I don’t really know whats best for you either or what doors will eventually open for you, I do know what it feels like to not get my first choice initially to end up in some place that I never had in mind (FASS) and then to eventually end up where I always wanted to go. This can be a very confusing time in your life and yet you are supposed to make the most important decision of it.

Some advice from your uncle (haha!): I know we all want as much certainty in our lives as possible but sometimes by getting certainty in the short-term we short-change ourselves in the long-run — and this advice can cut either way you make your decision. Don’t make this career decision hastily (thats what it really is) and don’t just decide solely on principles or the tempted part of you will come back to haunt u (but it should be a factor). So, if you would like to talk to someone who has worked with the mfa or had a psc scholarship and who have gone overseas to study, let me know, maybe I can pass you their contacts and introduce you. Don’t be shy about asking for advice at this kind of juncture. Just to let you know: PSC scholars are allowed to do PHDS (but they might wind up at NUS teaching) and MFA scholars are allowed to do masters… the only catch as u well know is the bond, which might be a very different but still high price to pay at both the PSC and MFA. And maybe the PSC can offer you a role where you can help the poor (Singapore has social welfare services despite what the official rhetoric is). The chances of getting an internship at an NGO ironically are probably higher in a country like the UK or US and the chance of getting offered a job there too. (talk about global inequalities).

All the best making this decision, hope God gives you the wisdom and clarity of vision.

So why do you need to go overseas? You have lots of experience of overseas life. You have family overseas. You have been studying in an environment full of overseas scholars. And you have a mind that isn’t exactly the typical blinkered Singaporean mind.

Now all you need is linguistic flexibility and an expansive grasp of world history and culture. Is that too much to ask? *grin*