Jessica1

I really don't know why someone would give up the CLEA other than if they couldn't do the Fulbright at all (had a better option, didn't "pass" the health clearance, etc), or maybe if they didn't get into the language program they wanted and didn't plan any other alternatives. I only applied to one program, so if I hadn't gotten into it and all the other approved program's deadlines had passed, I would have had to decline the award. I was thinking more along the lines of a program not working out, or health reasons. Hope this helps! Good luck!

thanks! good luck to you...you never know what may happen to take you off the alternate list! I'm actually pretty surprised that I got it, since I was also a Chinese major and studied abroad for a semester. My project is very language intensive though - all my research depends on me being able to communicate effectively and conduct interviews - so that probably had a lot to do it with. Also, I've been out of school for a year, so my language skills are pretty rusty and I definitely need more help than if I had gotten this grant right after graduating! (though I wish I had applied then...) I'm doing the Middlebury program in Kunming. I was accepted in late March (I think) and had to pay the deposit within 2 weeks, so I'm relieved that I didn't lose the deposit!

It said that I got it. It seems like the process for the award is pretty long (need to fill out a lot of forms and make sure things on file before they can do anything official with the program you'll enroll in), so for all the people who are alternates, that's probably why it said "indefinitely." Either someone declines the award immediately, or something happens later on the process (who knows when) that would force the person to give up the award and make it available for an alternate.

Just got an email from Cara Wolinsky for China CLEA awards!

Congrats to you, too! Where will you be in China? I'll be in Kunming. That's amazing that we'll be hearing by this week, thanks for the info!!! I'm so excited to hear..I applied for the Middlebury-CET program in Kunming. Looks like most people applied to Harbin on this board, though. I've had to fill out a lot of forms already for the program, so it'll be a little sad if I end up not being able to go!

Good luck to everyone still waiting! I just got accepted to China and applied for CLEA award. Does anyone know when we hear about those, and if it's via snail mail or email? I've already paid the deposit for my program and all, but I'm anxious to hear if I'm actually going to be able to enroll!