[Fulbright 2013-2014]

Just found out I was accepted as an ETA in Andorra!

I could actually use a bit of advice though.

Last year I was an alternate, and I was devastated. I spent this year teaching English in Galicia, Spain, and it has been the best year of my life - so great, that I'm now entirely unsure how to feel, as I renewed for a second year, and have been excitedly picturing continuing my life here next year.

 

I know the Fulbright experience would be unbelievably rewarding, and that I probably love a year in Andorra just as much, but would it be crazy to turn down the Fulbright in order to stay here another year? If I did the Fulbright, I could repeat the program I'm doing now afterwards, but I wouldn't be placed in the same school with all of my fantastic colleagues and friends, and my wonderful students. 

In many regards, what I'm doing now would be very similar to what I would do in Andorra; I am and would be teaching English in a secondary school in a beautiful, mountainous region with a multilingual population.

So, my problem is: I'm afraid of losing out on a great opportunity (or flat-out making a mistake) by not accepting the Fulbright, but it breaks my heart to think of leaving all the friends and contacts I've made here in Galicia. I've also already been accepted to grad school and deferred, so I don't need the Fulbright 

What should I do? What are the real benefits of the Fulbright? One year ago, I would have been over the moon with this news. 

Also, for anyone who is feeling sad about being rejected or being an alternate, being an alternate last year was the best thing that could have happened to me, or I would never have come to Galicia, and I wouldn't be faced with this decision. Also, reapplying DOES work! So, if you are upset, take heart. Things always work out well in the end.

I had to reply to this as soon as I saw you were torn with the decision to leave Galicia--I used to teach there last year!  I also wasn't sure if I should stay there or leave (though to try another region of Spain) because I too fell in love with it.  After much agonizing, I decided to move to San Sebastian so I could experience another side of Spanish culture.  Though I don't regret my decision (I've had some incredible experiences here, met wonderful people, and have a much better school), I don't think I would have regretted staying in Galicia either.  I was just there for Semana Santa and was reminded of how magical it is.  Now that I am off to Russia on a Fulbright, I am a little daunted by the idea of starting over in a third place in three years (but obviously more excited than nervous!).  And I speak more Russian than Basque or Galician

 

Basically, I don't think either decision will be bad.  If you go to Andorra, you'll be with a better, more organized program.  You'll have a completely new cultural experience and you'll probably pick up some Catalan.  But if you stay in Galicia, you'll deepen your ties there and build on your experiences from this year.  I think it just comes down to if you want breadth or depth of experience.  Good luck with your decision and congrats on having two great options!

[Fulbright 2013-2014]

Not selected for a full grant to Russia. Congratulations to all headed that way.

 

I was rejected when I first applied in '08 (didn't even get an interview).  With a lot more relevant experience and an entirely new application, I was selected, so you should definitely apply again! 

[Fulbright 2013-2014]

Another Russia full grant!  Sooooo excited!

[Fulbright 2013-2014]

I'm coming out of the lurker woodwork because the anticipation is slowly killing me.  I just called the DC office and they said Russian applicants might not find out until LATE APRIL.  Please tell me this isn't true.

 

Big congrats to those getting accepted by Spain today!  I am currently an English teacher here, so if you have any questions about life in Spain, don't hesitate to ask!