All say the MPA/ID program is a rigorous undertaking.

Students in the program agreed that the first semester was extremely challenging academically. They say their workload is heavier than that of their colleagues at KSG.

In the first year, students must take a core of six specific courses each semester. These courses are new offerings at KSG and were designed specifically for the degree program, Rodrik says.

Second-year students have much more freedom in their academic plan, with some required courses and four elective classes each semester that focus on chosen specialties within international development. Some of these elective classes can be offered by other faculties in the University. Students must also write a long paper, similar to a thesis, in their second year before graduation.

In addition, students are asked to participate in international development internships over the summer between their first and second year. Students who are not from developing countries are required to complete these internships in a developing country.

"We're going to spread around the world this summer," says Marilene S. Da Costa. She says that she expects the students will come back to Cambridge next fall as changed people and with plenty of new knowledge and experiences to share with one another.

Finney says she expects students graduating from the program to scatter in many different areas dealing with economic development of developing countries.

She says she thinks a number will go into government agencies in developing countries, such as ministries of finance, central banks, or the offices of prime ministers. Others will go into non-governmental organizations, such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, or other less known ones. Some will work on the donor end of international development, with governments such as the United States and Japan. Finally, she expects a few will go into private consultation.