SIPA MIA vs Georgetown MPP (with $) vs home university(with $)?

[Annabelle_]

Hi there,

I'm trying to make my decision on which school to attend...not like I have super pro offers, but I do need more suggestions!

My background: B.A. in International Relations from UBC (Canada), worked in media for 3 yrs, speaks 3 languages fluently and basic knowledge in 2 other languages/dialects; plan to return to Vancouver after graduation and work on Asia-pacific trade policies at intl. org. / non-profit / MNC.

 

So here are the pros and cons of each offer I've got: 

 

Columbia (SIPA) MIA: Pros - Highly matched program (emphasis on language abilities, global perspective etc.) 

                                           - The network, yes, the network!

                                           - Internship opportunities at places like UN

                                           - Dream school!

                                   Cons - super HIGH tuition and living costs

                                            - completely new environment + safety concern

                                            - Will the network still be applicable if I eventually come back to Canada?

 

Georgetown (McCourt) MPP: Pros - Good reputation

                                                       - Closer to the political center

                                                       - $10,000 USD scholarship for the 2016-17 academic year

                                               Cons - Good relation with US government might be less relevant to my future career direction

                                                        - Again, the new environment and network concerns

 

UBC MPPGA: Pros - $10,000 CAD scholarship for the coming academic year; possibility to get another $5,000 CAD for the 2017-18 academic year

                              - Very familiar environment, no need to move and no long-D relationship (happier BF  )

                              - Local connections (?)

                              - relatively low tuition and living costs (considering Canadian dollar is weaker) (happier mom and dad  )

                      Cons - program itself is very new (less than 2 years old), meaning it is probably not as established and the connections might not even be there

                               - ranking isn't as high  

                                - pressing deadline! need to reply this week

 

Thanks loads for helping!

Edited March 22, 2016 by Annabelle_

[loveglove]

Ask SIPA and Georgetown to put you in touch with current or former students from Canada and/or interested in your issue areas to see if they could give you a better idea of what may be in store for you. Also ask about their Canadian relations in general.

Meanwhile, ask your local school if you could extend the decision deadline.

[Annabelle_]

5 hours ago, loveglove said:

Ask SIPA and Georgetown to put you in touch with current or former students from Canada and/or interested in your issue areas to see if they could give you a better idea of what may be in store for you. Also ask about their Canadian relations in general.

Meanwhile, ask your local school if you could extend the decision deadline.

Thanks @loveglove !

Unfortunately what I have with my local school is already an extended deadline...so not much room for bargaining

But thanks for your suggestion in the 1st part tho!

[CakeTea]

What are your career goals, local public policy or international relations? Would all 3 schools be equally beneficial and are preferred concentrations not available at peers? Have you crunched all numbers on yr spreadsheet and how does the length of payback/ROI work out? I am international student and my weak currency fell against the strong $ too. Sigh.