Fulbright 2015-2016

[StopTheAquarius]

Does anybody know if it is possible to apply for both the research/study Fulbright and the National geographi digital storytelling Fulbright in the same application cycle?

 

My dissertation project is on graffiti art in Brazil and my resarch invoves the use of visual ethnographic methods so it could work for either type of grant.

Unfortunately it is not. I looked into that as well.

[kelseygwynne]

Keep trying! Maybe the 3rd time is the charm. I applied to Norway last year, but  I will switch to Sweden (sorry!) I'm a candidate, so this is my last chance :/

 

Oh good!! I'm actually glad to have someone on here applying to the same country!! Are you affiliating with a certain university??

[Oliebollen]

Have your FPAs said anything about how/when to cite your sources in your essay (format, number of sources, etc.)?

[mmccart]

Hey everyone, I've been lurking for a while but finally making my first post for this thread!

I'm applying for the first time for an ETA in South Korea  ! I've been studying Korean for a little while now (self-study, my university doesn't offer Korean language courses unfortunately) and I really love the language and the culture. I'm graduating this year with a Master's in biomedical engineering, so Korea would also be a great place to make connections with other engineers and researchers in related fields. I've had a few tutoring/TA experiences, but only in science courses  not really sure how well that relates to ESL teaching.
 

For anyone else doing the "foreign language evaluation" for more uncommon languages, how did you find a language teacher to evaluate you?
Also, my FPA mentioned that ETAs can have some "side-project" they can do when they're not teaching, can anyone comment on this?

Good luck to everyone!

[FlyingDutchman]

 

Also, my FPA mentioned that ETAs can have some "side-project" they can do when they're not teaching, can anyone comment on this?

Good luck to everyone!

 

Usually the "side-project" is some form of research project, service-learning, or volunteer project. You want to essentially show that you have some ideas of how to be engaged with your local community outside of your teaching. The best ideas seem to usually flow from your own personal interests and hobbies. Hope this helps!

 

[kbui]

Hey everyone, I've been lurking for a while but finally making my first post for this thread!

I'm applying for the first time for an ETA in South Korea  ! I've been studying Korean for a little while now (self-study, my university doesn't offer Korean language courses unfortunately) and I really love the language and the culture. I'm graduating this year with a Master's in biomedical engineering, so Korea would also be a great place to make connections with other engineers and researchers in related fields. I've had a few tutoring/TA experiences, but only in science courses  not really sure how well that relates to ESL teaching.

 

For anyone else doing the "foreign language evaluation" for more uncommon languages, how did you find a language teacher to evaluate you?

Also, my FPA mentioned that ETAs can have some "side-project" they can do when they're not teaching, can anyone comment on this?

Good luck to everyone!

 

I remember reading another scholar's personal statement, and they analogized teaching science as a "foreign language" to the students. It was really interesting to read how they related learning about different chemical compounds and fitting them together like words in a sentence. I'm sure you can go something along these lines, or get even more creative. Also, teaching is a translatable skill and is not always exclusive to a subject.

 

As for the "side-project," some ETAs choose to teach/engage in the community some other way. Some will teach American football, start a summer camp, create dance classes, explore traditional art, do preliminary research on a topic of interest, and much more! The side-project shouldn't take up the bulk of your statements, but make it a well thought out and pragmatic project and you'll stand out in the application process.

[Horb]

Hey all! I applied in the last cycle to the UK and got to the final round as an undergraduate (apparently that is a big deal). If anyone has questions, feel free to PM. I may not have been selected, but I can help with writing tips, interview prep, etc.

[emaytay213]

Hi guys, I was wondering, do any former ETAs have any advice on how to choose an appropriate side project? I'm almost done with the first draft of my Statement of Purpose, but I'm still stuck on what kind of side projects are doable. If anyone could give me a few examples of what kind of side projects they have done, I would really appreciate it!

