Scholarship with bond or RA?

Graduate School
1

<p>Hey every one, I received a RA with a top university in California, and a 4-year scholarship in my home country. I can only choose either one, and I’m in a dilemma as to which one to accept. Let me list down more details of both types of funding.</p>

<p>1) RA</p>

<ul>
<li>Full tuition waiver</li>
<li>Stipend per quarter</li>
<li>Salary from RA</li>
</ul>

<p>No restriction in research areas. </p>

<p>2) Home Scholarship</p>

<ul>
<li>Full tuition + expenses for 4 years.</li>
</ul>

<p>But the sponsor requires me to carry out research in certain areas subject to their approval. And there is a 4-year bond to serve after my studies.</p>

<p>Any input and advice are appreciated. Thanks!</p>

2

<p>What benefit would you get with the home scholarship? Are the stipend amounts different between the home scholarship and the RA position? The way you explained it there doesn’t seem to be any upside to the home scholarship.</p>

3

<p>I guess the main benefit from the home scholarship is guaranteed funding for 4 years, plus additional allowances for settling in, books, etc. </p>

<p>The stipend amounts differ by about $100 (after subtracting tax for the RA. The home scholarship is non-taxable) based on my calculations. </p>

<p>Which is more important: Financially stable for 4 years, but with less freedom to do research, or RA for 1 year, but with freedom to do research?</p>

4

<p>Freedom. If your area of interest is in line with that of your home country, you can return there to work later on. Otherwise 5/6 years working on something you’re not passionate about would be hell.</p>