While the title implies the sort of institutionally-focused education I’m expressly not looking for, the courses speak differently. There is an easy opportunity for specialization, and one of the three possibilities for said specialization is….you guessed it, African Studies. And the only extra work to specialize is “extensive reading” from a certain booklist, and a comprehensive oral exam. Plus one point for AGS.
The tuition is a little odd, and before I can discuss it, I need to explain why it’s odd. The school is in Paris, France, and the tuition is in euro. I know, I know. It’s a little crazy, and at once the biggest obstacle and one of the biggest attractors for me. Logistically, it’s a nightmare. Where do I live; what do I do with all my stuff; do I really want to live in Paris? So there are challenges. Also, a school this small will have no opportunity for fellowship/TA stuff, so all of that 40 grand is on me. Minus one point.
But the good news is that as the euro keeps dropping relative to the dollar, the school keeps getting cheaper and cheaper. Last year, the €30,000 was equal to $45,000. Now, it’s just $37,000. And that’s for the whole program! Even adding in $1000 a pop for flights, it falls well below the cost of American University’s $55,000ish, and WAY below the Claremont School.
Let’s talk size. There are currently 60 students at AGSIRD. Not per class, or per year, but in the whole program. There are 10 professors. Quick, I’m a political science student – somebody do the math. Holy crap: that is great math. One more point for AGS.
The courses are in English, and the degree is accredited through Arcadia University.
So the only thing keeping me in North America is how much of a pain in the ass this would be. Also, Paris is holy-shit expensive. (Though LA and DC ain’t exactly cheap.)
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