find employment in the UK after you finish your degree due to difficult visa rules.
• UK schools are pretty bad at helping students find employment. You will be on your own in finding employment. Also, the onus is on the student to study. You won't be spoonfed. Those used to the U.S. university system will find this difficult.
• London is a great city but very expensive. 

Edited March 25, 2014 by long_wait

[grad14]

Bump. Would also like to hear other people's thoughts on LSHTM. Personally, I had never heard of the school until I stumbled upon a joint LSHTM/LSE program by chance through the LSE website and now I'm deciding if I want to go there as well.

[niihla08]

Do you want to work in the US after your degree? If so go to Emory. If you want to work internationally, go with LSHTM. LSHTM has great connections with global health organizations but not in the US offices.

[KennedyAM]

I was really really considering LSHTM, but after a little more time I feel like the dissertation and coursework all completed within one year would take away from a lot. haha While I wanna work internationally, I think a few of the US schools will offer me better placement in the US and internationally - and I like the support that US universities give for job placement, etc.

[ASA15]

_{Yeah, I think I've settled on Emory. While a lot of things about LHSTM were very attractive, I think that completing the program in a single year as well as limited career support were the deciding factors. I also heard that it can be hard to transfer LSHTM grades to other graduate schools were I to pursue a higher degree in the US. Ah, well... London would have been fun, though!}

[isisfusion]

Bump.

 

I'm applying to this school and thought about what I would do if I got in there and to US schools. Ultimately, I want to settle in London but I don't know how much I could do because I'm a US citizen. I'm actually surprised to read that LSHTM isn't known in many areas because I thought it was a world renown school.