The following Experience Report provides insights into the academic and personal experience of a student participating in the Double Degree Program (DDP) with the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. The report is based on the personal experiences of an anonymous DDP student and is intended to provide future students with practical insights and advice for their time at Fletcher.
I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Law at the University of St. Gallen (HSG) and had begun the Master’s program in International Law when I decided to apply for the Double Degree Program (DDP) with the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. I regarded the program as an excellent opportunity to deepen my knowledge of international law, gain academic and personal experience abroad, and obtain an LL.M. degree in less time than pursuing the two degrees separately.
Fletcher offers a wide variety of courses related to global affairs and international law. Students particularly interested in security and conflict studies, humanitarian affairs, global health or international development will find a wide range of courses to choose from. Those primarily interested in business, economics or finance may find fewer options than at HSG. In addition to completing two courses in international law, DDP students are required to take one course in Diplomacy, History and Politics and one in Economics and International Business.
Students may also be able to audit an additional course, which will appear on the transcript without a grade. This is a useful option for those whose course wish list extends beyond the four required courses. However, not every course can be audited, and some professors may still expect auditors to complete certain assignments. Students should therefore contact the relevant professor in advance.
Teaching styles vary considerably between courses. Classes are generally smaller than at HSG and place greater emphasis on discussion and active participation. Depending on the course, grades may be based on a combination of participation, presentations, shorter written assignments, final papers or examinations. The workload also varies considerably. In general, Fletcher courses require more weekly reading and more frequent smaller assignments than courses at HSG.
A balanced schedule combining different forms of assessment is generally more manageable than one in which every course requires extensive weekly reading and a major final paper or examination. Students should compare not only the subjects of the courses but also their assessment methods, deadlines and weekly expectations. Taking several courses with extensive reading requirements and major final assessments may create a difficult workload towards the end of the semester.
Once preliminary syllabi become available, students should compare course schedules, weekly reading requirements, assessment methods and major deadlines. Speaking with current Fletcher students is essential, as their experience often provides better insight than course descriptions alone. There is no central platform containing every course outline. While many syllabi are uploaded, it may be necessary to request others directly from professors.
Students should review the available syllabi before arriving and have an idea of which courses they would like to take and which combinations are possible. Shopping Day takes place at the beginning of the semester and provides an opportunity to hear professors introduce their courses.
Many Fletcher professors are leading experts in their respective fields and bring extensive academic, governmental or professional experience to the classroom. This was one of the major strengths of studying at Fletcher. Professors were very accessible, and the smaller class sizes made it easier to ask questions and participate in discussions.
Office hours provide a valuable opportunity to speak with professors outside class. These meetings can be used not only to discuss course material or assignments but also to seek advice on careers and future academic plans and to learn from professors’ professional experiences. Students may initially be less accustomed to using office hours, but I would encourage future students to take advantage of them.
The Fletcher student community was another major strength of the experience. Students came from a wide range of backgrounds. As Fletcher is a graduate school and offers several mid-career programs, many also brought substantial professional experience in diplomacy, government, international organizations, the military, civil society or the private sector. Their diverse backgrounds enriched classroom discussions and brought valuable perspectives on international issues.
Orientation takes place before the semester begins and allows new students to meet one another and learn about the university and its departments. I recommend arriving at least several days before Orientation. Settling into the accommodation, obtaining any missing furniture and resolving mobile-phone or banking questions beforehand makes it easier to enjoy Orientation and focus on making the most of their time at Fletcher. It also makes sense to engage intensively with the academic and social opportunities available early in the semester, before the workload begins to increase.
Faculty members, student clubs and research centers organize numerous events throughout the semester. These include panel discussions, guest lectures, workshops, cultural events and career-related activities, which usually take place around lunchtime or in the evening. The range of topics is broad, and most students will regularly find events relevant to their interests.
