Guvutnick

When did you receive the admit packet? I don't think I've received an email with that yet.

I got an email today informing me of my prep course requirements. Any of you get one?

Glad to see there are some other people trying to work abroad in the future! Where have you all lived/worked so far? I did a 2.5~ year stint in Korea teaching English, and did a little bit of traveling in Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. I also studied for a semester in Shanghai.

No admit day for me! I'm from New York, so it's a bit of a hassle to fly out there and everything for a day or two. The first day I see the place will probably be August, haha.

All things being equal, I would have. Unfortunately, due to a letter of recommendation snafu, I don't have any other offers to use as leverage for more aid. My only other options would be to try go to school abroad at lower ranked programs with a more limited alumni network, or burn through the savings trying for internships or language programs in order to hopefully get more funding the next time around. I'm 24 at the moment, so while that's an option I'd prefer not to. The only jobs I'd want to take during grad school would be work-study, or the previously mentioned type of positions. I want to put as much effort as I can into my grades and forging relationships with the faculty in hopes of getting additional funding for year two. Aside from that, I might do something low-key like tutor English online.

I pretty much feel the same way. I graduated with about 36k in undergrad debt about 3 years ago, and it's down to 29k now. I worked overseas for a few years, and saved roughly 20k while making minimum payments. I could have thrown more money at the loans, but I'd rather have that money for a) loan payments after grad school (they shouldn't be that high with IBR and the like, but just in case, I can absorb a few months of high payments) b ) potential relocation costs (I wouldn't be surprised if I ended up working outside of the country, and the last thing I want is to scramble for money or borrow from parents to get the tickets/apartment/etc.) c) emergencies. I was fortunate enough to obtain some a not-insignificant fellowship, but I'm still looking at adding 60k~ (providing there are no TA/RA/additional fellowships) over the course of the next few years. Is it ideal? Of course not. However, it's just extra motivation to hustle for any TA or research positions that become available.

Glad to see someone else with a Korea focus! I was over there for a little over 2 years; absolutely loved it. If I decide that UCSD is too expensive than I'd be looking at the SKY universities. I think my ultimate goal will be to end up back in Korea at some point, and now I'm just trying to figure out the best way to make that happen. I know IRPS places people in Asia and gives internships and like over there as well, so I think it's possible if I make that my goal from the beginning. I applied for American as well, but unfortunately one of my professors never sent in a letter of recommendation. It was a little difficult to hassle him enough while I was in Korea, and I couldn't find another professor in time. Did you ever consider doing the American/Korea University program backwards? It'd definitely be cheaper if you were paying KU rates while in DC as opposed to American rates while in Seoul.

I'm also concerned about the price. I was lucky enough to receive a fellowship, but still looking at what, 60k+ over two years? I lived for the last few years, and the prospect of that much debt on top of my undergrad debt is making me consider going back out there.

I'm in the same boat. I'm eagerly awaiting funding decisions, but I think regardless of what happens on that front I'll still go to UCSD. Even being potentially paying out-of-state rates for the first year, it's more affordable than other options I've looked at. I love the Asia-Pacific focus (I applied for the International Politics track and Korea regional focus, respectively), and like you guys said, Career Services does everything they can to make up for the location.

I just received my official acceptance email, so you all should check your emails when you get the chance. No word about funding; do those decisions come at a later date?