Monday, December 2, 2013
Friday, October 11, 2013
Over a month!!! What????
Mamma Mia!!! I have been in Italy for over a month and that is crazy!!! I mean it has literally been the longest/shortest month of my life.
To get started last time I blogged I was only in Italy for like a week or two. Since then I decided to switch host families! Let me explain (without getting into too much detail) they were nice people but we were not a good match, no hard feelings there (considering the fact I was only there for 2 1/2 weeks. I also had to change schools and moved to a different city (in the same region of Campania).
Now I am living in Cava dei Terrini a nicer bigger city in Italy near about 25 minutes away from Sarno and a lot of nice shopping. I switched from a Linguistic school to a Scientific school (which honestly I like better). i actually have a lot to post about these last 2 1/2 weeks but I have been so busy with resettling/ getting over being homesick to update my blog. At the current moment it is 20 minutes before 9 and I am super tired (because of all of the Italian being spoken everyday) but each day I am getting better at listening but my speaking is still terrible.
I will make a more detailed post Sunday evening because tomorrow I have school, than an AFS Presentation at a Lingustic school in Cava and then a birthday party of my host dad's sister. Mamma Mia sono stanca.
Arrivederci/ buonanotte a tutti!!!
To get started last time I blogged I was only in Italy for like a week or two. Since then I decided to switch host families! Let me explain (without getting into too much detail) they were nice people but we were not a good match, no hard feelings there (considering the fact I was only there for 2 1/2 weeks. I also had to change schools and moved to a different city (in the same region of Campania).
Now I am living in Cava dei Terrini a nicer bigger city in Italy near about 25 minutes away from Sarno and a lot of nice shopping. I switched from a Linguistic school to a Scientific school (which honestly I like better). i actually have a lot to post about these last 2 1/2 weeks but I have been so busy with resettling/ getting over being homesick to update my blog. At the current moment it is 20 minutes before 9 and I am super tired (because of all of the Italian being spoken everyday) but each day I am getting better at listening but my speaking is still terrible.
I will make a more detailed post Sunday evening because tomorrow I have school, than an AFS Presentation at a Lingustic school in Cava and then a birthday party of my host dad's sister. Mamma Mia sono stanca.
Arrivederci/ buonanotte a tutti!!!
Friday, September 13, 2013
I am in Italy!!!!!
I have been in Italy for 8 days and with my host family for 6 days!!!!
It is so amazing here and I haven't felt homesick at all!!!! It has been a very crazy last 8 days from traveling from Ohio to Georgia to NYC to Zurich to Rome to Salerno to Sarno. Haha you can say I am tired.... 👽✈✈✈✈ but I am very happy here! I have already made friends whom I've been hanging out with everyday and on Monday I start at a linguistic a school to study Spanish, French and English! And the classes in Italian like math and science (my brain is going to explode)!!!!!
I have been busy everyday, but the days seem longer when everyone around you is always speaking Italian and you can't understand a word :( but in a few months I will be able to!!!
It is so amazing here and I haven't felt homesick at all!!!! It has been a very crazy last 8 days from traveling from Ohio to Georgia to NYC to Zurich to Rome to Salerno to Sarno. Haha you can say I am tired.... 👽✈✈✈✈ but I am very happy here! I have already made friends whom I've been hanging out with everyday and on Monday I start at a linguistic a school to study Spanish, French and English! And the classes in Italian like math and science (my brain is going to explode)!!!!!
I have been busy everyday, but the days seem longer when everyone around you is always speaking Italian and you can't understand a word :( but in a few months I will be able to!!!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Tomorrow is D-Day
DEPARTURE DAY!!!
I am leaving tomorrow, and I am really happy about this (but I am still a little sad about leaving my mom).
Even though I leave so soon I am still currently doing things (like packing...)
so I am going to keep this blog post nice and short. With that being said, I will miss a lot of things here but I will gain a lot more things there!
And for my friends graduating this year, I found the perfect song to explain our next encounter.
http://youtu.be/KDKva-s_khY
Arrivederci!!!!
Shayla
I am leaving tomorrow, and I am really happy about this (but I am still a little sad about leaving my mom).
Even though I leave so soon I am still currently doing things (like packing...)
so I am going to keep this blog post nice and short. With that being said, I will miss a lot of things here but I will gain a lot more things there!
And for my friends graduating this year, I found the perfect song to explain our next encounter.
http://youtu.be/KDKva-s_khY
Arrivederci!!!!
Shayla
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
ONE MORE WEEK!!!!!
What!!!!?????? Yes, this is true in exactly one week from today, I will take a red eye flight to NYC and I will start my exchange with AFS! It is so crazy to think about it because it still doesn't seem real, I mean I haven't even packed my bags yet! I finally got my visa in the mail on Monday and now I can officially stay in Italy for my exchange!
Since this is possibly my last blog post while I am in Ohio before my exchange I guess I will list what I will miss and what I hope to gain.
Things I will miss:
1) My family- OMG how could I not miss them??? They have been so supportive and I will surely miss them like crazy!
2) My friends- I love all of you and I will miss you and I want you all to make the most out of our senior year!!! (':
3) American food- I will miss you even though you are like my body's worst enemy :p
And Chipotle I will miss you dearly :(
4) The ease of knowing the language, the food, the school and the culture- I know for sure this is something I should be more grateful for, I never realized how much this should be valued until now, since I am about to take a journey into the unknown.
5) School- Yes, Stivers I will even miss you. Even though this would have been my 6th year there, I realize that it is a really good school and our student body is like a family. I will miss you and even though I am not going to be at graduation will you all, I am so happy I got to be in the greatest class EVER in history, CLASS OF 2014 Stivers School for the ARTS!!! Go Tigers!
Things I hope to gain:
1) A new family that I will be able to connect with for not only this exchange but many years after (hopefully the rest of my life)
2) Fluency in Italian
3) I hope I will become more mature and responsible, I think that this is a perfect way for me to grow up before college!
4) Friends from all over the world that I can rely on and will be able to share experiences with during and after our exchanges!
5) I hope to become more open and accepting to new cultures. (I think it is almost impossible to go on an exchange and not be) I hope that I will come back here to my home and see things from a new, more improved perspective.
6) I hope that I can inspire other people who I come across (or those who come across this blog) to go on an exchange and take that chance to make yourself a BETTER person! Which leads me to my 7th point...
7) I hope that I become an overall better person, than I ever was and with AFS I am confident that this is all possible!
Arrivederci,
Shayla
Since this is possibly my last blog post while I am in Ohio before my exchange I guess I will list what I will miss and what I hope to gain.
Things I will miss:
1) My family- OMG how could I not miss them??? They have been so supportive and I will surely miss them like crazy!
2) My friends- I love all of you and I will miss you and I want you all to make the most out of our senior year!!! (':
3) American food- I will miss you even though you are like my body's worst enemy :p
And Chipotle I will miss you dearly :(
4) The ease of knowing the language, the food, the school and the culture- I know for sure this is something I should be more grateful for, I never realized how much this should be valued until now, since I am about to take a journey into the unknown.
5) School- Yes, Stivers I will even miss you. Even though this would have been my 6th year there, I realize that it is a really good school and our student body is like a family. I will miss you and even though I am not going to be at graduation will you all, I am so happy I got to be in the greatest class EVER in history, CLASS OF 2014 Stivers School for the ARTS!!! Go Tigers!
Things I hope to gain:
1) A new family that I will be able to connect with for not only this exchange but many years after (hopefully the rest of my life)
2) Fluency in Italian
3) I hope I will become more mature and responsible, I think that this is a perfect way for me to grow up before college!
4) Friends from all over the world that I can rely on and will be able to share experiences with during and after our exchanges!
5) I hope to become more open and accepting to new cultures. (I think it is almost impossible to go on an exchange and not be) I hope that I will come back here to my home and see things from a new, more improved perspective.
6) I hope that I can inspire other people who I come across (or those who come across this blog) to go on an exchange and take that chance to make yourself a BETTER person! Which leads me to my 7th point...
7) I hope that I become an overall better person, than I ever was and with AFS I am confident that this is all possible!
Arrivederci,
Shayla
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Local AFS Picnic
So I just got back from my AFS Picnic for Dayton and there are 17 exchange students in my city, (Not my entire chapter in Cincinnati there it is like 50) I was so happy to be there because I was extremely sad about leaving last week and this picnic made me very excited!!!
So I basically just ate food and talked to a lot of people mostly volunteers, there is an Italian girl here in Centerville (TURN UP) and I am very excited about it!
