Columbia University in the City of New York Reviews

"Attaining an education in the heart of the world - New York City - is as much a study of oneself as it is about the books in Butler Library. It can be very difficult to begin Columbia's mandatory Core curriculum at age 18. The texts are very dense and can be difficult to truly see the value in the education at that stage. The value of the program is regularly touted as "teaching young people how to think critically and articulate unique thoughts and ideas". In the moment though, this value can be very difficult to quantify for a young student. It is not until later, as my young, malleable brain formed into adult one that I truly began seeing the results of that very liberal arts education. I may not remember the exact passages of Homer's Iliad or Dante's Inferno, but my ability to analyze information and articulate analysis has truly set me apart from my peers. At Columbia, I had the opportunity to pursue every career imaginable. However, understanding what career opportunities existed and how I could utilize my education beyond the traditional doctor, lawyer, banker roles was not always easy to identify. The career center would do well to be much more hands-on with students, especially those on financial aid - who may not have the same family resources pushing students in career directions. Without this support, it can be very easy to get lost from a career perspective and not take as full advantage of all of the resources, both domestically and abroad, available to students.Read Less"

"I've considered it a privilege to be part of Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). I feel very honored to be part of a very highly capable and tenacious student body. Through my interactions with others at SIPA, I can proudly say I have grown and developed professionally and socially. As I settle into another semester, I look forward to continued study and interaction. The faculty and location in New York City contribute to the stellar environment and provide opportunities unique to most institutions.Read Less"

"Coming to Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs has been a great decision. The student body is diverse and brings many great experiences to the classroom. The staff provides a productive and vigorous learning environment, and the location in New York City gives the student body many opportunities for internships, networking, and practical application of what has been taught. I highly recommend this program to those interested in international affairs or public policy."