<p>Ok, so I'm completely torn and confused. I was accepted for a Master's program in Dublin, Ireland for one full year. I was also accepted to a Master's program here in the US.</p>
<p>I do realize that going away for a year will allow me to discover myself and adventure into different cultures and parts of the world, but I've never lived away from home yet and it seems a bit nerve wracking (especially being so far away). Even if I accept the Master's place here in the US I would still live on my own, but obviously be within an hours range of home. </p>
<p>What do you think I should do? I've never been to Europe before so it'll be a big leap for me! The Master's program in Ireland is one full year and here in the US it's two school years to complete. Any ideas, suggestions, personal experiences? And money is not an issue by the way.</p>
<p>What are the relative strengths and weaknesses of each program? Is the degree from Ireland going to serve you better or worse for your field of study and profession? What do you want to do with your degree after you finish?</p>
<p>Going to graduate school isn’t “going away… to discover (yourself)” - it’s intensive academic study. Make your decision based on academics and career prospects, not whether it’s an hour away from home or not.</p>
<p>1.) Advisor fit, both in terms of research and personality. I understand it may be difficult to visit the school in Ireland, but at least email some of the grad students there to get a scoop on whoever will be supervising your research for a year. And do try to visit the US school!</p>
<p>1a.) I honestly think personality fit is way more important than research interest fit. It’s far more stressful to work with an advisor you don’t get along with than with an advisor who doesn’t share your exact research interests.</p>
<p>2.) Resources. Do you think the school can support your research? Again, hard to check a school in Ireland, but ask the grad students there some probing questions. (As an example, one question I asked: “How often do you have to use interlibrary loan to get the books you need?”)</p>
<p>3.) Placements. Do many students from that school go on to get good jobs? (Not sure if you are pursuing a terminal degree, so may not be applicable, but you get the point.)</p>
<p>Aside from all that pragmatic stuff … jeez, Ireland for a year! Wouldn’t say I’d do it, but it’d bum me out a little to turn down that offer. :D</p>
<p>First of all, at some point you will have to live away from home. Whether it’s now or a few years from now is up to you, but you shouldn’t turn down a program and a great opportunity simply because you are scared to move away from home. That’s part of growing up into an adult.</p>
<p>That said, I agree with polarscribe that you shouldn’t choose a program just because it seems like an adventure. While you may discover yourself in graduate school (I certainly did) that’s not the purpose. The purpose is to study a particular academic area so that you can secure some kind of employment at the end. Whichever program will help you do that is the one you should choose.</p>
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<li><p>How much do you have to pay for the US degree versus the Irish degree? Is there any opportunity for funding for the US degree? (because funding is very unlikely in Europe)</p></li>
<li><p>Which DEPARTMENT (not university) is more respected globally in your field?</p></li>
<li><p>Is the Irish degree just a thesis? Because if you turn up in Dublin, and your advisor’s like, THE LIBRARY’S THAT WAY. SEE YOU AT YOUR DEFENSE. you might be a bit out of your depth, especially if you’ve never done independent research.</p></li>
<li><p>Dude, it’s Ireland. Everybody’s white and speaks English (well, you could call it that…) It’s not likely you’ll experience massive culture shock - you won’t even encounter a language barrier! (once you get over the accent, that is) Just based on this, I would advise you take the Ireland offer, simply because nowadays, the fact that you are so emotionally chained to your house significantly inhibits your opportunities and attractiveness to employers.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I’d say go to Ireland, but don’t expect it to be a huge adventure while you are there for school. Because graduate school is frankly overwhelming regardless of where you go. However, go a few weeks before the start of term to get acquainted with the area and enjoy!</p>