kmac11

I was in a similar situation last month, and ended up accepting the job/internship and withdrawing my application for Fulbright. I can apply to Fulbright again when this contract is over, and save up money in the mean time. Of course, at that point it was still just 50/50 whether I would get an ETA so it was also easier to go with the guaranteed option. ...That said, I am kind of sad to missing out on the excitement right now. Couldn't resist checking the forums to see who had been accepted. Congrats to everyone who got positive news so far!

Relevant to deciding between jobs and Fulbright, I have some bad/good news. A while back I mentioned also being a finalist for the Presidential Management Fellows program, and last week I was offered a job with that program. And I decided to take it. Yes, even after all the excitement/stress over the Fulbright. I decided I would rather accept a secure, well paying job now than wait another 3 months, since I've been unemployed for a while. I was pretty blindsided by the offer, and it was funny how it worked out considering that last week I was so set on the Fulbright. I think this job can still lead to the international education/policy career I'm interested in though. I'm excited but also hope I don't have regrets in the future. Who knows, I might apply to Fulbright again after this fellowship is over. Just wanted to wish everyone else good luck in the coming months.

For Bulgaria, I found it on the Bulgaria Fulbright Commission's website. If Spain's commission has their own site it might be on there!

Thanks for all of your feedback, everyone. TravelingTeacher: I definitely feel for you. I wish you all the best in making your decision, and it helps to know I'm not alone in worrying about my family if I go abroad! Oliebollen: It's too far away, and they can't stand the thought of not seeing me for 10 months. My dad in particular seems to think that I applied because I wouldn't see them for a year, which isn't true at all. They also think I only applied because I've been underemployed for so long. That did influence my decision to apply but I wouldn't call Fulbright a "plan B." Travelgirl125: I applied to Bulgaria, and they think it's not a developed country, so that's definitely part of it. I tried telling them more about Bulgaria, and they even spoke to a pastor at their church who has been there. I think it put their minds at ease a little bit, but they're still not convinced.

I talked to my mom yesterday and told her I'm a finalist. She wasn't happy. She called back yesterday and said that she had thought about it more, and she was proud of me and would support me if I went. But she still didn't want me to go. She didn't mention anything about my dad, so I asked what his thoughts were, she just said "he's really upset." I hadn't kept it a secret from them that I applied, I guess they just assumed I wouldn't get it since the chances are so slim. I'm super close with my parents so this is pretty tough for me. I started having self-doubts after the conversation. I have perfectly good other options, why should I put my family through this? What if they're right and it's horrible? Is anyone else dealing with family or loved ones that aren't so thrilled about your decision to apply for the Fulbright?

I haven't done one, but I've looked into it. Celta and Trinity TESOL are the most reputable courses and will be accepted by most schools. I've heard a lot of mixed comments on online tefl courses, some people say it doesn't matter at all where it's from, others say Celta is the only way to go. I think the real answer is that it largely depends on your country and what type of school you want to work for, whether private or a government program. For EPIK, the course has to be at least 100 hours, but (supposedly) they give preference to classes that have a 20 hour in-class component. If you want an intro before doing a real course, there's a free Coursera available right now called "Shaping the Way We Teach English." I'm taking it and don't really have time for the assignments right now, but the readings are helpful. I don't know how helpful this was because I find all the options confusing too. I'm interested in hearing more from anyone who has actually done one of these courses.

Sorry to hear that, you seem really dedicated based on your posts here, so I'm sure something will work out! From what I hear EPIK is a great program. I'd recommend checking Dave's ESL Cafe.

Recommended! omg. I thought I wasn't going to find out until after work, but I was checking my email on my break and there it was. I'm so excited even though it means another few months of waiting. Now I have to go compose myself to go back to work. Congrats to everyone else who is recommended, and big hugs to those who weren't!

I had a stress dream that IIE sent us an email saying that someone had hacked the site to send our advisors the messages about being notified today, and we were going to have to wait until the 30th.

A friend posted that image on her blog and it's exactly how I feel...like logically I know I shouldn't be so nervous and stressed because it won't affect the outcome, but at the same time, PANIC!

What? I'm not sure what to believe now. I hope we do find out on Friday but would not be surprised if something happened to delay the process. According to the stats that were posted it would be the earliest they sent it out in the past 5 years. eta: I was just saying "those people are right, I shouldn't be checking this several times a day" but I don't think I can stick to that now...

Haha nope! I read a few blogs that I found from the 2014 Fulbright post here, and also regularly track the Fulbright tag on tumblr.

I can't wait! I get so nervous thinking about it. Does anyone know if they publish how many people applied for each country after the first round? Or not until the acceptance date?

Actually, I'm a finalist from last years class, and this is an interview for a PMF appointment. I wish I had applied to Fulbright instead last year but I was kinda talked out of it by my academic advisor, grr! You're doing the right thing applying to both at the same time. I went through the whole process last year, so feel free to message me if you have any questions! Good luck!

Yeah, this exactly. I actually have a job interview tomorrow and I'm not sure how I feel. If I get it, more money, security, etc...but then what would happen if I get the Fulbright? I guess I could always leave the job, although it's a 2 year contract.