In other news I was talking to a guy who is near my city in Italy (former exchange to Portugal) and he was talking to the Japanese guy in my city (who is not actually in my city but like 10 minutes away) and I got to be friends with both the Japanese guy and the Italian boy. Then the Italian boy told me about an Italian girl in my city who is in the same school as me and she just got back from her exchange in Sweden with AFS and she was so nice to me, and she is going to show me around and introduce me to her friends!
I am sorry if my post is confusing, I am also watching the VMA's which is terrible like it is every year!
Anyways I am leaving in 10 days and my emotions last week were crazy because I have been going to school, to enjoy my 2 weeks of Senior year in my american high school, which made me want to stay here for a little longer (and I like a guy) but then I talked to my local Italian Volunteers (who are funny by the way, thanks Adriano and Riccardo) and the Italians and they make me feel much better. Also, Katie (who messaged me which I was so happy about) because at least I know I can talk to another exchange student about my problems.
Now I started the process of packing and it is all so real. I have been waiting for my departure day for so long and now it is here! It is crazy!!!! I love this feeling of knowing that my life will be completely different when I come back next year!!!!
Arrivederci,
Shayla
So I basically just ate food and talked to a lot of people mostly volunteers, there is an Italian girl here in Centerville (TURN UP) and I am very excited about it!
In other news I was talking to a guy who is near my city in Italy (former exchange to Portugal) and he was talking to the Japanese guy in my city (who is not actually in my city but like 10 minutes away) and I got to be friends with both the Japanese guy and the Italian boy. Then the Italian boy told me about an Italian girl in my city who is in the same school as me and she just got back from her exchange in Sweden with AFS and she was so nice to me, and she is going to show me around and introduce me to her friends!
I am sorry if my post is confusing, I am also watching the VMA's which is terrible like it is every year!
Anyways I am leaving in 10 days and my emotions last week were crazy because I have been going to school, to enjoy my 2 weeks of Senior year in my american high school, which made me want to stay here for a little longer (and I like a guy) but then I talked to my local Italian Volunteers (who are funny by the way, thanks Adriano and Riccardo) and the Italians and they make me feel much better. Also, Katie (who messaged me which I was so happy about) because at least I know I can talk to another exchange student about my problems.
Now I started the process of packing and it is all so real. I have been waiting for my departure day for so long and now it is here! It is crazy!!!! I love this feeling of knowing that my life will be completely different when I come back next year!!!!
Arrivederci,
Shayla
Monday, August 19, 2013
Is this even real???? Pinch me I must be dreaming...
So I am going to be in Italy in 2 1/2 weeks. THIS IS UNREAL!!! Like what? Is this actually my life? I am going to live in Italy for 10 months? YES, this is my life and I will live in Italy for 10 months.
I can't express how busy I have been lately. All I seem to do is exchange related stuff. Last week I had a doctor's appointment with my favorite doctor, (and probably the best Orthopedic surgeon in the world, man I am going to miss him) Dr. Gurd at the Cleveland Clinic to make sure everything is fine with me before I leave, and of course I am healthy. Then the next day I drove with my family to Detroit to go to the Italian Consulate, which is actually really easy once you have all of the documents. I forgot 2 things but I faxed it to them, so now I just wait for them to mail me back my passport, documents and visa. :)
I also just booked my flight to New York, which was because of my procrastination. But I will leave Ohio a 6:45 a.m. and after a layover in Atlanta I will arrive in NYC at 12:30 p.m. Honestly, every time I have to fly it is like super early in the morning and I will be up all day, I am going to be soooo tired. (STARBUCKS I WANT MY CARAMEL MACCHIATO!!!)
In host family news, I learned how my host family is awesome and respected!! And how much they love food <3 Mi piace! I also have been messaging my local AFS Volunteer in Sarno and he informed me he will be in Rome when I arrive!!! I am pretty sure he is just as excited to meet me as I am to meet him! He also told me the AFS president of my chapter is friends with my host family. (I told you they were awesome)
Now the only things I have to do is pack, finish Rosetta Stone & get my visa. Life is so much easier now that I am only a few weeks away from Departure.
Arrivederci,
Shayla
P.S. I got my AFS-USA Luggage Tags :)
I can't express how busy I have been lately. All I seem to do is exchange related stuff. Last week I had a doctor's appointment with my favorite doctor, (and probably the best Orthopedic surgeon in the world, man I am going to miss him) Dr. Gurd at the Cleveland Clinic to make sure everything is fine with me before I leave, and of course I am healthy. Then the next day I drove with my family to Detroit to go to the Italian Consulate, which is actually really easy once you have all of the documents. I forgot 2 things but I faxed it to them, so now I just wait for them to mail me back my passport, documents and visa. :)
I also just booked my flight to New York, which was because of my procrastination. But I will leave Ohio a 6:45 a.m. and after a layover in Atlanta I will arrive in NYC at 12:30 p.m. Honestly, every time I have to fly it is like super early in the morning and I will be up all day, I am going to be soooo tired. (STARBUCKS I WANT MY CARAMEL MACCHIATO!!!)
In host family news, I learned how my host family is awesome and respected!! And how much they love food <3 Mi piace! I also have been messaging my local AFS Volunteer in Sarno and he informed me he will be in Rome when I arrive!!! I am pretty sure he is just as excited to meet me as I am to meet him! He also told me the AFS president of my chapter is friends with my host family. (I told you they were awesome)
Now the only things I have to do is pack, finish Rosetta Stone & get my visa. Life is so much easier now that I am only a few weeks away from Departure.
Arrivederci,
Shayla
P.S. I got my AFS-USA Luggage Tags :)
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Exchange is in the air!
So a lot of people that I talked to that is exchanging to the US are finally here!!!! Some are still waiting a few more days but the AFSers are here! I am so sad that I can't meet the group in my area's chapter Cincinnati because I have a doctor's appointment in Cleveland :( but I can attend the smaller one at the end of the month!
It is such a beautiful thing to see all of the posts on my Facebook timeline or Instagram of all of the excitement of my friends that are now here in the US. I wish them the best exchange imaginable!!!!
A girl going to Brazil arrived and she posted on the Ask an AFSer website about how happy she is to live out her dream. And I got a little emotional reading it because in a few weeks I will feel the same way!!! I will finally be living out my dream and live in Italy!!!!!
To all exchangers for the 2013-2014 school year: HAVE THE BEST EXCHANGE YEAR EVER!!!!!!
Only 3 1/2 weeks left,
Shayla
It is such a beautiful thing to see all of the posts on my Facebook timeline or Instagram of all of the excitement of my friends that are now here in the US. I wish them the best exchange imaginable!!!!
A girl going to Brazil arrived and she posted on the Ask an AFSer website about how happy she is to live out her dream. And I got a little emotional reading it because in a few weeks I will feel the same way!!! I will finally be living out my dream and live in Italy!!!!!
To all exchangers for the 2013-2014 school year: HAVE THE BEST EXCHANGE YEAR EVER!!!!!!
Only 3 1/2 weeks left,
Shayla
Saturday, August 10, 2013
School video!
So I found a video of my school. I thought I should put it on my blog.
Video of my school earlier this year having an "Open Day" ( I am not really sure what that is)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dVsGBxofKA
Video of my school earlier this year having an "Open Day" ( I am not really sure what that is)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dVsGBxofKA
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Just a little update!
My local volunteer said that their were a total of 3 students coming to Sarno for the year program. Me, a girl from Colombia and a guy from Japan! I hope we are really close while we are there together. But that is only inside of my city, inside my state there will be many more AFSers!!!1
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Host School!!!
Hey guys and gals,
I got my host school on Sunday and I will be attending Istituto Scolastico Caro but the official long name is Liceo Ginnasio Statale T. Lucrezio Caro. I am pretty sure I will be in class with the 4th year students since that is the equivalent to senior year here in the US. In Italy they have 5 years of high school so I think I will be with other 17/18 year olds.
I have been looking at my Italian school's website and it seems to be a pretty good school! That make me happy because my american school is recognized nationally (and it is a performing arts school) but my Italian school is also a little different than "regular" Italian schools. It is a combination of Linguistic, Classic and Science school. My host dad told me he thinks I will be in Linguistic school.
The school is down the street from my host family's house and I think my host cousin also goes to the same school. On top of that my school has some school sports!!! (Not common in Europe)
My school has their own website (which I have been stalking): http://www.licei.org/index.htm
I am soooooo excited!!! Also, I found some pictures of my host city on Instagram. It's amazing what #Sarno will pull up.
Go-Karting is huge in my city!
I am not 100% about this but I am sure the yellow building farthest to the left (3 stories in height) is my host family's house! It looks really pretty!!!
Italy is so beautiful and it amazes me ( and still shocks me) that I will be living here for 10 months!
