Fulbright-Hays Stipend, expenses - help! Past fulbright scholars?

[SixandCounting]

Hi all, so I was awarded a Fulbright-Hays and will be leaving the country soon. That said, I am getting all sorts of confusing and conflicting information regarding how funds work. I was always told you have to live a real life during fieldwork - have friends, have fun, while in the midst of this full-time work. However, the official guide for the Fulbright makes it sound like you should do nothing but fieldwork. 

 

What is the stipend for? I am receiving a lot compared with living costs (in my opinion) and extra for my husband/dependent. I know this is for rent, food, incidentals, etc. Are there regulations on this? My fulbright adviser said to keep receipts, but I'm not sure what to do with them later on....

 

Furthermore, what are the restrictions on my husband? If it really is only for research-only purposes, does that mean he can't use the funds to sign up for a martial arts class, or go out with friends, or otherwise live a normal-ish life?

 

What happens if all the funds aren't spent? 

 

And most importantly - what about ongoing costs while you're gone? I have car payments that will continue but as I will not be having any income outside of my stipend....what am I supposed to do...?

 

I'm so lost and my adviser doesn't seem to know any of the answers. 

Edited February 27, 2014 by SixandCounting