You usually see the lab in an interview, so it's like you are checking them out and they are checking you out simultaneously. It would probably seem a bit strange to the prof for someone to ask to see the lab randomly.

If I were you I would just apply for the PhD and state that you would be really keen to see the lab and meet to research group.

Wow, that's some direct feedback! It's good in a way, now you can try to improve your presentation for next time. Are there little typos etc in the work? Was the layout of the presentation consistent? Maybe that's what they mean by precision. Did you use the correct methods/tests/analysis?

You could also ask them how long they think it should be and what to cover etc, or ask other PhD students if that's easier.

I'm sure most research institutes/universities aren't what you think they are. Stick it out for a bit longer. The grass isn't always greener.

You can't top it up, but you can take other classes, courses and degrees to improve your chances in jobs/further education.

Check that your offers really won't accept you first though.

Do you think... has any influence on...

a. yes, positive
b. yes, negative
c. no
d. unsure

?

Just a guess... I'm not a social scientist...

I doubt there's a course specifically giving you a qualification on this. It's more likely to be on the job training.

Pay your stipend into the account when you get it to cover the overdraft and then dip into it continually until you get your next one and pay it in there again etc? This way you will pay less interest and slowly slowly pay it off

You need to check whether you will be qualified as a teacher with the degree. Usually you will be placed into a school as part of the programme, and these placements often result in a permanent teaching position following successful completion of the programme. If this programme doesn't offer this, it may not qualify you to teach in the US.

If won't make a difference whether you are a US national or not, as long as you have the correct visa. Teachers are generally in high demand here.

You need to check whether this will give a proper teaching qualification for the country you wish to teach in.

Hi, I can't really comment on the specifics regarding climate change careers or funding, but many universities offer research in the climate change field eg:

http://www.cru.uea.ac.uk/

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/cabot/research/

http://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/inspiring/keythemes/science/climate/

Students can begin at any age, but most typical in sciences is probably 21 to 28. In my lab group, the oldest PhD student started at age 33.

findaphd.com will show funding available to international students

Not sure about a national/international network, but each university seems to have phd/postdoc societies for international students and there's often email networks where one can meet people from their home countries etc.

Me too :)