<p>Thanks so much for taking the time to read my question. I am stuck; split right down the middle of choosing two graduate schools (with similar programs) and I need to way as many considerations as I can so I feel that I make the correct decision. </p>
<p>The two schools:</p>
<p>The University of Pittsburgh - GSPIA program
Hawaii Pacific University - Diplomacy and Military Studies program</p>
<p>Pitt absolutely takes the award for academics and they have numerous opportunities to work with well known/respected professors who provide a strong basis for students to publish works (which I've never done). They are ranked around the top 20 in the country for graduate programs of similar fields. However the caveat is that it's Pittsburgh. Being that.. it does not hold a candle to Hawaii Pacific in cultural diversity. I've also heard that this program is a little "blue-collar" for it's scope of study and I'm worried that unless I excel greatly here, I will blend in with the crowd when trying to land my first professional job. (Made even worse by the cut backs in government work). </p>
<p>Hawaii Pacific has a multitude of interpersonal and intercultural opportunities which will definitely give me experience in my future career path. It will also help me immerse myself in an environment that will further my fluency in Chinese. However the academics, while decent, are not as distinguished as Pitt. I feel like if I choose Hawaii then I will be selling myself short and not being challenged enough to push my success.</p>
<p>A major concerns is that:</p>
<p>1) Is academic prowess more desirable in job fields relating to International Relations or is firsthand experience with intercultural communication more valuable?</p>
<p>I feel that regardless of what I choose, I will feel like I'm missing the opportunity of lifetime. And the scariest thought of all.. that the program that I choose will literally cut the path of my future career and my future life. If I were a few years younger I would try to attend both programs over a 4-5 year period. But unfortunately I started undergraduate studies late and will be facing my late 20's by the time I finish either program.</p>
<p>Can somebody please aid me with some theoretical perspective or personal experience? I would greatly appreciate it</p>
<p>OK so I’ve been to Hawaii a few times (admittedly for vacation) but coming from the suburbs of Washington DC I feel like I can help you with this.</p>
<p>1- Pitt isn’t diverse, no. I get it. Coming to a place that is shockingly 80% Caucasian can be intimidating. HOWEVER, think about the class size you’re coming into. Pitt undergrad is around 18,000 students. 20% of 18,000 is still almost 4,000 students of “ethnic” background (i.e. non-caucasian). It can be a bit of a shock at first when you walk around the streets to realize how many people are caucasian vs. non-caucasian but what is stopping you from making your friends as diverse as you want them to be?</p>
<p>Diversity was something that worried me when I first came here, but I lived in an Honors Dorm (already more diverse) and studied in the Engineering school (again more diverse). Nothing is stopping me from making friends with whomever I want and surrounding myself with as much or little culture as I feel comfortable with. The same can be said for you. Just because Pitt doesn’t look diverse doesn’t mean your own social circle can’t be. </p>
<p>With that said, take a look at the food of Oakland. You have multiple Indian Restaurants, Chinese Restaurants, Sushi places, Mexican food, Middle Eastern Food, etc. Those places aren’t chains, they’re owned by families. That means that you’ve already got a good amount of diversity right there. Want more? Join some of the culture clubs to ensure you’ll meet some people (maybe the Chinese Student Association could help you to ensure you are continuing to master the Chinese language). </p>
<p>As for your blue collar comment, I have no idea what you even mean by that. One of the great things about Pitt is that they give you the opportunity to excel, but you have to take it first. Don’t assume that by coming here you’ll miraculously have all these jobs and opportunities fall in your lap. You do need to work for them (just like you would anywhere I imagine). However, the professors are here to help you. You just go to them and say “I would love to do XYZ if possible, how do I get started or involved?” and they will help you get there.</p>
<p>I hear the fear of making the wrong choice and I totally get that. Hawaii is the one of the most beautiful places in the world. IMHO. They have a strong Asian cultural influence and a military base. I can see why choosing is so difficult for you. The poster above makes very good points about the value of Pitt. I would choose the more exotic locale, but it might be harder to study in Hawaii. (Very distracting at first). More laid back atmosphere and culture. Let us know what you decide.</p>