By Inja JEON (2012 MDP, Korea)

Tell us about your study at UW.

UW’s academic calendar operates on a quarter basis as opposed to KDI School’s trimester system. To get a degree, we are required to register for 4 quarters (winter, spring, summer and fall) and take 53 credits in total (1 subject = 4 credits). There are five major core courses including Managing Organizational Performance; Economic for Policy Analysis and Management II; Executive Leadership; Program Evaluation; and Public Budgeting and Financial Management. Another set of core courses include Skill Workshop: Memo Writing; Degree Project Seminar I and II. While KDI School focuses more on economics, UW puts much more emphasis on public policy and administration. Modules related to non-profit management, environmental issues and municipal administration offer a wide range of options. Especially the non-profit management program at Evans was ranked the 3rd in the list of America’s Best Graduate Schools by 2012 U.S. News & World Report. Most courses require up to 4 reports and one or two group projects. This may sound pretty challenging, but once you get used to the Evans’ typical report format called a memo it soon becomes doable. Each class consists of lively discussion and group activities.

What was the reason you chose UW over many other partner universities?

I personally think UW has several advantages. More than anything else, Evans offers a well-established educational program (its national ranking has recently advanced to #10). The location is also very appealing, since Seattle provides good living environment for my family. The only drawback in choosing UW was its demanding academic requirement; completing 53 credits within a year is not a simple task. I think a lot of GMP students may face the same concern in selecting the program they’ll study. Choosing between work-hard–and-learn-a-lot and relax-andenjoy-a-year-abroad is the common dilemma that needs to be resolved first. Well, the choice depends on your point of view.

What was the biggest challenge you''ve encountered so far?

At the beginning I found myself feeling uncomfortable discussing various topics in class with native English speakers. This led to self-accusation for some time, but I also knew I needed to be an active participant if I wanted to take full advantage of being here. Being well prepared to the discussion topic was the solution to my initial difficulty, and my awkwardness has now disappeared.

If you were to compare and contrast UW with KDI School?

I believe KDI School provides a wide range of concentration choices such as economics, policy, and political science, whereas Evans School centers its attention on MPA. Another difference worth mentioning is that UW does not provide special care to its international students compared to the KDI School. I am well taken care of by the Evans School in general, but their administration is incomparable to the customized student service of the KDI School helping international students adapt to the new country.

What is your life like outside campus?

Any extracurricular activities you took up in Seattle? To be honest, I was pretty occupied with the coursework itself for the past winter and spring semesters. What leisure time there was, I spent with my family rather than trying something new. Nevertheless I have to say the natural landscape of Seattle is stunning. It often rains till April, but you can enjoy various outdoor activities here being close to the sea, mountains and lakes.

Any advice for prospective GMP students to UW?

I can imagine many of you having difficulties weighing up all the different factors and making up your mind. Think of what you value most at this phase of your life. If upgrading your resume is what you pursue, I recommend UW for its well-organized academic programs. After all, high quality education is what turned my first doubt into affection for UW.