SO much has happened since my last post a month or so ago! Lots of updates for you all:
1. In mid-october I submitted all the materials for my visa application. It was an easier process than I anticipated. Luckily my program will submit the visas to a consulate near our school or home on our behalf. All I needed to do was submit the materials to my program coordinator and they were able to send it to the Spanish consulate in San Francisco, CA. I receive confirmation a few weeks ago that everything on my application was complete and that it was successfully submitted to the Spainish consulate. Now I just have to wait to see if they approve me! I am hopeful it will all work out.
2. More good news! In October I applied for a scholarship through the Eisenhower Institute which is a distinctive program at Gettysburg College. This scholarship is open only to Gettysburg College students and is dedicated to helping students afford going abroad. I was notified on Friday that I was selected for the scholarship! I am honored and excited to have received this award. It will cover my visa application, flights, and many other expenses related to studying abroad.
If you are interested in hearing more about it, follow this link:
http://eisenhowerinstitute.org/scholarships/hilton.dot
3. Lastly, a week or so ago the Center for Global Education here at Gettysburg College did a pre-departure orientaiton. I was able to hear more about important things I should know before starting my semester abroad. I was also able to meet with the students from Gettysburg College who are also participating in my program.
All three of these recent updates has made this whole experience feel so real! It's getting so close. I only have four more weeks of school and then finals week. I'll have to pack up all my belongings and put it in storage for eight months until I arrive back on campus in August of 2017. Although I am beyond excited for this new adventure, I will miss everyone here at Gettysburg and in the United States. With that being said, I can not wait to start this once in a lifetime opportunity!
I'll keep you all updated with any news I receieve over the next couple of months. ¡Adios!