Arrivederci,
Shayla
I got my host school on Sunday and I will be attending Istituto Scolastico Caro but the official long name is Liceo Ginnasio Statale T. Lucrezio Caro. I am pretty sure I will be in class with the 4th year students since that is the equivalent to senior year here in the US. In Italy they have 5 years of high school so I think I will be with other 17/18 year olds.
I have been looking at my Italian school's website and it seems to be a pretty good school! That make me happy because my american school is recognized nationally (and it is a performing arts school) but my Italian school is also a little different than "regular" Italian schools. It is a combination of Linguistic, Classic and Science school. My host dad told me he thinks I will be in Linguistic school.
The school is down the street from my host family's house and I think my host cousin also goes to the same school. On top of that my school has some school sports!!! (Not common in Europe)
My school has their own website (which I have been stalking): http://www.licei.org/index.htm
I am soooooo excited!!! Also, I found some pictures of my host city on Instagram. It's amazing what #Sarno will pull up.
Go-Karting is huge in my city!
Italy is so beautiful and it amazes me ( and still shocks me) that I will be living here for 10 months!
Arrivederci,
Shayla
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
HOST FAMILY!!!! :)
So the inevitable (which I thought was impossible happened) I have been permanently placed with a host family!!!! So this happen last Thursday on July 25th but I have been so busy communicating with them and looking into my host city that I forgot to blog about it.
I AM PLACED IN SARNO, SALERNO (province), Campania (state), Italy!!!! :)
I cannot say that I am anything less than excited/overwhelmed. (I still am in shock)
My family is very special and traditional. I say special because originally I thought I would just be living with my host parents Antonietta and Domenico and my host brother Antonio (20 years older than me) but upon further inspection I realized I am living with many more family members! In fact, I am living with the whole family!!! (which is like 18 people) From what I gathered my host family owns a large residential building filled with beautiful Italian apartments all occupied by Lanzetta's (family name). So I will share a big apartment with my host parents but in all actuality I will be "living" with the entire family and we all eat dinner together on Saturdays and Sundays!!
My host dad Domenico loves the arts especially photography. My host mom is very traditional and love to cook Italian food and my host brother loves volleyball and he is a music DJ!!! I don't think AFS could have placed me with a better host family, everyone seems so nice and excited to meet me.
As far as Sarno goes, I don't have many photos of the city but it is like 38,000 people and it is like 10 km from Salerno (the city) which is a beach city of like 150,000 ( the population of my hometown Dayton) and 20 km away from Naples which is a super large city!!! And I am in the south of Italy (which I am not even going to lie, I wanted to be in the south sooooo bad) where it doesn't snow and has beautiful beaches. =D Life is good! Now that I have a host family, I really want to leave so bad but I don't need to rush things as I still have to get my visa info turned in! #DetroitBound
I almost forgot to mention that my local AFS volunteer in Sarno Facebook messaged me today, (which was crazy because he added me months ago when he saw I was coming to Italy) and told me how excited he was to meet me and the other volunteers are excited to meet me!!! Gotta love AFS <3
I am in such a happy mood, I hope you are too!
-Shayla
Side View of my Host family's house
Mountain View of Sarno
City of Salerno
I AM PLACED IN SARNO, SALERNO (province), Campania (state), Italy!!!! :)
I cannot say that I am anything less than excited/overwhelmed. (I still am in shock)
My family is very special and traditional. I say special because originally I thought I would just be living with my host parents Antonietta and Domenico and my host brother Antonio (20 years older than me) but upon further inspection I realized I am living with many more family members! In fact, I am living with the whole family!!! (which is like 18 people) From what I gathered my host family owns a large residential building filled with beautiful Italian apartments all occupied by Lanzetta's (family name). So I will share a big apartment with my host parents but in all actuality I will be "living" with the entire family and we all eat dinner together on Saturdays and Sundays!!
My host dad Domenico loves the arts especially photography. My host mom is very traditional and love to cook Italian food and my host brother loves volleyball and he is a music DJ!!! I don't think AFS could have placed me with a better host family, everyone seems so nice and excited to meet me.
As far as Sarno goes, I don't have many photos of the city but it is like 38,000 people and it is like 10 km from Salerno (the city) which is a beach city of like 150,000 ( the population of my hometown Dayton) and 20 km away from Naples which is a super large city!!! And I am in the south of Italy (which I am not even going to lie, I wanted to be in the south sooooo bad) where it doesn't snow and has beautiful beaches. =D Life is good! Now that I have a host family, I really want to leave so bad but I don't need to rush things as I still have to get my visa info turned in! #DetroitBound
I almost forgot to mention that my local AFS volunteer in Sarno Facebook messaged me today, (which was crazy because he added me months ago when he saw I was coming to Italy) and told me how excited he was to meet me and the other volunteers are excited to meet me!!! Gotta love AFS <3
I am in such a happy mood, I hope you are too!
-Shayla
Naples
Thursday, July 25, 2013
6 weeks left...
Guys I have only 6 weeks left in Ohio before I have to fly to NYC, 6 weeks and 1 day until I fly to Switzerland and 6 weeks and 2 days until I arrive in Rome with all of the other amazing AFSers.
I am not sure how I feel about all of this, it is all happening really quickly and I don't know how to feel about this. I am in no way regretting my decision (in fact I haven't done that this far) but it just doesn't seem real yet. Going abroad has bee a dream of mines for so long and now that it is actually happening I am kind of taking it day by day. Time is flying and I haven't really realized it, all of this time I have been like "September can't come quick enough" and now I am at the end of July and reality still hasn't set in.
I think this may be because I actually haven't left yet but my mind knows that I am leaving for 10 months but the rest of me haven't quite got that concept yet (it's weird, I know) it's kind of hard to explain. I am nervous that something might go wrong, that my luggage might get lost, my classmates won't like me, or that I won't fair well with my host family. These worries are not consuming my mind but they are still somewhere in my cranium ^.^ Every returnee I have talked to says my exchange year will be the most emotional year of my life. They weren't lying, I am emotional and I haven't even left yet.
As far as AFS news goes, I got 2 emails from AFS, one for my country conference call- where I can talk to other kids going to Italy and a returnee from Italy ( this call is Italy specific). The other email asking for me to go back to my doctor for another medical evaluation just to make sure I am still on the up and up. Well that is about all I have got to say at this point.
Arrivederci, Shayla
P.S. I still have to finish Rosetta Stone :(
I am not sure how I feel about all of this, it is all happening really quickly and I don't know how to feel about this. I am in no way regretting my decision (in fact I haven't done that this far) but it just doesn't seem real yet. Going abroad has bee a dream of mines for so long and now that it is actually happening I am kind of taking it day by day. Time is flying and I haven't really realized it, all of this time I have been like "September can't come quick enough" and now I am at the end of July and reality still hasn't set in.
I think this may be because I actually haven't left yet but my mind knows that I am leaving for 10 months but the rest of me haven't quite got that concept yet (it's weird, I know) it's kind of hard to explain. I am nervous that something might go wrong, that my luggage might get lost, my classmates won't like me, or that I won't fair well with my host family. These worries are not consuming my mind but they are still somewhere in my cranium ^.^ Every returnee I have talked to says my exchange year will be the most emotional year of my life. They weren't lying, I am emotional and I haven't even left yet.
As far as AFS news goes, I got 2 emails from AFS, one for my country conference call- where I can talk to other kids going to Italy and a returnee from Italy ( this call is Italy specific). The other email asking for me to go back to my doctor for another medical evaluation just to make sure I am still on the up and up. Well that is about all I have got to say at this point.
Arrivederci, Shayla
P.S. I still have to finish Rosetta Stone :(
Thursday, July 11, 2013
I can see into the future...AFS is apart of it
So besides my weird title I am making this post on where I see my future with AFS. If you didn't know my family hosted an Austrian girl 2 years ago (and we are still close) but I must say that besides my exchange coming up in 55 days, I am really inspired to work with AFS when I come back. I want to volunteer and help AFSers, I actually want to volunteer now (but I don't want to overwhelm myself,so I am going to wait until I come back) and I am going to try and fully commit myself to it.
I even want to be one of those families that host a student every year!!! Really exchanging culture can be an addiction and I think I am addicted. Once I get older and have my own family, I want them to be AFSers, exchanging culture is such a beautiful thing! The people I have talked to now from different countries have really been nice and accepting of me, I love how exchange can connect people and create a bond you didn't even know existed.
I haven't departed yet and I feel more mature, more aware. (I cannot seriously wait to see how I am when I come back!!!!) =D It isn't always easy (trust me when I hosted I found that out) but it is definitely beautiful and worth it!