I would also recommend taking advantage of Boston’s broader academic landscape. In addition to the many conferences, workshops and other events held at Fletcher, MIT, Harvard and other institutions regularly host events that are open to Fletcher students. It is also possible to obtain access to some university libraries for a small fee. This may be particularly useful for students who live closer to these campuses or simply want a change of scenery.
Social life at Fletcher is strongly shaped by student organizations, informal gatherings and events connected to the school. The relatively small community makes it possible to get to know other students quickly.
Fletcher is located on the Tufts University campus in Medford, just outside Boston. The campus has several libraries, a modern gym, dining facilities and cafés, while the surrounding area offers restaurants, supermarkets and other basic services. Fletcher also has its own building and library. Central Boston can be reached relatively easily by public transport.
While Public transport in the Boston area is fairly good, rideshare services or taxis may occasionally be necessary, particularly when traveling late at night or to places that are not well connected by public transport.
I recommend finding accommodation close to Fletcher if possible. Evening events, group meetings, potentially harsh winter weather and the limitations of public transport make proximity to campus particularly valuable.
There are some university-affiliated housing options, but availability is limited, and no suitable on-campus accommodation was available when I inquired. Students interested in these options should remain in contact with the Fletcher administration and pay close attention to the application process and deadlines.
The large student population in Medford and Somerville means that numerous rooms are offered for sublet, particularly by students spending a semester abroad. Rooms offered for a single semester are available, but the selection is more limited than for full-year leases.
Boston is expensive by US standards, but overall living costs are broadly comparable to those in St. Gallen. A room in shared accommodation near campus generally cost approximately USD 1,000–1,200 per month, although prices varied considerably. Rent will normally be the largest expense. Students should also budget for utilities, groceries, local transport, occasional rideshare journeys, telephone costs, social activities and travel.
Administrative preparations should begin as soon as admission is confirmed. The visa process can be initiated once Fletcher provides the relevant immigration document, and it is best to begin immediately after receiving it. Although the administrative process may occasionally be stressful, the Fletcher administration is extremely helpful, and I recommend contacting them with any questions.
Boston has a well-connected airport and is a good starting point for travel within the United States. Nevertheless, the academic schedule leaves limited time for longer trips during the semester.
Spring Break provides the best opportunity for a longer trip. Several Fletcher student organizations arrange thematic treks that combine sightseeing with meetings involving policymakers and civil-society representatives. During my time at Fletcher, students participated in treks to Tunisia and Rwanda.
Students who decide to travel should arrange flights and accommodation as early as possible, as many students across the country travel during Spring Break, with prices rising accordingly.
Boston itself has a great deal to offer. Its universities, museums, historic neighborhoods and cultural institutions create a distinctive atmosphere.
The wider New England region also offers opportunities for shorter trips. However, winter may not be the ideal time to explore the region, and once the weather becomes warmer, the academic workload may be considerable. It is therefore worth planning shorter trips in advance rather than waiting for a completely free period.
Overall, my time at Fletcher was demanding but highly rewarding. Academically, it complemented my legal education by exposing me to interdisciplinary and policy-oriented approaches to international law and global affairs. Personally, it gave me the opportunity to live abroad and become part of a highly international graduate community.
The greatest value of the experience lay not only in the courses but also in learning from professors and classmates with exceptionally diverse professional and personal backgrounds. The interactive teaching style, the wide range of events and the accessibility of professors created an environment in which students could benefit greatly.
The main challenge was balancing the extensive reading and continuous assessment with the many academic, professional and social opportunities available. Nevertheless, the experience strengthened my ability to manage a demanding workload and approach international issues from different perspectives.
Fletcher’s greatest strength lies in the opportunity to approach questions of international law and global affairs through the lenses of policy, politics and practice while being part of a vibrant student community. The wide range of courses and events offers incredible learning opportunities to deepen existing interests and explore new areas. Students who engage actively with their courses, classmates and the wider Fletcher community will gain much more from their time at Fletcher than an additional degree alone.