Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey

I never ended up going. I applied the year I graduated, 2010. Then received an acceptance email letter but titled to someone else. That was confusing. I wasn’t sure if the f-​ed up the title or the email address. Anyway, then they wrote, saying they made a mistake and that I didn’t get in.
I was really disappointed that a school with such high reputation would make a mistake like that, then at the same time I was glad that I didn’t get in. If I ever do want to continue pursuing that path, I’d probably pick another school…

Google search «Bill Hillar». What does that tell you about the screening process?

Do your research before committing to this graduate program and make absolutely certain that it will lead you to the career you want. I went in with vague notions that an MA in International Policy would lead towards bigger and better opportunities. I was naïve and impractical, and it cost me dearly. It cost me $ 60k plus to earn an MA in International Policy from this overrated school and I had many criticisms of the quality of teaching and professional guidance during my attendance there. Looking back, I wish I’d cut my losses (personal and financial) and quit after the first quarter. I’ve spent the last several years in and out of low-​wage, entry-​level jobs, none of which have been very gratifying. At MIIS my language skills did not improve greatly, I learned how to write a policy memo (useless) and grant (useless), picked up some basic economics and information about how the UN works, but that’s about it. I naively bought into the aggressive sales pitch and believed that MIIS would be a great career move for me (as did many others I met there) and came away severely disappointed, however, I did get an «MA» (whoo-​hoo) and sixteen years of debt. Seriously consider your local community college or a cheaper university with a more focused degree program that will lead to the kind of job you want before making a potentially grave mistake. Good luck!

Beautiful location in old Monterey. Would love to look into this school when I am ready!

I’m a current MIIS student, graduating in May 2010. I’m doing international policy studies, with a focus on non-​proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
I think that the educational quality of MIIS is top-​notch. I can only speak for the CNS and terrorism studies programs, though.
There are only a few downsides to going to MIIS: the cost and the fact that there’s no campus environment. There are a ton of social events and it’s a very close knit community, but if you’re looking for a university campus with dorms and frats and everything, MIIS isn’t the place for you.
About the cost: for two years, it’s tolerable, but MIIS tuition is expensive. I think that the campus could do more to offer scholarships and work-​study. There aren’t many employment opportunities part-​time around Monterey so I know cost is a big concern for students.
I really like the focus on professional development, rather than academics. The curriculum is designed to create international policy professionals (or translators, teachers, etc). MIIS students are well connected to policy professionals in the US and around the world.

Some of the most important intellectuals and diplomats and modern policy makers in United States government.
A solid school with an endless and proud reputation.
I don’t know what else to say… but this place ROCKS. I guess… anyone that comes from here has my attention.

This was my top choice grad school for a reason. Reputable programs, beautiful town, and world class (literally) academic programs. The problem was, of course, financial. The financial aid package offered by MIIS was pitiful; even my student loan package offer was enough to make me want to feed myself to the local harbor seals. I enjoyed my visit, and the people with whom I met spoke very highly of the school.
I really would’ve liked to have gone through MIIS and gone to work for the department of state. But alas.
Ultimately I chose another avenue (USC), but had I mustered the money to come here, I am sure I would’ve left a very capable and well-​educated young adult.