LRZhang12

hi, i am a graduated senior in US. I receive an offer from UCL recently and am struggling with these two options.

Vanderbilt:
Major Undecided(but I like Econ and political science)
Advantages: major and course more flexible, can choose two majors; US education more focus on liberal arts
Disadvantage: location(nashville ), not as well known as UCL, harder to find jobs

UCL
Major Economics
Ad: awesome location(london), 3 years graduated, tuition cheaper than US, high world ranking
Dis: UK education is a bit too narrow

I am pretty much decided to study Econ or political science related subjects in school. But I also concern about both liberal education and jobs. Vandy has a better liberal education and UCL has a better job future so I am really struggling with choosing which.

Please give me some advice, thx!

b@r!um

Which country or countries are you a citizen or permanent resident/official immigrant of?

Keep in mind that your job prospects for an entry-level position will be best in the country where (1) your degree is from (it's easier to network, intern, interview for jobs, etc), and (2) you are allowed to work without a visa.

I am not entirely sure about the work visa process in the UK, but I know that in the US it's a huge hassle for an employer to sponsor a foreigner for a work visa. Employers have to maintain paperwork documenting that hiring foreigners does not have a negative impact on the working conditions of the domestic staff; they have to pay several thousand dollars in processing fees; and they'd have to pay the foreigner an above-average wage for his position. Since there are plenty of American college graduates who are qualified and happy to take an entry-level position with above-average pay, employers rarely hire foreigners for these positions.

I imagine that the UK has provisions to protect the interests of their own citizens on the labor market as well.

vienneselights

In addition to what barium said, please note the exorbitant cost of living in London. Compared to Nashville, I'd estimate it's x3 more expensive. Given how poorly USD is doing relative the pound, it's not an attractive position to be in.

Also, in the US, over 9000 more employers know Vandy than UCL. I guarantee it.




All things equal though, UCL isn't as legit as LSE for pure Econ, and compared to Stanford or UChicago, I wouldn't take it. But compared to Vandy, it's better quality. Also, why the hell do you want liberal arts?