I signed up to go on exchange with AFS for 10 months but I am definitely NOT just going to stop being an AFSer after those months are up, I will always stay involved because I am just that passionate about it!!! I don't think I can truly express how happy/exciting/magical this can be, I might sound a little repetitive but really that is just how inspired I am! Thanks AFS!
Arrivederci, Shayla
I even want to be one of those families that host a student every year!!! Really exchanging culture can be an addiction and I think I am addicted. Once I get older and have my own family, I want them to be AFSers, exchanging culture is such a beautiful thing! The people I have talked to now from different countries have really been nice and accepting of me, I love how exchange can connect people and create a bond you didn't even know existed.
I haven't departed yet and I feel more mature, more aware. (I cannot seriously wait to see how I am when I come back!!!!) =D It isn't always easy (trust me when I hosted I found that out) but it is definitely beautiful and worth it!
I signed up to go on exchange with AFS for 10 months but I am definitely NOT just going to stop being an AFSer after those months are up, I will always stay involved because I am just that passionate about it!!! I don't think I can truly express how happy/exciting/magical this can be, I might sound a little repetitive but really that is just how inspired I am! Thanks AFS!
Arrivederci, Shayla
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Semester vs. YEAR
"If there is one thing I could change about my experience, it would be the fact that I chose to only go for a semester. A year might seem overwhelming, but almost everyone I have spoken to who choose to go for a semester regrets not choosing a year long option. Heres why: after five months in Russia, I finally feel confident with the language, I can understand my schoolwork. I finally have started to make close relationships with people. Just as I begin to realize what I've done wrong, and what to do better, just as I am starting to fit in, it's time to leave. Of course, a semester is better than nothing, but if you can, go for a year."
-Past Semester AFSer to Russia
I just read this on a blog and and it keeps me thinking that I made the best decision to fully immerse myself in a new (to me) foreign culture for a year! I cannot express how excited I am in the blog about going to Italy in exactly 60 days. CRAZY!!! I feel so ready and unprepared at the same time (now I totally understand Taylor Swift in "22") but I never once regretted my decision so far and I think that is great!
I guess since there are no new updates I can say I am really happy to be apart of the 2013-2014 AFS Italy Group. Everyone thinks that I have spoken to are very nice and are just as excited as I am. Elliot (another participant) has this idea to make a YouTube channel account that all of us could add videos to document each of our experiences! Our motto, to be the best exchange group to ever come to Italy, which is definitely possible. It's crazy because I feel instantly close to them even though we never met (might also have something to do with our insanely long Facebook chats). The beauty of Exchange.
I will say one negative (which is not really negative, because it happens every summer) thing about departing in September is that I will be in the States the whole summer and that is generally fun but guys keep flirting with me and I have to constantly remind myself that I cannot start a relationship because I leave in 60 days. But I can still have some fun, but just as friends!!!I am not complaining that is more of a missed opportunity, but I surely wouldn't replace Italy for that!
Weird fact: In exactly 1 year I am returning from Italy, I somehow feel sad about that and I haven't left yet! I can't wait to see the improvements from now until then!
Arrivederci, Shayla
-Past Semester AFSer to Russia
I just read this on a blog and and it keeps me thinking that I made the best decision to fully immerse myself in a new (to me) foreign culture for a year! I cannot express how excited I am in the blog about going to Italy in exactly 60 days. CRAZY!!! I feel so ready and unprepared at the same time (now I totally understand Taylor Swift in "22") but I never once regretted my decision so far and I think that is great!
I guess since there are no new updates I can say I am really happy to be apart of the 2013-2014 AFS Italy Group. Everyone thinks that I have spoken to are very nice and are just as excited as I am. Elliot (another participant) has this idea to make a YouTube channel account that all of us could add videos to document each of our experiences! Our motto, to be the best exchange group to ever come to Italy, which is definitely possible. It's crazy because I feel instantly close to them even though we never met (might also have something to do with our insanely long Facebook chats). The beauty of Exchange.
I will say one negative (which is not really negative, because it happens every summer) thing about departing in September is that I will be in the States the whole summer and that is generally fun but guys keep flirting with me and I have to constantly remind myself that I cannot start a relationship because I leave in 60 days. But I can still have some fun, but just as friends!!!I am not complaining that is more of a missed opportunity, but I surely wouldn't replace Italy for that!
Weird fact: In exactly 1 year I am returning from Italy, I somehow feel sad about that and I haven't left yet! I can't wait to see the improvements from now until then!
Arrivederci, Shayla
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Nothing new, Just the same excitement!!! :)
Okay so I don't really have anything new to talk about but I have to talk about the excitement I am feeling right now ( and no I still don't have a host family which only makes me build up more expectations to what they will be like)!!!! I am seriously making so many friends and that is because exchange allows you to meet so many new people!!! And it is crazy because we all click and that is just the magic of all being future exchange students!
Like all things in this blog you will see that it is really hard to understand what I am talking about unless you are an exchange student, but seriously I couldn't be any happier right now in my life! Exchange is already starting to change how I look at my own city that I've lived in for basically my whole life. I used to just not really pay attention to the details in my city but now that is all I do when I look outside, wondering if I will miss this or how different it will be in Italy! Words can't really express how happy it is to know that I will leave all of this behind and get to build new relationships in Italy and make my relationships here stronger when I get back.
My peers sometimes question why I would go abroad my senior year of high school, but after switching to home school for eight months my Junior year because of surgery. I knew I became slightly too mature to go back to some of my fellow classmates at school. I mean they thought it was cool to break a teachers colored pencils when she was absent, like GROW UP. And to be honest I have wanted to go abroad since the first time I heard about it my freshman year of high school when Ms. Gamble came to my Spanish class and did an AFS presentation, which lead me to hosting the following semester and now going abroad. But back to the "SENIOR year" thing, I read all of the time when returnees come back they couldn't really connect with their classmates and that they really missed their host country and the freedom they had. (the freedom was especially hard to adjust to with their natural parents) and volunteers actually suggest senior/gap year. When I come back from Italy I will be 18 and graduated I will be able to visit when I want to and help prep me for my college years anyways. Some go their sophomore year but I think you will be a little bit immature, but to each its own. I thought I knew it all my sophomore year but now that I am older I can see that I definitely didn't. Most students go their Junior year, but Junior year is the most important year of high school and then you would have a lot of work to do your senior year (which will not be fun) so I don't regret leaving my senior year!!!! This will be the most memorable year of my life :)!!!
Arrivederci, Shayla
Like all things in this blog you will see that it is really hard to understand what I am talking about unless you are an exchange student, but seriously I couldn't be any happier right now in my life! Exchange is already starting to change how I look at my own city that I've lived in for basically my whole life. I used to just not really pay attention to the details in my city but now that is all I do when I look outside, wondering if I will miss this or how different it will be in Italy! Words can't really express how happy it is to know that I will leave all of this behind and get to build new relationships in Italy and make my relationships here stronger when I get back.
Arrivederci, Shayla
10 Commandments of being a Foreign Exchange Student
1) Adapt or fail
2) Ask or be ignored
3) Be lively and active
4) Always be considerate, helpful and appreciative towards your hosts
5) Be punctual
6) Give 100% of yourself and share self and culture
7) Maintain a neat appearance and keep your surroundings orderly
8) Plan ahead and coordinate with your hosts and their schedule
9) SMILE every chance you get
10) Strive to earn the respect of others
I just found this and loved it!!!! Hopefully when I'm in Italy, I can use this to help me while I'm there.
I am also making a Youtube channel (I currently have one but hate all of my videos; therefore, I will make another channel) to vlog my exchange. I will try to make a video soon so I can post it on here ;) I think that I can choose which method (blogging vs. vlogging) I enjoy most once I am in Italy. I think documenting my experiences will be great for my memories when I come back to the states after my exchange!
That is all for now (and can you believe July will be here tomorrow!?!)
Arrivederci, Shayla
2) Ask or be ignored
3) Be lively and active
4) Always be considerate, helpful and appreciative towards your hosts
5) Be punctual
6) Give 100% of yourself and share self and culture
7) Maintain a neat appearance and keep your surroundings orderly
8) Plan ahead and coordinate with your hosts and their schedule
9) SMILE every chance you get
10) Strive to earn the respect of others
I just found this and loved it!!!! Hopefully when I'm in Italy, I can use this to help me while I'm there.
I am also making a Youtube channel (I currently have one but hate all of my videos; therefore, I will make another channel) to vlog my exchange. I will try to make a video soon so I can post it on here ;) I think that I can choose which method (blogging vs. vlogging) I enjoy most once I am in Italy. I think documenting my experiences will be great for my memories when I come back to the states after my exchange!
That is all for now (and can you believe July will be here tomorrow!?!)
Arrivederci, Shayla
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Travel Notification!!!
