<p>I've been admitted to the Master's in International Affairs at Sciences Po and to the MPhil (Research) in International Relations at LSE...and I don't know which one to choose!</p>
<p>I have 5 years of work experience -- 2 with a prestigious strategy consulting firm and 3 in an international publishing firm. After grad school, I'm considering journalism or international media, but I want more of a grounding in the subject matter.</p>
<p>Here's my thinking so far:</p>
<p>Benefits to Sciences Po:
1) Taught coursework mostly in French (I'm near native), which would be a new challenge
2) Opportunity to study or work abroad as part of the course (tied to an emphasis on a third language, which for me will be Russian)
3) In Paris, where I already live and have a network
Major drawbacks: In class with many much younger students who lack real-world experience, which might make it feel like undergrad all over again AND gaining a mostly French network, when I'm not sure I want to live here long-term</p>
<p>Benefits to LSE:
1) Serious research project in English, aka, a totally different experience than undergrad
2) Unparalleled access to thought leaders in the field, including close work with an advisor
3) If I really love the program and the work, I can do a PhD
Major drawback: 3x the cost of Sciences Po, plus London living expenses</p>
<p>I'd appreciate any thoughts from the forum! Thanks.</p>
<p>I guess it really depends on what you want to do more. Are you more interested in a research or a thought program? </p>
<p>I guess as far as prestige goes LSE would be the most famous. Science Po would be well know for people in the Social Sciences or people living in France (maybe even Europe) but I think you would be hard pressed to find someone in other continets that know it. Most people are only aware of the Sorbonne and maybe HEC and INSEAD.</p>
<p>Going to LSE could also give you more international contacts as a vast majority of Postgraduates come from outside the UK.</p>
<p>Yeah the price of LSE is high. Definatly about twice that of other British Universities.</p>
<p>I may be a bit more biased towards LSE because I am going there next year. But I also know that Science Po is a great school.</p>
<p>I am French. Studied at the LSE for one year. Was a blast (very international) . But maybe studying at Sciences Po is equivalent. Do not know since I have not.</p>
<p>Sciences Po is the way to go... do internationals have to take a test to get in or it's purely based on your academic records? Because french applicants have to take a test--a really, really, really hard one to get in... it's really selective. Anyway, Congrats. God knows I'd like to be you right now...</p>
<p>Have you ever studied in the French system of education? Sciences Po is a great school by French standards, but the way you're going to be taught is ENTIRELY different from the British/American system... Personally, I prefer the Anglo-Saxon approach to education, so I'd definitely go to LSE (as much as I love Paris)... Just make sure you know what to expect if you do choose Sciences Po.
Also, remember that if you want to go into journalism, a near-native level isn't going to cut it...Not only do you need to be a native, your writing has to be excellent. So when the time comes to get a job, will you really be competitive in the French market?</p>
<p>Wow, first off I have to say congratulations! You probably already know this, but when LSE was founded, its curriculum was based upon Sciences Po's. Considering you have work experience, the prestige of the university shouldn't matter one bit. I think you'd be better off in Paris just simply because you'd be getting more for your money.</p>
<p>Edit: this is a year old! I wonder where he actually did end up going.</p>
<p>question that wasn't answered though... do international have to take that killer test? Because if not there might be something to do with my potential dual citizenship here...</p>
<p>go for LSE!! if the only drawback is money. LSE is to my opinion much more prestigious than Science PO. And LSE is internationaly known, a lot more than Science PO. And I think that London is a place with much more opportunities than Paris........</p>
<p>London is definatly at the top of the game at the moment. Fanatichay, do yuo think there will be a review of employment laws in France in the near future? Kinda like the failed 2005 attempt?</p>
<p>Most likely, but again they will fail. Our chieves are wussies and won't stand up against the streets. Having been in the streets during the riots, I sort of understand...</p>