Fulbright vs. Less Prestigious Scholarship
June 24, 2010 6:53 AM Subscribe
I've been accepted to 2 Teach English Abroad programs: a prestigious Fulbright grant in Turkey and a less prestigious program in Spain. I'm torn by indecision--which to choose?
Some background:
I spent a semester in Spain during college and absolutely fell in love with the country. I applied there go to back to the country I love and practice the language more (at near native fluency now).
On a whim, I also applied to the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program in Turkey---and was accepted. I don't speak Turkish and the country doesn't draw me as much. But the program's got a really prestigious name attached to it--one which can definitely help me out in the job market/grad school apps, etc.
I'm torn. I've made some contacts with people who live in the Turkish city I'd be in and they're super-friendly, offering to show me around, take me out, teach me the ropes. They also say I'll be fine without speaking Turkish. And I'm super-curious about what it'd be like to live there for 9 months. Spain, I already know what to expect.
I'm 25--every friend I have has told me to go to Turkey, that this is an opportunity I can't pass up. My parents and other people their age tell me to go to Spain.
Any advice? Any former Fulbrighters there want to throw their hat in the ring? Or people who turned down prestigious scholarships?
Some background:
I spent a semester in Spain during college and absolutely fell in love with the country. I applied there go to back to the country I love and practice the language more (at near native fluency now).
On a whim, I also applied to the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program in Turkey---and was accepted. I don't speak Turkish and the country doesn't draw me as much. But the program's got a really prestigious name attached to it--one which can definitely help me out in the job market/grad school apps, etc.
I'm torn. I've made some contacts with people who live in the Turkish city I'd be in and they're super-friendly, offering to show me around, take me out, teach me the ropes. They also say I'll be fine without speaking Turkish. And I'm super-curious about what it'd be like to live there for 9 months. Spain, I already know what to expect.
I'm 25--every friend I have has told me to go to Turkey, that this is an opportunity I can't pass up. My parents and other people their age tell me to go to Spain.
Any advice? Any former Fulbrighters there want to throw their hat in the ring? Or people who turned down prestigious scholarships?
Personally, I'd go to Turkey. Turkey is a vibrant and rapidly changing country that is sure to provide a wonderful experience and will be something different from what you're already experienced. Combine that with the prestige of a Fulbright and it seems like the winner to me.
posted by alaijmw at 7:10 AM on June 24, 2010
posted by alaijmw at 7:10 AM on June 24, 2010
Spain will be there whenever you want to go. The Fulbright is a "right now" thing. Go to Turkey!
posted by thebrokedown at 7:12 AM on June 24, 2010 [5 favorites]
posted by thebrokedown at 7:12 AM on June 24, 2010 [5 favorites]
What reasons do your parents and people their age give for suggesting Spain? It seems like an obvious choice for Turkey to me, but I'm not that age.
posted by metametababe at 7:13 AM on June 24, 2010
posted by metametababe at 7:13 AM on June 24, 2010
Response by poster: @Unlaced: The only assessment I get is whether I choose to ask someone for a recommendation in the future. I think I really do have a chance to shine in Spain--but for teaching English, they prefer that the class is immersion, that you not speak any of the students' native language. So I'll have ease of communication with other faculty, but either way the class would be in English. But that is definitely something I've considered.
@Alaijmw: That's something I forgot to add. The political position of Turkey right now is fascinating and I'd love to be there at a pivotal moment. But it's so different from what I've ever experienced. Knowing that I may be uncomfortable and feel isolated for the whole 9 months is worrisome. Spain, yes, is an "easy" option, but living in a foreign country is never easy either way--Turkey would be a huge culture shock. I'm just a big scaredy cat!
posted by scclads at 7:15 AM on June 24, 2010
@Alaijmw: That's something I forgot to add. The political position of Turkey right now is fascinating and I'd love to be there at a pivotal moment. But it's so different from what I've ever experienced. Knowing that I may be uncomfortable and feel isolated for the whole 9 months is worrisome. Spain, yes, is an "easy" option, but living in a foreign country is never easy either way--Turkey would be a huge culture shock. I'm just a big scaredy cat!
posted by scclads at 7:15 AM on June 24, 2010
Absent something that prevents you from working in Spain after your Fulbright, I'd go with Turkey. Life ain't that short, kid.
posted by gum at 7:16 AM on June 24, 2010 [5 favorites]
posted by gum at 7:16 AM on June 24, 2010 [5 favorites]
Spain is an amazing country. Lived there for 2 years - 2 of the best years of my life.
