zacharylamel

I had to search for the lowest one-way airfare from my permanent address (Seattle) into Brussels. Then I had to send them a copy of the potential flight, which they then approved (or could've denied). I bought the ticket, and they sent me a check in US dollars the next day. I'm sure this varies from country to country, but it was efficient and painless. Hope this helps.

Is SAS a Swedish carrier, or from a different scandinavian country? For my grant to Belgium, I had to follow the Fly America Act or fly with a Belgian carrier. You might have that same benefit.

Were you able to find a ticket that accommodated your return date? I'm supposed to be in Belgium through June 30th and can't find anything yet. Does STA go that far out if you go into the store? Online it won't let me search that far in advance.

The good thing, though, is that the Fulbright Commission in Belgium just told me to find the cheapest flight, show them the receipt, and they'll reimburse me in euros when I get to Brussels. The euros should be helpful in getting a flatshare and initial move-in things.

For Belgium, we have to fly either US or Belgian carriers. Maybe it's the same for whichever country you're going to...

I'd think that Mkurti is right; you have probably been removed from the alternate list and been awarded a grant. Let us know what happens!

I went to India back in Fall of 2005 and my visa was processed and back to me within three weeks. I remember sending the papers in just around my birthday (August 6th) and it was back to me by the time I went on a family vacation late-August (I'd say around August 24th). If you send it there overnight and give them an overnight envelope (about $20) to send it back to you, you should have it quickly. They say it takes forever, I think, for formality's sake and in case there is something wrong with your application. The other option is flying to the nearest consulate, applying in person, and having your visa within a few hours. I'm in a similar situation. I am going to Egypt for two months this summer and will have roughly 6 weeks to get my visa for Belgium. I called and they suggested I fly down to LA and process it all in person as you can have the visa right away. Hope this helps.

My vote: YES, DEFINITELY. Take the job, nemolover. Fulbright is not going anywhere but that job might never be an opportunity to you again.

I know I've posted this before, but check with your university. My university told me to have the doctor bill me as though I had no insurance and then just give them the bill. Universities relish in having fellowship winners, especially international fellowship winners, so they don't want you to become indebted due to this. Just express some concern and maybe they'll help out.

Hey everyone-looking-for-abroad-experience: An old professor just e-mailed this to me. The Foundation for Sustainable Development is looking for two Program Coordinators, hired as a fellowship, to work in Kenya. It seems solid entry-level international development experience. Here is the link for more information: http://www.fsdinternational.org/about/jobs/fellowships

Any rejected or alternate-ed finalists in the Seattle area looking for a job? I will have to leave my job come mid-June, and I've been put in charge of finding my replacement. Check out www.teacherswithoutborders.org and let me know if you may be interested in working with the organization. I can answer any of your questions if you send them my way. It's a chill place to work, lots of neat international programming, and a nice location in Pioneer Square. I thought I'd check here since Fulbright applicants tend to be good workers, take initiative, all the good stuff. Okay, let me know! - zach

You know, I'm sure Rachel and the other Program Managers peruse this website from time to time. I know if I were them I would. They're probably all expecting a bunch of phone calls. The good news is that Rachel, I believe, had a Fulbright to Morocco, so she can empathize. But man, I feel like we all know that we will most likely get a letter Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and possibly Wednesday. For as much as we've all been heckling them, I give them all lots of credit for still being friendly with us! Haha. Anyway, keep up the good work guys. The Fulbright community is already working for each other!

Not from the Southeast, but from the Northwest. It would probably take just as long if not longer to reach me. Anyway, it was postmarked April 9th and I got it on April 13th. Not that bad, actually. Hope this helps...

I just got my manila envelope sending me to Belgium on an ETA. So glad the wait is over!!

I'm in a similar situation. I haven't yet received news from the Fulbright, but I also got a fellowship for the summer which requires medical clearance, so I need two forms completed. I contacted the fellowships advisor at my university and they said the university will cover the medical expenses. Having fellowship winners is good for a university, so they don't want to lose you to something which is a pretty minimal expense to them. So contact your fellowship advisor; maybe they could help you out.

Just got my acceptance letter yesterday! I need to call them on Monday to talk about funding, but the admission definitely feels good.

So I just got off the phone with a really nice lady at Rachel Holskin's desk in NY. I applied for an ETA to Belgium, and she said the letters are in the mail tomorrow, April 9! I'm not sure if this is just for Belgium, or if it will be for other European countries too. Though, Belgium only has 2 ETA spots, and I believe 5 research grants, so I'm assuming other people will be notified in tomorrow's mailing. I'm in Seattle, so I probably won't hear until Monday or Tuesday of next week. Sad. Good luck!

Hi, I've been accepted to Middlebury College's MA in French program in Paris. I would most likely specialize in Language, Culture, and Society, or Linguistics. Has anyone done this program? Or has anyone completed the master's degree at any of Middlebury's overseas programs? Any information about how they are run or how the programs stack up as prep programs to PhD programs would be helpful. How quality are they? I know the summer institutes are raved about, but I'm unclear as to the reputation and quality of the complete MA program. Thanks!

I'm curious, too. I will be abroad this summer until mid-August and don't want that to interfere with anything related to the Fulbright, especially considering orientations are generally mandatory. The Belgium ETA program only has 2 spots, so I'm hoping it's pretty flexible. So anxious to get any kind of information. I called Rachel the other day to change my mailing address, and she didn't say things had already been mailed out, so I'm guessing no news on Belgium ETA for at least a week.

I contacted my number one grad program today, and they told me that letters will be sent out at the end of the week. That means that I will probably get the letter around April 10th...that means 5 days to weigh all options and get decisions to the schools. Would a school really admit someone at the end of the wire like that, or should I expect a rejection? Just curious to see what has happened in the past.

Has anyone else gotten finalist status for an ETA to Belgium? It's good to hear that most things are done via post. Anyone know who I should contact to update my address with the Fulbright people? My advisor at the university hasn't gotten back to me yet...