A more substantial financial aid package for an incoming M.S. student is rare. However, the Department is nowing leaving the door open to offering Teaching Assistantships to highly qualified incoming M.S. students. This constitutes a change in informal policy. Again, Ph.D. applicants receive preference in these awards, but it is possible that highly qualified M.S. students will receive such awards too. Better financial awards at another institution seem to be the primary reason for declining a Vanderbilt offer.
Foreign applicants do very well in competing for admission and financial aid awards.
Obviously, an ability to effectively communicate in English is a very important consideration in awarding a Teaching Assistantship, but I do not believe that there are any disadvantages per se. Prospective Transfers to CS from within Vanderbilt See a letter to Director of Graduate Studies at Vanderbilt University for requirements and expectations and concerns. I have a question. Special appointments can be made as last resorts or in emergencies. A number of MS students express an interest in moving to the PhD program.