The night-life and the atmosphere of Spain can not be matched.
posted by Flood at 7:17 AM on June 24, 2010
The night-life and the atmosphere of Spain can not be matched.
posted by Flood at 7:17 AM on June 24, 2010
What are your education/career goals? Can you speak with someone in the field as to how each would look on your resume/cv?
posted by cestmoi15 at 7:18 AM on June 24, 2010
posted by cestmoi15 at 7:18 AM on June 24, 2010
Either Spain or Turkey would seem to be a reasonable choice; either will probably work out well for you. But given that you have already learned so much Spanish, that would seem to be the more logical choice. English/Spanish bilingualism is going to be increasingly useful in the US as a result of the huge and ever-growing Hispanic population, so putting yourself in a postion to further develop your Spanish fluency is likely to be very helpful in the future. While there are doubtlessly advantages to learning Turkish as well, they are not as likely to play an important role in your life. Unless you want to work for the CIA.
posted by grizzled at 7:19 AM on June 24, 2010
posted by grizzled at 7:19 AM on June 24, 2010
Just because you loved Spain, doesn't mean you won't love Turkey, and there's only one way to find out.
posted by Some1 at 7:20 AM on June 24, 2010
posted by Some1 at 7:20 AM on June 24, 2010
Response by poster: @Gum: True--I've thought about going to Spain after, but I'm not sure I want to be away from the US for 2 years.
@Cestmoi15: I will either become a Spanish teacher, an ESOL teacher, a guidance counselor, or pursue graduate study in linguistics/educational linguistics.
@grizzled: Yep, it does seem more logical. In thinking about my future career goals, I'm considering being a bilingual Spanish/English guidance counselor, so Spain can only help. Turkey really is kind of out there and there isn't much call for a bilingual Turkish-English person in the US, though it is a country rising in world prominence.
posted by scclads at 7:22 AM on June 24, 2010
@Cestmoi15: I will either become a Spanish teacher, an ESOL teacher, a guidance counselor, or pursue graduate study in linguistics/educational linguistics.
@grizzled: Yep, it does seem more logical. In thinking about my future career goals, I'm considering being a bilingual Spanish/English guidance counselor, so Spain can only help. Turkey really is kind of out there and there isn't much call for a bilingual Turkish-English person in the US, though it is a country rising in world prominence.
posted by scclads at 7:22 AM on June 24, 2010
Again, are people your parents' age thinking more about satisfaction than careers? Or do they know you really well and know you'd be miserable? Or...?
posted by metametababe at 7:25 AM on June 24, 2010
posted by metametababe at 7:25 AM on June 24, 2010
Response by poster: Also @grizzled: The idea of working in Muslim country also interests me. As Muslims, both immigrant and native-born, make up a growing US population that is often misunderstood and pre-judged, it would be fascinating to really live in a Muslim country.
posted by scclads at 7:25 AM on June 24, 2010
posted by scclads at 7:25 AM on June 24, 2010
I would go to Turkey, if I were you, since you've already been to Spain. And the Fulbright is really spectacular. Congratulations!
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 7:27 AM on June 24, 2010
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 7:27 AM on June 24, 2010
I love love love Spain. I've travelled a ton and it is constantly a place I go back to. I went twice last year. Iberophile credentials established - Turkey is the right choice and its not even a question. Even without the added impact of the Fulbright.
Yes it'll be harder - but at 25 now is the time to do hard things.
N.B - while I've been to Spain a lot I also spent 3 weeks in Turkey 5 years ago and while some of it was a little hard especially in the far east - it is a really really amazing place. Also living in a culture like theres that bridges the east and the west (or at least is a melange of the two) is fascinating. Waking up in small little towns to the call to prayer and what not.
posted by JPD at 7:27 AM on June 24, 2010
Yes it'll be harder - but at 25 now is the time to do hard things.
