deconstructing

This thread is fairly old, but I hope there are people familiar with Edmonton who can offer some tips. Especially when it comes to finding a flat/room. I won't be able to arrive before the last week of August, so I'm not sure what's the best way to go when it comes to finding a place to stay.

To know if you'll need to send money to your family. (I mean, if you'll use your scholarship/TA money to support your family back home). Though I guess it all depends on your coutnry of citizenship.

Do they ask you about situation at home and your family? (As in, how will they support themselves while you're away?)

Yes, it's good to know. Though I personally assumed that it's always better to show as much money as possible and as strong ties to your home country as possible. For example, they don't require you to own a property, but if you do, it's good to mention it, etc. So I don't think showing that you have more than minimal requirement is a bad thing. I think it can only be a plus, imo. Maybe it depends on where you're from.

Yes, I suppose you're right. I guess I'm just panicking. And I actually thought that getting accepted would be the hardest part!

That's good to know! Though I suppose a lot depends on one's citizenship. People from developing countries have a harder time getting a study permit, AFAIK.

That's true. The thing is, I do own a home (not a house, but an apartment). What I lack is steady/full time employment. I hope it won't be a huge minus. In any case, that sounds encouraging!

I own an apartment in my home country and I have a husband, but I don't have a permanent job. Is that ok? I mean, we are students. I've dedicated years of my life to my studies. There was just not time for a big career. As for bank account, I have that, but not much money on it, I'm afraid. (My scholarship + TA cover my living expenses as well as tuition fees).

I have a similar problem (I think). I need to apply for a Canadian study permit but I don't know how to make my case stronger (or if it's needed to make it stronger than it already is). I'm admitted to a PhD program at a Canadian university, and I received my admission letter stating that all tuition fees are covered + that I have a yearly scholarship of CAD$10,000 + a TA (of unspecified amount). Does this sound enough? I don't really have much money on my own, except of the ticket and some when I get there. Also, what about your home situation? Proving ties to your home country? What do they ask/what constitutes a proof? The tricky part is that I don't have a steady job in my country, given that I've been a student for the past 5+ years (BA studies, two MAs, etc.) No idea if that can be a problem. I mean, I am not sure if they require you to show you have a job in your home country if you're a student... How can you be a student with a steady job? (At least it's impossible here).

Thank you! I guess it's all I needed to know.

Thanks for the help! I know it's competitive; it goes without saying. I was just trying to find some solid info because U of A website was full of broken links last time I checked (at least when it comes to anthropology, which is what I'm mostly interested in). I can see that they've fixed most of them by now but the info provided is not detailed enough. For example: http://gradstudies.ualberta.ca/awardsfunding/scholarships/recruitment/doctoralrecruitment.aspx There doesn't seem to be any information on the scholarship amount or what it covers. It's just an example. I know my question is pretty basic and too broad and it's not like I am lazy to do my homework. I just wanted to make sure there is full funding provided. I understand it makes the whole process super-competitive, but since I can't study without full funding, being accepted without funding means nothing to me. Thanks for the help and links and once again, I apologize for asking such a broad/basic question!

Sorry for a potentially dumb thread, but I was wondering about scholarship/fellowship/assistantship situation for PhD students in Canada. I know US universities offer plenty of opportunities for this type of PhD funding, but I can't seem to find anything conclusive about Canada (save for the Vanier scholarship, but it's very prestigious and I don't even dream to reach that high... or maybe I should?) I am a prospective international student interested in humanities and social sciences. I'm particularly interested in the University of Alberta. Once again, I am sorry for this basic question but I can't seem to find any solid info on this. Are TA practiced in Canada and how does this reflect tuition fees and living costs (is it possible to pay for both with your TA or a scholarship)?

I see. I guess I was confused because admissions rarely mention your Master's degree.

Yes, it does seem like my thing. Will have to search more about it. Generally speaking, though: you believe it's better to stick to a clear field (for example, anthropology) than to go this way, especially since it's a) interdisciplinary and b ) I'm not a historian? (Obviously, you can't decide for me, but you know more about how the things go in the US).

I see. Thanks for the info. I was unsure, because people are often all about "nooooooooo, get away from pure humanities if you can!!!!" so I thought, perhaps focusing on science would be a better move. On the other hand, I've heard so much about "staying away from interdisciplinary fields" so I don't know what to do. The thing is, I am NOT a historian. I am an archaeologist switching to anthropology. I'd taken some history courses but it's just not enough (plus, it was ancient history). Due to various circumstances, I don't have much, if any field experience in archaeology, but I've done some anthropological research so I'm generally stronger there. But no history. Sometimes, I think finding the exact filed that's the closest to my interests is the best, but on the other hand, I don't want to go for something completely obscure with zero job prospects. So your advice would be to find a good match within anthropology, rather than pursuing history of science? Oh, but that Pennsylvania's history and sociology of science program sounds so good...