lkjl2007

I just downloaded the duolingo app, and it's actually pretty cool (especially considering it's free...); that said, I did the most advanced shortcut (to bypass all the lower levels), and it was still way too easy. I wish they had the same exercises but with much more advanced words and sentence constructions/verb conjugations...

I feel similarly, but hey, practice/drilling can't hurt. I would definitely appreciate more advanced content.

This is what I am trying to do. Just get exposed to it. I am the same way; the listening comprehension is the hardest part, as well as response. I think that's fairly common though. The TV station Bayrische Rundfunk has quite a bit of their material available online to stream, which I have been watching. It's nice because it varies from children's programs, which are easier to understand, to soap operas, to talk shows. I've watched a few German movies on Netflix, so that works too. Also trying to listen to German Radio while I'm working (yaay! Iphone app!)

Seriously, in this day and age, there are so many opportunities to prepare. I can only imagine what it will be like 10 -20 years from now!

So it starts out on a very "baby" (aka basic) level but Duolingo is AMAZING for practice and review--kind of fun and you can test out of the different little "units" plus it's free, online, and you go at your own pace.

I'm waiting to hear about an ETA in Russia, but I have some information for those who were selected as alternates for ETAs in Germany/Austria.

My sister and several German studies classmates applied for assistantships in both countries (something only Austria allows you to do) and several of them were informed this week that they are being offered grants from BOTH countries! In years past this apparently did not happen but for whatever reason they now have their pick. I just thought I would pass this along because once they make their final decisions there will obviously be spots opening up, and since there are several students just at her school alone who are in that position I thought it might give some of the alternates out there hope!

 

Good luck all! Hope the suspense ends soon...

I don't think that there is any official cooperation or communication between the two programs (and I know people last year who were accepted to both, myself included...) as regards "who gets who" or anything like that. However it wouldn't surprise me if one (or both) countries pass on their alternates/rejected list (of those applicants who applied to both) to the other for consideration. Chances are that someone accepted for both will choose Germany based on the prestige factor etc. and Austria wouldn't want to accept someone who's going to turn them down in favor of Germany, you know?

In case anyone was wondering, I know someone who was moved today to accepted from alternate. Just in case anyone was interested.

Anything is possible!

That's so bizarre! They can do that??

Hi all!  I was selected for a Germany ETA but am an alternate for the USTA.  So, Germany here I come!  Congrats to others who received good news this week, and good luck to those still waiting!

Congratulations! I'm sure Germany will be a great experience. Two friends of mine also found out today that they are alternates for the USTA.