I thoroughly enjoyed the academic life and the learning environment at Harvard University. In terms of academics, students have the opportunity to attend lectures given by top professionals in their fields. Their ideas and insights are thought-provoking and innovative. Courses are well-organized and structured, and the level of instruction from most professors is impeccable. Regarding the learning environment, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the myriad of interesting seminars, events, talks, and people you can encounter. Learning outside of the classroom is fundamental to the overall experience. There are plenty of resources available to ensure students feel supported and can make the most of their studies. On the downside, I expected better support in terms of career services. This varies by school, but in some cases, their career advancement offices are understaffed, which impacts the assistance they can provide.

Harvard was a great place to meet other students who were passionate and committed to what they were doing and what they cared about. This relationship is the best of my life and pushes me to new heights in my work. However, the institution is relatively remote, with direct leadership and/or close relationships with professors.”

Harvard University offers the School of Public Affairs Leadership program, a four-year program designed to equip students with a variety of skills and provide students with a network of engaged people. In the first year, you will work in a group to develop a social action project. This includes drafting a policy brief, a constituent report, a project proposal and the actual project implementation. The second year, you start again, but this time alone. In the first year, you will need to complete an internship or study abroad and consult with an advisor on your chosen path. In the final year, you will lecture your peers on a chosen leadership topic. During all four years you will study leadership theories and different leaders and get closer to this close-knit group of students and teachers.