Choosing Between Amsterdam and the US: A Student’s Pros and Cons

Faced with an acceptance offer from Columbia University, Royanne Ng expected to be thrilled. However, a staggering $80,000 for the initial year’s tuition, excluding accommodation, left her uneasy.

The decision was made to forgo the prestigious Ivy League opportunity in favor of a much more affordable educational path overseas.

Columbia accepted her for a Master's in Film and Media Studies with a focus on emerging media, including virtual and augmented reality technologies. Ng, now 28, decided to pursue a shorter, one-year program in cultural data and artificial intelligence at the University of Amsterdam, integrating machine learning with tech policy analysis.

She also considered New York University but did not gain admission and eventually withdrew her application to the University of Edinburgh.

Ng emphasized to Business Insider the importance of selecting a graduate program that strategically advanced her career in Singapore, where she aimed to return.

“For such a significant financial investment, the degree must deliver substantial value,” she noted.

While America once dominated premium education, escalating fees, security concerns, and adverse political climate towards foreign students are altering these dynamics.

Weighing Reputation Against Pragmatism

Ng acknowledged the major appeal of Columbia’s program: its esteemed name, influential alumni, and the implied expectation of job prospects.

The institution's brand is assumed to give an initial boost in career placements, she reflected.

However, she couldn’t overlook the enormous cost. Columbia's two-year commitment demanded nearly $80,000 for just the initial year; Amsterdam, conversely, required about €17,000 for its one-year session.

"The contrast in costs was glaring," she remarked, with Columbia’s heavy deposit feeling overly binding.

It extended beyond finances. She pointed out that U.S. programs are often deeply rooted in time-honored disciplines and adapt slower, whereas Europe offered dynamic, innovative curricula with interdisciplinary appeal.

Amsterdam’s academic offer dovetailed neatly with her ambitions to transition from tech communications and humanities to a role merging AI and policy in Singapore.

Concern Over Safety and Global Affairs

Her family worried about her security in New York City—an anxiety she shared.

Having spent her life in Singapore, eminent for its safety and political stability, Ng felt apprehensive about U.S. gun violence, racial challenges, and geopolitical unease.

Ultimately, the suitability of a school should match a student's future aims. Those intending to remain in the U.S. may prioritize institutional prestige.

Ng’s priority was distinguishing herself in Singapore’s job market, as that is where her career focus lies.

Ng’s Pros and Cons Evaluation

At the year's end in 2023, facing the decision of U.S. graduate education, Ng drafted her pros and cons list. Later, interviewed by Business Insider, she organized her thoughts coherently:

American universities offer stimulating academic environments featuring ambitious peers and distinguished educators, with a belief that many top institutions provide exceptional academic experiences.

Conversely, concerns arose over residing in urban areas with disputed safety. This risk posed emotional stress on loved ones versus the value of quality education.

A renowned institutional name can enhance employment chances and advancement.

Yet, graduate schools from the U.S. were about five times more expensive than their European counterparts, with numerous additional charges during application and enrollment.

Access to a noteworthy alumni circle could provide career guidance and job prospects.

In scrutinizing humanities and social sciences offerings, she focused on courses that could elevate her profile in Singapore’s labor scene despite possibly prestigious U.S. qualifications, knowing local industries leaned towards tech and data science.

While evaluating programs, U.S. schools seemed traditional in approach. Meanwhile, Europe and the UK promoted innovative offerings that merge humanities, social sciences, and data science, meeting her need to remain viable in a changing job market.