rachaelskaya

I'm applying to English PhD programs and very worried about not getting in anywhere as well! I'm teaching abroad now and have considered spending another year overseas, teaching and hopefully doing some language studies to improve my application. It's just too bad that by the time we are sure we won't get in anywhere it's too late in the year to take another class or otherwise improve our applications much. Except for the SOP and writing samples, which sound like they might be the most important part of the application for English anyway...

I'm 29, will be 30 when I start school, if I get in (fingers crossed!). It's a little intimidating to think about studying with a bunch of 22 year-olds, but I've been wanting to go back for years. I've spent my time doing related work, and am hoping that will help: I got my MA in comp. lit., taught English at a high school for two, ESL abroad for two, and now am teaching at the university level as a Peace Corps volunteer. I'm not sure how much weight real-world experience is given in the field of English literature though. Any ideas?

Hi all, I'm an American applying to English Ph.D. programs, and up til now have only been considering American schools. Some schools in the UK and Canada interest me, but the difference in the standard Ph.D. program in the UK (i.e. degree in 3 years instead of 5-7, minimal classwork, higher cost of living) has been enough to put me off. I'm really interested in some of the faculty at the University of British Columbia though, and am wondering about the differences between pursuing a Ph.D. in the US vs. Canada. Specifically: What is funding like for Canadian Ph.D. programs? I am only considering schools that offer 4+ years of tuition scholarships, insurance, and a living stipend. Summer funding is obviously ideal as well. Do Ph.D. programs in Canada give preference to Canadians for admissions/funding? What is the job market like in the US for Canadian Ph.D.s? Would I be at a disadvantage? What, if any, are the differences between studies at a Canadian vs. American university, in regards to access to professors, the dissertation advisor system, time to degree, size of classes, student community, required courses, etc.? Obviously some of this is on the university website, but I'm interested in people's experiences. I'm considering working part-time to help pay the bills, and I've seen that American Ph.D. students in Canada are able to obtain work visas. Does anyone have any experience with that? How challenging is it for an American to get a Canadian work visa, and how likely is it that I would find some sort of a part-time job (and balance it with my studies)? Any other advice from those who are applying to/have applied to/are studying at Canadian Ph.D. programs? Thanks and good luck to everyone on their applications!