UGH

So, there are approximately zero scholarships available to me as an Honours student trying to find money to attend conferences. the (useless) Vic scholarships office suggested I try NZeducated study abroad awards. I did. They offer undergraduate awards, and postgraduate awards to Masters and PhD. I phoned and asked in an Honours application would be accepted. No. Why not? Because terms and conditions are set by the government. Why does the government choose to fund every year except Honours? "Just because they do." Isn't that kind of inconsistent considering that the work done by an Honours student is equivalent to the work done by a Masters part 1 student? "I'm not prepared to have a discussion about this. Also, it's your home institution's fault that they're not giving travel grants to Honours students." "Um, that doesn't MAKE SENSE. Home institutions also offer Masters and PhD grants. Why is it inconsistent for them and not for you?" "Because it's government policy."

Really? it's specific government policy to fund travel for every year except Honours? Why do I find that really fuckin' hard to believe? Can I please have some emails and phone numbers to call to address this crazy inconsistency? UGH.

I would be less upset about this if I'd spoken to a single person who'd sounded even vaguely sympathetic. If part of your job is to take phone calls, DEVELOP A FUCKIN' PHONE MANNER, don't make me want to reach down the phone and throttle you for being a shithead.