skydiamonds

I'm in a very similar position and am interested in any responses from those who have passed through this. If asked in the interview, what is the best response in order to justify a J over F visa, if the truth that we wish our partner's to have the right to work is inappropriate?

Hey all, I'm an international student that will be attending a Masters program in the States this Fall. With regards my health insurance for myself and my two dependents, paying for the university health insurance program seems to me to be my only option. And it is expensive: an annual premium of $12,555 for the 3 of us, compared to $3,021 for me alone. It is my understanding that as a non-US citizen I am ineligible for any Marketplace plans through healthcare.gov. I also am made ineligible through the resident requirement since we would move to the States only in September. I've looked into premium travel insurance which is a lot cheaper than the university plan, but this won't cover doctors visits and more general health maintenance. This seems to me to be unwise with a 1-year old son. The travel insurance typically covers unplanned or emergency hospital visits, along with other non-health related benefits. So this is a message to anyone that has been through this, can you perhaps recommend an alternative to the expensive university plans? Or are they my best option and I just need to factor that cost into my budget?

Thanks, your advice definitely helps. I'll take your recommendation and seek out students via academia.edu. All the best.

Hey folks, I have a decision to make in the next couple of weeks between a Masters in Anthropology at Columbia and one in Chicago's MAPSS. I have a good understanding of Chicago's programme because MAPSS is a relatively popular topic on these forums. Can anyone comment on Columbia's MA program who has gone through it? I'm aware it is unfunded, and Chicago funds applicants who they believe merit scholarship. I wish to compare the two universities both in terms of the reputation of the Masters programme and the onward chances of success at the PhD level. I'd also be interested to hear any thoughts on the strength of a Columbia MA in the job market within governmental and non-governmental organizations. How much attention does the MA student receive at Columbia, and if anyone has been through this programme, how was their experience? Would they recommend it? Any help with this difficult decision is much appreciated.