Fulbright 2012-2013

[Biz]

also got a daad grant for the same project, so trying to decide which to accept. anybody have any thoughts?

The only thing I have heard about this is that DAAD has the potential to be extended for a second year to cover a two-year program. If this is necessary or important to you, it could be a deciding factor.

[smurfgurl22]

I may be thinking too much into this....but I'd say if they are asking about your transcripts, there's a very good chance you're going to get offered the grant. If they checked that EVERYONE who was recommended had their transcripts in, don't you think they would have done it closer to the March 1st deadline? It would make sense that they would be checking on the transcripts of those that they would be sending the offers to (like a last check that is necessary for the US comission to give their 'official stamp of approval').

i wouldn't bet on that... i accidently sent my transcripts in late, because for some reason i thought they were due on the 10th, not the 1st. in any event, i overnighted them on the 2nd, they arrived on the 5th because of the weekend, and i hadn't heard anything by that point saying that my transcripts hadn't arrived. and, i should note, i got awarded a full grant (despite the late transcripts!! i was sobbing on the phone to the fulbright people, who i actually called!). so if what you are saying is true, then i would have expected to hear something. not trying to shoot anybody down here, but i would assume that it's an automated message sent out when the box hasn't been ticked or something that you sent in the transcripts. i doubt it serves as any sort of indication that you are or are not likely to receive a grant. on the other hand, if you got that email, no worries! just send them, because apparently you can still get an award with late transcripts! :-S

[smurfgurl22]

is there a waiting list for the daad? You might want to take that if all else is equal, b/c an alternate could take your fulbright

there is an alternate list for daad, so it would be the same either way, that somebody else can take the spot. so i won't be considering that in my decision, not that i don't care, but only because it is the same either way. :-/

[smurfgurl22]

The only thing I have heard about this is that DAAD has the potential to be extended for a second year to cover a two-year program. If this is necessary or important to you, it could be a deciding factor.

yeah, i've heard that, too. but this is not a deciding factor for me, i don't think. i need the year to collect my conversational data for the dissertation, but then i need to get back so i can do the writing and graduate. an extension wouldn't be something i'd be looking for, i don't think. but definitely something to consider, as i could tack on an extra semester or something in theory, which would give me more time to write without teaching responsibilities, and then come back in the spring before graduating. thanks for reminding me about that!

[kbui]

I can't tread these forums anymore. I feel so nervous every time I log on... but it's so addicting to hear other people's great successes in hopes of achieving my own... :\

[lkjl2007]

yeah, i've heard that, too. but this is not a deciding factor for me, i don't think. i need the year to collect my conversational data for the dissertation, but then i need to get back so i can do the writing and graduate. an extension wouldn't be something i'd be looking for, i don't think. but definitely something to consider, as i could tack on an extra semester or something in theory, which would give me more time to write without teaching responsibilities, and then come back in the spring before graduating. thanks for reminding me about that!

Fulbright=perhaps more well-known/prestigious then DAAD grants (at least outside of German-studying circles). If that is something that matters to you, and everything between the two grants is equal, then it would be a reason to choose the Fulbright. Is the funding for the two grants exactly the same?

[smurfgurl22]

Fulbright=perhaps more well-known/prestigious then DAAD grants (at least outside of German-studying circles). If that is something that matters to you, and everything between the two grants is equal, then it would be a reason to choose the Fulbright. Is the funding for the two grants exactly the same?

yeah, and i think the prestige of it will come into play sort of a secondary level, as in, it won't be the sole reason why i pick one over the other, but certainly it'll be in the mix.

i don't have dollar amounts on the funding for the fulbright. anybody know where one can find that out? one thing is that the daad is awarded in euros, so it could potentially be worth more (or less), depending on what the currencies do between now and then. i know that the daad i applied for awards the following: ca 1,000 euros monthly stipend, ca 800 euros for travel, and german health insurance. i don't know what the grant amounts look like, but i can say the insurance offer is better than what the fulbright website talks about that they give you. but i am thinking that might also be different country to country? because germany is fairly strict about you having their insurance, so i am wondering if that would be one of those extra country specific "perks" they mention that get thrown in? so that may be equal, if that is the case.