FINALLY!!!!!! I mean just in case you don't understand the title, I GOT MY FLIGHT TO ITALY!!! I am so happy to finally know exactly when I leave because it just makes things more real. I have to fly to fly from NYC to Zurich, Switzerland and after about 4 hours worth of layover I will board my flight to ROME!!!! I am supposed to arrive in NYC on the 4th of September and be there no later than 4 p.m. (which I see 2 flights that will allow me to get there before 2 p.m.). I also have my baggage allowance which is 1 checked in Luggage up to 44 pounds and 1 carry-on up to 22 pounds. I am not a virgin flyer, I've have been on airplanes several times and I always over pack; however, I am determined to actually pack lighter which is a challenge within itself because I always feel like I will miss something.
Also, my gateway orientation site is at the JFK Hilton Hotel, I am so excited to meet all of the other Americans coming to Italy this year as well!!!!
My flight!!!!
The best thing is that at some point within these next 69 days (not like I'm counting or anything...ok I am) I will get my host family, which is going to make me soooooo happy! So many good changes coming into my life, I am seriously so blessed!!!!
Well that is it for now until next time!
-Shayla
Also, my gateway orientation site is at the JFK Hilton Hotel, I am so excited to meet all of the other Americans coming to Italy this year as well!!!!
| Carrier Name | Carrier No. | Direction | DEPARTURE | ARRIVAL | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Date | Time | Location | Date | Time | |||
| Swiss International Air Lines | 17 | Departure | JFK - New York - John F. Kennedy, NY | 5-September-13 | 6:05 PM | ZRH - Zürich - Kloten | 6-September-13 | 8:05 AM |
| Swiss International Air Lines | 1736 | Departure | ZRH - Zürich - Kloten | 6-September-13 | 12:30 PM | FCO - Rome - Fiumicino | 6-September-13 | 2:05 PM |
The best thing is that at some point within these next 69 days (not like I'm counting or anything...ok I am) I will get my host family, which is going to make me soooooo happy! So many good changes coming into my life, I am seriously so blessed!!!!
Well that is it for now until next time!
-Shayla
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Taking Care of Buisness
Hey!!!! It has been a little while since I last blogged and well that is because I have no updates from AFS-Italy. I don't have a host family and I don't have my travel notifications. But in 77 days I leave to go to NYC ( I know that because of another girl's orientation date) for my gateway city orientation. And time is flying by when I think about it, I mean June is almost over. WHAAAT??? It feels like it just started, I am happy about that but at the same time it feels like awhile from now.
Even though AFS has not sent me any new updates, I have been making a lot of friends from all over the world. I am becoming more global and I am sharing the same experiences with other kids who knows exactly what I am feeling. Which at this point is an extreme amount of happiness!!!! :) I mean after all I do know that I am moving to Italy for 10 months, and the beauty of going to Italy is that no matter where I am placed it will be beautiful. Just to show you some of "La dolce vita" (the sweet life)
These photos are from various places around Italy and none of them look bad to me!
Anyways, back to making friends. Majority of the friends I have made are also going to Italy this year for an exchange, but I have also made friends that are in Italy and coming to the US and other foreign exchange students from Europe going to other places (because we are all in the same OMG stage before departure)
I also want to talk a little about AFS in general (for those who are looking to go abroad with an organization) AFS is an amazing organization and they have given me so much support. Today some of my local chapter's volunteers invited me to the welcome picnic for the students coming to my area in late August (one girl is from Italy!!!) which I am going to go to! But back to the topic AFS has so much support for their students and they really truly do care about how you are preparing for your exchange and connecting with returnees, or if you have concerns or questions. It really speaks volume to their reputation. I mean I've hosted before and even then my family received support but when you are an outbound student you are making sooooo many changes in your life and your emotions change so much about exchange and to have so much support before I even leave is just something that I am really blessed to have. AFS is the best decision and is the best exchange organization! GO WITH AFS!!!!
I also got some questions from a few friends about the process so here is a general overview:
1) Browse www.afsusa.org and look at their programs, blogs, scholarships and returnee testimonies and see if it is something for you!
2) Fill out the Preliminary application ($75)
3) Start working on your full application (which requires a lot of info)
4) Do an in-home interview
5) Complete and submit your Full Application (it may have to be sent back to you for corrections :p)
6) Get accepted by your host country
7) Get flight information and Host family information
8) apply for your visa (every country had different requirements, AFS will notify you about yours)
9) receive visa
10) Get ready for the time of your life
Also, somewhere along the way you will attend Pre departure Orientations (PDO) at your local area team, Gateway city, Arrival city, and in your host community.
So there is a lot of elements to going on an exchange but once you complete each step you kind of forget about how much of a pain it was to begin with.
Speaking of pains, I had so much stress these last 2 1/2 weeks because of school credits and for a second I thought I wasn't going to be able to go to Italy (I cried like a baby) but I have it all figured out and I am taking 2 English classes (British literature and Intro to Shakespeare class) at a local college to equal 1 high school credit English so I can graduate on time! I have to thank my mom and my sister like 100000000 times, because they really worked it out for me! Some would panic at going to school during the summer, but I already knew I was going to have to and I have cute guys in my class ;) I also took the SAT June 1st, fingers crossed for a high score!
So that is all for now, if you have any questions you can email me at sjd41496@yahoo.com or go to my tumblr page and ask me question shayladavis.tumblr.com (I have a question page on there)!
I'll update you when I get an update!
Even though AFS has not sent me any new updates, I have been making a lot of friends from all over the world. I am becoming more global and I am sharing the same experiences with other kids who knows exactly what I am feeling. Which at this point is an extreme amount of happiness!!!! :) I mean after all I do know that I am moving to Italy for 10 months, and the beauty of going to Italy is that no matter where I am placed it will be beautiful. Just to show you some of "La dolce vita" (the sweet life)
Anyways, back to making friends. Majority of the friends I have made are also going to Italy this year for an exchange, but I have also made friends that are in Italy and coming to the US and other foreign exchange students from Europe going to other places (because we are all in the same OMG stage before departure)
I also want to talk a little about AFS in general (for those who are looking to go abroad with an organization) AFS is an amazing organization and they have given me so much support. Today some of my local chapter's volunteers invited me to the welcome picnic for the students coming to my area in late August (one girl is from Italy!!!) which I am going to go to! But back to the topic AFS has so much support for their students and they really truly do care about how you are preparing for your exchange and connecting with returnees, or if you have concerns or questions. It really speaks volume to their reputation. I mean I've hosted before and even then my family received support but when you are an outbound student you are making sooooo many changes in your life and your emotions change so much about exchange and to have so much support before I even leave is just something that I am really blessed to have. AFS is the best decision and is the best exchange organization! GO WITH AFS!!!!
I also got some questions from a few friends about the process so here is a general overview:
1) Browse www.afsusa.org and look at their programs, blogs, scholarships and returnee testimonies and see if it is something for you!
2) Fill out the Preliminary application ($75)
3) Start working on your full application (which requires a lot of info)
4) Do an in-home interview
5) Complete and submit your Full Application (it may have to be sent back to you for corrections :p)
6) Get accepted by your host country
7) Get flight information and Host family information
8) apply for your visa (every country had different requirements, AFS will notify you about yours)
9) receive visa
10) Get ready for the time of your life
Also, somewhere along the way you will attend Pre departure Orientations (PDO) at your local area team, Gateway city, Arrival city, and in your host community.
So there is a lot of elements to going on an exchange but once you complete each step you kind of forget about how much of a pain it was to begin with.
Speaking of pains, I had so much stress these last 2 1/2 weeks because of school credits and for a second I thought I wasn't going to be able to go to Italy (I cried like a baby) but I have it all figured out and I am taking 2 English classes (British literature and Intro to Shakespeare class) at a local college to equal 1 high school credit English so I can graduate on time! I have to thank my mom and my sister like 100000000 times, because they really worked it out for me! Some would panic at going to school during the summer, but I already knew I was going to have to and I have cute guys in my class ;) I also took the SAT June 1st, fingers crossed for a high score!
So that is all for now, if you have any questions you can email me at sjd41496@yahoo.com or go to my tumblr page and ask me question shayladavis.tumblr.com (I have a question page on there)!
I'll update you when I get an update!
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Pre Departure Orientation
Heyyy guys, I had my local PDO yesterday and it was very interesting.It was all AFS oriented and we went over all the rules, a cultural iceburg and some general cultural differences. So there were 8 outbound exchange students,4 for the year and 4 for summer programs. There was a girl from Yellow Springs going to France for the year (we'll see each other in NYC!), another girl going to Spain for the year (i didn't talk to her at all, but i guess she'll be in NYC too), a girl to Argentina for a year, a girl to Argentina for a summer (who admitted she left out the fact that she was vegitarian so she could get accepted to Argentina, which was confusing?), a boy to Chile for a summer, a girl to France for the summer and another girl going to Spain for summer(both really didn't talk much at all) and I was the only one to Italy.
