minimouse

I feel like this has to be personal... Do you have a time when you felt you didn't fit in? And if so, what did you do about it? I know there are times when you may feel defeated during a moment like that, but see if you had a time where you attempted to conquer that feeling.

Yeah, I've come to a similar conclusion since writing that response to you. I've been doing more research, and if I can get away with not even doing it (especially if we're going to be trained for several weeks within the program), then I'd rather not use the money toward certification when I'd still need to get my passport, VISA, several copies of transcripts, an FBI Criminal Background Check, etc... I talked to a current TaLK Scholar, and he said he didn't need to be certified at all. Just turn it in early, show your passion, and make a REALLY good lesson plan (that goes along with the application process). So that's what I'm honing my energy on currently.

No problem! I was asking because I applied for Fulbright's South Korea ETA and wasn't recommended, so I looked into other programs like EPIK and TaLK, and they seem to prefer that you have certification... Or it at least helps get accepted it seems. So that's why!

Thank you, Saritaf3!

Oooh, you're going to South Korea for your graduate degree? Interesting! Maybe I'll look into this as well!

Hey, I'm really sorry you're going through this. I didn't get recommended, but I KNOW my family would react the same way. My mom told me I was going to one of two of the closest schools to her. She had separartion anxiety when I spent the night with a friend on campus a few years ago. She thinks I'm kidding, but I finally told her I wanted to go to South Korea. She doesn't know I applied, and am still looking into it/applying/have support from other adults willing to do whatever they can... But if I got all my documents/passport/VISA/TESOL(?) and told her something serious like I have a Skype interview.... Crap would HIT THE FAN. I feel like I used to be close to my family, but my mom especially has tried to monitor me and hold me back from growing up and doing normal activities as a young adult. She hasn't gotten that slap of reality yet, that she can't control my life forever, and there will be hell to pay when that does come around. I know you're close to your family, but DO NOT let them deter you from living your life! You may truly regret it. At least take a chance at such a great opportunity that you've gotten this far in! And here's a video I could TOTALLY relate to, when it comes to parents' dissatisfaction with you moving aborad:

This was helpful! It beats no feedback or guidance at all from my end. And same, I've been looking into it as well. I'm happy to have a forum to talk about this. Thanks! Yup yup! That's why I'm looking into it as well. I wanna apply for EPIK, and seeing others' timelines has shown me how long it takes to get certified! And boy, it is not cheap, if I'm looking into the right thing... All the sites are so overwhelming! I just have a concentration in education, so I'll have to get certified. Continuing to look into it!

Hey guys, Has anyone pursuing an ETA done one of those TESOL/TEFL(?) certifications? How do you know an online source is legitimate? And any brief background on all it entails? Thanks if anyone answers!

Thank you both so much for the information and kind words! Yup, GEPIK and EPIK are both programs I immediately looked at after writing that post. And now I'm leaning even more toward EPIK after I read GEPIK reviews and that a lot of schools' funding was getting cut left and right under them. And you know what? When I went to check the EPIK site, they had JUST posted the new and improved application to work on for Fall 2015 today (the same day as we got the news from Fulbright... Which oddly came two weeks earlier this year. I heard it's the first time they posted results this early in about five years?) I'm taking the coincidental dates, and the fact that I graduated last month as a blessing in disguise. I have time to focus on the application and whole VISA/passport/background check/paperwork load now. It has to mean something! Regardless, I'm excited to push forward with something.

Actually, hearing back has made me more determined to get into a program that let's me teach in South Korea. I guess it's made me braver, because I was looking forward to the transition with 70-80 other Fulbrighters for 6 weeks. But if I have to travel alone, so be it. I've immediately started looking into the application process through other programs. I mean, I have a whole gap year, right? No rush, and it's something.

Thank you so much! Of course I'm a bit bummed, but I definitely plan on trying again!

Calmed myself enough to check the email, and learned that I indeed did not get recommended. Good luck to everyone else!

That's what I applied for, too! But I haven't looked at the email yet... I can't.

I was cleaning out my inbox and saw an alert for a Fulbright email just now... I simply cannot look at it yet. I'm SO nervous of being let down...

Nope. I refuse to look at my essays. I KNOW it'll wreck me, haha. And yup. Just like my gif-infested post from last night, I didn't get to bed until about 5 or 6am. And I had a dream last night, too! When I finally fell asleep... I had a dream everyone heard back at 5:30 or so, but I was watching everyone else calmly... No clue if I got it or not, and I wasn't stressed about it. I just... Watched everyone else's excitement.

I can't sleep. So good luck to everyone on here and any lurkers who haven't made an account! I'm gonna try my darnedest to stay away from anything that could give me feedback about the notification. Today's the day, y'all... Today's the day... *sigh* Good night.

Hm? How do you know? I'm sitting here reading too much into my Fulbright advisor's email right now. Lol

This is honestly so relieving to me. WELP. I'm off to try and dull my anxieties with cooking, baking, language studies... And practically anything else to keep my hands busy. Hopefully that'll prevent me from imploding? *crosses fingers*

... Do they know in advance?? Waaa??

I could not figure out how to post gifs on here earlier, but if I figure it out... This is my gif of choice for the news: And this is how I felt when I had finally accepted the 2 week wait until our notification, but learned it was moved up to THIS FRIDAY!!

Yes! I didn't even know this thread existed until about two weeks ago. I looked at everything BUT this thread (because I didn't know of its existence), and grasped for anyone who understood the communal struggle and anxiety. And now here I am! It does feel good to have a community that understands. I'm getting more and more excited, and less worried about what news I may get from this notification that's coming up so soon! Knowing me? I'll probably shut both my computer and phone off all Friday to extend the anticipation... Because I'll be so worried the day of, what the email holds. Haha!

Are you relieved to just be able to tell them something? Because we'd still have to wait to hear if we've officially made it after this finalist round if I'm not mistaken. But I agree, I've found myself holding my tongue several times because of the pressure of family. I've been ready to distance myself a bit, because I don't know if I can handle much more myself. I've been counting down until graduation, now is my chance to embark on a great opportunity and be at peace with myself and to get to learn who I am as a person.

... Are you me? Haha, I graduated on the 21st, and I didn't tell my family about Fulbright either. ... In all honesty I'm still trying to figure out when to tell anyone in my family... I feel like I should wait until the FINAL notification comes around, and after I've applied for my passport around that time... before I tell family. But same... I get asked my plans, and am being pressured to go to grad school NOW, when I wanna take a gap year to breathe/figure things out/possibly build up credentials and finances to go to grad school.

So many emotions at one time! I'm hyperventilating juuust a little! I was NOT expecting a pushed up date like that!

I second this news, my Fulbright advisor has just emailed me the news about the date being pushed up to this Friday as well!! OoOoOoooh... I feel sick!