I have been getting questions about the fellowship offline and that is great and often (for confidentiality) the best way. I would like to see this blog become more interactive. Please ask me questions in the comments section and I will respond faster than Speedy Gonzales!
Q1. Public transportation in D.C.? Do I need to live downtown to partake in social events? To car or not to car?
I mentioned in my earlier blog that waiting until after placement week to find an apartment was a good idea. While it is true that you can get placed in Maryland, Virginia, or DC, one can live downtown and use the METRO to easily reach any of these places. The METRO is super reliable, clean, and safe. Most lines run late during the week and on the weekends into the wee hours of the morning. The Metro facilitates safe and fun social outings as well as commuter transportation. Some drawbacks, living downtown is spendy and can be unsafe. DC tends to have neighborhoods that are nice by day and shady by night. Be sure to checkout potential neighborhoods at night before you settle on an apartment.
The U street area is singles/party central. The U street is safe but if you walk to many blocks to either side it is scary. There is a great view of the mall from that area. The fellows that had there their apartment robbed in broad daylight, that apartment is close to U street. Living on the edges of the DC area is nice as well. The metro sprawls in all directions. The ends of the individual lines have less traffic so fewer trains and truncated schedules.
As for a car, I do not have one and I depend on public transportation and a bike. From what I have heard this place is a tax nightmare. Virginia and Maryland have different rules on cars. DC demands that you change your plates immediately. I would avoid a car at all costs.
Q2. Can I split fellowship between Legislative and Executive?
I am trying to. I will have to keep you updated. I have a Legislative experience tentatively planned for the Fall. Seems doable, after all the is fellowship is what you make of it: selling yourself, your pet projects, ect. Go big!
Q3. Is craigslist a good site to shop for housing?
Craigslist has worked for many fellows and it is free. I tried roommates.com and that was more active in seeking-out roommates and apartments by neighborhood. I think it cost like $20 for a month.
Q4. Is living alone and option?
Living alone is an option but it does drain your already limited fellowship resources. I think it is a good idea to look around for a single place but after placement week you might change your mind. Imagine 50 people in the same boat as you looking for the same things as you: safe, cheap, and close housing. It is often much more economical to share a place.
Q5. How much does a fellow really make?
Well the fellowship is split up between a stipend and health insurance/travel money. Placement week does not come out of your fellowship award, headquarters pays that back. The 2009 Fellows will be awarded more than I currently am so for specifics you should search the Knauss Web Page for the 2009 budget. Here is the link to the 2009 budget info:
http://www.seagrant.noaa.gov/Knauss/FY09%20CLass/Dean_John_A_Knauss_Marine_Policy_Fellowship.pdf
Basically you will be the lowest paid person in your office.
I would check with Michele and Gayle at the AK Sea Grant office, they are a great help.
Please keep those questions coming!
Seanbob