[Dedi]

I'm looking for opinions on this:

 

So, I'm trying to decide between two people to write my third letter of rec for Fulbright Canada's STEM program. One knows me quite well (~3 years), I've taken his classes but never did research with him (which is an important factor in this program). The other is my POI at my top choice university (he offered to write a letter for me) whom I have done research with this summer, but haven't taken his classes and he has known me for a shorter period of time (~9 months). I feel that both have equal merit, especially since right now the latter knows my research interests a lot better than the former person. Also, it might be a bonus point in the committee's eyes to have a letter of rec from a professor who I would like to work with in graduate school because he can better determine my potential in his lab.

 

I'm emailing the former person for his insight, but I'm wondering if anyone here has had a similar situation?

[Secret_Ninja]

I'm looking for opinions on this:

 

So, I'm trying to decide between two people to write my third letter of rec for Fulbright Canada's STEM program. One knows me quite well (~3 years), I've taken his classes but never did research with him (which is an important factor in this program). The other is my POI at my top choice university (he offered to write a letter for me) whom I have done research with this summer, but haven't taken his classes and he has known me for a shorter period of time (~9 months). I feel that both have equal merit, especially since right now the latter knows my research interests a lot better than the former person. Also, it might be a bonus point in the committee's eyes to have a letter of rec from a professor who I would like to work with in graduate school because he can better determine my potential in his lab.

 

I'm emailing the former person for his insight, but I'm wondering if anyone here has had a similar situation?

Can you tell the info for the first two people? I made sure that mine covered various aspects. If you have no other letter writers who can speak to your ability to conduct research, then I would go with this person. 

[Dedi]

Can you tell the info for the first two people? I made sure that mine covered various aspects. If you have no other letter writers who can speak to your ability to conduct research, then I would go with this person. 

 

I have done research with the first two people. One has supervised an independent biology research project (no other classes until this fall). The other I have done psychology research and taken classes with. Unless you think that I should have letters of rec from the two people I described above and not choose one of the people that I just described in this post to write a letter?

 

I really want to keep the one that has supervised my project because she is in the STEM field (biology) and can attest to my ability to carry out independent research. The POI can attest my ability to research in a team and how attainable my project ideas are. The person I've only taken classes with can attest my character (development) and how well I will do in graduate classes (especially in neuroscience).

The last person, whom I've taken classes and done research with, happens to be my advisor. However, I don't know if his contribution would add anything to what the other three people would say. He certainly has a role in letters of rec for the universities I'm applying to because my POI would not be involved in those.

[Secret_Ninja]

I have done research with the first two people. One has supervised an independent biology research project (no other classes until this fall). The other I have done psychology research and taken classes with. Unless you think that I should have letters of rec from the two people I described above and not choose one of the people that I just described in this post to write a letter?

 

I really want to keep the one that has supervised my project because she is in the STEM field (biology) and can attest to my ability to carry out independent research. The POI can attest my ability to research in a team and how attainable my project ideas are. The person I've only taken classes with can attest my character (development) and how well I will do in graduate classes (especially in neuroscience).

The last person, whom I've taken classes and done research with, happens to be my advisor. However, I don't know if his contribution would add anything to what the other three people would say. He certainly has a role in letters of rec for the universities I'm applying to because my POI would not be involved in those.

This is a tricky situation, but you are doing a good job trying to work through how well rounded your letters will be. In my opinion, the STEM field project supervisor is a definite yes, as is the POI. For your third -  I would chose my advisor over someone I have just taken classes with; can they also speak to your neuroscience capabilities?  Even if he can't, it may look odd that your advisor is not one of your letter writers. 

 

[Dedi]

This is a tricky situation, but you are doing a good job trying to work through how well rounded your letters will be. In my opinion, the STEM field project supervisor is a definite yes, as is the POI. For your third -  I would chose my advisor over someone I have just taken classes with; can they also speak to your neuroscience capabilities?  Even if he can't, it may look odd that your advisor is not one of your letter writers. 

My advisor has taught my animal behavior classes. The main reason I would choose the neuroscience professor because I am afraid of the committee thinking I do not have a sufficient background in the STEM field (I took the only 2 neuroscience classes that are available to the school. Is that something I should put in my SOP instead?). However, my project does heavily involve animal behavior as well as neuroscience, so the advisor's input might be as important as the neuroscience professor.

