rugby

Yes, I am pretty sure they adjust the stipend based on the country and location. For example, in India they give a higher housing allowance for those doing research or teaching in cities as opposed to towns or villages. You would probably starve if you tried to live on our stipend in London!

What field? What is your future earning potential? Grad school isn't always the answer - I think a lot of people foolishly borrow a ton of money to get a degree that doesn't earn them a whole lot more money. On the other hand, if it is a ticket into a good paying job that you enjoy, then 20k is a relatively small amount to pay. You'll just have to get used to living on nothing to get those loans paid off.

For the individual grants? As best I can understand it, India grants can be activated in mid-August, though you can choose to start later if needed.

Yes, the address that was listed is: U.S. Student Programs Institute of International Education 809 United Nations Plaza New York, NY 10017

Probably zero to none, but I guess it all depends on the wording. See if you can get the original 12k as a fellowship rather than a tuition waver. In my experience, though, external funding almost always replaces (rather than supplements) departmental commitments. Good luck!

I am not an expert, but I did have a FLAS for two years. From what I hear, FLAS awards are very competitive, at least the full-year grants. The drawback is that you have to be at an institution that has a FLAS program. The application is similar to the Fulbright, with a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation. I believe the summer FLAS is open to everyone, however. Hope that helps!

As best I understand it from my Fulbright adviser, if you haven't received notification of principle or alternate status, you are essentially out of the running. I am not sure why they would do the notification in that order, but I've been told that I should assume I am not receiving a grant...

Sunbeam, I have the same concerns. I am not about to email my bank information to someone! I am going to send them an email tomorrow and try to sort out an alternative (probably call and give them my information verbally?) I have another practical concern, would be interested to know what you all think. After applying for the Fulbright to study in Chennai and receiving some critical feedback as to the location of my research, I subsequently applied for other grants based on research in Kolkata. Now I have the dilemma of having been accepted to the Fulbright but wanting to change the location (same research question and research plan.) I wonder if Fulbright India will have a problem with this? Do you think they dole out Fulbrights geographically, so that there is some sort of mix between cities/states?

Fulbrightest, please, take it somewhere else. I suspect you are just having some fun (not sure if it is possible for a real person to be as arrogant and clueless as you sound), but this thread has been a place for positive reinforcement and mutual support. If you want to pick fights, please do it through private messages instead.

I just got back from the doctor setting up my medical clearance. Eeeek. With all the required tests and physical (none of which is covered by by student insurance), the total cost is over $350. I am curious whether Fulbright helps out at all with this? I think probably not...

Just curious, why would you only apply to a single PhD program?

They all say that. The so-called "entry level development paradox." Trust me, put a good face forward in your application, letters, interviews, and show them you won't crack after 2 weeks in a developing country and want to go home, and you will have a fair shot.

This is all really solid advice. I am in (nearly) the same boat, doing a PhD in urban planning and dependent on an external funder in order to do field research. I applied to SSRC, both Fulbrights, and AIIS this year, in addition to some planning specific grants, and was turned down by everything but Fulbright (no official word from FH yet, but got the unofficial word.) The moral of the story is that you have to aim pretty wide and hope you hit something, because any one reviewer can kill an application. The AIIS feedback I received was very positive, except for one person who disliked my research proposal. I am amazed at how much better my applications got as time went on - write grants early and often!

I'll be based in Kolkata, on a research grant in urban planning.

Postmarked April 16th, received today (April 20th) in upstate New York...