Johns Hopkins SAIS vs. Georgetown SFS Asian Studies vs. Columbia SIPA-Tokyo GraSPP Dual Degree

[iowahoya]

Hi all,

 

Should anyone have the time or interest, would appreciate some advice on the difficult graduate school decision! Admittedly, I'm in a pretty lucky situation, but that in itself has made it rather difficult to break down the variables at play.

 

Some background: Georgetown SFS and JET Program alum, 2+ years of writing and internship experience on policy of and toward Asia at think tanks in DC and Tokyo, completing intensive Japanese language program at Keio University. Interested in a career in US Asia policy.

 

The priority in my graduate school decision is locking down a job in this field with the government upon the completion of my studies. Secondary concern is Asia reach/ prestige of program. Tertiary is cost.

 

My options are SAIS with $20K/year, SFS Asian Studies with $40+/year (practically tuition), or Columbia-Tokyo dual master's with no funding (second year in Tokyo will be $5K at most).

 

2 points I am hoping to clarify:

 

1) Admittedly, there is something very attractive about a Columbia MIA and Tokyo MPP in 2 years. However, assuming my priority of a US government job should I limit my decision to the DC schools? 

2) Given my SFS alum status, should I be concerned about double dipping despite the significant cost difference?

 

Thanks for any and all input!

Edited March 17, 2015 by iowahoya

[aishunbao]

I also am intererested in the SIPA-Tokyo GraSPP dual degree program. The thing that concerns me though is that each GraSPP incoming class is very small (around 30 people) and you have to apply separately. I wonder what would be the chances to get in as an enrolled SIPA student? I'm sure there are no guarantees.

[outofspace]

I spoke with Tokyo GraSPP about their program last year and, at least for those hoping to go from GraSPP to Columbia, the process is extremely competitive: only 1-2 students are accepted to the dual degree program from GraSPP each year.

Edited March 17, 2015 by outofspace

[intotherainbow]

Hands down Columbia SIPA-Tokyo GraSPP Dual Program.

 

Not only the program is extremely difficult to get in, however when you have some background with Japan (I assume you already do), you are going to have wonderful experience with the program.

 

Going for international policy studies and having more experience in terms of that particular field will help you better later in getting those government jobs later then limiting yourself to Asian Studies, but that is my personal opinion.

 

Anyway good luck!

[iowahoya]

Thanks everyone for the feedback so far!

 

As a point of clarification, I have been recommended to the dual MA program by SIPA but have not received my confirmation from GraSPP yet. 

 

aishunbao, I'm not sure where you are at in the application process, but if you are interested in confirming whether you will be accepted to Todai and are accepted to SIPA this should be possible.

 

intotherainbow, I should note that the Asian Studies program, being part of the SFS, is policy oriented. In fact- along with SAIS -SFS has the greatest depth and breadth of Asia policy courses of the major policy schools. My concentration would be in "Politics and Security of Asia". 

[aishunbao]

I was accepted into SIPA with no funding like you are. I don't think I'm willing to go 150k into debt, but getting into Todai and paying their tuition for the second year would make it more feasible. You're saying I could ask them and they could simply tell me if I will get in if I applied for my second year? 

 

I'm hoping to get into the Foreign Service so the Todai degree isn't the most important thing (though I considered straight up applying for GraSPP). My primary concern is cost for sure. If I could go to a school like SFS for nearly a full ride, I'd likely choose that without question.

 

My background: Tufts alum, majored in Asian Studies focusing on both China and Japan, current 3rd year JET Program participant

[iowahoya]

aishunbao, I’m not sure on what would work at this point. In my particular case I had expressed my interest back in September and then apparently had my application forwarded in February (before we were informed) and have since interviewed.

 

I’m sure you’d be competitive, but I feel similar caution about the risk of picking a program primarily on the hopes for Todai admission.

 

I’m also geared toward Foreign Service. While Todai would not perhaps be the most important thing, it certainly has some pro-FS potential: year in Tokyo, classmates from foreign govs in a much more intimate program than SAIS, and the Todai network which will certainly be useful one inspire to be a US-Japan alliance manager.

[intotherainbow]

Good luck with your studies.

 

Let us know on your decision!!!