N.B - while I've been to Spain a lot I also spent 3 weeks in Turkey 5 years ago and while some of it was a little hard especially in the far east - it is a really really amazing place. Also living in a culture like theres that bridges the east and the west (or at least is a melange of the two) is fascinating. Waking up in small little towns to the call to prayer and what not.
posted by JPD at 7:27 AM on June 24, 2010
Sorry to post so much on this -- trigger-happy finger! A friend turned down a Fulbright to attend another (less prestigious) graduate program that was more suited to her intellectual interests at the time. She had a good experience, but always wonders "what might have been". The program was good, but she could have gone there after the Fulbright, not instead. The same for you -- you can go to Spain, probably even to the same program, after the Fulbright.
posted by metametababe at 7:30 AM on June 24, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by metametababe at 7:30 AM on June 24, 2010 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: @Metametababe: not that they know me better, but I think they're more familiar with Western Europe and more comfortable there. They're not interested in traveling anywhere besides those locations. My friends, on the other hand, are much more adventurous and similar-minded to me.
@JPD: Iberophiles represent! I do have the hopes of returning to Spain again, which is why I'm thinking I may do Turkey now and Spain after. I know I'll have more opportunities to live in Spain, whereas in Turkey, it's now or never.
posted by scclads at 7:31 AM on June 24, 2010
@JPD: Iberophiles represent! I do have the hopes of returning to Spain again, which is why I'm thinking I may do Turkey now and Spain after. I know I'll have more opportunities to live in Spain, whereas in Turkey, it's now or never.
posted by scclads at 7:31 AM on June 24, 2010
One thing I forgot to add: Congrats!! Whichever you choose, it should be a fantastic experience and you've clearly done some things very right to have to decide between these two programs!
posted by alaijmw at 7:47 AM on June 24, 2010
posted by alaijmw at 7:47 AM on June 24, 2010
You have the option to do two awesome things. One you can do now or later. One you can only do now.
posted by 256 at 7:52 AM on June 24, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by 256 at 7:52 AM on June 24, 2010 [1 favorite]
Not any real professional advice, but on a gut level, I'd go with Turkey just because it's an opportunity to start out somewhere no, prestigious or otherwise. You've already studied abroad in Spain, and picked up the language, so I feel like there'll be plenty of ways or avenues for you to go back there later, whether it's with this program or not. But that's just me.
I was recently debating possible future plans with two different countries (nothing set in stone like being accepted, just thinking hypothetically as I lay out the groundwork for both...either way I was thinking what I would do if both paths were to open up to me at the same time) and honestly I still prefer the choice that has me going to the place I'm unfamiliar with/didn't live in. I'm pretty confident in my language skills, so I don't feel like I'd be shut out of the possibility of going to Familiar Country at a later date. But I don't really have much inroads for the Unfamiliar Country. I don't know, I figure I'm young, so why not cram in as many new things, places, and people as possible before I get too old to doing that. But again, I'm not really what people would call "career-minded." I'm ambitious, but ambitious about living a full, fun life with a lot of new experiences more than moving up on some kind of social/career ladder. Not to say Spain wouldn't be fun! Just saying, you know, yay! Bright, shiny, new place!
posted by kkokkodalk at 7:59 AM on June 24, 2010
I was recently debating possible future plans with two different countries (nothing set in stone like being accepted, just thinking hypothetically as I lay out the groundwork for both...either way I was thinking what I would do if both paths were to open up to me at the same time) and honestly I still prefer the choice that has me going to the place I'm unfamiliar with/didn't live in. I'm pretty confident in my language skills, so I don't feel like I'd be shut out of the possibility of going to Familiar Country at a later date. But I don't really have much inroads for the Unfamiliar Country. I don't know, I figure I'm young, so why not cram in as many new things, places, and people as possible before I get too old to doing that. But again, I'm not really what people would call "career-minded." I'm ambitious, but ambitious about living a full, fun life with a lot of new experiences more than moving up on some kind of social/career ladder. Not to say Spain wouldn't be fun! Just saying, you know, yay! Bright, shiny, new place!
