You've Been Accepted By France!

The title of this post?  That was the subject of the email I received informing me of my acceptance into AFS-France.  I don't believe describing my reaction in words would suffice.  Accordingly, I shall include a picture!

Yup, this is how I reacted.

Howdy Readers!

As you have probably deduced from both this post's title, the little introduction, and from the image as well; you can safely assume I'm quite ecstatic right now. :D!  So, the waiting game is finally over.  Or is it?  Well, I'm relieved to know that I will be able to participate in the program.  Now, I wait until more information.  For instance, I'm guaranteed a host family!  That will definitely be an exciting day when I receive that information.  The wait will be agonizing, no doubt.  Yet, I know it'll also be rewarding.  Of course, when I do receive that information, I'll probably want to learn everything I can about the city, the people, the family, the school, etc.  That is, more specifically than the inquiries I've made about the country already.  The email explained that the process of obtaining and matching host families to participants is a complex one.  Nevertheless, I do trust AFS-France to match me with an ideal one.  They said that the waiting time varies drastically (from students already receiving their host families immediately while some may get them once they arrive in the actual host country).  Whatever the case, they stated that it is common for host family information to arrive during the month prior to departure.  According to the AFS-USA website, approximate departure dates are August 28-31.  So, my restlessness will most likely be at a pinnacle around July/August.  I can't wait!

Next, visas. Yes, I am required to obtain a student visa for France.  However, unlike some countries, AFS forewarns that the process for getting one from France is rather complicated and somewhat costlier than other countries.  They said they'll email me detailed instructions about that around 1-3 months before my departure.  Once I receive more information on that, I'll be sure to update this blog.  Yet, I do believe I have to show up in person to a French consulate with my family.  There's one in NYC, I think; I like the location. ;D  I also think I have to get key documents notarized and translated into French and present it to the consulate.  I'm not quite sure on all the details yet.  AFS says that some countries require vaccines; I don't know if France does.  However, the cost for the visa isn't covered by the $13,000 tuition so I'll have to pay that out of my own expenses.  Either way, I'm looking forward to it.

I also received an email a few days ago about all participants being required to update their health forms and competing an activity waiver.  I don't believe that's anything major, but it's some news.  They said they'll email me that approximately 6 weeks before departure.  The fundraising for tuition is extremely close to being reached, so I genuinely ask anyone for whatever they may be able to contribute.  More details on that with Click here for more details on donating!.

Until then, the major wait is for host family and visa information.  Oh wait, there's the pre-departure orientation on May 22nd.  I'm excited for that as well.[=  Other than that, the only other major news I have right now is that I underwent surgery for the removal of my two top wisdom teeth.  Yet, if you'd like to know more about that, you can simply talk to me through any means you know how.  I do have to go back in two week for the removal of the bottom two.  I'm not quite hyped up for that.  However, to make this AFS-related, I do realise that I've been finalizing and making a myriad of appointments with my doctors to ensure I'm prepared for departure.  =D  Meaning, a supply of contact lenses, having wisdom teeth removed, any other stuff I may need while abroad.  Rest assured, I will be covered with medical insurance while abroad.  Still, I'd like to prepare with as much as I can before I depart.

Have you heard of the viral internet sensation Rebecca Black and her infamous song, "Friday"?  If you have, then you'll recognise my closing lines taken from the lyrics of the song's bridge.

"We-we-we so excited.  We so excited.  We're gonna have a ball."

- Yes, yes we are.  Gello.

Quinze Jours

Good evening!

In French class, a couple of weeks ago, we learnt that the expression "quinze jours" (fifteen days) translates to two weeks from French to English.  Maybe it's a French thing, go figure.  Anyhow, there's not major news going on now.  However, if I'm going to try to keep reader interest, I should update.

Two weeks, yes.  I'm anxious.  If you've read my last posts, you'd know that I was notified my full application was sent to France on March 18, 2011.  I was told there'd be a 4-6 week wait before I found out any information.  Well, fast forward 4 weeks and now there's only two weeks left of wait.  That is, unless I get that info sooner, which in all cases would be superb.  Hence, the title of this post is an expression of "two weeks" in French.  The waiting is killing me.

My friend, Florence, (frequently mentioned) texted me yesterday that she has been officially accepted by AFS-Germany!  That being great news, I am truly happy for her as she now awaits even more information such as a host family. She also finally has that donation widget on her blog.  If you'd like to help either of us reach our goals, you may do so freely by donating directly to either of our separate tuitions through the PayPal widgets (no account required; Click here for more information about donating and the "ChipIn" widget!). :D Now, Florence's news also rendered me to ache for any new information regarding my application status.  I feel like somehow channeling a message telepathically to AFS-France requesting "Pick me!  Pick me!  Come on, I'm not that bad!"  Although I do yearn for acceptance, I also confide that AFS is doing its best to match me to a prospective host family.

