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So I was admitted to both of these programs. I like both because, coming from an International Affairs background, they both seem pretty good for making the switch to econ. The SAIS program is entirely a professional program, while the IHEID program is a lot more academic in nature. The IHEID program also seems better (it's two years long yet cheaper than the one year MIEF, the cohorts are significantly smaller, both professional and academic placements are really good). My one concern is that nobody in my small Central American country knows what IHEID is, while a lot of people know Johns Hopkins. If I were to stay in Europe that wouldn't be an issue as IHEID is well known over there, but if I fail to do that I don't think my degree would help me too much back home. I think I'd like to do a PhD but at this point I'm not familiar enough with economics as a field to be certain about that (and also my 3.55 undergrad GPA might hold me back even though my GRE scores are pretty great). What do you think? Any help is appreciated!

Hello I'd be grateful If people could give me their opinion regarding my current dilemma. I have recently got admitted into : 1. Graduate Institute of International and development studies (IHEID) for Masters in international Economics 2. LSE for MPA in Public and Economics policy. I am currently in my final year of my undergrad Bachelors in Economics and have been admitted for this fall 2012 batch, so basically I'll be right out of undergrad and going for my masters. I am interested in working in the International trade and development sector and policy making. International organisations like world bank, UNDP etc I really like IHEID's course since International economics is what I really what I want to do and the location couldn't be any better to network and get access in terms of internships and job opportunities with all the international organisations. Plus thinking from a financial point f view, the tuition fees are extremely cheap as compared to LSE. However LSE on the other hand has an excellent MPA programme but there are three problems I see with it: it seems to me a more of professional degree that usually people apply for after a few years of work experience and even though I feel really great in having been accepted, I really don't know whether it's the right degree to do without any work experience. Secondly it doesn't leave the possibility of an econ phd open for me. Not like I have an plans, since I definitely want to work after my masters for a few years, but I'd still want to keep that option open. Lastly it's highly expensive as compared to IHEID. So what I'd really like to know is whether if I decide to go for IHEID will I be giving up on a really good offer? Which of the two degrees are a better fit for me right now nd open up the job prospects in the field I want to work in? Thanks :)