All in all it was very informational and there were returnees 2 who went to Italy for a year, but stangely I didn't talk to them at all, I got Mike's email and the Other girl's blog which I've checked out. The only returnee I really talked to was Frankie (who was awesome and I just really liked him) who went to France for a year and he is now a student at UC. There were also exchange students who were in my chapter this year from other countries, Hungary, Spain, Italy (I didn't talk to her though), New Zealand (with cool leggings from Black milk), Ghana, and a country that starts with a B that I can't pronounce. I really liked the exchange students especially the kids for New Zealand, Ghana and that one country that starts with a B.
After the morning session we ate Subway which Frankie sat with me, and then the parents left then we went back to Orientation around 2:15 which was a little boring because I was the only kid really participating in the activities almost everyone else was just quiet, which is weird because I know when I go on exchange I can't just stay to myself and be quiet I gotta be very open, which they even told us at orientation, so I am a little concerned for them, moreso the girl going to Spain for a year because she literally said nothing the whole entire time????
We had a whole sex, drug and rock and roll talk. Basically they said that AFS' only rule against sex is if you get pregnant or if you get someone pregnant. Drugs was to tell us we can't do drugs, and the only medicine we could bring was prescribed medicine. They even told us that in surrounding districts that AFS inbound students here doing exchange in the US were being sent home for smoking weed. So they said if you AFS finds out that you are driving, hitchhiking, or doing drugs then you get sent home within the next 8 hours. SO DON'T DO ANYTHING STUPID! Then we talked about smoking and how to drink responsibly especially since in Europe the legal ages are like so much younger. I am 17 and will turn 18 in Italy. So I can already legally smoke, drink beer and wine in Italy. This doesn't really scare me because I am a responsible person, but I think Spain and Argentina's drinking ages are 18. Either way, they stated if you have "the pit" or gut feeling about someone, or if you don't trust them then don't drink with them.
For the last hour we did this Sinbad activity and this story was called something like Abigail Alligator Story, and after that activity people take things and think to much into it. I also realized people have lower standards as far as morals go. So I just totally drained after the activity, and then it was time for us to go! Thank you Jesus, I literally got up super early got lost on the way to UC and did an orientation that lasted all day. I was too tired to really do anything, so now I am done with Orientations until September when I am officially an exchange student. But I am glad all of the first steps are done but in no way am I relieved by all of the stuff I have to do this summer. Summer schools, SAT,ACT, Visa application in Detroit, and packing stresses. I really hope that I get my host family soon and my travel info so I can book my flight to NYC and get all of that out of the way. Oh also there is end of the year exams for school! Yay!!! My summer is going to be so funnnnn.....ha. Well I haven't done Rosetta Stone since Wednesday so I will do more of that and studying.
I'll update you when I get updated~ Shayla
All in all it was very informational and there were returnees 2 who went to Italy for a year, but stangely I didn't talk to them at all, I got Mike's email and the Other girl's blog which I've checked out. The only returnee I really talked to was Frankie (who was awesome and I just really liked him) who went to France for a year and he is now a student at UC. There were also exchange students who were in my chapter this year from other countries, Hungary, Spain, Italy (I didn't talk to her though), New Zealand (with cool leggings from Black milk), Ghana, and a country that starts with a B that I can't pronounce. I really liked the exchange students especially the kids for New Zealand, Ghana and that one country that starts with a B.
After the morning session we ate Subway which Frankie sat with me, and then the parents left then we went back to Orientation around 2:15 which was a little boring because I was the only kid really participating in the activities almost everyone else was just quiet, which is weird because I know when I go on exchange I can't just stay to myself and be quiet I gotta be very open, which they even told us at orientation, so I am a little concerned for them, moreso the girl going to Spain for a year because she literally said nothing the whole entire time????
We had a whole sex, drug and rock and roll talk. Basically they said that AFS' only rule against sex is if you get pregnant or if you get someone pregnant. Drugs was to tell us we can't do drugs, and the only medicine we could bring was prescribed medicine. They even told us that in surrounding districts that AFS inbound students here doing exchange in the US were being sent home for smoking weed. So they said if you AFS finds out that you are driving, hitchhiking, or doing drugs then you get sent home within the next 8 hours. SO DON'T DO ANYTHING STUPID! Then we talked about smoking and how to drink responsibly especially since in Europe the legal ages are like so much younger. I am 17 and will turn 18 in Italy. So I can already legally smoke, drink beer and wine in Italy. This doesn't really scare me because I am a responsible person, but I think Spain and Argentina's drinking ages are 18. Either way, they stated if you have "the pit" or gut feeling about someone, or if you don't trust them then don't drink with them.
For the last hour we did this Sinbad activity and this story was called something like Abigail Alligator Story, and after that activity people take things and think to much into it. I also realized people have lower standards as far as morals go. So I just totally drained after the activity, and then it was time for us to go! Thank you Jesus, I literally got up super early got lost on the way to UC and did an orientation that lasted all day. I was too tired to really do anything, so now I am done with Orientations until September when I am officially an exchange student. But I am glad all of the first steps are done but in no way am I relieved by all of the stuff I have to do this summer. Summer schools, SAT,ACT, Visa application in Detroit, and packing stresses. I really hope that I get my host family soon and my travel info so I can book my flight to NYC and get all of that out of the way. Oh also there is end of the year exams for school! Yay!!! My summer is going to be so funnnnn.....ha. Well I haven't done Rosetta Stone since Wednesday so I will do more of that and studying.
I'll update you when I get updated~ Shayla
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Rosetta Stone will be the death of me!!!!
So as you can probably guess I started Rosetta Stone today because Italy gave me my login info. And let me tell you I had no idea that Rosetta Stone was only in the targeted language, no translations. So the whole entire program is in Italian and there is no english! Umm... Yikes! haha I haven't been doing too bad which I have to thank my 3 or 4 years of Spanish, because some words are the same or very similar but spanish is spanish and Italian is Italian and I am still very lost on some things. I obviously started on level 1 because I don't want to jump the gun and I am glad I did, my account will expire on November 30 of this year and there is 5 levels. I only have to complete 1 level, if not then I pay 50 Euro to AFS-Italy but i am like 1/5 done with the level anyways and it is my first day. So no real worries about that.
I also got a package thingy from AFS with general papers of the whole entire AFS process, rules, tips on packing and booking domestic flights and a lot of other info. I only read like 15 pages but I actually learned some stuff, it is not country specific. AFS-Italy will send their own Guide books with info on culture and language and all that good stuff.
I also got a package thingy from AFS with general papers of the whole entire AFS process, rules, tips on packing and booking domestic flights and a lot of other info. I only read like 15 pages but I actually learned some stuff, it is not country specific. AFS-Italy will send their own Guide books with info on culture and language and all that good stuff.
Yeah it's self explanatory
Nothing else to talk talk about, so until next time.
-Shayla
Monday, May 13, 2013
Accepted by AFS-Italy
So, today around 1p.m. I got got on my email and I got an email from AFS-USA saying:
Hi Shayla,
Congratulations! AFS-Italy has just accepted your application!
I was excited because it is Official that I was going to Italy, but I kind of already knew I would be accepted. But it only makes things more real. I mean I didn't even realize that I depart 3 1/2 months from now until my mom was talking and said it. Wow, I am really unprepared because I truly have 1 million things to do, and I am so happy that Italys depart in September instead of July or August. Again I have to wait but this will probably be one wait that I am so happy to experience because I know that AFS-Italy is looking for me a family in Italy(smiles at the computer).
I am soooo happy this is really happening and I have to wait to get my online Rosetta Stone login info, which some kids are not very happy about doing, but I on the other hand am very glad that AFS-Italy not only gives us Rosetta Stone but that they also give me a language tutor for my first few months there. As I read through current AFSers in Italy blogs they all say they didn't get the hang of the language until like 4 months in and that was just for conversations, so now I am really glad I am doing a year instead of a semester. I already started learning Italian on my kindle with the Babbel app for Italian, and I am doing okay at it, but it is getting more and more difficult.
I also got a letter in the mail with the information about my local PDO at the University of Cincinnati but it was more like directions, and who was going to be there. A lot of kids say that PDO's are boring but the kids from my chapter actually really enjoys it! So I am actually really excited to go because I want to learn all of the info I can before I go to Italy.
