24 Jun 2020

US Universities

Economics, PhD (F20)

Other via Other on 24 Jun 2020

Note

TPB: Although we totally agree in feeling uncomfortable with remote learning, I would say it is highly unlikely that they will change the beginning of core sequences (micro, macro, metrics) to the Spring semester for two main reasons: (1) The start of sequences in the Fall gives a fairly continuous scenario for the courses (only 1-2 weeks of break between courses at the end of the year), while having a sequence starting in the Spring semester would mean around 2-3 months between courses; (2) professors are still expected to do research and teaching, they are not on any kind of hiatus. Several if not most research projects are still ongoing, and are expecting to make use of graduate RAs work time ASAP. That is why universities are trying to make the necessary efforts to accommodate international students, instead of recommending a deferred admission, which, if taken systematically by international students, would mean a terrible impact to the PhD programs. That being said, I should emphasize that remote learning is not the best scenario, and comes with a great deal of issues: State Department regulations on amount of online credits for international students, inability to access a University library and specialized books without online materials, uncertainty about funding and payment-wiring arrangements, difficulty in arranging times for synchronous classes for students in different time zones, etc. The last resort would be to try and get an expedite emergency visa interview at the nearest US Embassy, and then try to board a humanitarian flight to the US. Otherwise, the only two choices are either to accept the online-synchronous setting, or defer admission to Fall 2021. What a horrible year it has been, and we are barely ending June...

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