The beginning . . .

This is the first entry, and I figured that the beginning would be a good place to start. I started the application process to study abroad last year (my freshman year) by attending a meeting and beginning to think about where I might want to go. As many of you know, I have always wanted to go to England. I seem well suited for it. So, I worked hard and then it was summer. When I got back (my sophomore year) I really began the process. I started meeting with my study abroad advisor and picked up the first application.

After being accepted into Western's study abroad program, I had to choose which affiliate I would be studying through. I ended up choosing ISEP because it had good options as to where I could go, it was a well established program, and it was reasonablly priced. For my family, money is an important factor. But, through the ISEP exchange program we are paying Western's fees. Hypothetically this will pay for someone else to study here at Western and take my place while I'm studying at their school taking their place. It's really a good idea in my opinion. After both applications were done I was left to wait anxiously for the results of where I would study. This is probably the worst part of the process. ;) waiting . . . . then I got a letter in the mail from my number one school choice (Plymouth) saying that they had my application and it was being processed. Then I waited some more before getting the email from my advisor that I got into PLYMOUTH!!!

As you can expect, I was very very happy to get into my number one choice, not to mention getting to go to England. It's very difficult to get into the UK because so many people want to go there. A lot of the reason for this is because students want to study abroad but they want to go somewhere that speaks English. What I have learned from this process is that there are so many places nowadays that speak English. You can travel almost anywhere in the world and find people who speak English. So, there are more opportunities than you would think.

So now, I am basically just waiting to see if I get any scholarships. I also have to finish my acceptance paperwork. There's a lot of paperwork in this process, but its really simple. I'm also waiting for summer to get here and be over. haha. I'll be working hard this summer to earn lots of money. I'll be waiting for September to arrive. My official date to get in England is September 15th.

I realize this is a bit out of order, but at least it's included right? haha. I will be attending University of Plymouth in the county of Devon in England. Its located on the southern coast of England by the ocean. I'll still be studying Literature, Creative Writing, and Theatre, so no changes there. Be sure to check my facebook page too for picture updates. But, for now we're just waiting and wondering what its going to be like.

--until next time . . . love and a smile