Mar10 Written by:SPP Blogger
3/10/2009 10:22 AM
I come from the Republic of Georgia. Why did I become interested in SPP? Well, I want to learn how to plan, implement and evaluate public policies. What the MPP degree has already given me is a deep sense and understanding of policy development techniques, knowledge about various conditions for success in policy development and a variety of professional skills that I believe will be useful wherever I end up working in the future.
Being an international student in an American graduate school environment is not easy. Although I spent one academic year as an exchange student in northern Minnesota when I was 19, as expected, graduate studies are more difficult than undergraduate. The difficulty mainly has to do with tons of reading and a somewhat specific type of writing that students are expected to achieve.
My first semester was rather difficult, that is most likely true for any international student, since we not only have to adjust to the educational environment but also find a place to live, prepare food, do laundry, build a social life and get through culture shock. What helped me get through it though was the support of my SPP classmates, professors, and advisers. If you can get through the first semester, you can get through the entire program! After completing my first semester I read faster, take better notes, write better papers, and know who to ask for help and how to interact with people. Last, but definitely not least, is that I now understand how to plan ahead to make sure that I don’t end up being frustrated towards the end of the semester.
I have learned so much during my time here! The volume of information that SPP gives you is incredible. When SPP Professors see your motivation for learning they will push you but also inspire you to do more. They want us to succeed. I remember Professor Rudder saying, "Well, well, you don't like the health care system right? You know who can change it? You!" A good strategy I use daily is to ask questions and use faculty office hours to communicate and learn more. When I started my first semester I thought that my questions were basic and somewhat silly and was shy to ask for answers. Towards the end of the semester, I learned that no questions are considered silly. All three of my professors spent time with me guiding me through the coursework and beyond.
I also had never worked on a group project before. You may find out that all of your group members are busy with multiple tasks between their classes, personal and professional lives, which can become challenging. The key to success is being involved from beginning to end, planning early, distributing tasks wisely and spending enough time on editing. Think of it this way, when we pursue our career in the public policy development sector, we will most likely end up working in a group and the group project challenges will become real.
Writing papers was another challenge I had to face. Frankly, many international students are taught a different style of writing in their home countries. Here in the U.S. students are expected to write in a specific format and use generally accepted rules such as citing. What saved my semester was the Writing Center. Students are eligible for 8 hours of one-on-one time with a specialist, who advises and helps the students with their writing. Professors say that my writing has significantly improved. I hope that is the case!
If I was to decide whether or not to apply to SPP again, I would go for it. This school is changing me. It really is. I am more open to accept ideas, more cooperative, thoughtful and deliberate. I am also confident that I can do more. It has been a fascinating experience so far!
Andro Gigauri
MPP Student - current
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