Snuffleupagus

Yes I'm on a fellowship here for a year.

Thanks for your advice! I actually just decided to apply to Upenn for this year and will look into UMass for next year if other things don't quite pan out. I decided against UMass this year because of the funding issues - from what I had read it was iffy and I am paying off my loans so not having more is very much a top priority. UPenn (Hornberger) is indeed my top choice in terms of research fit. The IEP prgram is at the MA level. I have 2 MAs and am only looking at straight PhD programs (3-4 years) because I am an old Thanks for the advice, friend!

Hi Everyone, I am a frequent lurker and old user of the boards. After doing a Fulbright, I declined my offer to do my PhD at UMD in SLA (2014) because I realized I wasn't really thrilled about the program, etc. I've spent the last two years doing Education Management in Morocco and am currently on an English Language Fellows grant here. My research interests are focused on North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia) and how language policy here affects education and literacy in a multilingual/multicultural society. In particular, I am interested in higher education policy/university reforms and how this has produced a class of English speakers in a French environment. I am also interested in teacher training and evulation practices in the region. I am planning on applying to: UPenn (2 programs: Educational Linguistics & Ed Policy), University of Minnesota, NYU, Teacher's College, Stanford, UCLA, Indiana & University of Wisconsin, Madison. If any of you have other programs I should look at, or think any of these programs isn't a good fit, let me know

It depends on the school. I have guaranteed funding for 3 years with an extra year of funding because of my Fulbright. So, the school ultimately wants me out in 3/4 years.

Hi! I am going to try to answer your questions 1) Does it hurt or not affect me to get a MA in Hispanic Linguistics, instead of a MA in SLA, then a PhD in SLA? I did my MA in Applied Ling and it was during that time that I got really interested in SLA. So, I got a really high GPA from my MA program, research experience, and a more focused idea of what I want to study during my PhD before applying to SLA programs. So, to answer your question, I do not think it would hurt you at all. If you did well, you could use your higher GPA to become more competitive, especially if you also do some research work with professors. In addition, you could also use Spanish and Portuguese in some form during your dissertation work, thereby incorporating your MA. 2) What schools focus on researching methods to teach languages? I would say that University of Arizona, University of Maryland, and University of Hawaii would be primary choices off of the top of my head. Within SLA there are normally 4 tracks, and depending on the program, you can either mix and match these four tracks or focus on one during your PhD. UMD (my school) wants us to mix all the tracks before selecting one to focus on. 3) Is it possible to get my MA at an easier reach school, then my PhD at a high reach school? I think I already answered this in number 1. Short answer: Yes. If you have any other questions please message me

I just wanted to say GOOD LUCK!! to all of you. Taking the Fulbright was the best decision I have made in my career so far. If any of you are applying to Morocco or are applying to be an ETA please do not hesitate to message me, I would be happy to help out!

I think if you are really interested in SLA you should try to find schools that have a department independent of Linguistics or Education. Yes, I know that also severely limits your options. UMD is one example, but I am not certain or how many others on your list would fit the criteria. Good Luck!

Hey current & future Fulbrighters, just wanted to share my blog with you all in case you are wondering about applying and wanted to read about my experiences: http://agadirsunsets.blogspot.com/

Ours was pretty awesome, too. Definitely ready for it to start.

Hi, I would go for paper B, but I would also take it to your adviser and have them read through it and edit it. Be sure that the paper can be edited and include more nods to topics you may be interested in. For comparison, my writing sample was about 30 pages. Good Luck

congrats!!!

Let usknow if you get it...fingers crossed...

Hey has anyone received hotel reservation confirmation for the orientations this week?

PM sent!

Sorry about the alternate status. Let me know if you are looking for teaching gigs in San Diego

Congratulations!! Everything finally worked Looks like you'll be having a fabulous journey in South America!!

American Educational Services is a lender that does private educational loans, which is what I used when I went overseas. However, I recommend getting loans through financial aid if you can.

Hi! Thinking about SLA vs. Applied Ling is a tough choice, especially if your only knowledge of Applied Ling is from your TEFL diploma. Have you thought about doing like an Advanced TEFL program at a university? This normally requires taking 3-4 Applied Linguistics courses and might give you more insight into your true interests. My alma mater has one: http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/dept/linguist/tesl_tefl_certificates/advanced.htm This would be my first suggestion. Now, let's say that you really do want to do SLA/SLS. Let me give you a bit of a background. I am going to be doing my PhD in SLA at the University of Maryland (UMD). I only applied to UC Davis, UMD, and UA. I have 8 years' ESL experience, 2 years' of qualitative research experience and 2 years' of quantitative research experience, plus they REALLY wanted you to have experience with stats. I am also working on Here are some suggestions: 1. UC Davis only has an area of focus in SLA, it is not a program in SLA. There is a huge distinction there. 2. I would also add University of Hawaii, Manoa - SLS to the list of programs. 3. Research experience is paramount. You can always PM me if you have more questions

YAY THEO!!! Congrats!! <3

Because I am going into SLA, ESL and language teaching was a big part of my candidature, so I included my CV. I tried to bring in the major points of my research and teaching experience into my SOP and used my CV to highlight other aspects. I know that some people also looked me up on Academia.edu