posted by kkokkodalk at 7:59 AM on June 24, 2010
er..."no"=new
posted by kkokkodalk at 7:59 AM on June 24, 2010
posted by kkokkodalk at 7:59 AM on June 24, 2010
Congratulations on your Fulbright award! I admit I'd find it hard to turn down a Fulbright. That's something that may open doors for you down the road of which you're not even aware yet. Add to that the opportunity to work in an evolving social and political climate, and to challenge yourself in ways different from your experiences in Spain.
posted by catlet at 8:06 AM on June 24, 2010
posted by catlet at 8:06 AM on June 24, 2010
I'd monetize the two choices, and see which "pays" you more. It's a challenge, but it very comforting to have a simple numerical comparison to back up your decision with.
How much money do you get out of the Fulbright scholarship vs. the position in Spain? What are the relative costs of living? (I'd guess that the COL in Turkey is lower, but that's a gut feeling. The CIAWF might have better insight. How much will each option allow you to save up?
Can you place a gross monetary value on the "prestige" of the Fulbright name? How much is it really worth? (This is a tough question, perhaps worthy of its own AskMe.)
There are more questions, but as long as you do a good apples-to-apples comparison on what each option is *worth*, you'll get a good answer out of it.
posted by Citrus at 8:43 AM on June 24, 2010
How much money do you get out of the Fulbright scholarship vs. the position in Spain? What are the relative costs of living? (I'd guess that the COL in Turkey is lower, but that's a gut feeling. The CIAWF might have better insight. How much will each option allow you to save up?
Can you place a gross monetary value on the "prestige" of the Fulbright name? How much is it really worth? (This is a tough question, perhaps worthy of its own AskMe.)
There are more questions, but as long as you do a good apples-to-apples comparison on what each option is *worth*, you'll get a good answer out of it.
posted by Citrus at 8:43 AM on June 24, 2010
If you're going to turn down opportunities from fear or discomfort, don't start when you're 25. Save that for middle age. (Or never.)
posted by MsMolly at 9:07 AM on June 24, 2010
posted by MsMolly at 9:07 AM on June 24, 2010
Take the Fulbright – it’s Viagra for your resume.
There’s lots of unemployed people out there and graduate recruitment is basically grinding to a halt. Do everything you can to get ahead.
Anyway can’t you do both? But whatever you do, take the Fulbright.
posted by dmt at 9:12 AM on June 24, 2010
There’s lots of unemployed people out there and graduate recruitment is basically grinding to a halt. Do everything you can to get ahead.
Anyway can’t you do both? But whatever you do, take the Fulbright.
posted by dmt at 9:12 AM on June 24, 2010
It's bad form to turn down the Fulbright after you've been accepted. They denied tens-to-hundreds of people to accept you. I've been told it also makes them less likely to accept students from your alma matter in the future. It's not really a "oh I'll get accepted and then choose" situation.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 9:42 AM on June 24, 2010
posted by Solon and Thanks at 9:42 AM on June 24, 2010
Take what I say with a grain of salt because I am Turkish.
That aside if you ever come to Turkey, you'll the true definition of hospitality. Of course you'll see poverty and ignorance as well, but there is a very touching thing about a stranger trying their very best to help you. Sometimes seeing people unspoiled by the world is the thing one might need.
posted by kuju at 9:48 AM on June 24, 2010
That aside if you ever come to Turkey, you'll the true definition of hospitality. Of course you'll see poverty and ignorance as well, but there is a very touching thing about a stranger trying their very best to help you. Sometimes seeing people unspoiled by the world is the thing one might need.
posted by kuju at 9:48 AM on June 24, 2010
Oh, and memail me if you have any questions. I have lived here all my life. :) (Almost. Went off to college.)
