Stay in the US or return to Europe for master's??

Graduate School
1

<p>I'd really appreciate if somebody would offer their thoughts on the following dilemma. Believe me, I have been banging my head on this for a year now and have not made much progress :-S</p>

<p>I am a EU citizen who graduated from a top US school 1 year ago with a BA in Political Science. In addition to my native tongue, I am fluent in English and German, just starting French. At this stage of my life, I think (like 90% certain) that I'd like to work for the EU as a diplomat.</p>

<p>I have been working for the past year in the IR field in the US, and now I'd like to get my master's in IR or Public Policy, but cannot make up my mind if I should just stick to European schools or also include schools in the US (and therefore would have to take the GRE). </p>

<p>Here is what I've got so far:</p>

<p>Applying to schools in the US:
Pros:
- settled/comfortable with the country/culture
- boasts some of the best and most known master's programs in IR/Public Policy in the world
- majority of the master's programs are very practical compared to those at European schools which tend to be more theoretical/academic-y (I realize I am generalizing here and there are exceptions)</p>

<p>Cons:
- very, very expensive compared to Europe
- restricted opportunities for employment (immigration hurdles)
- limited opportunities to network with the European policy circles because of location</p>

<p>Applying to schools in Europe:
Pros:
- generally cheaper
- no employment restrictions
- proximity to major European policy centers - Brussels, Paris, London, Berlin
- will come out with a more balanced and more international educational background vs getting both my BA and MA from US schools</p>

<p>Cons:
- concerned that unless it is Oxbridge/LSE, the degree won't have much recognition beyond Europe (what if I figure out that I don't want to work for the EU? I'd like a degree that would be flexible enough to support alternative career paths.)</p>

<p>I am sure that there are things I forget/I'm not thinking about, therefore I'd highly appreciate any feedback. I really would like to make an informed decision. Thank you in advance!!!</p>

2

<p>anyone at all?</p>

3

<p>Where do you really want to live and settle down? If you are interested in working in the EU, I would just go back to EU so that you can build your job network there. In the US, you’ll be mostly with Americans… and you’ll go back to EU with no or little contacts in hand to help you find a job…</p>

4

<p>Europe seems like it will be better for you, but why not apply to both? That way, you can decide among the acceptances to find the best program for you.</p>

5

<p>i understand your dilemma, because i am in a similar situation. Cost and immigration restrictions are things that worn me out when I was in the US. Since you already have a US degree it makes sense to get a master in europe. it is true that it is less practical and more theoretical but there are also private schools that cost more, not as much as US schools, and have good connection to the real world.</p>

6

<p>ticklemepink,</p>

<p>I am pretty sure (like 90%) that I’d like to settle down and work in Europe. And as you say then it makes complete sense to go to a European school that will give me the network to get a job.</p>

<p>What worries me is the remaining 10%. What if during graduate school I decide that I’d like to work outside of Europe, but I am in a degree program that is not recognized beyond the continent. I’d like my degree to give me some wiggle room - open the door to Europe and keep the door to the rest of the world open. So far, I think that mainly the top schools in the UK meet these criteria.</p>

<p>Momwaitingfornew,</p>

<p>Like you, a couple of people also suggested to me that I should apply to schools in both the US and Europe, and then decide depending on the acceptances. But the problem with this is that it will be pricey and also very VERY time-consuming (e.g. take GRE, etc.) That’s why I am really trying to limit my options now, but I realize more and more that it is hard to do because I am comparing general trends in one country with those of a whole continent vs. solely comparing one university vs. another.</p>

<p>xxtraloud,</p>

<p>It’s so nice when somebody can relate to another person’s situation! Yes, cost and especially immigration restrictions have been absolutely grueling!!! I still remember my senior year of college when me and my other int’l friends were trying to get jobs and for 90% of the jobs we were not even eligible for because we were not US citizens or permanent residents. The fact that it was the start of the recession did not help either. I cannot emphasize enough how much it sucked! Now I am even doing a job I have no interest in because I was not even allowed to apply to any of the jobs that would interest me…I have a feeling that even after getting a master’s from a US school, I’ll still be facing the same restricted job market :(</p>

<p>Are you still in the US, if you don’t mind me asking?</p>

<p>Thanks to all of you for your feedback!</p>