Okay. I should contact my professors very soon. Thanks for helping me think it through.

[mcarroll]

Hi, I'm new here, currently working on my statements for an academic Fulbright award. I'm planning on pursuing a MA at the university I've chosen in the UK (I'm currently an undergraduate senior). My MA would be Film, Television and Creative Practice which has nothing to do with a research project... therefore, I'm not sure how to craft my Statement of Grant Purpose. I tried answering all the questions under Application Tips for a graduate degree program, but since I followed the tip of being clear and concise, my statement is barely one page.

 

Is anyone else here applying for (or previously applied) for a Fulbright for a graduate degree program rather than a project? If so, could you offer any advice? 

[Horb]

Hi, I'm new here, currently working on my statements for an academic Fulbright award. I'm planning on pursuing a MA at the university I've chosen in the UK (I'm currently an undergraduate senior). My MA would be Film, Television and Creative Practice which has nothing to do with a research project... therefore, I'm not sure how to craft my Statement of Grant Purpose. I tried answering all the questions under Application Tips for a graduate degree program, but since I followed the tip of being clear and concise, my statement is barely one page.

 

Is anyone else here applying for (or previously applied) for a Fulbright for a graduate degree program rather than a project? If so, could you offer any advice? 

 

Hey Mcarroll, I applied to a UK MA program last year. For your statement of purpose, you need to indicate what program you are doing, why you want to do it, how it will help you achieve your goals, how your goals and/or this program will translate to when you're back in the US, as well as what activities you plan to do outside of the program.

 

For instance, I was doing an MA in Victorian Studies. I mentioned what I wanted to study in particular and explored how I was prepared due to my undergrad studies as well as how the program would benefit me (professors, resources, conferences, etc.) I then mentioned the importance of my work and how the MA related to my personal and career goals (becoming a specialist in the field and teaching). For what I would do outside of the program, I discussed volunteer work I wanted to do and clubs I was interested in joining. This part is pretty crucial because they want to know you'll actually do more than just study. 

 

Hope this helps. Feel free to PM me if you have further questions and good luck!

[Bluefit]

Here we go again, July 31st deadline for Scholar award.. Alternate last year to UK.. Selected two grants one principal and one alternate. Neither of us ended up getting funding.. Strange!!!!

 

Wrapping it up now..I apply under scholar award cause I've been in professional world for 5 years..

[oceanblue]

Hey everybody! 

 

Good to see some familiar people from last year's process. I'm rooting for you guys. 

 

Here's my question, I'd like to know what any and all of you have to think:

 

I was a finalist last year but then denied in May, and so I decided to pursue a master's degree at my university in lieu of this scholarship. The M.S. is two years, but I'm wondering if I should apply again this time around? If accepted, I'll have finished only one year of graduate school. The thing is, I really want to go back to Vietnam. (I was able to be there for 2 weeks last summer and it was life-changing). Anyway, what do you think? Should I re-apply this year, interrupting my graduate program or should I complete the two year program and THEN re-apply? I'm pretty torn about it. I want to complete a master's but I also want to return to Vietnam. 

 

ANY opinions on this would be appreciated. Thank you!!

[kbui]

Hey everybody! 

 

Good to see some familiar people from last year's process. I'm rooting for you guys. 

 

Here's my question, I'd like to know what any and all of you have to think:

 

I was a finalist last year but then denied in May, and so I decided to pursue a master's degree at my university in lieu of this scholarship. The M.S. is two years, but I'm wondering if I should apply again this time around? If accepted, I'll have finished only one year of graduate school. The thing is, I really want to go back to Vietnam. (I was able to be there for 2 weeks last summer and it was life-changing). Anyway, what do you think? Should I re-apply this year, interrupting my graduate program or should I complete the two year program and THEN re-apply? I'm pretty torn about it. I want to complete a master's but I also want to return to Vietnam. 

 

ANY opinions on this would be appreciated. Thank you!!

 

I would apply, then go back to graduate school for the second year. I asked my MPH program about taking a year in between my first and second for possibly a Fulbright/Boren, and they said, "go for it!"