[Stately Plump]

yeah, and i think the prestige of it will come into play sort of a secondary level, as in, it won't be the sole reason why i pick one over the other, but certainly it'll be in the mix.

i don't have dollar amounts on the funding for the fulbright. anybody know where one can find that out? one thing is that the daad is awarded in euros, so it could potentially be worth more (or less), depending on what the currencies do between now and then. i know that the daad i applied for awards the following: ca 1,000 euros monthly stipend, ca 800 euros for travel, and german health insurance. i don't know what the grant amounts look like, but i can say the insurance offer is better than what the fulbright website talks about that they give you. but i am thinking that might also be different country to country? because germany is fairly strict about you having their insurance, so i am wondering if that would be one of those extra country specific "perks" they mention that get thrown in? so that may be equal, if that is the case.

I found some actual amounts on the Finnish Fulbright website (obviously, this is only for Finland). I would get healthcare and the grant amount is 1000-1200 Euros/month, plus $1000US for travel. Obviously, all of this is subject to change, and like I said, that's just for Finland. But perhaps check out your country's website?

[Eric Bee]

has anyone else been able to find actual amounts? I've been snooping around trying to find them for Romania, but can't seem to dig any up anywhere.

[smurfgurl22]

I found some actual amounts on the Finnish Fulbright website (obviously, this is only for Finland). I would get healthcare and the grant amount is 1000-1200 Euros/month, plus $1000US for travel. Obviously, all of this is subject to change, and like I said, that's just for Finland. But perhaps check out your country's website?

did some more digging. amount is 750-1000 euros depending on academic background. since i'm at phd level, i am assuming i would land in the upper range? incidental allowance of 250 euros per semester (whatever that is....), health insurance, travel (no amounts given). so these are super comparable. hmmm.... that makes it tougher... though i'm not complaining by a long shot! i am thrilled to be in this position. i wish everybody on this discussion board had this problem!

[smurfgurl22]

has anyone else been able to find actual amounts? I've been snooping around trying to find them for Romania, but can't seem to dig any up anywhere.

i didn't see this at first in the country summary either, but there was a link towards the bottom to the german fulbright website, which was http://www.fulbright.de/. just found it. try whatever the country ending for romania is, or look for a website like that in the country summary. i don't know why they didn't have that at the top or something. not like it's useful information or anything! :-S

[minorcharacter]

Rejected. Despondent beyond comprehension. Think Styron's 'Darkness Visible.' Yes, THAT blue. Good luck, everyone. Won't be coming back here, as I no longer have a dog in this hunt.

[Lia19]

has anyone else been able to find actual amounts? I've been snooping around trying to find them for Romania, but can't seem to dig any up anywhere.

I am SO glad I'm not the only one snooping to find out what actual stipend amounts are! I totally think this info should be made available to us, even if it varies by year/country. What other fellowship doesn't tell the applicants how much the stipend will be? It's crazy to me.

So after all the acceptances have rolled in (I'm thinking by June?), I say we start a separate thread titled "Fulbright Stipends." In it, recent/former/current grantees can reveal their monthly stipend amounts, and comment on well they lived on that amount of money in their grant country. They can also talk about housing costs, basic living costs, ect.

I have no idea why the Fulbright Commission keeps us in the dark about something so important. Luckily we have each other to fill in the blanks. Anyhoo, I will start that thread after acceptance season has ended. Maybe I'll call it "Fulbright Financials" or something cute like that.

[Lia19]

Mmmm, on thinking it over, I actually DO understand why the Fulbright commission would keep us in the dark about the stipend amount: because knowing the stipends of other grantees would inevitably lead to complaints if there are large differences in the amounts, or if the amounts are equal and don't take into account varying standards of living across countries.

Ok...I get that. If I were the Fulbright Commission, I would not want that kind of drama either. They might think revealing stipend amounts would encourage applicants to chose their countries based on getting the most bang for their buck.....I understand that.

Still doesn't change my plan to start that thread, though.

[davushka]

So I served in the Republic of Moldova. If you want to talk more about it, feel free to send me a private email (erictb@umich.edu), as I have lot to say, and don't want to take up the space here.

I'm a PCV in Moldova now! Waiting to hear about a full grant to Russia. удачи and noroc my friend!

[jknm]

has anyone heard anything from india?

Edited March 14, 2012 by jknm

[waveaflag]

yeah, and i think the prestige of it will come into play sort of a secondary level, as in, it won't be the sole reason why i pick one over the other, but certainly it'll be in the mix.

i don't have dollar amounts on the funding for the fulbright. anybody know where one can find that out? one thing is that the daad is awarded in euros, so it could potentially be worth more (or less), depending on what the currencies do between now and then. i know that the daad i applied for awards the following: ca 1,000 euros monthly stipend, ca 800 euros for travel, and german health insurance. i don't know what the grant amounts look like, but i can say the insurance offer is better than what the fulbright website talks about that they give you. but i am thinking that might also be different country to country? because germany is fairly strict about you having their insurance, so i am wondering if that would be one of those extra country specific "perks" they mention that get thrown in? so that may be equal, if that is the case.

both are awarded in euros and both are 750/mo for germany. the daad will offer a rent stipend up to a total of 1000 euro if you can provide lease information and that your rent costs more than 30% of your monthly amount.

