Rizu Posted February 4, 2013 Posted February 4, 2013 I am an international student, got the invitation for prospective student weekend in UT Austin on Feb 23-26. I am quite excited, but it seems quite impossible for me to attend . First of all, I need visa. I don't know, if it is possible to get the visa within this short time. Also another factor is cost, it will be much more expensive for me to attend (Visa+Ticket) then the amount ($500) they will give me. Also, I just started my MS thesis from 1st of Feb, so I have to work a lots. Considering all of these, thinking not to attend in prospective student weekend. Instead, I want to request them for a video conference, if they are really interested to interview me. But just afraid, how negative the impact will be??? Any suggestion or advice will be highly appreciable. Thank you for your time.
uromastyx Posted February 4, 2013 Posted February 4, 2013 Why do you need a Visa? Either way, a video conference should be fine. Explain your situation to the department.
Rizu Posted February 4, 2013 Author Posted February 4, 2013 I am from Bangladesh, But doing my MS in France. I need visa to go to USA for any purpose...
Angua Posted February 4, 2013 Posted February 4, 2013 Because you are international, I think you have a lot more flexibility with respect to not attending. I think arranging a video conference makes perfect sense for someone in your position, and I doubt they would hold it against you (although there are some natural advantages to meeting people in person). I wouldn't tell them that you don't want to go because you are too busy -- just tell them that you regret that you will not be able to make it in from France for the visit weekend, but that you are very enthusiastic about the program and would love to schedule an interview by video or telephone. Good luck!
sr0304 Posted February 4, 2013 Posted February 4, 2013 they'll take a video conference. no one should expect that students can afford to fly across the world on a budget of $500.
Rizu Posted February 4, 2013 Author Posted February 4, 2013 Thank you Angua for such nice suggestion.......
uromastyx Posted February 5, 2013 Posted February 5, 2013 I am from Bangladesh, But doing my MS in France. I need visa to go to USA for any purpose... Ah, that makes sense. Again, not attending shouldn't be a big issue.
kaister Posted February 5, 2013 Posted February 5, 2013 Just explain your situation and request a skype or phone interview. I had to turn down an in-person interview invite because they weren't going to cover most of the cost and I couldn't afford it. I then had a skype interview and still ended up getting accepted there. While of course, it is always best to attend if you can, don't stress out too much if you can't. Especially in your situation, it will be understandable.
ShortLong Posted February 8, 2013 Posted February 8, 2013 I am currently attending UT Austin as an undergrad in the aerospace engineering department. At least in my department, the prospective student weekend is for already admitted students so they can woo you into coming. So since you have such a unique situation, I bet it won't be a big deal not to come.
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