MiddleCoastBias Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 I'm currently at that stage in my young career that I'm debating going back to school or continuing to find work (full disclosure- I work in politics, specifically campaigns and political research so I have some downtime between gigs). I've been looking at going back to school to get my masters in public administration (MPA). I have a number of good/great domestic schools that I've been interested in but I've looked abroad as another option. My thought is that I will never get the chance to work abroad for any period of time (I know many fields end up having offices worldwide that may require international work) working in American politics so I might as well get a taste of the world in grad school before I spend decades toiling away at work in the States. Specifically, I'm looking at Ireland- unfortunately, I've only found the University of Limerick to offer an MPA, limiting my choices. As an employer, would you think less of a degree from an international school (especially given that, according to world rankings, Limerick is far below schools I could attend domestically?) My reasoning is that I'm looking for a greater exposure to world politics and international thought (and I just really want to live in Ireland for a bit). If you were an employer related to the field of American politics, how would an MPA from an international school compare to an MPA from a comparable school in the States in terms of hiring? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigruss Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 Just want to say that I was recently at the Univ of Limerick visiting a friend studying abroad there, and it's an okay campus, the school is only like 30-40 years old I believe. The city itself is pretty depressing, think the Detroit of Ireland. I will say that Cork is just a 1-2 hr bus ride away and is a really great place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witesoxfan Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 Would you absolutely have to live in Ireland, or could you go nearby, like one island over, and then be close enough to Ireland that you could spend some time there when you get some down time? You always want to keep your options open just in case something comes up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigruss Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Mar 15, 2011 -> 02:05 AM) Would you absolutely have to live in Ireland, or could you go nearby, like one island over, and then be close enough to Ireland that you could spend some time there when you get some down time? You always want to keep your options open just in case something comes up. Hinting at the UK a bit? lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witesoxfan Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 QUOTE (bigruss22 @ Mar 15, 2011 -> 02:06 AM) Hinting at the UK a bit? lol Ha, yeah I think so. Having done no research, it would seem to me that there are quite a few more prestigious schools compared to Ireland. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigruss Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Mar 15, 2011 -> 03:09 AM) Ha, yeah I think so. Having done no research, it would seem to me that there are quite a few more prestigious schools compared to Ireland. One would think, especially in terms of international politics where England has been on the big stage for ever basically. I am surprised that U of Dublin doesn't have a reputable program in that area though, but yea Ireland may not be the best choice considering the smaller impact it has on global politics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiddleCoastBias Posted March 15, 2011 Author Share Posted March 15, 2011 I have looked at a number of programs in England (LSE is obviously one of the best school's in the world, acceptance into the MPA program is 8%). Exeter seems to have a good program as well. I was pretty shocked that Trinity and UCD didn't offer the program. I guess at this point my interest really is just to live in Ireland (though I would prefer to live in Dublin). In the statement that Limerick is like the Detroit of Ireland, how relative is that? As in, is it really as bad as Detroit or is it just relative to the other cities in Ireland? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleHurt05 Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 QUOTE (bigruss22 @ Mar 15, 2011 -> 01:56 AM) Just want to say that I was recently at the Univ of Limerick visiting a friend studying abroad there, and it's an okay campus, the school is only like 30-40 years old I believe. The city itself is pretty depressing, think the Detroit of Ireland. I will say that Cork is just a 1-2 hr bus ride away and is a really great place. I visited Cork a few years ago and IMO that city seemed like the Detroit of Ireland. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 QUOTE (The Baconator @ Mar 14, 2011 -> 11:53 PM) I'm currently at that stage in my young career that I'm debating going back to school or continuing to find work (full disclosure- I work in politics, specifically campaigns and political research so I have some downtime between gigs). I've been looking at going back to school to get my masters in public administration (MPA). I have a number of good/great domestic schools that I've been interested in but I've looked abroad as another option. My thought is that I will never get the chance to work abroad for any period of time (I know many fields end up having offices worldwide that may require international work) working in American politics so I might as well get a taste of the world in grad school before I spend decades toiling away at work in the States. Specifically, I'm looking at Ireland- unfortunately, I've only found the University of Limerick to offer an MPA, limiting my choices. As an employer, would you think less of a degree from an international school (especially given that, according to world rankings, Limerick is far below schools I could attend domestically?) My reasoning is that I'm looking for a greater exposure to world politics and international thought (and I just really want to live in Ireland for a bit). If you were an employer related to the field of American politics, how would an MPA from an international school compare to an MPA from a comparable school in the States in terms of hiring? I actually spent a week staying in Limerick, which is in the County of Clare, about 6 months ago. Limerick isn't a super poopulated city so I can give you some comments on what Limerick is like in general. The bigger collegiate city is Galway, which is out on the bay, but the people are incredibly friendly and the countryside (outside of the city) is very very cool. From what I was told, Limerick used to be a pretty bad area but they've been cleaning it up. I can't comment on your career because I honestly know nothing about getting ahead in politics. I would say, do any of the US based schools with really good programs have semester long or one year long programs that you can do abroad. That way you get your abroad fix in, but at the same time, get to go to a really reputable school? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 QUOTE (bigruss22 @ Mar 14, 2011 -> 11:56 PM) Just want to say that I was recently at the Univ of Limerick visiting a friend studying abroad there, and it's an okay campus, the school is only like 30-40 years old I believe. The city itself is pretty depressing, think the Detroit of Ireland. I will say that Cork is just a 1-2 hr bus ride away and is a really great place. Supposedly it is being cleaned up, but there is literally nothing to do there. We stayed there for the 1st week of a 2 week trip on business and than moved to a different town about 20 miles away and boy was it a lot nicer and more lively. Still, the people in Ireland are incredibly friendly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 QUOTE (The Baconator @ Mar 15, 2011 -> 07:54 AM) I have looked at a number of programs in England (LSE is obviously one of the best school's in the world, acceptance into the MPA program is 8%). Exeter seems to have a good program as well. I was pretty shocked that Trinity and UCD didn't offer the program. I guess at this point my interest really is just to live in Ireland (though I would prefer to live in Dublin). In the statement that Limerick is like the Detroit of Ireland, how relative is that? As in, is it really as bad as Detroit or is it just relative to the other cities in Ireland? Compared to other cities in Ireland is my guess. It is a pretty small city in comparison to Dublin, Cork, and Galway. Cork is a nice city (I was only in one particular area) and Galway is a big college town (other stuff too) but I saw the most young Irish people there than anywhere else (outside of the night club spots in Dublin). All of those cities blow Limerick away. Limerick is just really small and there isn't much at all to do there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scenario Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 (edited) QUOTE (The Baconator @ Mar 15, 2011 -> 01:53 AM) I'm currently at that stage in my young career that I'm debating going back to school or continuing to find work (full disclosure- I work in politics, specifically campaigns and political research so I have some downtime between gigs). I've been looking at going back to school to get my masters in public administration (MPA). I have a number of good/great domestic schools that I've been interested in but I've looked abroad as another option. My thought is that I will never get the chance to work abroad for any period of time (I know many fields end up having offices worldwide that may require international work) working in American politics so I might as well get a taste of the world in grad school before I spend decades toiling away at work in the States. Specifically, I'm looking at Ireland- unfortunately, I've only found the University of Limerick to offer an MPA, limiting my choices. As an employer, would you think less of a degree from an international school (especially given that, according to world rankings, Limerick is far below schools I could attend domestically?) My reasoning is that I'm looking for a greater exposure to world politics and international thought (and I just really want to live in Ireland for a bit). If you were an employer related to the field of American politics, how would an MPA from an international school compare to an MPA from a comparable school in the States in terms of hiring? I'd consider separating the two... a.) getting international experience/education, and b.) getting your MPA. Why does the MPA have to be the constraint determining where you go? Instead, go to the best international school you can and do coursework in your areas of interest... politics, economics maybe... and don't worry about the initials. The school you go to, their strengths, and the experience you get will be more impressive to an employer than the MPA itself. Who knows... maybe you can then leverage that experience into entrance in a top US school and get the best of both worlds... overseas experience AND prestigious US degree. Personally, I kinda like that idea... and I think employers would too. Edited March 15, 2011 by scenario Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco72 Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 I'm a huge proponent of studying abroad and looking at international programs, but it doesn't seem to fit for your program. What benefits will you get from doing an international program that you won't get in the United States? If an employer asked how the program helped make you better at your job, what would you say? It even seems possible that the coursework could be different and that you won't learn what you might need to learn to be successful in your field in the U.S. As Scenario said, it may be better to separate the two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigruss Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 QUOTE (The Baconator @ Mar 15, 2011 -> 10:54 AM) I have looked at a number of programs in England (LSE is obviously one of the best school's in the world, acceptance into the MPA program is 8%). Exeter seems to have a good program as well. I was pretty shocked that Trinity and UCD didn't offer the program. I guess at this point my interest really is just to live in Ireland (though I would prefer to live in Dublin). In the statement that Limerick is like the Detroit of Ireland, how relative is that? As in, is it really as bad as Detroit or is it just relative to the other cities in Ireland? It has some really bad areas, and my friend who is studying abroad there claimed multiple stories of how if you walk alone once it gets dark someone will do something to you, or even if you are in a small group. Apparently throwing eggs at people is considered fun. Limerick does have some nice areas, but as Chisoxfn pointed out there really wasn't much to do. I only spent 2 nights there, one night was spent at a rugby game, and the other was spent doing a barcrawl with her friends to all the bars/clubs in the area, which was like 4 of them haha. One thing to note, U of Limerick is almost like a commuter school, although many of the students live on campus, they almost all go home on the weekends. Thus, campus is essentially closed down on the weekends, and my friend and the rest of the international students travel every weekend because that's all you can really do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigruss Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Mar 15, 2011 -> 11:02 AM) I visited Cork a few years ago and IMO that city seemed like the Detroit of Ireland. Cork blew Limerick out of the water, and Cork atleast had more attractions/historical significance in the area. I only spent 2 nights at each place but in Cork I was able to see much more. Since the city is bigger it has a lot more going on, much more nightlife, restaurants, attractions, etc. It wasn't the nicest city, but far from Detroit (which I lived by for 5 years). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiddleCoastBias Posted March 16, 2011 Author Share Posted March 16, 2011 Thanks for all of the input from everyone. I've now been offered two jobs on separate campaigns to add to the mix of things to consider. I guess that's a good position to be in these days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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