Should I even bother applying? -- A Conundrum

[Two Espressos]

I hate to litter the forums with another thread, but this is a fairly unique case that warrants its own topic.

As some of you know, I've been on these forums for a while and am in the process of applying to Ph.D. programs in English this fall. I've been set on applying for some time, but I've run across a problem and would like your advice!

I really would like to live abroad for an extended period of time; it's a significant life goal of mine. I tried to study abroad earlier in my academic career, but a large chuck of my financial aid was cut and decimated my plans. I'm rather attracted to the idea of living in France for 7 months as an English teaching assistant. I feel like that is the kind of thing I should do now, before investing myself in a Ph.D. program (assuming I have the extraordinary fortune of being accepted somewhere).

My question: should I even bother with Ph.D. apps this cycle, or should I just put all my efforts into the teaching assistantship? A few complications:

1. I'm pretty poor and don't have a lot of funds. So if I'm really set on the French TAship anyways, it seems kind of pointless to spend the money (maybe?).

2. I have loans to worry about. They aren't formidable, but they are certainly a problem. They're ~$17,000 total. I know that payment can be deferred while attending a graduate program. I'm less sure about doing that as a French TA, but the website says it's "possible" to do so.

3. In the fortuitous case in which I am accepted to a Ph.D. program and the French TAship, I'd be really torn. From what I understand, deferring admission to Ph.D. programs usually isn't allowed. So if I end up choosing the TAship over the Ph.D. program (maybe that's a bad choice?), I'd have to reapply and spend another ~$800 on applications.

4. There's also the possible case in which the French TAship doesn't work out. Then I'd be stuck in my shitty hometown, working some shitty, low-paying job. I need to leave this area; living here for another year would be insufferable.

I really would like to pursue a Ph.D. in English, so maybe I should just try to go abroad later in life, after the Ph.D (again, assuming acceptance). I don't know.

Help?

[sebastiansteddy]

I would say apply to both. Having to decide between the two options is better than putting all of your eggs in one basket that ends up breaking. Yes, spending the money sucks, but it'd be insurance against you having to stay where you are now. That's my advice.

[asleepawake]

I would say apply for a small number of PhDs this year along with the TA position. Apply to maybe 3 schools that you're really excited about. If you don't get in or decide on the TA position, you can always apply net year.

If you don't get the French TA, there are lots of other options for English speakers to teach abroad, especially in Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe.

I too have wanted to live abroad for a long time, but I haven't done it. You should absolutely do it while you are young and not tied down to anything. You are right that as you go on to the PhD program and then the job market, and potentially relationships, family, etc, it only becomes more difficult. I am applying to PhDs this year rather than going abroad or doing the peace corps (An MA in English is considered a scarce skill, so it's pretty easy to be placed quickly, I've been lead to believe) mostly because right now I want it just a bit more, and I'm already worried about being a certain age by the time I can even consider having stable employment. I'll probably go abroad to teach if I don't get into a program this year.

Short answer: Keep your opinions open by at least applying to a program or two this year. If nothing else, it will help you to prepare for even more apps next year.

Edited October 27, 2012 by asleepawake

[ProfLorax]

I have lots of thoughts, and I'm too lazy to organize them into a coherent paragraph. Thank god for bullet points!

• As I was reading your post, the first thing that popped into my mind was, "Man, my biggest regret in life is not living abroad when it was easy to do." I hear what you are saying about going abroad after earning a PhD, and it's definitely an option with opportunities like the Fulbright, but it gets much much harder as life goes on. For example, your loan payments will be higher in five years than they are right now. You might have a partner, a dog, and/or kids. So much can happen in five years that could prevent you from pursuing this dream.
  
• Like alseepawake says, I'm sure there are a handful of other programs that offer teaching abroad opportunities, perhaps even in France. Consider researching and applying to more than one program.
  
• Teaching abroad in France, especially if that is your second language, will also look pretty awesome on a PhD application, and it could also open the doors to TA funding once you are in a PhD program.
  
• Are your loans from the federal government? They have some pretty reasonable repayment plans that are contingent upon income. Two years ago, I was so poor, my monthly loan payment was $5/month. No, I didn't leave out any zeroes. I only owed five dollars a month, and I paid more when I could. It was fantastic.
  
• If you did apply to both, would you have to put the application fees on a credit card? Is it worth going into debt right now for applications?
  
• PhD programs will always be here. I am applying after three years in the workforce. My enthusiasm about academia has not decreased over time, and I am more committed than ever. Plus, POI's at the schools to which I am applying all tell me that my teaching experience is a big plus in my application.
  
• Take everything I've said with a grain of salt. I mean it when I say that I truly regret not living abroad during or after college, so I might be projecting that on your situation.
  

Good luck with this decision-making process!

[Enzian]

If you don't get the French TA, there are lots of other options for English speakers to teach abroad, especially in Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe.

