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Yale vs Oxford


Wonderer

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I received offers from both Yale and Oxford. Both courses are 2 years. I have secured a partial scholarship, so Yale is just slightly more expensive (the difference is not significant, though). In terms of academic content and opportunities, Yale's course is better than Oxford's. It is more flexible and provides freedom to choose from different classes. Now... in terms of prestige and rankings, I have heard contradicting opinions. Some argue that Yale and Harvard are like "THE universities" and there's nothing better out there (do not take it literally), others argue in favour of Oxford. What would be your take on this? 

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Oh, sorry. I am neither from the US, nor from the UK and I am not familiar with the educational systems of these countries, so no advantages/disadvantages there. The field is regional studies (a mix between social sciences and humanities).

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Personally, I wouldn't fret about prestige comparisons at this stage because they're both well-renown universities. If you haven't already, I would reach out to faculty in each program to solidify a match with your research interests.

I'd also try to think about your long-term career and/or academic goals to determine how the resources offered at each program/university could benefit you in that capacity. I think program fit can be a vital component to student success in a program and beyond, in terms of what you will receive from the educational experience and how the program can shape you as an individual.

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As I said in my previous post, Yale's program is better in almost every aspect. My main concerns have to do with Yale's popularity, or lack thereof, in Europe in comparison to Oxford. I am not planning on staying in the US after I graduate. I am from Europe and I will try to find work in my home country or in other European country. 

To be honest, I am leaning toward Yale. However, knowing that it is probably less known in Europe than Oxford and having to pay few extra $ks.. not sure if it is a smart choice. 

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I think you should talk to people in your field in your home country and see what they have to say about the programs. But if you've already done so and heard conflicting comments, then it should be a matter of personal opinion. 

As an international student who studied in two universities in the UK and is going to study for a PhD in the US, I would say Yale. I chose to study in a less well-known university in the UK instead of one with a global reputation because of the former's better research and program, and I would say it was totally worth it. It changed how I think and do research significantly. But the main thing about research in the UK is that I didn't see professors educated in the UK include undergraduates or taught masters students in their actual research as often as US trained professors. I believe this is an important part of the whole educational experience. 

I believe either school can get you interviews in the future no matter which European country you end up in. However, whether they will hire you always depends on how much you've learned and can demonstrate.

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