edon16

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. 

I have a general question about the medical form. Does anyone have an idea of what grounds you can be disqualified on?
In particular I am a little worried that I might not receive medical clearance because I mention in the form that I have suffered from/received treatment for depression and anxiety in the past. I'm assuming it's not a big deal, but I'm starting to stress about it just because of how much of a loss it would be now that I've put so much time into the application process.
I've never been seriously mentally ill or hospitalized, just a somewhat sad and nervous person who has been to a few psychotherapists in the past to try to help address it. If anyone has any suggestions about ways of effectively contextualizing this in the form, please let me know.
Is it worth worrying about this, or is it something they would consider negligible? Has anyone ever heard of someone being disqualified on similar grounds?
Thanks a lot

Hey! I'm in a similar boat with panic/anxiety disorder. I submitted my medical clearance several weeks ago and I still haven't heard back (I'm trialing some new medication right now and that was included in the report from my doctor). I'll let you know what happens in my case! 

I GOT THE FULBRIGHT ETA TO INDONESIA!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SO EXCITED RIGHT NOW!!
 

There is one document, the terms and conditions, that you can download from the admitted portal. It's about 10 pages and requires you to initial each page, and sign at the bottom. This can be uploaded to the portal ASAP. Hold on to the pdf.
 
Peru did not contact for almost a week after I was notified. The response time for the email from the commissions is country specific - once you get this email, they should send two or three documents.
1) the terms and conditions (which you've already completed and submitted to IIE hopefully) which you can already return assuming you've saved the copy you uploaded to the people in NYC.
2) The Grant Award document. This was one page for me, and details my grant start date, length, monthly stipend amount, and requires a signature. This will be emailed back to your contact in the commission, and will need to be uploaded in the IIE portal for approval as well.
3) I received a questionnaire asking for details on my passport, photos, expected departure and arrival dates, dependent information, and details on my affiliation for the consulate to get me a research for the duration of my stay. I don't know if all countries include this, but it's a possibility.
 
Hope this helps clarify somewhat. Be patient!

I am also super confused about this. I got my finalist notification a week ago from IIE but I haven't heard anything from the Commission yet (even though I already uploaded the two documents on the self service portal and have been approved). Can the ETAs in Colombia chime in to see if you have received word from the commission there? 
Also, the instructions on the finalist resource website said to upload the terms and conditions page to the self-service portal and to send a copy to the Fulbright Commission of your country. Does that mean to e-mail over the signed terms and conditions to the Fulbright commission contact listed in the website? (I feel really, really incompetent right now, but I have been re-reading everything three times to make sure I didn't miss anything and I am still confused??). 

Y'all, if you need a place to stay in Bulgaria then you can hit me up. I'm going to be an ETA there!!! I LOVE EVERYONE SO MUCH.

Y'all, if you need a place to stay in Bulgaria then you can hit me up. I'm going to be an ETA there!!! I LOVE EVERYONE SO MUCH.

Going to have a drink tonight for this forum. I have never been so engaged in a dialogue with as much momentum as i did this. Everyone here was so friendly and helpful, and reminded me of why i chose to pursue graduate school in the first place. To be surrounded by like-minded scholars such as you guys makes the world of a difference in me continuing to work hard and strive for higher education. Also, that google spreadsheet was impressive. Wow! The force is real. If the planets are aligned right, I hope to run into some of you in the future. 

Cheers. Don't stop reaching for those goals. If you have come this far, you have come a long way.
 

I GOT IT OMG I AM DYING!

Good morning everyone! Another day of insanity! My attitude toward notifications (at this point in time) has basically turned to this:

I am going to Colombia  !!!!!!

OMG I am a semi-finalist for a Research Grant to Colombia and haven't gotten anything D: My heart stopped because there was one from my FPA and I literally felt my heart tendons stretch out in stress. It was just an e-mail saying if we hear anything to let her know. FFS I just want to know what the heck is going to happen to me in the next year D: D: D: D: 

I am also a Kentucky teacher who spent the morning refreshing my email-- definitely not a healthy habit!  Good luck and hope you hear back soon  

From the spreadsheet it looks like Colombia ETA has been notified!

I'm so over this whole process. ?

It seems like it's more of a formality.  On page four it outlines the final selection process.
 
http://gradfellows.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/Fulbright-Selection-Process.pdf

It's awful - but lets stay hopeful and say we can all grab a coffee when we meet in Sophia!

It's honestly worse that they split notifications this year because now the spreadsheet feels kind of useless. I just thought we'd have to survive until our country notified. 

Netherlands did the same thing!  And if the excel document is all correct, several other countries have as well. They're just getting our hopes up!

Here's hoping more people found out tomorrow and later this week! Good luck everyone!

I hope the luck of the Irish helps everyone today! Because I forgot what day it was...

I'M SENDING ALL MY GOOD VIBES TO YOU. CAPS LOCKED. FINGERS CROSSED. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Selected for research to Bulgaria! Congratulations to everyone else, and patience and good vibes to the alternates! You're all amazing. Anyone else going to be in Sofia this fall?

***opens up computer***
***gets messenger notification that my best friend just received the NSF GRFP***
***freaks out uncontrollably for her***
***checks my email***
***sees the Fulbright notification for Bulgaria Research***
***sees an A***
***"FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU*****************KKKKK***
In reality, I am incredibly grateful to have made it this far and to have shared the anxiety waiting with all of you. Fingers crossed, I can be promoted!!!! GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!