der Träumer

I had a friend who applied for both Germany ETA and Austria USTA programs back in 2010. She lived in Munich for 5 years when she was in middle and high school and spent her sophomore year abroad in Austria. I thought she would be a brilliant choice for Fulbright given her volunteer teaching background and competency (but not command) of the German language. She ended up getting rejected after the second round for Germany and was an alternate-turned-principal for Austria. I can’t say that this is an indication of what preferences the panels have for applicants who have spent an extended period of time in their requested country, but there it is. There was also a grant recipient my year who had never been out of the U.S. let alone to Germany.

Look at that. Shame on me for not knowing.

Jurgen just sent the Principals an email last week with more information on the visa process. The Commission is sending us our Official Letter of Acceptance and the Bestätigung (this week via snail mail) needed for the application for residence visa. They want everything (application, medical, background check, birth certificate with apostille) filled out and submitted to an Austrian embassy or honorary consulate by July first. Getting everything is time consuming so I am willing to bet that Alternates will be notified this week or next. If you get bumped up--which I'm fairly confident you will--let's join the bandwagon and set up a Facebook group for Austria USTA!

I feel like as bizarre as that is, you could have some real fun with it....Passport size photo of you with a fez on, giving them a thumbs up while holding a tagine in one arm. Perhaps a wink as well?

I had a German friend who partied a little too hard the night before one of her finals and went in the next day, looked at the test, wrote her name down and walked out. I was in a state of disbelief when she told me it was "no big deal" because she could retake the class next semester for E50.

The only thing Europeans (and everyone else) are thinking, is how crazy we all are for paying what we do for higher education.

I honestly think the only people who put stock in the Ivy League are Americans. For the most part, I don't think Europeans give three shakes where you went to school. The name recognition is there obviously, but it's definitely not an advantage.

Agreed. I don't remember one ETA in my entire 2010-2011 cohort who attended an Ivy League. I'm sure there were a few, but not enough for me to make note of it. A lot of my friends were from small, liberal arts schools in the Pacific Northwest/Midwest.

I was accepted to both back in 2010 and ultimately chose Germany because of the"prestige factor." I reapplied to Austria this year and I'm super glad they didn't hold the former decision against me. Can't say that because I was accepted back then, that it put me higher on the list for this year...I honestly thought it would make me a less desirable candidate and was expecting alternate status at the very most. Here's to a fast decision for the rest of you guys! I'm keeping my fingers crossed (and my thumbs pressed.)

I'm very surprised USTA is keeping the rest of you guys waiting in suspense! I'm sure you will hear Monday or Tuesday. On my email they have an acceptance deadline of April 15th and I can't imagine they wouldn't give you less than two weeks to decide. Fingers crossed for you---

Fulbright USTA to Austria!!!!!! Hip hip hurray!

When an ETA program isn't EXACTLY a Fulbright. For Austria, Fulbright combines their ETA with a Full Grant. Their Austrian American Educational Commission counterpart, in turn, has separate program that is identical to other Fulbright ETA programs, except that it isn't one. This makes it possible for applicants with a background in German to apply to both Fulbright Germany ETA and Fulbright Austria USTA at the same time.

Cara Doble at IIE will send out information to her grant recipients regarding the filing of your stipend for tax purposes back in the U.S. It'll probably be the same for others and their contacts at IIE. At least in Germany you won't be taxed by the state because it is a "stipend" and not counted as actual income. ETA's my year got 800 euros a month. Can't say I know what Full Grant recipients got.

The nuns had their own section of the convent, so I rarely saw them except for laundry day. They rented out some spare apartments in a different part of the building for visiting teachers and international college students. It was a really great set up. Fully furnished with my own bathroom. Communal kitchen. NO DEPOSIT. That was a lifesaver. It was only awkward when I had to explain to a priest that the man dressed up as a politically incorrect Mexican (full sombrero, mustache) was actually my brother visiting for Faschings and not some guy I picked up off the street.

Yep. That's fairly common. I actually worked at a former Catholic boarding school run by a religious order. They offered me an apartment in their convent (yes you read that correctly) for 200 euro a month. It was a terrific situation. Frau Maria even did my laundry every Wednesday at 8am. It was a little embarrasing when I had to hand over my "unmentionables." I actually had NO contact with my school prior to orientation, so the Kommission does a fantastic job of making sure you're settled before you head out of Koeln.

Airfare back home is still covered. Unfortunately, as a second year participant, any Fulbright sponsored activities--like the annual conference in Berlin--are not free. You're required to pay for your transportation to and from and cover your own hotel and conference fees. Still, it seems like a pretty good compromise to me!

At least for Germany you can extend another year. You need to have solid references and it's ultimately up to the flexibility of Kommission's budget. Three of my friends stayed on back in 2011.

I applied to both (and got both) back in 2010. It's a tough decision because Austria is so great at letting you know EXACTLY where you'll be living and at what schools you'll be teaching. Germany leaves you in the dark till May-ish by just telling you your assigned state when you get your congratulatory email. I did my Germany ETA and now reapplied for Austria USTA this year, after kicking myself for not extending. The job market is just terrible!! Good luck to you!

Back in the hunt this year kids! Trying to travel/academically dodge my way out of this awful job market. Wishing everyone luck and sending positive vibes out over the net--