Columbia Sipa

SIPA — School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University is one of the top graduate international affairs schools. It offers several degree programs including MIA, MPA. PEPM, EMPA, etc. The current (109^th) mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, is an alumnus of its MIA program.
I have taken some classes here and attended events here. Depends on the size and content of your class, it is either seminar or lecture style. You will meet some really interesting colleagues or classmates here as most people bring in diverse backgrounds of professions and interests. Out of the several professors that I have approached, all of them are responsive to inquiries via email. What I really like about the School is that many professors are practitioners and prominent leaders in their fields.
The School also houses several centers including Center for Development Economics and Policy and Center on Global Energy Policy. Thus, it hosts many interesting events on a weekly basis. Definitely take advantage of its events as it often brings interesting speakers. Also, SIPA catering is one of the best within the Columbia University community. I would rank SIPA catering second in terms of its culinary art, immediately after Columbia Journalism School.
Not 5 stars for me because the building itself is kinda «bland» when compared with other schools and buildings on campus. Also when you enter from the 118^th gate, you are entering the 4^th floor. If you are coming in from the central campus side (117^th) gate, you are entering its 6^th floor. The building itself can be confusing to navigate.