Friends,

I am loosing my mind!

I got a very nice fellowship from Northwestern and no aid at all from Columbia/NYU/Gtown.
The financial issue represents a very big problem to me, so I was keen to accept the generous offer from Northwestern. However, the LLM it is something that will probably change my life, and I hope so! So I am very confused as where to go. I do not want to regret later as I intend to work in the US for while - especially on a non governamental organization.
But, I am also afraid to get a huge loan to go to Columbia or NYU (my first choices).
My area is International Law with focus in Human Rights.

Another thing is housing. I worry about living in a terrible place for one year. What would be the best option? Is Chicago too bad?

Any insights would be much appreciated and it would ease my concerns.

Thank you

1. If finances are an issue, go ahead with Northwestern. Since your goal is to work for an NGO, the difference between CLS/NYU and NWU wouldnt be great.

2. NWU has a really good and if I am not mistaken program on Human Rights. Neither CLS/NYU offer a SPECIFIC program on Human Rights, this could be to your advantage considering your goals...

3. Taking a loan for an NGO is dicey. I come from the NGO sector and can assure you that the market is not as lucrative as the lawfirms. Why loose out the 'nice fellowship' for a loan, which may not yield any additional benefit... NYC is a great but EXPENSIVE city to live in.

This is just my take on the issue...

Nirvana,

Thank you so much for your wise advice! I felt much more relieved! It is a big step in my life and I can't afford to commit any mistakes.

Yes, the specific HR program seems very nice. I think it would be an advantage for myself when looking for prospective jobs in the future. Also - I maybe mistaken - an fellowship in HR can be a really good feature to add to one's résume. Correct?

Thank you again. Very nice of you.

Since your goal is human rights in a NGO, a specific LLM in human rights would fit the bill perfectly. NGOs would be happy to recruit a student who has achieved a degree in human rights specifically, as opposed to a general LLM. Also, it helps justify that you were always keen for human rights.

In addition, since the classes at NWU are not very big (esp in comparison with NYU and CLS), you can gain much more thru personal interactions with the professors. The HR concentration at NWU seems very promising and if I were in your place I would accept the same.

I am sure you cannot go wrong eitherways though....

You could also consider talking to a few NGOs in the US...

Go to Northeweston it is a great university......

Thank you so much my friends! It is a big decision to me so I want to make sure that the school I go will give me the needed experience that I need to succeed in the Human Rights area!

Cheers ;-)

Guys, any other insights?

Thank you