The Beginning: Applications & Visa

Over the last year, Kirk and I have seriously pursued getting him into school in Scotland.    His longterm goal is to teach history at a university, which often requires a PhD.  Scotland has not always been on our radar, but in the last yearit has truly seemed that God has led us there for school.  We are excited to say that we are on our way this September! 

Application Advice:

We learned a few things about school applications over our process, and while it may take a bit of effort it is worth it in the end.

1. Choose several schools. 
   Do not limit yourself by applying to only one school.  The process itself will eliminate some schools as you go. 
2. Decide on one or a few ideas for your dissertation.
   It is helpful have a topic that pertains to your school, city, or nation of interest.  Research your topic for your own benefit, to decide if you can study this topic extensively, and to sound knowledgeable as you pursue different schools.
3. Research the schools' websites for instructors in your field of interest.  Prepare an initial e-mail to one instructor or department head at each school. 
   Inform them of your interest, and perhaps request advice about the relevancy of your topic to their program.
4. Once you have an involved instructor (this may take a while), follow their advice and request, download, or print an application. 
   In addition, you will be required to give most or all of the following: statement of purpose, writing sample, and prospectus.  Many provide you application in PDF, so that you can neatly type your information.  Again, do this for each prospective school.
5. Send your application as soon as you can! 
   The earlier you send it, the earlier you will get a response.
6. Upon acceptance, respond to the school with your acceptance of their terms.
7. Apply for scholarships and grants. 
   Some of these may have been included in the application process, but the schools may have listed other funding opportunities including loans. 
8. Apply for your visa*.
9. Search for housing (sometimes provided at the universities). 
   Often schools may have lists of reliable landlords, and if you find a flat or apartment you like try to call the landlord in person.  You do not want to take chances if moving to a place you have never seen. 
10. Find your arrival date, and give yourself a few days to settle in or to attend orientation/matriculation.
11. Once your visa is accepted, buy your plane tickets!
12. Have fun, work hard, take pictures, and keep a journal (or blog)!

*Visa Advice:

Our current project is visa applications, finding a job for me, and finding a decent flat.  The technical visa information will be on the nation's visa website.  For example, the UK's visa site is http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/adult-students/  One of the best websites we have found for visa information is World Bridge.  You can begin at the homepage https://www.visainfoservices.com/Pages/dest_org.aspx, choosing destination country and country of origin.  With that information, follow the menu on the left of the page.  It is self-explanatory from there.