I too have wanted to live abroad for a long time, but I haven't done it. You should absolutely do it while you are young and not tied down to anything. You are right that as you go on to the PhD program and then the job market, and potentially relationships, family, etc, it only becomes more difficult. I am applying to PhDs this year rather than going abroad or doing the peace corps (An MA in English is considered a scarce skill, so it's pretty easy to be placed quickly, I've been lead to believe) mostly because right now I want it just a bit more, and I'm already worried about being a certain age by the time I can even consider having stable employment. I'll probably go abroad to teach if I don't get into a program this year.

• ... it gets much much harder as life goes on. For example, your loan payments will be higher in five years than they are right now. You might have a partner, a dog, and/or kids. So much can happen in five years that could prevent you from pursuing this dream.
  
• Teaching abroad in France, especially if that is your second language, will also look pretty awesome on a PhD application, and it could also open the doors to TA funding once you are in a PhD program.
  
• PhD programs will always be here. I am applying after three years in the workforce. My enthusiasm about academia has not decreased over time, and I am more committed than ever. Plus, POI's at the schools to which I am applying all tell me that my teaching experience is a big plus in my application.
  

Just stopping in to second this great advice. Good luck, Two Espressos!

[practical cat]

I think proflorax raises some really important points about going into debt for applications but I think I'm still in the "it's better to have bases covered" camp. I've been in the workforce for six months now and am seriously underemployed. We talk a lot here about the job market for PhDs but we don't really talk much about the job market it general. It's certainly better than it was four years ago but I still think it's better to have too many options than to find yourself in a couple of months wishing you hadn't limited your choices so early.

On the other hand, I'm spending an aimless year in my shitty hometown and it's not the end of the world that I thought it would be. (Despite being underemployed, being from a shitty town means my expenses are limited and it's been a really good way to get my student loans under control while saving money.) I say that not to say that you should do neither (lol) but to say that if you DO want to put all your eggs in the France basket, I think you'll still be able to make an omelette even if your basket falls apart.

I also think it's important to note that no one has yet advised just going for the PhD and only the PhD. And we're a bunch of people who really, really want to go to grad school. I think that's telling. Don't not try to go abroad.

[antecedent]

I think proflorax raises some really important points about going into debt for applications but I think I'm still in the "it's better to have bases covered" camp. I've been in the workforce for six months now and am seriously underemployed. We talk a lot here about the job market for PhDs but we don't really talk much about the job market it general. It's certainly better than it was four years ago but I still think it's better to have too many options than to find yourself in a couple of months wishing you hadn't limited your choices so early.

On the other hand, I'm spending an aimless year in my shitty hometown and it's not the end of the world that I thought it would be. (Despite being underemployed, being from a shitty town means my expenses are limited and it's been a really good way to get my student loans under control while saving money.) I say that not to say that you should do neither (lol) but to say that if you DO want to put all your eggs in the France basket, I think you'll still be able to make an omelette even if your basket falls apart.

I also think it's important to note that no one has yet advised just going for the PhD and only the PhD. And we're a bunch of people who really, really want to go to grad school. I think that's telling. Don't not try to go abroad.

I don't disagree.

I'd also recommend applying to both. I wish I had applied to more things during my application year. I'm happy where I ended up, but more options would have been even better.

(If you speak any Spanish you could also look into being an English teacher in Spain for a year - it's paid and I've heard it's a great opportunity to learn Spanish, gain teaching experience, and experience small-town Spanish life http://www.educacion.gob.es/exterior/ca/es/menu_fijo/programas/auxi_canada.shtml ).

[Darth.Vegan]

I am applying to 15 PhD programs and TFA. I will make a decision if/when I get offers. I would suggest doing the same.

[Gauche]

I'm kind of in the same boat as you as far as wanting to apply to Ph.D programs but wanting to do something else next year instead (not a study abroad program though). I'm pretty tight on cash right now, but I decided that I would continue to apply for Ph.D programs that I'm pretty sure I would definitely accept if I were to get in. That way, if I do get in, it wouldn't be so hard to decide which route I want to take. But as someone else mentioned, definitely apply to both if you can. It's better to have options you can choose from.

[TripWillis]

Echoing what others said, apply to a couple PhD programs and Fulbright at the same time; see what happens.

[Two Espressos]

Thanks, everyone. I'm going to follow your advice and still apply to both Ph.D. programs and the French TA.

[ghijklmn]

Hey! So I think people have given really good advice so far, but I just want to chime in by saying that I'm doing TAPIF right now and am applying for PhD programs for next year. It's a pretty great program, if you're okay with living on a very tight budget for seven months. I also think that as long as you have a decent level of French (and by decent, I mean intermediate or so), you are really most likely going to get it. So I wouldn't worry about not applying to PhD programs and then not getting TAPIF.

Anyway, good luck on both! It's so true that going abroad gets harder as you get older, so carpe diem!

[Guest lefilsdhomme]

The desire to live abroad and also apply to PhDs is something that I have thought a lot about too. Another option that I don't think I saw (while admittedly skimming the great advice already given) is living abroad while researching your dissertation. I know a number of PhD candidates who have lived abroad for a semester or academic year, some longer. I am hoping that this is my most viable option to continue to progress towards a doctoral degree while also fulfilling that insatiable itch to see the world. So I say continue your applications, you already have the momentum! Hope this is helpful.

