hobakie

Did anyone hear back about interviews yet? Specifically for Chinese?

I definitely said I was done with this topic. That meant done with this topic as in do not mention nor @ me again.

My tone didn't change until the OP's did. Whether anyone was offended by it or not is no longer of concern for me. My biggest annoyance is listening or watching others be clearly ungrateful and condescending for the opportunity presented to us especially when it is optional. Had the question been framed solely in a way that reflected curiosity over the stipend amount it wouldn't have gotten to that point. Instead it was full of complaints and whining about money, which we are fortunate enough to even be getting let alone debating. I understand wanting to keep whatever semblance of peace on this forum however when you place blatant entitlement on a public space do not expect everyone to want to play nice. That being said I'm done with this topic and no longer want to be mentioned in it. Thank you kindly and in advance.

Since when is a paid fellowship poverty? You know what ,yes, thankfully you will be there autumn and not the summer. I do not have the energy nor tact to respectfully play along with your complaints and excuses. Good luck sir you will need it.

1. if you are eating bland noodles everyday in China that's YOUR problem. I have always been able to get good and cheap food, if you are eating the plain stuff you are doing it wrong. Burgers can't always be your go to, it's China fam. 2. We both know sim cards are stupid cheap so don't play as are metro cards, you could also invest in a bike. 3. It's summer not winter. 4. There's also plenty of free and fun things to do in one of the largest countries in the world that don't include partying or drinking. Once again sounds like you are doing it wrong. 5. If the stipend was 500 a month why would you not plan ahead when it comes to credit cards and loans? This isn't the full grant, you can't get full grant benefits, it's an additional language program meant to enhance the project, if you do not think it's economically sound do not go, wait until your year long grant. You sound very much like the type of person who I dislike when they are in China. "Break teeth on 10 quai dumplings" if you are that weary and afraid and picky of the food why go?

Housing and the program is paid for separately. The stipend is for food. What do you mean living on? Furthermore there is nothing wrong with me, y'all on the other hand seem to have problems managing money. Good luck with that though?

No you are right you do sound like a defensive ass. I'm not seeing your point, China is cheap I've been there plenty of times as I am sure you have been, the only time I do spend a lot of money is on the rare occasion I want to eat at a western restaurant or a night out drinking. We aren't living in Hong Kong Beijing Shanghai nor any other city where the cost of living is considerably higher. Further more it's for 3.5 months. They provide housing and expenses for the language academy what more do you need aside from meals and the occasional toiletries? There have been numerous other students on a CLEA who have done fine with their stipends. If I am being honest, yes I do not think you should have come on here to voice that particular concern because it sounds ungrateful and entitled. Had it been a concern about the year long stipend I'd understand since you are responsible for all expenses but since thats not the case I can't empathize. If you are spending more than 500 a month on food then that's something you need to reevaluate personally, not the fault of the program.

Your story for why that particular country is what is more important and having family there isn't compelling enough. Those other applicants will not only have the language skills but since they've learned to that extent they will obviously have a more compelling why Italy story. Do not worry about the requirements (unless they are strict such as something being required) and instead focus on how and why you are tied to that country. It will make your essays more compelling and convincing.

I got the CLEA for Harbin summer as well and I do not think the stipend is too low. 500 dollars a month in North China can go a long way. Even if you were to spend 100 kuai a day on food, which is a lot, you'd still have some left over. Fulbright spent 14,000 for the language program so I do not think being frustrated over a smaller than expected stipend is warranted. It's mentioned many times on this forum but no one should go into Fulbright for the money, there are other much more generous fellowships for that if that's what you want. Additionally part of the grant is learning to survive in the host country. 500 a month is a lot more than some people make in Harbin and they can make ends meet and still eat well and such, you are going to have to adjust to China and learn to be more economic. I apologize if my post comes off as if I am chastising you, but you should be more realistic about the situation especially given that CLEA isn't a necessity but a privilege.

From what I understood you just need two years of a romance language. Spanish will be fine. Portuguese is honestly like a Spanish French Italian mix in my opinion so starting from one of those is probably what they are more concerned about than anything since you will be able to pick up Portuguese a lot faster. Much of the grammar is similar, it's just vocabulary differences. I don't know too many non native Portuguese speakers nor any true programs that focus on it. I say give it a shot.

Its been close to two weeks but I haven't heard back about documents for China. I even emailed asking about that and CLEA and still no response. All we can do is wait more I guess

The way my fulbright advisor made it seem was as if everyone is judged against one another regardless of background. It's what made it that much harder applying as a soon to be BA candidate because I had to complete against PhDs who likely had an ongoing project and or thesis that the Fulbright could contribute to. It's not impossible tho?

Yea I was accepted into CET Harbin summer term early january so I don't see it as a factor, I also asked CET back then and they operate separately from Fulbright until you win or not win the grant. So you can get accepted and then when you find out they'll either continue or forfeit your app. From what I heard from other applicants it is really project dependent, so if you need the language you should be able to get it. I know a few people with more than two years that have gotten them. Im hoping that won't be held against me though because I have 5 years but still would like to do the CLEA for my project's purposes. Which part of China will you be in? Im in Guangzhou.

If you don't mind me asking were you notified about CLEA at the same time or is it separate? (if you have applied for one)

I've honestly haven't heard of that happening before. Did they say they rescinded your finalist status? Maybe it was just to pressure you for the late transcript?