My emotions about going abroad is varying minute by minute. Obviously I am more than excited about going, but some moments I realize that I will not see my mom for 10 months and I think about how much I'll miss her, even my siblings. But, I never ever felt like I didn't want to go (I mean this is all I would talk about doing for the last 2 years) but I realize that this is not a vacation or a time to just go partying every night (no matter what my friends think lol) I am going to study a new life, culture, language, be around new people. All very exciting but I know that it will be work, I am not going to pretend that it will be easy because I know it wil be hard. But I seriously have dreams now of me waking up in Italy which makes me happy because I have never been in Europe.
Something that also registered in my head is that I am not going to be able to listen to hip hop music over there as I do here, which is a little sad because I love music but it is not a huge issue, I mean that is what itunes and youtube is for. But I am excited to actually get an authentic taste of Italian food. YUMMY!!! I am concerned that I will gain a ton weight while I am in Italy so I hope I can take up a sport or go to a gym, If not I will have to hold back on binge eating Italian food. And I can't wait to try gelato and go to a disco! The more that I talk about Italy the more ready I am to go!!! I don't think there really is much else for me to talk about for now... I will try to update how my PDO goes and all of that fun stuff.
Arrivederci,
Shayla
Also a song that I fell in love with is called Young and Beautiful by Lana del Rey. It is like my life in a nutshell. And it is on the Great Gatsby soundtrack, enjoy!
http://youtu.be/o_1aF54DO60
Hi Shayla,
Congratulations! AFS-Italy has just accepted your application!
Next, AFS-Italy will match you with a host family*. This is a complex process and may take some time. It is common for host family information to be provided during the month prior to your departure.
I was excited because it is Official that I was going to Italy, but I kind of already knew I would be accepted. But it only makes things more real. I mean I didn't even realize that I depart 3 1/2 months from now until my mom was talking and said it. Wow, I am really unprepared because I truly have 1 million things to do, and I am so happy that Italys depart in September instead of July or August. Again I have to wait but this will probably be one wait that I am so happy to experience because I know that AFS-Italy is looking for me a family in Italy(smiles at the computer).
I am soooo happy this is really happening and I have to wait to get my online Rosetta Stone login info, which some kids are not very happy about doing, but I on the other hand am very glad that AFS-Italy not only gives us Rosetta Stone but that they also give me a language tutor for my first few months there. As I read through current AFSers in Italy blogs they all say they didn't get the hang of the language until like 4 months in and that was just for conversations, so now I am really glad I am doing a year instead of a semester. I already started learning Italian on my kindle with the Babbel app for Italian, and I am doing okay at it, but it is getting more and more difficult.
I also got a letter in the mail with the information about my local PDO at the University of Cincinnati but it was more like directions, and who was going to be there. A lot of kids say that PDO's are boring but the kids from my chapter actually really enjoys it! So I am actually really excited to go because I want to learn all of the info I can before I go to Italy.
My emotions about going abroad is varying minute by minute. Obviously I am more than excited about going, but some moments I realize that I will not see my mom for 10 months and I think about how much I'll miss her, even my siblings. But, I never ever felt like I didn't want to go (I mean this is all I would talk about doing for the last 2 years) but I realize that this is not a vacation or a time to just go partying every night (no matter what my friends think lol) I am going to study a new life, culture, language, be around new people. All very exciting but I know that it will be work, I am not going to pretend that it will be easy because I know it wil be hard. But I seriously have dreams now of me waking up in Italy which makes me happy because I have never been in Europe.
Something that also registered in my head is that I am not going to be able to listen to hip hop music over there as I do here, which is a little sad because I love music but it is not a huge issue, I mean that is what itunes and youtube is for. But I am excited to actually get an authentic taste of Italian food. YUMMY!!! I am concerned that I will gain a ton weight while I am in Italy so I hope I can take up a sport or go to a gym, If not I will have to hold back on binge eating Italian food. And I can't wait to try gelato and go to a disco! The more that I talk about Italy the more ready I am to go!!! I don't think there really is much else for me to talk about for now... I will try to update how my PDO goes and all of that fun stuff.
Arrivederci,
Shayla
Also a song that I fell in love with is called Young and Beautiful by Lana del Rey. It is like my life in a nutshell. And it is on the Great Gatsby soundtrack, enjoy!
http://youtu.be/o_1aF54DO60
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Some updates on things to do before departure and expectations
So, I didn't really expect to hear from AFS in awhile because I just turned in my application 6 days ago. But then I got some emails from AFS today and I was like "Woah this is happening quicker than I thought" but when I think about it I did submit my application very late. Anyways, the first email I recieved was from my application advisor stating:" I am attaching a new form from AFS-Italy, which you should get filled out with the help of your school counselor. It would be ideal if you could get this form completed and email it to me by the end of next week (May 10).
Then literally an hour later I got another email stating that I will be applying for a Type D, Visa for Minors also including "Please review Step 1 and Step 2 IMMEDIATELY to book your visa appointment, as the spots are filling up quickly." (eerliy similar to turning in my full application) they also gave me a website with the steps I should take to get a visa and also told me to book my appointment between July 29th to August 7th. I have to say I was extremely shocked getting an email talking about visa stuff because I thought it would come later, like in the summer. It just made things really real time is ticking and I have a lot of stuff to do before taking off to Italy in September. I checked the website that was given and figured out that the Consulato D'Italia for my jurisdiction was in Detroit. I was hoping I wouldn't have to travel far but there is also a honorary consulate in Cincinnati (which I hope I can go to instead) because I don't want my mom to stress out about driving 4 hours to Michigan.
After I tried to research what I will need (still in limbo about that) I got an email from my advisor like a half hour later stating that she was just checking in and she wanted to make sure that if I had questions to direct them towards her. Oh and she also said, "Additionally, setting up an appointment at your Consulate is something that you should do by the end of this week." (TIP to future applicants, AFS is very on top of trying to get all the info in quickly, so please stay on top of that or else it will stress you out.)
Back to the email, I knew they said spots were filling quickly; however, this was way quicker than I thought considering today was Wednesday so I basically have 2 and 1/2 days to schedule appointment. So I have to figure out whatever I am going to do tomorrow far as which Consulate I am going to and when. (another note: the application process can be very long and consist of a lot of waiting if you complete it earlier, but once mid Spring comes, the process really picks up and you will stay busy with exchange things.)
On a funner note The Greater Cincinnati AFS Chapter is having their pre-departure orientation (PDO) this month on May 18th at the University of CIncinnati which will be like 10 or 12 of us there. I am so excited because I do not know any of the other outbound students in my region so I hope we will click and get along. I heard it is all day, and the morning portion parents can participate in but the afternoon is just us students. (I know this is a shot in the dark, but I hope someone else will also go to Italy this fall or at least come to New York in September. I have to wait and see) I haven't gotten a letter yet, but this was all explained to me at my interview at Olive Garden (where i got a large scholarship) but when I get the letter I will write about it. I am sooo excited to go to it because it will be my first pre-departure orientation of many to come!!!
Also, I had a random moment when I thought about adaptors, and sure enough I will need to buy adaptors because Italy had different wall prongs, so I purchased 2 for $13 on a website called TravelSmith. I also am on the Facebook group with the other kids from all over the world coming to Italy this September and they all seem really nice & I can't wait to see them in Rome. Something commonly discussed is host families, one of the most exciting emails I cannot wait to recieve. I honestly have no expectations because I don't want to picture a host family and get a total different one and somehow get upset. Also, which region people want to stay in, I'll admit I do kind of have a pre-mature picture of where I would stay but I try to erase that because I don't want to dream of staying in a beach house in Sicily and end up in somewhere in the north. Personally both the north and the south will make me happy! And I will also get to experience both worlds because AFS-Italy has exchange week so I will end up in both regions either way. It is crazy to dream that a year from now I will be almost fluent in Italian, with a family, friends & only 2 months left of exchange. However, that is a year from now so I will have many memories before May 2014. In addition, I will make a video blog during the process and hopefully be able to keep up with it.
I also found this video on Youtube of the current AFSers in Italy you have to watch it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpKugs15wwc
Just when I thought I couldn't get more excited to be an AFSer.
Ciao
Shayla
AFS-Italy wants to know what courses your US school would like you to take while on program."
