<p>Hey!</p>
<p>I'm really interested in studying international affairs/studies in the UK for graduate school. I'm having some trouble convincing my mom (who would be paying for it) that it's the best choice for me both career-wise and on a personal level. I've explained that education is less expensive, a master's program is only a year long, and it just makes sense to study international affirairs... internationally. I've also done a lot of research on costs and immigration, made connections, and even made an excel sheet. </p>
<p>Any advice? Perhaps any articles you could suggest?</p>
<p>Most moms don’t respond well to spreadsheets, lol. I think as long as mom’s paying for it, it’s her decision. Call me old fashioned but despite all your research, maybe there’s something she knows that you don’t.</p>
<p>Is her concern that it won’t help you career-wise, or does she not want you to move away?</p>
<p>There is much discussion regarding the merits of doing masters & PhDs abroad. You do not make connections in the area where you hope to work (if going into academia) and don’t get teaching experience in most abroad experiences. Usually a US PhD is funded and many US masters can find funding. The UK does not usually fund anything for internationals.</p>
<p>A masters to use in industry could be okay, if you know that you will find the right connections. A masters in the UK followed by a US PhD could be effective. A PhD could be fine in the UK, with the right reasons- usually regarding the PI and special opportunities and if funding is found.</p>
<p>Many US student do a masters in the UK for the experience and adventure, that could be fine.</p>
<p>You need to determine why the UK masters is best and present that case. You should also apply to US schools in case the UK thing does not pencil out.</p>
<p>I don’t think that studying international affairs in the UK will necessarily be better than in the US because it’s “international.” I mean, if you think about it, it’s not really “international” for the kids who are in the UK. The program should be judged based upon its merits and its ability to secure you a position in the field, not the location.</p>
<p>Also, are you sure it’s less expensive? International students studying in the UK usually have to pay hefty fees.</p>
<p>You’re not really going to find funding in a US MIA program so that shouldn’t really be a concern. US MA students in the sciences and some research humanities fields may be able to find funding, but for professional school, it’s usually loans.</p>
<p>That said, I don’t necessarily see how doing your MIA internationally is the best choice professionally. Are you planning on returning to the US to work? If so, you would do better to create a network of professionals here. Your US professors will know US businesses and contacts - of course they may know some internationally since it’s an IA program, but their larger network will be here. A really good program in the US can be better than doing a program in the UK depending on your specialty. Do you simply want to study abroad again? Because since you are going into IA, you can always work abroad after obtaining your MIA.</p>
<p>The other thing to remember is that she who holds the purse holds the strings…your mom doesn’t have to pay for graduate school (and honestly I know very few grad students whose parents are chipping in) and so if you want her to, I think she deserves some say in where you go. If you want complete autonomy over your choice, fund it yourself.</p>