Well, I got the e-mail the other day outlining my rejection.. I was really bummed about it, and the worse part was that friends and family kept asking me about it on a daily basis (Everyone was really excited and supportive of it for me). ETA Morocco.
In my case, things probably turned out the right way. It took several days, and a lot of depressive thinking, but that's what I think now. My heart, honestly, was not 100% into the project. There were other countries I wanted to apply to more, and I chose something that made sense on paper versus something that carried in me a driving passion.
I decided that I am going to try again next year. My number one most elusive and wonderful desire is to go to Kazakhstan, but I do not have research or college experience in the country. I have an almost equal love for Mexico, as well as the linguistic background and the research to back it up.
A few questions for y'all (Let me know if this is an inappropriate place..I've just seen other questions on this thread): Is having a lot of ESL experience a bad thing? Like I've been an assistant before, and am currently teaching my own class - albeit for a non-profit. Will this hurt a future application?
My 2nd question concerns my longing to be an ETA in Kazakhstan (and my lack of confidence to apply there). My background is in education, language and teaching - all relevant for the gig - but I do not speak Russian or Kazakh. I started doing the U of A Critical Language Program online for Kazakh to learn the language. Let's say I keep doing that, and take a year worth of non-university Russian courses (or Uni if they'll let me). Will that be enough? Should I write independent research, volunteer, do something else?
My 3rd and final question (I appreciate the reading, or the polite passing): Bearing in mind I know this is a Grad forum, but have any of you applied for a full grant and been successful with only a BA? Is it highly uncommon?
Thank you for the time and Hello, hello from crowded Austin, TX.