It came with two attachments, one of which was the form that asked about classes. So now I have to go to my counsler again about what classes he wants me to take. The thing is I will be abroad my senior year so I only would need 20 credits to graduate, the only credit I would need to graduate would be 1 english credit (which I am taking this summer) so the form also states if there is no preference that I could write down the classes I would like to take. YAY!!! even though I am not guaranteed these classes I write down, I am happy to know that they will put it into consideration when choosing a host school for me.Then literally an hour later I got another email stating that I will be applying for a Type D, Visa for Minors also including "Please review Step 1 and Step 2 IMMEDIATELY to book your visa appointment, as the spots are filling up quickly." (eerliy similar to turning in my full application) they also gave me a website with the steps I should take to get a visa and also told me to book my appointment between July 29th to August 7th. I have to say I was extremely shocked getting an email talking about visa stuff because I thought it would come later, like in the summer. It just made things really real time is ticking and I have a lot of stuff to do before taking off to Italy in September. I checked the website that was given and figured out that the Consulato D'Italia for my jurisdiction was in Detroit. I was hoping I wouldn't have to travel far but there is also a honorary consulate in Cincinnati (which I hope I can go to instead) because I don't want my mom to stress out about driving 4 hours to Michigan.
After I tried to research what I will need (still in limbo about that) I got an email from my advisor like a half hour later stating that she was just checking in and she wanted to make sure that if I had questions to direct them towards her. Oh and she also said, "Additionally, setting up an appointment at your Consulate is something that you should do by the end of this week." (TIP to future applicants, AFS is very on top of trying to get all the info in quickly, so please stay on top of that or else it will stress you out.)
Back to the email, I knew they said spots were filling quickly; however, this was way quicker than I thought considering today was Wednesday so I basically have 2 and 1/2 days to schedule appointment. So I have to figure out whatever I am going to do tomorrow far as which Consulate I am going to and when. (another note: the application process can be very long and consist of a lot of waiting if you complete it earlier, but once mid Spring comes, the process really picks up and you will stay busy with exchange things.)
On a funner note The Greater Cincinnati AFS Chapter is having their pre-departure orientation (PDO) this month on May 18th at the University of CIncinnati which will be like 10 or 12 of us there. I am so excited because I do not know any of the other outbound students in my region so I hope we will click and get along. I heard it is all day, and the morning portion parents can participate in but the afternoon is just us students. (I know this is a shot in the dark, but I hope someone else will also go to Italy this fall or at least come to New York in September. I have to wait and see) I haven't gotten a letter yet, but this was all explained to me at my interview at Olive Garden (where i got a large scholarship) but when I get the letter I will write about it. I am sooo excited to go to it because it will be my first pre-departure orientation of many to come!!!
Also, I had a random moment when I thought about adaptors, and sure enough I will need to buy adaptors because Italy had different wall prongs, so I purchased 2 for $13 on a website called TravelSmith. I also am on the Facebook group with the other kids from all over the world coming to Italy this September and they all seem really nice & I can't wait to see them in Rome. Something commonly discussed is host families, one of the most exciting emails I cannot wait to recieve. I honestly have no expectations because I don't want to picture a host family and get a total different one and somehow get upset. Also, which region people want to stay in, I'll admit I do kind of have a pre-mature picture of where I would stay but I try to erase that because I don't want to dream of staying in a beach house in Sicily and end up in somewhere in the north. Personally both the north and the south will make me happy! And I will also get to experience both worlds because AFS-Italy has exchange week so I will end up in both regions either way. It is crazy to dream that a year from now I will be almost fluent in Italian, with a family, friends & only 2 months left of exchange. However, that is a year from now so I will have many memories before May 2014. In addition, I will make a video blog during the process and hopefully be able to keep up with it.
I also found this video on Youtube of the current AFSers in Italy you have to watch it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpKugs15wwc
Just when I thought I couldn't get more excited to be an AFSer.
Ciao
Shayla
Friday, April 26, 2013
The First Steps....to ITALY!!!
Where should I start.... Ok I will rewind back to like 2 weeks ago. A member of the AFS staff for my local chapter called my mom and was checking with my application that I opened but didn't really ever finish it. My mom talked to her and spoke about how I was still interested in going abroad (because that was like the only thing I ever talked about) and she left her number for me to call her. After a little bit of phone tag we communicated through email about what I needed to do in order to go abroad THIS fall. Fast forward to Thursday the 18th I had an Olive Garden interview, which consisted of me, my mother, Mrs. McManus, Mrs.Harmon and Mr. Koenig. I had Mrs. Harmon as my interviewer and it was very casual, just questions and answers, and how my mom would describe my personality. I also learned that Mr. Koenig was from our local scholarship commitee which at the end of the dinner he decided to give me a $7000 scholarship for me to go abroad this year! (This was great because earlier that day AFS Global Leaders decided to give me $2500 toward my tuition and I also got a $200 credit for hosting with AFS.)
Let's break this down...
$13750 tuition for a year in Italy
-$7000 Friends of AFS scholarship
-$2500 Global Leaders
-$200 AFS Family Award =
$4050 worth of tuition, that my family can afford. THANK YOU JESUS!!!!
I was in awe I wanted to cry tears of joy!!! I mean my dream was becoming reality within the matter of minutes. It still makes me emotional when I reflect on that. Anyways that is when it became real to me that I could really go on exchange! The thing is the deadline was the 25th and I had to finish my application. YIKES!!! So I urgently started to work on it because there was no way I was going to not going to go because I did not finish my application on time....
This week has been hectic to say the least, I have been to the doctor, to my old school for transcripts (even though they weren't the easiest people to work with), obtain my birth certificate, sign several forms. But really if you are focused on getting the application done, you will do EVERYTHING to get it done. Plus, I was under a time restraint (talk about pressure). But on the 25th (yes the deadline to the date) I fully completed my AFS application and it is currently being transferred over to AFS-Italy.
There is so many thanks that I have to give out but these are the people that put forth a lot of support, money and time to help me go abroad.
My mother, has done sooooo much running around for me, even though this is a hard thing for her to decide because I am her youngest and this will be my senior year.
Mrs. McManus, I have been in close contact with her from the beginning of this process and she has given me soooo much support and so much of her time and resources. Really thank you so much!!!!
Mr. Koenig and Mrs. Frances for giving me a scholarship that made this trip possible for me, I literally want to cry now just thinking about it now. And because this is a life changing experience that you guys made possible and I will never ever forget what you guys have done for me! Thank you is truly never going to justify how grateful I actually feel and what this means to me. But THANK YOU!
AFS for giving me a total of $2700 in scholarships that allowed me to go on this trip. (literally if I had to pay another $1000 I probably wouldn't be able to go.) So thank you and I look forward to going on an exchange with you this year!!! :)
This is only the beginning for me and I hope that I will be able to document my experiences well because I know beforehand I would literally check everyones blog to see if this was something for me, so hopefully I can do the same with my blog.... Now I have a lot of waiting to do, buying things that I will bring, learn Italian *SCARY* and dream about what it will be like.
Ciao
Shayla
Let's break this down...
$13750 tuition for a year in Italy
-$7000 Friends of AFS scholarship
-$2500 Global Leaders
-$200 AFS Family Award =
$4050 worth of tuition, that my family can afford. THANK YOU JESUS!!!!
I was in awe I wanted to cry tears of joy!!! I mean my dream was becoming reality within the matter of minutes. It still makes me emotional when I reflect on that. Anyways that is when it became real to me that I could really go on exchange! The thing is the deadline was the 25th and I had to finish my application. YIKES!!! So I urgently started to work on it because there was no way I was going to not going to go because I did not finish my application on time....
This week has been hectic to say the least, I have been to the doctor, to my old school for transcripts (even though they weren't the easiest people to work with), obtain my birth certificate, sign several forms. But really if you are focused on getting the application done, you will do EVERYTHING to get it done. Plus, I was under a time restraint (talk about pressure). But on the 25th (yes the deadline to the date) I fully completed my AFS application and it is currently being transferred over to AFS-Italy.
There is so many thanks that I have to give out but these are the people that put forth a lot of support, money and time to help me go abroad.
My mother, has done sooooo much running around for me, even though this is a hard thing for her to decide because I am her youngest and this will be my senior year.
Mrs. McManus, I have been in close contact with her from the beginning of this process and she has given me soooo much support and so much of her time and resources. Really thank you so much!!!!
Mr. Koenig and Mrs. Frances for giving me a scholarship that made this trip possible for me, I literally want to cry now just thinking about it now. And because this is a life changing experience that you guys made possible and I will never ever forget what you guys have done for me! Thank you is truly never going to justify how grateful I actually feel and what this means to me. But THANK YOU!
AFS for giving me a total of $2700 in scholarships that allowed me to go on this trip. (literally if I had to pay another $1000 I probably wouldn't be able to go.) So thank you and I look forward to going on an exchange with you this year!!! :)
This is only the beginning for me and I hope that I will be able to document my experiences well because I know beforehand I would literally check everyones blog to see if this was something for me, so hopefully I can do the same with my blog.... Now I have a lot of waiting to do, buying things that I will bring, learn Italian *SCARY* and dream about what it will be like.
Ciao
Shayla
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