Ingunite

To keep this thread alive, a follow-up question. Is anyone presenting at ISA Northeast conference in Baltimore in November? The paper submission deadlines were not very obvious on their web page. Are we past the deadlines for proposals already?

Thank you all for your input. This helps to plan ahead. I earmarked ISA conference in Baltimore, November 2014.

Greetings: As a first year PhD Pol Sci (IR) student, I am a bit overwhelmed by the list of "must do" things, among which attending conferences seems to be pretty important. Hence my question to older and wiser folk: How many conferences (with presentations or without) are you able to fit in your yearly schedule? And a score of follow up queries: How do you decide which ones to attend? APSA? Mid-West? Syracuse? Does geographical proximity matter to you? Who pays your travel expenses? How far ahead do you plan? I could go on and on... If you feel like sharing your insights, I'd appreciate it.

Since for your first entrance you do not require a visa to enter as a tourist, I do not think you will have any difficulties at the border. Your next entrance will be as a student, and will observing the immigration rules, entering under the right non-immigrant categories and not abusing your status. I would not worry about it.

Here's my two cents' worth. Hope someone more knowledgeable will come along soon. It is my impression that in order to be admitted as a foreign student by the State Dept., you need to have your finances sorted out? The visa issuing officer wants to see the proof in your bank account? Funding for foreign students in the US is hard to come by, unless you are a real hot shot in your discipline. But not impossible. Have you inquired about Fulbright? I know, I know, it's a bit late in the season. Does the universtity offer an assistantship that would waive the tuition fees or some other kind of work-study option? I should think that the first step is to inquiry about funding is within the institution. Cornell is a well-endowed institution, so your chances there are a lot better than at a state school. Alternatively, depending on your visa, F-1 or J-1, you may find a job outside the university while maintaining a full coursework load? About you being from the former USSR -- it may help, depending on your regional specifics (Central Asia? persecuted minority?). Generally, graduate students from the former USSR abound in most schools, and the fact by itself does not carry particular weight. Best of luck, and be proactive.

I am at SUNY Albany, a commuting PhD student. Cannot give any recommendations for housing arrangements. But from what I hear and see, there is nothing inherently wrong with living in Albany. Generally Albany is pretty good for everything -- there are enough cultural events for theater and music lovers (e.g. the Egg, Proctor's in nearby Schenecteday), outdoors activities (proximity to the Adirondacks, Lake George) and a goodly selection of campus activities. Washington Park is lovely year round, food is reasonably palatable and cheap. It really depends on your tastes and budget. In my opinion Albany is fairly generic -- generally safe and pleasant (exception: Arbor Hill), a bit rundown but with unmistakable signs of former prosperity with historical architecture aplenty. The governenment buidings dominate the center of the city, which means it becomes dead after 4pm. Commute is very easy, and there are really great nearby neighborhoods adjacent to Albany proper. Your fiancee may have to do some adjustments to find a teaching job. Most public and private school teachers have Master's degree and, I believe they need NYState certification. Finding a rsuitable teaching job will take some serious looking, unless your fiancee teaches math or science; then it may be somewhat easier. The climate is rather trying. Winters are real winters, and summers can be hot. But spring and fall are really lovely and long -- it just occured to me that Tulip festival is coming up -- my favorite event! Hope that helps a bit. Oh yes, and you will need a car.