billinturkey

Essentially that is what happens, but it's the same board that manages the entire higher education system. They have a lot to get through, especially as an academic year is drawing to a close.

They applications have been passed on for final approval. No one, including Rachel, Ayse, or Secil, really knows how long that will take. It shouldn't take very long, but it potentially could take a while. If you e-mail anybody at this point, they're just going to tell you a long time because their mailboxes are already full of such requests. Last year we were notified on June 10. Just be glad you're all ahead of that schedule.

I don't think they do. The Turkish crowd is better aware of the needs here anyway. Also, Secil has been involved with Fulbright for a long time, and Ayse is from Brooklyn, so they both have pretty close connections with the American Fulbright people.

Hey Turkey ETA candidates. I'm currently an ETA in Turkey, and have some information you might like. The way the process works is that the Turkish FB comission selects the people they want from the applications that were forwarded to them from Rachel and her people in the US. They forward these selections to YOK, the higher education council in Turkey. Those decisions were forwarded about 2 or 3 days ago. It is hard to know how long YOK will take, especially because they are under new leadership, but it shouldn't be all that long. Quick tip, though, from someone who waited until June 10th for a decision. As tempting as it is to e-mail Rachel and Secil, it really doesn't help. The matter is out of their hands now. Also, whatever you do, don't try to get in touch with YOK. Pushing Turkish government people makes them move slower. It's something you'll learn to appreciate and love when you live here, but I know for now it is extremely frustrating. Anyway, good luck to you all. It shouldn't be much longer, and it's certainly going to be better than last year. Like I said, June 10th was our date. Made graduation somewhat awkward and terrifying.