posted by kuju at 10:05 AM on June 24, 2010
posted by kuju at 10:05 AM on June 24, 2010
Hm. Actually I'll qualify my above statement - that's just what I've been told by my advisors. If you truly don't want to go, you don't have to, but don't turn down things like that lightly.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 10:26 AM on June 24, 2010
posted by Solon and Thanks at 10:26 AM on June 24, 2010
Take the Fulbright! Turkey is an amazing, culturally rich place and you never know what opportunities the Fulbright will lead to.
posted by peacheater at 11:37 AM on June 24, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by peacheater at 11:37 AM on June 24, 2010 [1 favorite]
I agree that the prestigious scholarship is a good option, but do think you should learn some Turkish before you go, it will really enhance your stay to be able to communicate on a day to day basis.
posted by ellieBOA at 3:18 PM on June 24, 2010
posted by ellieBOA at 3:18 PM on June 24, 2010
I have a friend who did a Fulbright ETA in Ankara two years ago, just after the program had been redesigned. MeMail me and I can probably put you in touch if you'd like!
posted by soviet sleepover at 3:36 PM on June 24, 2010
posted by soviet sleepover at 3:36 PM on June 24, 2010
It's bad form to turn down the Fulbright after you've been accepted. They denied tens-to-hundreds of people to accept you. I've been told it also makes them less likely to accept students from your alma matter in the future. It's not really a "oh I'll get accepted and then choose" situation.
I call bullshit. Most students who're academically competitive enough to apply for Fulbrights are also applying for a small host of other prestigious scholarships--some of which are much tougher to get than the Fulbright (whose competitiveness varies depending on the country and sub-program--they accept 2% of applicants to England, but 30-50% of applicants to, say, Uruguay). If you get a Rhoades scholarship and a Fulbright, the choice is obvious, and your alma mater benefits regardless.
posted by soviet sleepover at 3:50 PM on June 24, 2010
I call bullshit. Most students who're academically competitive enough to apply for Fulbrights are also applying for a small host of other prestigious scholarships--some of which are much tougher to get than the Fulbright (whose competitiveness varies depending on the country and sub-program--they accept 2% of applicants to England, but 30-50% of applicants to, say, Uruguay). If you get a Rhoades scholarship and a Fulbright, the choice is obvious, and your alma mater benefits regardless.
posted by soviet sleepover at 3:50 PM on June 24, 2010
Nthing that Spain is going to be there forever, and Turkey, too, for that matter, but the Fulbright will not. Even if you don't like it, you can head back to Spain later. It's just a year.*
*When you're older than your mere 25 years on the planet, you'll find that a year becomes a shorter and shorter unit of time. For you, it's 1/25th of your life, which seems pretty small and relatively insignificant, but just wait until it's 1/40th of your life. 1/55th! Now we're talking about really short time, years that fly by.
posted by zardoz at 9:02 PM on June 24, 2010
*When you're older than your mere 25 years on the planet, you'll find that a year becomes a shorter and shorter unit of time. For you, it's 1/25th of your life, which seems pretty small and relatively insignificant, but just wait until it's 1/40th of your life. 1/55th! Now we're talking about really short time, years that fly by.
posted by zardoz at 9:02 PM on June 24, 2010
My first reaction was to tell you to follow your bliss and go to Spain. But then I remembered a mentor friend of mine who is a priest and a psyhotherapist who always said to me, "There is no growth in the familiar."
Meaning that to grow you need to stretch yourself beyond what's comfortable. I assume that growth and learning is the goal of your education. So take the Fullbright, embrace being uncomfortable and grow yourself. Use Spain for sabbatical.
posted by cross_impact at 8:46 AM on June 25, 2010
Meaning that to grow you need to stretch yourself beyond what's comfortable. I assume that growth and learning is the goal of your education. So take the Fullbright, embrace being uncomfortable and grow yourself. Use Spain for sabbatical.
posted by cross_impact at 8:46 AM on June 25, 2010
Response by poster: Thank you so much, everyone, for all your help. I've been thinking non-stop and finally decided today to head to Turkey this year, then maybe Spain the following year. Buy the ticket, take the ride!
posted by scclads at 5:38 AM on June 28, 2010
posted by scclads at 5:38 AM on June 28, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by unlaced at 7:09 AM on June 24, 2010