 

I can't imagine a school that wants to invest in the well-being and success of its students rejecting someone's return to go on a Fulbright.

[oceanblue]

I would apply, then go back to graduate school for the second year. I asked my MPH program about taking a year in between my first and second for possibly a Fulbright/Boren, and they said, "go for it!"

 

I can't imagine a school that wants to invest in the well-being and success of its students rejecting someone's return to go on a Fulbright.

 

 

Thanks so much!! Yep, I think that's what I'm going to do. I asked my advisor for my school and he agreed with you. Thanks so much!! 

[kyl19]

Hi everyone! Just stumbled upon this forum. I'm a rising senior, currently in the process of applying for an ETA in Taiwan. I'm taking my language evaluation this week and am kind of nervous, but I'm pretty sure for Taiwan, it's the sort of thing that can only help you and not hurt you. Anyone else take their language evaluations yet?

[kmac11]

Hey everyone! I found last year's Fulbright applicant forum through a Google search and it seemed like a great support network, so I thought I would join in for this year. 

I'm applying for an ETA in Bulgaria. I graduated a year ago, but since I got a job in my college town I still live here and I'll be able to apply through the university. Which is good because I feel like without the support I would be too daunted by everything to apply. 

 

I have a Master's degree in Library Science with lots of experience mentoring and working with students one on one, but no formal classroom experience. I hope that doesn't put me as a disadvantage in my application, but I'm trying to address it in my statement. And I'm planning to suggest volunteering in the library as my side project. 

[potatopower12]

Does anyone know if it helps your chances if you were previously awarded the Boren and Gilman Scholarship?

[kbui]

Does anyone know if it helps your chances if you were previously awarded the Boren and Gilman Scholarship?

 

Not particularly. Since having a Boren/Gilman means that you've already gained a lot of international experiences, and that can be counted against you (especially if you are applying to the same country).

[kmac11]

Okay, I know I commented a few days ago and I was very confident then, but I am now having doubts about my country choice. Which is bad because it's August and I really should be settled on this by now.

Initially, I was interested in Greece or Montenegro because the ETAs in both of those countries do a lot of educational advising and extracurricular activities, which is something I'm really interested in. I'm a librarian and my experience is more in mentoring and educational advising than formal classroom teaching. The Greece program even involves working in the school library. Those two programs also emphasize being an ambassador and I plan to go into a foreign service career, so that experience would be very helpful. 

However, I decided I didn't have a chance at those programs. Montenegro requires university teaching experience, so I'm not really qualified. Greece has less requirements but is more competitive, 99 applications last year and only 12 grants. It does say that "teaching or counseling experience will be favored" although it doesn't specify that it needs to be classroom teaching. Additionally, Greece has required advanced language proficiency in the past. I don't know why they changed it to none required this year but I wonder if they still do prefer applicants with language proficiency. AND Greece has a "preferred" age limit of 26, and I'm 25 now. Everything seems to count against me here. 

 

Anyway tl;dr I ended up deciding on Bulgaria instead because it has a 50% success rate and not much in the way of required or "preferred" stuff. My Fulbright advisor agreed with me. 

 

I'm still kind of uncertain though. The Greece program just seems to fit me better, and I've wanted to live in western Europe or the Mediterranean region for a long time. Maybe I should stop being so self-critical...

But I really don't want to spend almost a year of my life waiting and anxious, knowing that I have a very slim chance of actually getting the program. My life has already been on hold for about a year while job searching and I'd hate to waste another. (I'm also applying to Presidential Management Fellowship jobs with no success right now). Sorry this is so long...any advice appreciated! 

Edited August 10, 2014 by kmac11

[tspier2]

I'm still kind of uncertain though. The Greece program just seems to fit me better, and I've wanted to live in western Europe or the Mediterranean region for a long time

 

Bulgaria is right above Greece. You're not confined to your country for the duration of your ETA, i.e. people do travel. If you think you have a good shot at Bulgaria and the odds are in your favor, then apply to Bulgaria and just travel to Greece at some point during your trip. Also: There's no reason that you couldn't work with or at a library in Bulgaria.