The Final Stretch in Prep

Heyo!

It hasn't been too long.  Although, be warned, this is a long post.  (As if my normal sized posts weren't long enough!) Nevertheless, there were some happenings since the last time.  First off, recall in my last post that there was that little issue with my visa expiration date?  It expires approximately a week before I'm due to return.  Before I go into detail with that, I was sort of right with my handling of it.  I'll deal with it in France!

Now, let's go back a few steps.  AFS requested that I send a scan of my visa for their records.  So I took care of that a few days after I obtained my visa, fully knowing about the issue with it; yet having decided not to mention it; sort of hoping they would notice.  They did.  About a week ago, perhaps less, AFS emailed about the problem and provided a letter, along with directions, to resolve the matter immediately as my departure date looms close.  Ideally, one would pass along the letter to the consulate, have the visa extended, and depart as planned.  That was not the case.

The consulate, as it appears to be, doesn't like to be bothered much.  Understandable, still, I started to feel uneasy about the whole situation.  Emailing the consulate does no good, as their email system is automated and not checked by any human.  Rather, one receives a reply with links to various sections of their sites.  Calling the number they provide on the site yields a similar result.  You are greeted with an automated menu without being given an option to speak with anyone.  One also cannot simply go to the consulate, as they don't let anyone in without an appointment and are really strict on security.  The next available appointment would be after my planned departure date.  However, after a lot of research, I did manage to find a number that someone would actually answer.  Their only available time-frame is from 4-5 pm, Mondays-Fridays.  I called one day, with no luck.  I used a number of phones, and persistently tried to reach them.

Having failed reaching them, that night, I tried to look up information about extending my visa in France. My early findings weren't helpful as they all bluntly said it was impossible, as AFS had said.  One would have to return to the U.S. for a minimum of two months, and apply for another visa.  Although AFS never told me I'd risk a late departure, I expected that as the worst case scenario.  Thus, I did some very good research, driven by my made-up fear of a late departure.  I forwarded the info to AFS-USA, which then forwarded it to AFS-France.  They liked what I found, but would still await a confirmation from France.   Accordingly, the next day I once more tried to contact the consulate.  This time I reached them, and explained the situation.  Once more, they refused to do anything about it, saying I should have no problems overstaying my visa.  Figuring that it would be no help if I went to the consulate once more and be told the same things, I related the conversation to AFS-USA.  They forwarded it to France, and along with another load of email-exchanges/new info/etc.  Eventually, my fears were quelled.

Essentially, from the last email I received.  I will have to do what the consulate had told me the first time when I received my visa.  In France, I'll have to go to my local prefecture and ask for an authorization.  I'll have to go with my host family and do this during the beginning of my stay there.  I hope it's not too much of an inconvenience, as no one else I know has this problem, but we'll see.  At least I get to depart as scheduled!

I inserted a page break here as this post continues its great length.  The main story of my visa issue is finished, but there's plenty more to read if ― 1, you have time; 2, you're interested; and 3, I couldn't think of a third reason, so I'll leave that up to you!  Click on "Keep On Reading" below if you wish!