I just got home from my pre-departure orientation. I have to say there was quite a bit of stuff covered that was kind of common sense, but it was still a really useful use of my time. We talked about how to handle situations when someone makes a critical statement or asks a critical question about the US. We talked about how to handle differences in values between us and our host families. Generally, we talked about how to make the most of every situation, whether it involves learning about our host families, learning about our host countries, learning about ourselves or even teaching about our native land. It was pretty informative.
Also, I met some really cool people and had fun playing games and doing activities with them. I really liked when we had time to just chat at lunch.
Overall, today was really fun and it makes me all the more excited about my exchange!
Bis später!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
PDO Date is Set!
Last night, I received an email with information about my pre-departure orientation! It's going to be on April 30th, and it's pretty nearby. I'm excited to meet other people who are going through the same things I am! Hopefully, I'll be able to size up my competition for CBYX... (just kiddding!) Anyway, I'm sure it will be fun to meet other exchangers, and it will probably be good for my parents to meet other parents who are sending their kids off to another country. I think they (mainly my mom) might need some reassurance about the whole thing! Even though it's going to be long (10am to 4pm), I'm looking forward to it. Plus, it will hopefully help make this feel like it's actually happening!
Bis später!
Bis später!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Just an Update and Some Thoughts
Yesterday, I had an envelope in the mail from YFU. Thinking it was about the scholarship, I sprinted up my driveway and tore it open right away. However, it was just asking me to sign up for a pre-departure orientation (which they haven't given a time or place for, yet). How disappointing... Just two more weeks, though, and I should know!
Today, I went to La Crosse with my parents for a college tour. It was fun! On the way up, I saw a bald eagle! The tour itself was cool, too. We walked around for about an hour, looking at the different buildings and getting a feel for the campus. Our tour guide was really nice. At one point, she and I talked a bit about my going to Germany and which other colleges I've looked at. It was nice getting to talk one-on-one with her while we walked. It made a good impression on me.
Also, in regards to that 365 picture project I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm planning on taking pictures that have some actual artistic merit to them. I'm sure that anyone who is reading this doesn't care too much how artistic my photos are, but I'm basically just adding this as a reminder to myself.
A little more than three months! (and I still don't know where I'm living for the next year of my life...)
Bis später!
Today, I went to La Crosse with my parents for a college tour. It was fun! On the way up, I saw a bald eagle! The tour itself was cool, too. We walked around for about an hour, looking at the different buildings and getting a feel for the campus. Our tour guide was really nice. At one point, she and I talked a bit about my going to Germany and which other colleges I've looked at. It was nice getting to talk one-on-one with her while we walked. It made a good impression on me.
Also, in regards to that 365 picture project I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm planning on taking pictures that have some actual artistic merit to them. I'm sure that anyone who is reading this doesn't care too much how artistic my photos are, but I'm basically just adding this as a reminder to myself.
A little more than three months! (and I still don't know where I'm living for the next year of my life...)
Bis später!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Long Time, No Blog
It's been quite a while since my last blog post, but that's because there's been nothing really going on. Well, nothing exchange-related, to be exact.
Thursday night, however, I received an email from YFU. It had a placement test for the Orientation and Language Camp. The test is just to get a ballpark estimate of how much German I know so they can put me in the right group for the language camp. It's exciting to have things actually happening with my exchange!
Also, the email said I'll be finding out if I've been awarded the scholarship on May 1st. That's only three weeks away! I can't wait to find out! It's so hard hearing about all the other exchangers with the other programs finding out already. I just want to know!
Not exactly exchange-related, but I took the ACT today. I'll find out those results in five to eight weeks. I think I did pretty well, though. We'll see!
Bis später!
Thursday night, however, I received an email from YFU. It had a placement test for the Orientation and Language Camp. The test is just to get a ballpark estimate of how much German I know so they can put me in the right group for the language camp. It's exciting to have things actually happening with my exchange!
Also, the email said I'll be finding out if I've been awarded the scholarship on May 1st. That's only three weeks away! I can't wait to find out! It's so hard hearing about all the other exchangers with the other programs finding out already. I just want to know!
Not exactly exchange-related, but I took the ACT today. I'll find out those results in five to eight weeks. I think I did pretty well, though. We'll see!
Bis später!