Getting a deferral

[histrybuff]

Hi all,

So, I have been accepted to a great funded MA program that I'm excited to matriculate to.

The thing is, I was also accepted to teach English in France for one year. It'd be a great opportunity to a) polish up language skills b) read more widely/deeply on prospective MA thesis topics c) take a break after undergrad and see the world. Not too worried about funding, because it's relatively noncompetitive. 

I haven't accepted either because I'm not sure how to do so.

If my aim is to get a deferral, should I accept the MA position and then broach the topic of a deferral for the year with the Chair? Or should I speak with the Chair about a deferral before accepting the MA position? 

The rub? BOTH must be notified on Friday the 15th. 

Thanks for your thoughts!

[Neist]

I'm not sure what proper etiquette is during a situation like this, but I'd ask the chair before accepting, assuming you had their offer in paper. 

What's the worst that could happen? The chair says no? I'm not sure if they could easily or legally rescind the offer if it's already in writing, but I'm not an expert in such matters.  

My two cents.

[TMP]

Pick one.  Ask the Chair of the MA program but it's not likely that the funding will still be there when you return from China.