[Two Espressos]

Hey! So I think people have given really good advice so far, but I just want to chime in by saying that I'm doing TAPIF right now and am applying for PhD programs for next year. It's a pretty great program, if you're okay with living on a very tight budget for seven months. I also think that as long as you have a decent level of French (and by decent, I mean intermediate or so), you are really most likely going to get it. So I wouldn't worry about not applying to PhD programs and then not getting TAPIF.

Anyway, good luck on both! It's so true that going abroad gets harder as you get older, so carpe diem!

Yeah, TAPIF is what I'm referring to above, not the Fulbright program. I think I'm relatively competitive for the TAPIF program, not so for the Fulbright. I'm extremely self-conscious about my command of the French language though and constantly worry that I won't be strong enough for the TAPIF program, but one of my French professors, a Parisian, keeps assuring me that my French is strong enough, so I guess I'll be okay. I think I need 24/7 exposure to the language to really supercharge my abilities anyways, which is one of the reasons I so desperately wish to go abroad.

For what it's worth, I have five semesters of college-level French; I'm taking an advanced course now and another one in the spring. TAPIF recommends a minimum of three French courses, and I'll have had six when I apply, so I'm probably okay.

But yeah, I'm glad you're enjoying TAPIF! I'm completely okay with living on a low stipend (the aforementioned professor, upon hearing the monthly salary, started laughing). I'm trying to save up some money now so I'll be able to do some travelling while I'm over there. If you don't mind me asking, where are you stationed? My professor especially recommended Strasbourg, Rennes, Toulouse, Lyon, and Nantes, but I understand that being placed in these cities proper is rare and highly competitive. But I'm pretty much open to anywhere cheap and culturally interesting.

The desire to live abroad and also apply to PhDs is something that I have thought a lot about too. Another option that I don't think I saw (while admittedly skimming the great advice already given) is living abroad while researching your dissertation. I know a number of PhD candidates who have lived abroad for a semester or academic year, some longer. I am hoping that this is my most viable option to continue to progress towards a doctoral degree while also fulfilling that insatiable itch to see the world. So I say continue your applications, you already have the momentum! Hope this is helpful.

Yeah this is also a possibility. In the best of all possible worlds, I'd go teach in France now, pursue a Ph.D. thereafter, and then during the Ph.D. research my dissertation abroad. How cool would that be?! It seems like doing doctoral research abroad is easiest at the most prestigious schools, the ones that have the most money and can provide the most financial help.

Edited October 30, 2012 by Two Espressos

[ghijklmn]

Hey there! Six college level courses should be just fine. I know assistants here who speak pretty bad French. Are you interested in teaching high school or elementary school? They require better French for elementary schools, since you'll have to explain a lot of stuff in French. I'm placed in a high school, though, so I'm able to conduct most (but not all) of my classes in English.

I applied two times and got my first choice Strasbourg both times. (The first time I turned it down to do a fellowship in Germany.) In fact, a good number of people I know got their first choice, so don't despair! I'm teaching in a high school in southern Alsace but living in Mulhouse. It's a pretty interesting region, especially since I like all things German. What are your top three regions?

I've also lived in Aix-en-Provence and a tiny village in between Blois and Tours. I can recommend both!

[Two Espressos]

Hey there! Six college level courses should be just fine. I know assistants here who speak pretty bad French. Are you interested in teaching high school or elementary school? They require better French for elementary schools, since you'll have to explain a lot of stuff in French. I'm placed in a high school, though, so I'm able to conduct most (but not all) of my classes in English.

I applied two times and got my first choice Strasbourg both times. (The first time I turned it down to do a fellowship in Germany.) In fact, a good number of people I know got their first choice, so don't despair! I'm teaching in a high school in southern Alsace but living in Mulhouse. It's a pretty interesting region, especially since I like all things German. What are your top three regions?

I've also lived in Aix-en-Provence and a tiny village in between Blois and Tours. I can recommend both!

I'm interested in teaching at the secondary level, so it's good to know that I won't need extensive French for that! I'm not sure about my top three regions, as I know little about them. I'm mostly basing my choices on the places suggested to me by my professor, after I've done some independent research on my own about them of course. I do really like Strasbourg, from the little I know. I like its close proximity to Germany, relative proximity to Switzerland, etc. My other two choices will probably be two of the places I've listed in my above post.

I'm really excited about the prospect of teaching in France. I think it would be really good to push me out of my comfort zone, become more cosmopolitan, etc.

[Stately Plump]

I was in a somewhat similar situation when I applied last year. I wanted to go abroad, I wanted to go to grad school, and I wasn't sure what to do.

I applied to grad school and I applied for a Fulbright. If I had gotten the Fulbright, I would have done that. I was a finalist for the Fulbright, but ended up not getting it. I did get into grad school. So I let the Fates work my life out for me.

I am hoping that my research, when I get there, will take me abroad, which is kind of how I reconciled the two in my mind.

Best of luck!