Alas, keeping on the small amount of news to tell, there has been major visual news.  The blog has been completely redesigned.   Unless, you've really been keeping up-to-date with my posts, the blog sports a new look since my last post.  I've been working on it for the past week.  I shall continue to tweak it for improvement (such as the blog description being quite hard to read with the photo background).  Here are the changes I've done thus far to the blog:

1. The background has changed to something more French-inspired.  (Although, I probably will replace it with yet another image eventually.)
2. There are now two side-columns to make it more visually appealing and an overall simpler interface.
3. Colour has been added!  I find it more aesthetically pleasing, without it being distracting.
4. Fonts have been changed for customization.
5. "ShareThis" buttons have been added to make sharing a snap by using popular means, such as Facebook and Twitter.  However, fear not readers.  Should you not have either of these services, or if you simply prefer another, there are a myriad of means you can share my blog by simply clicking on the first green icon.  Some services include Email, Tumblr, AIM, MSN Messenger, etc. 
6. The "Sponsor Roll" was added to spotlight all of my generous sponsors who were able to donate anything they possibly could.  All thankfully appreciated, of course. (=
7. Google Translate!  Yes, you can now translate my blog into any language of your choosing, (availability subject to Google).  However, please note: the translations are not perfect at all.  I've tested it out myself by translation to Spanish, and it's certainly an awkward read.  My conclusion is that my style of writing in English implements idiomatic expressions and phrasing which don't translate well into other languages.  Be that as it may, foreigners are still able to get the main idea of my blog and posts, which is the most important. 
8. There is now an image behind my blog's title and description.  It was supplied to me by one of my French contacts as he spelt out my name in mushrooms. I really liked it and decided to use it here. 

With that,  those are all the major changes I've done to my blog.  Last bit of information, the job hunt continues.  I have yet to land anything which is disappointing, to say the least.  Hopefully, something pops up. I need it.

Well, by my next post, I plan to inform you on my ultimate application status on whether or not I have been given the final acceptance into AFS-France.  I remember, I ended one of my earliest posts awaiting an AFS brochure by regular mail.  I find it somehow funny that now I'm awaiting an email from AFS regarding my application status in France.

Until then, I shall be abusing that refresh button in aspiration that with one of them I'll receive that informative, long-awaited email

– Gello

I Come From There Where the Sun Shines, Where the People Speak to Each Other Without Knowing Each Other

Hey there!

The title to this blog post does not hold water.  Nevertheless (I say that word often, and I employ use of parenthetical clauses such as this.), it does have some reasoning (sorta).  They're the opening lyrics to a song by a French singer.  I know music can be an effective way to learn and absorb vocabulary, so I've taken the liberty to peruse the French charts.  They're run by the SNEP, or Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique.  Although, I also follow the French iTunes music chart.  Going back to the point, I've noticed there aren't really that many French singers.  At least, if there are, then they're not that prominent?  I see mostly American music on any chart worldwide.  Yet, I did discover one artist. (I'll listen to about any kind of music/artist so it didn't really matter, so long that it was in French.) Her name is Shy'm and the lyrics come from her single "Femme de Couleur" in which she sings about her family traces to Martinique.  It's ironic how I come from a completely opposite place, New York City.

Segueing now to AFS business, it's time for an update. Woo!  The last time I updating (excluding the appeal) I left off where I handed in my full application.  Fast forward a few weeks to the present.  I have splendid news.  AFS-USA has accepted yours truly into their program! :D  Currently, my application is in France awaiting final say into whether or not I will be accepted into a host family there.  The email I received stated a 4-6 week wait.  I received that email on March 18th, so only 3 weeks have since passed.  This waiting game is, as always, killing me as I anticipate information.  Furthermore, I also was told through email about a local AFS meeting on Sunday, the 22nd of May, as a pre-departure orientation.  It shall be the first time I get to meet in-person other prospective AFSers (besides Florence, search the tag "Florence" for more information about her).  I'm quite excited.

Speaking of Florence, she told me of the unfortunate news of not receiving the full CBYX scholarship that would cover her tuition to study abroad in Germany.  While, deeply saddened and shocked upon hearing the news, I wish her the best of luck on continuing with her endeavor as I'm glad to say that she will not give up. =D  I fully support her and am aiding her with all that I can.  If you would like to read news about Florence directly from her, I'll include the link at the end of this post.  If you would also like to help contribute to either of us with our goals, you can donate securely and directly through our paypal widgets (no account required) to our separate tuitions.  Rest assured it goes directly to our separate tuitions and touches neither of our hands.  As of now, Florence does not have the widget on her blog.  However, I have given her instructions on how to obtain it, so she'll have it shortly. Florence currently sports the widget on her blog as well.  Help us both by giving any small amount!  It all counts!  Click here for more details on donating! (=

On a lighter note, I noticed something when I checked Blogger today.   I have two new followers!  While I'm not sure if they have read, will read, or do read my blog, it did brighten up my day.  Thanks, new followers, should you ever read this, haha.

My family just came home right now, so I took a mini-break in writing. Let's see, I paid a $1,500 installment yesterday.  I'm slowly, but steadily and surely getting there!  Actually, I just got from my family at this very moment an invoice from AFS saying that Full Payment is due by May 2nd.  What?  ....I still have another $3,000 to raise.  This isn't good news.  This really would be a huge downer if it were true, but it exemplifies my great need for help. ._. (as much as I wish I didn't have to ask for it).  I'm going to email the local AFS coordinator for some details or to see if I can work something out.

Unfortunately, the job hunt isn't going well.  To read more, I refer you to Florence's blog as she mentions it too.  However, I thought I had a prospective job as some kind of.....a person who works a kiosk at a mall.  Yet, that didn't go quite well as the person whom I've been with contact with hasn't been responsive. =/ (He was at first, I'm not sure what happened.)  Still gotta move forward and work at it!

Oh one last thing, I forgot to add this on my last appeal post it's related to the title.  I restarted to use my Twitter because I remembered I had one. Click here to follow me on Twitter!

- Gello

P.S:  Read Florence's Blog by clicking here!