chemteachersrule

hey i put the name/title/country in the header of both of my essays and I got in. I wont say to do it but it is at your own risk. 

Maybe it is just my country or region (Kenya) but we were explicitly told we could not travel early. They said we could stay later than our grant but not before. I think it has something to do with the security etc.

From the website, it looks like Nepal has a host commission country. Indonesia contacted me three days later with all required documents for me to sign. Try emailing them

So, I just looked at the CLEA information and I do agree that it sends mixed messages. It does say that grantees "receive the same monthly maintenance stipends as for other Fulbright grants in the host country." It also says that funds are not available for transit, test fees, and a few other things. I agree that we should be able to trust Fulbright and, while I don't think they are being deceitful, I do think they need to be more transparent and note that while the amount awarded is technically the same, you aren't being paid a lump sum amount equal to your regular Fulbright amount (which honestly, makes sense consideirng they are paying tuition and for rent, so it should be less than the lump sum monthly amount). They should state you're being paid X amount minus expenses for A, B, C, totaling Y. Do I think they need to list that on the website? No. But I do think it should be included in grantee paperwork or in acceptance emails.
As for what @hobakie said, I agree with some of it, but I do think the tone was way out of line. Fulbright is very clear that the stipend is modest and that, in some cases, it may not be enough to live off of. I'm thinking of those placed in München who can expect to spend almost their entire grant stipend on housing. You certainly should not be expecting to pay down credit card debt or student loans using your Fulbright stipend. We apply knowing the financial limitations of Fulbright and if someone didn't know this beforehand, then I'm led to believe they didn't do their due diligence before applying for the grant. You can find this information by contacting previous Fulbrighters and looking at Fulbright focused blogs.
Additionally, I've seen a few people mention that Fulbright benefits those with wealthy parents or SOs or that Fulbright thinks its prestige and honor is a form of payment. I disagree with these statements. Of all the fellowships out there, Fulbright is the least restrictive on what they want IMO. They don't care that much about GPA, income level, etc. They want people who crave this opportunity and they especially want people who wouldn't be able to have this opportunity without a a funded grant. Sure, some people with have other financial resources if something happens (parents, SOs, etc.) but many of us will not. I know living off of $20,000 in the second most expensive city in the US that the financial struggle is real. I have student loans to pay. I have grocery bills, rent, and utilities to pay. I've learned to be frugal and yet still live life. Perhaps this is a skill set some of us will gain on Fulbright. That said, if someone wants to donate a billion dollars so we all can get paid more, not gonna complain  
Agree or disagree with me, but I do hope that future conversations can be less vicious and more helpful and productive. 

Promoted!

Wow! This is really cool and neat for Brazil to do this. 

Got this from an email 3 days ago from East Asia Pacific Program:
"PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION:  Grantees to non-Commission countries (aka Post grantees) are required to attend a Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) in Washington, D.C.  See the Resources page for the dates of the PDO for your Region.  The Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs and IIE will provide a range of Pre-Departure Resources including websites with information and country contacts and live Webinars on Grant Administration and in-country issues, such as visas and arrival.   The official PDO invitation emails should be sent out within the next 2 weeks and will provide information on how to register for the event and make travel/hotel arrangements.  Travel and hotel expenses will be covered by the Fulbright Program.   Your prompt attention to all requests for information, whether from this office or from the U.S. Embassy, will insure that you receive your grant payments on time."   Email had other frequently asked questions, but sounds like PDO will be solidified by May 5th

HOLY HECK GUYS I JUST GOT PROMOTED FROM ALTERNATE!!!!!
I'M GOING TO MALAYSIA!!!!!

Thank you! <3 Chem teachers rule indeed!

I am still checking and hoping you get it!! YOU GOT THIS!!  

Promoted from Alternate for Korea ETA yesterday! I don't think I've ever been more excited! I'm thrilled to meet some of you guys.
Have any Korea ETAs received their Grant Authorization Document yet? I'm eager to know the details of the grant, particularly our departure date!

congrats dude!!!  

Woohoo! Cambodia just announced, got selected for research! So glad the wait is finally over! Hope everyone who is waiting on results/clarification on alternate status hear back soon!!

Thailand ETA notified!! I got it!!! :))))

Just wanted to hear from you all: Are you guys posting on FB/Twitter/IG/any social media that you have received a Fulbright? Or is this something that you can not reveal? I could have sworn I read somewhere years back that you shouldnt reveal it on social media (maybe im dreaming)...ive been keeping it on the low and have told only select people. What are yall's thoughts?

CLINTON MALAWI FINALIST!!!

Hi, everyone!
 
I just found out that I'm a finalist for the ETA in Morocco!
sandralbertin & littlegate, your research projects sound so awesome (circuses and women's rights, two of my favorite things!) - I really hope you get selected in the end (and that you'll find another way to do your projects if not with the Fulbright). I'd love to be in touch. DM me!
 
Best,
Hodna
 

I'M AN ALTERNATE FOR MOROCCO RESEARCH!!! I KNOW OTHER PEOPLE ARE SAD ABOUT THIS BUT I AM V PROUD AND EXCITED! 

Wow, notifications for China out around 11am on April 6th when the last few years haven't been notified until April 20th or so at the earliest! Was not expecting that at all.
So happy to hear the good news so soon - selected as a finalist for a China research grant!  ^^ Wishing good luck to all of the other China semifinalists waiting to hear back today!

Take heart alternates - my best friend was promoted today to principal for the ETA in Colombia!

HOLY SHIT I'M A FINALIST FOR THE GERMANY ETA!!! This feels so surreal!!!
Congrats @jennymerri, @cruxclaire and to all of the other finalists!!!

Finalist for Germany ETA! I take back what I said about being annoyed with them, lol
 
Thanks for the moral support over these long weeks of waiting, everyone!

Not selected for ETA Germany. However, I was notified yesterday that I've been awarded a DAAD Graduate Study scholarship so I am still overjoyed! Congrats to everyone who was selected! It's been fun lurking on this page for awhile and I wish everyone the best of luck!

I'M A FINALIST!!!!!! ETA GERMANY!!

Waiting for Ireland to notify like...