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...

This sub-field is relatively common in UK and continental Europe, but what about North America? How do things go? I suppose there aren't specialized programs or departments, but are there certain universities aiming for this type of research? To be clear: I'm talking about anthropology of material culture, not archaeology.

Thanks for the fast reply! I'll sure check out the the History of Science Society. I've found some programs I might be interested in (especially those more along the lines of "history and sociology" of science than "history and philosophy"). I'm just so new in this whole thing. But since my Master's research and thesis deals with science (in a different way, but still) AND considering all of my papers were along the same line AND considering I am hopelessly "in-between" when it comes to natural sciences and humanities, history of science might seem like a goof fit. What are (potential) job perspectives, though? I've heard people in interdisciplinary fields are having a harder time than those who are more specialized in one particular field. I'm not necessarily looking for a job in the US, but I'd like to know what's going on.

Well, we ARE mighty hot. That goes without saying. But I don't think grad school has anything to do with this type of social awkwardness. It's just that it's perhaps more tolerated in the grad school environment.

I apologize if this isn't the right place for my question. I'm just unsure where to get more info about history of science and technology. Is it considered part of History departments in the US, or is is more interdisciplinary, or leaning towards science departments? Here's the thing: my main field is anthropology (and archeology), but the nature of my research (and general interest in science, as well as several university courses in mathematics and astronomy) is often leaning towards sociology and anthropology of science (science in culture, the perception of science in society, science and heritage... that sorts of things). I know it's not really what most history of science programs are about, but all of my published papers were along these themes and I am interested in these issues. So I thought I might check history of science programs. I've found some good ones, but I'd like to hear other people's opinions. How are these programs treated in the US? (I'm an international student). Are they seen as humanities/social sciences or more like interdisciplinary/natural science front? Where is a good place to ask?

I'm not really familiar with the US system... As I understand, the first 2 years are the course years and are generally considered as Masters (but I suppose international applicants with Masters degrees will have to take these course years anyway). After that, it's mostly your research, right? (Wrong?) So who says you have to spend 5 more years working on your research and thesis? Does that depend on your individual research, or are you obligated to spend 5 years researching and writing your thesis? Sorry for the silly question. I am a bit confused and I guess I don't understand how it works.

That could be a factor, yes. But this is only a wild speculation.

Not sure about grad school, but I know there are people with this sort of an awkward communication style. These people don't seem to know how to have a relaxing chit chat - they turn everything into a serious discussion. I'm like this. I've always been like this. It didn't bring me much love and popularity in school, that's for sure, and I do know it's considered awkward but it has nothing to do with grad school level itself.

I'm another non-native speaker and yes, my verbal score is so bad I don't even wish to mention it. I hate the fact my reading comprehension score is bad, but after learning a few strategies, I can say I'm getting better. (The main strategy: read the passage carefully the first time! Yes, you will lose some time, but since all of the answers are similar to each other, you will have to go back at one point anyway.) There's no quick help for the other part of the verbal test. You have to learn all those words.

I do worry about this, but mainly when it comes to applications. I'm in my early 30s - will that make my application weaker? Plus, I'm an international student. I know there's no official rule on this, but I have no idea how it truly goes when it comes to admissions and funding. Are prospective graduate students discriminated against based on age? My problem is that I started my undergraduate studies late: I was 25. BA studies in my country are 4 year studies so I graduated at 29. I have a MA (I'll probably have another before I start my PhD), but I wonder if it's considered too old to be, say 33 when you start your graduate studies. (Well, is an applicant in her early 30s at a disadvantage when it comes to admissions?) I don't have a problem to be the oldest student in the cohort; I'm used to the feeling. I just worry about the admissions, especially since I'm an international applicant. I guess what I'm asking is whether age is a factor for admissions and funding (especially for Internationals) or not.

Thanks for the info! So, what would your advice be? Stick to private universities? Find public universities with a significant percentage of international students/universities promoting diversity? I am not sure how to approach this issue.