uOttawa or NPSIA

[Sabrina22]

Hello guys!

I am a student in communication and I am currently finishing my last semester abroad.

Quite recently, I got interest into Global Affairs so I decided to do a master in International and Public Affairs. I know some of you think it is useless,  but I think that brings experience, contacts and wisdom (at least I hope) and that it will help me get into GAC without doing it the « formal way », which is a hard and long process.

Now, I always thought about doing it at uOttawa; I know the school, the people, I like the flexibility French/English, and I can do the economic requirements during the master and not before. 

However, I read that the NPSIA was more recognized and all. So I started looking into it and it is possible that I would have to take the TOEFL with them and do the 2 introductory courses and maybe 2 other in international affairs BEFORE starting the program. So basically all that next summer.

I also know that co-op is very important, but they both have a co-op program. uOttawa’s biggest client is Global Affairs, and I am assuming NPSIA’s as well. I confirmed with uOttawa that their program could definitely lead to work as a management consular later on. I will also work in the communication department in the government, I studied and lived abroad, and I speak 3 languages (just in case that’s of any help).

My question is, will I be in big disadvantage if I choose uOttawa? I thought that what they basically wanted is just a master and where didn’t really matter. Am I wrong?

I am planning to go to ToastMaster for a little bit, and I heard about the NPSIA PT&D workshops. Can anyone give me more information about this? Maybe that could be a good combination uOttawa/Carleton.

Thanks a lot for reading my super long message, cheers!

Sabrina 

 

[sandradee]

Many people apply to both schools and go where they get in or wherever works for them. I would say that yes NPSIA is seen as the "better" school than GPSIA (uOttawa), but that doesn't mean GPSIA doesn't offer a comparable education. Many GPSIA grads go on to GAC from what I have a read, though the competition seems stiffer as they have to compete with NPSIA grads. I think its worth attending if you get in and thats what you want to do career wise. Its not a "bad" school by any means and many opportunities exist for GPSIA grads for sure. NPSIA's reputation comes from being a part of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs and being established longer than other IA schools in Canada.

 

Overall- if it works for you I would apply and just be prepared to work a little harder