wanderingbutnotlost

Hello fellow Germany Study/Research and ETA finalists.  I've created a Facebook group for us: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1013082602095437/

Would someone mind explaining what the deal with Fulbright's health insurance is? I assumed grantees would get full coverage, but upon reading the different information, it seems they call it "supplemental" insurance and advise grantees to continue their regular insurance. As a Peace Corps volunteer, my insurance will be ending soon, and I was hoping to move right into my Fulbright insurance. I've emailed someone at IIE, but I would love to hear about the experience of past Fulbrighters with health insurance. Was the coverage not enough on its own? Did you maintain the insurance you had prior to starting Fulbright?

And if some saint can explain to me how this all fits in with Obamacare and tax penalties, I will adore you forever. Help!

ETA to Germany!!!! Another word of encouragement to anyone who didn't get what they were hoping for this year - I also didn't get an ETA the first time I applied (to South Africa). The in-between time has been an invaluable season of learning more about myself and what I want out of life. Nothing wrong with applying a second time! 

ETA to Germany!!!! Another word of encouragement to anyone who didn't get what they were hoping for this year - I also didn't get an ETA the first time I applied (to South Africa). The in-between time has been an invaluable season of learning more about myself and what I want out of life. Nothing wrong with applying a second time! 

ETA to Germany!!!! Another word of encouragement to anyone who didn't get what they were hoping for this year - I also didn't get an ETA the first time I applied (to South Africa). The in-between time has been an invaluable season of learning more about myself and what I want out of life. Nothing wrong with applying a second time! 

ETA to Germany!!!! Another word of encouragement to anyone who didn't get what they were hoping for this year - I also didn't get an ETA the first time I applied (to South Africa). The in-between time has been an invaluable season of learning more about myself and what I want out of life. Nothing wrong with applying a second time! 

I'm right there with you! I keep thinking that surely Germany - land of timely trains and efficient people - will get the results out soon...but no luck so far  Hopefully soon!

I faced a very similar situation on my application. My interview committee gave me some good advice, but there were also some things that they asked me to add that, quite frankly, I didn't believe belonged in a Fulbright application. (They also mentioned adding some things that were clearly already in my essays, as well as suggesting I talk about my Russian language skills. I don't speak Russian and am applying for Germany, so I'm not sure what that was about...). Anyway, while the committees know their stuff and aim to be helpful, I think it is good to remember that you know best how you want to express yourself in your application. Just as your opinions may differ from the committee members', the people in Washington and your future host country will have opinions of their own. There is no formula to this, and we are our own best advocates. I think the fact that you can weigh feedback and decide what you think fits best in your application speaks highly of your sense of self. That will show through, and I don't think you should have any remorse or worries about not accepting all the feedback. I think the committees rarely read essays again, and even if they do, I doubt they will be checking off that you took each of their suggestions. 

I'm sure if the rest of the essay is compelling and interesting they won't toss it out for one typo - at least I hope not! We're all human, and I can't imagine they wouldn't be a little forgiving with this kind of thing. Your hard work will still show through!

Also, Indonesia!! I am in Indonesia right now, and wanted to wish you an extra dose of luck. This is an amazing country!

I faced a very similar situation on my application. My interview committee gave me some good advice, but there were also some things that they asked me to add that, quite frankly, I didn't believe belonged in a Fulbright application. (They also mentioned adding some things that were clearly already in my essays, as well as suggesting I talk about my Russian language skills. I don't speak Russian and am applying for Germany, so I'm not sure what that was about...). Anyway, while the committees know their stuff and aim to be helpful, I think it is good to remember that you know best how you want to express yourself in your application. Just as your opinions may differ from the committee members', the people in Washington and your future host country will have opinions of their own. There is no formula to this, and we are our own best advocates. I think the fact that you can weigh feedback and decide what you think fits best in your application speaks highly of your sense of self. That will show through, and I don't think you should have any remorse or worries about not accepting all the feedback. I think the committees rarely read essays again, and even if they do, I doubt they will be checking off that you took each of their suggestions. 

I'm also waiting to hear about Sub-Saharan Africa.  Did you get the save the date for orientation, too? Grrrr I just want to know!!!  Seems most, over the course of the past few years, hear between mid-April to the end of April.  So..SOON!

God, I probably would have gone into a Hulk Smash RageTM and broke everything in my sight...so kudos for staying calm!
 
And no, not illogical. That was also my thought process.

Well, I have been holding off joining (i.e. lurking), because I was afraid that I would be even more tempted to check this board every time my computer is on, but as that is already happening, I figured I might as well give in. Yes, I am also waiting on Sub-Saharan Africa for an ETA in South Africa. I didn't want to just leave you out here alone, haha.