SVN

Thanks for the input, guys. This is never an easy decision, either way. I think what compounds my uncertainty about academia is exactly that constant moving. I'm simply not sure that I love my field so much that I'm willing to uproot everything every few years. My folks are fine (well, as fine as they can be) about this potential move. It's simply what I feel--and, I guess, accepting that it's OK that I feel that the moves required by a life in academia may not be for me (rather than during therapy after 5 years of school to cure my constant anxiety). You've got to know yourself.. The phone call is this afternoon...it's gonna be a hell of a day!

Thanks, goldielocks. I really don't want to waste their time. As for the uncertain about the PhD part...I'd feel a lot more certain about it if I could do it closer to home. But the dual ambivalence...well, I think it might be enough to derail me in the first year.

I was silly and applied to a top grad History program across the country. I've since realized I am not interested right now in moving across the country for 6 years, away from my family. I'm also not entirely convinced a History PhD is right for me. I have what I think is a phone interview tomorrow, introduced by an e-mail that says, 'Don't be anxious, the news is good.' I'd like to withdraw my app for this year and give myself a bit more time to think about whether this truly is the right program for me, and whether I'm willing to move across the country to do it. Deferral is not an option here. Do you think it's possible to withdraw while leaving open the possibility of reapplying to this program in the future? It is entirely possible that, after next year, I will feel more at ease with both the program and the distance. I don't want to burn bridges at the school or in my field--my main concern.

For those of you wondering, I have decided to stay for the rest of the year! For future readers or others contemplating the heave-ho: I have been reassured by professors and friends that leaving early wouldn't be a catastrophe, and most professors or employers would have no idea about the actual length of stay. Best of luck to you all!

Thanks for the response, Ahab. In our Thanksgiving Skype call my parents threatened me with countless horror stories about how I'm throwing my future away and no one will ever look at my resume again etc, but I need some more on-the-ground input. I'm looking into other job options in a nearby metropolis right now. I'm wary of leaving my position without another one lined up. Ahab, ıf you wouldnt mind sending me more ınformatıon from your friend ın a message, I would greatly appreciate it.

Hi all: I"m a current Fulbright ETA grantee considering leaving early. It's nothing to do with my living situation or my country--both are great! I simply don't like teaching as I thought I would. Not only do I not like it, it stresses me out, gives me anxiety problems, and makes me dread every morning. I like my students, it's simply the act of teaching I despise. And this feeling I know won't get any better. I should have applied for a research grant, but I believe that ship has sailed. I'm going to finish this first semester in January then re-evaluate my position--and possibly quit. My questions for this board are, what negative repercussions do you think leaving a Fulbright grant early will have? I'm not talking about financial issues, but more resume and grad school/future job issues. --How bad will it look to have Fulbright on my resume for only 5-6 months instead of the full 9-month period? --Will grad schools/employers actually contact Fulbright to ask why I didn't complete the term? --Will I be missing out substantial Fulbright alum networking? --Will this affect potential grant applications in the future? Don't know if you'd know the answers to these questions, but I'm throwing them out there anyway. Good luck with your applications, all!

No worries about jacking--just easier to keep conversations separated!

Hey guys- It may make more sense to start a new thread for next year. There's still plenty that 2010-2011 grant recipients will be discussing here and I feel like these conversations will become very confusing. Why not start a 2011-2012 thread?

Hey guys--add your placements to the spreadsheet. So excited to get more news!

OK, spoke to Rachel last night: we should aim to be in Turkey in early September. Also, there is a possibility of a DC orientation in late August for us, too. Since they apparently increased the Turkey ETA positions by sixfold, the Turkey Fulbright board is running a bit slower than usual. We should receive city/university placement letters at some point during the next month.

I think I may have spoken too soon. Looking at academic years at Turkish universities, it seems their start dates vary from early to late September. I have no idea what to expect! If anyone finds out, please let us know. I need to give my boss my confirmed last date of work really soon.

Per a vacation e-mail message, Rachel's away until Tuesday, May 25th. Hopefully you can reach her then!

That sounds about right. I think we have plenty of time for visa applications (I believe we don't have to be there until late September, judging from last year.) I think everything is dependent on health clearance, including placement.

This certainly influences my desire to participate in the program, which was motivated by a side project that could really only be accomplished in Turkey's Eastern/Mediterranean cities. Also, would much rather prefer to be in a high school than a university (I have high school teaching experience), but emphasized uni desire on my application because that was what was available. Hmmm....wish we had known about this before! Oh well, the waiting continues...

All it means is that they won't give decisions over the phone. They can't verify who you are by just your voice, so it's a safety precaution.