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!
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