Choosing the Best Place for a Middle Eastern PhD Student
As a Middle Eastern PhD student considering the United States for your studies, you're likely to be weighing several factors, including the suitability of the PhD program, the research environment, cost of living, weather, and the urban environment. This article explores the comparison between Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; South Bend, Indiana; and West Lafayette, Indiana, to help you make an informed decision.
Assessing PhD Programs and Research Environments
When selecting a PhD program, it's crucial to consider the fit of the program with your academic interests and career goals. Factors such as the research focus, faculty expertise, and resources available in each city should be taken into account.
Pittsburgh: Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and the University of Pittsburgh (UPitt) offer strong PhD programs with a diverse array of research opportunities in areas such as computer science, engineering, and health sciences. The university environment in Pittsburgh is vibrant and multicultural, with a significant international student population, including a substantial number of Middle Eastern students.
South Bend, Indiana: The University of Notre Dame is renowned for its research programs in areas such as engineering, chemistry, and physics. However, the town itself is smaller and less diverse, with limited non-academic activities outside the university.
West Lafayette, Indiana: Purdue University offers strong PhD programs in engineering, chemistry, and materials science. The city is relatively flat, but not as diverse as Pittsburgh, with fewer multicultural restaurants and activities.
Weather and Urban Environment
The climate in all three cities is notable for its four distinct seasons. For Middle Eastern students coming from areas with predominantly warm climates, this can be a significant adjustment. However, Pittsburgh is likely to be less severe compared to other colder northern cities.
Pittsburgh: Having experienced winters with snowfall, Pittsburgh is known for its cold weather and short days of sunshine. However, it offers the advantage of a rich urban environment with many neighborhoods, cultural events, and international student communities.
South Bend and West Lafayette: Both cities have snowy winters but less sunshine. South Bend and West Lafayette are small compared to Pittsburgh, with fewer urban amenities and cultural activities.
Cost of Living and Student Support
The cost of living in each city can vary significantly. Pittsburgh is generally more expensive than South Bend and West Lafayette, but it offers a more diverse and vibrant urban environment. South Bend and West Lafayette are cheaper but offer fewer non-academic activities and cultural opportunities.
Student Support: Pittsburgh, with its larger student population, offers more resources, clubs, and social activities for international students. South Bend and West Lafayette have fewer such resources, potentially making it harder for international students to acclimate.
Personal Observations and Insights
One former classmate completed a PhD in inorganic chemistry at Notre Dame and enjoyed the experience, citing strong lab environments and a great social scene. Another friend from Carnegie Mellon found the research focus less appealing but appreciated the university itself.
My personal experience in Pittsburgh aligns with the positive perspectives from international students. The city is diverse, culturally rich, and offers a welcoming community, particularly in the Oakland neighborhood where both UPitt and CMU are located. Middle Eastern students can find comfort and support within the community, with a variety of Middle Eastern restaurants and cultural events.
No matter which city you choose, it's essential to prepare for the cold and variable weather by investing in proper winter gear, such as heavy coats, gloves, boots, and hats. You may also need to acclimate to four seasons within a few days, especially when moving from a warm climate.
In conclusion, while each city has its own unique advantages and challenges, for a Middle Eastern PhD student, Pittsburgh stands out as a city that offers a rich cultural experience, strong academic support, and a welcoming community that can help students thrive academically and personally.