[lagiocanda]

I'm at work right now and I can't seem to stay away!!

Quick question: Anyone worried about leaving loved ones behind, if chosen for a Fulbright?

I'll miss the boyfriend terribly if I'm gone, and hearing that long distance relationships never work is troubling. I truly believe we'll make it work and just feel this is just a little separation before we're together again.

I am getting married this summer, and while my fiance would be open to coming with me, it seems really difficult to get a work visa in Italy. Even though the prospect of leaving him (and my dog) for 9 months isn't going to be easy, we've been a part for up to 4 months before. He moved with me to grad school and has supported me all the way, so if (fingers crossed) I get the Fulbright then I know he won it too. You can make it work.

The worst thing is that I can't explain to my dog why I'm leaving, and my fiance says my dog mopes around the house for weeks after I leave. Anyone else sad to leave pets behind lol?

[waveaflag]

I am getting married this summer, and while my fiance would be open to coming with me, it seems really difficult to get a work visa in Italy. Even though the prospect of leaving him (and my dog) for 9 months isn't going to be easy, we've been a part for up to 4 months before. He moved with me to grad school and has supported me all the way, so if (fingers crossed) I get the Fulbright then I know he won it too. You can make it work.

The worst thing is that I can't explain to my dog why I'm leaving, and my fiance says my dog mopes around the house for weeks after I leave. Anyone else sad to leave pets behind lol?

http://www.gizmowatch.com/roly-poly-remote-couples-feel-closer.html

[snowblossom2]

geee! accepted to germany!! so excited!

info for the spreadsheet:

full grant

no interview

notified 13 march

via email

grad

german linguistics

don't know where i'll be, as they haven't announced the placement? is it fairly automatic that you get your first or second choice, or how does that work? anybody know?

also got a daad grant for the same project, so trying to decide which to accept. anybody have any thoughts?

This is something you need to to ask your advisor about.

[Bessie Reina]

Has anyone heard from Bulgaria?

Edited March 14, 2012 by Bessie Reina

[boxoatoc]

@Eric Bee

has anyone else been able to find actual amounts? I've been snooping around trying to find them for Romania, but can't seem to dig any up anywhere.

I had a friend receive a grant for Ukraine last year, and she said she was offered about $18k for the 9 months.

@Lia19 re: stipend amounts

I don't think I would feel competitive about stipends. Since I applied to a country where most of the population makes less than $100 / month, I don't expect to have a stipend that compares to, say, German grantees. And anyway I have no idea, and don't have the time or inclination to find out, how far 1,000 euros will get you in Germany vs. $200 in the country I applied to.

@minorcharacter

Rejected. Despondent beyond comprehension. Think Styron's 'Darkness Visible.' Yes, THAT blue. Good luck, everyone. Won't be coming back here, as I no longer have a dog in this hunt.

Darkness Visible?! Eek! Call a friend! I understand your dejection -- I was rejected in 2006 and it is hard, although I ended up spending a year in the country I applied to anyway as an English teacher, which led me to a job in another country and then to my grad program -- so it ended up opening an alternative, awesome path! I hope you get to Germany and write your novel anyway. Everyone on this board wants to read it!

@ all the grantees:

Congrats to you all! I guess the feeling is amazing! Hope to be joining you on the other side of this bridge soon.

@ all of us still waiting:

As my granny says, hang in there like a hair in a biscuit!

Edited March 14, 2012 by boxoatoc

[redArcher]

Another friend of mine who was a Fulbrighter to Kenya said she got about $2000/month (this was about 2 years ago). That is a reference, but I would think that the stipend varies by each country especially because of the different standards/costs of living. At the end of the day, Fulbright will provide you with a stipend that will help you manage your living expenses.

Don't worry about the costs! I doubt one of the most prestigious programs in the world would give us the short end of the stick.

[c.wandren]

Just found out I'm a German full grant alternate Guess I probably won't have a chance to spend time with the grandparents

[ukraine_eta]

Just found out I'm a German full grant alternate Guess I probably won't have a chance to spend time with the grandparents

A friend of mine was alternate last year and ended up getting the award, so keep positive!