Search the Woman

My friend Florence would immediately recall one of the many expressions my French 2 teacher would constantly insert here and there as a little tidbit of extra information that's outside, yet still correlates, to the curriculum.  In this instance, my teacher would tell us how the French would, whenever something bad/mysterious happens, "chercher la femme" (search the woman.)  Take that as you will, it does relate to one of the points in this blog post.

With my previous post, I mentioned how my host mother told me there'd be quite a number of exchange students attending my French high school next year.  She was able to give me a round number of about 12 total exchange students worldwide that shall be attending Lycée Robespierre for the 2011-2012 school year, a record.  Out of those twelve, besides myself, she also reported something she thought would be relevant to me.  Her boss will also host an exchange student next year.  She is to be an American, like myself, and be in the same class as me.  (I'm dubbing her Mystery American Girl, with a possibility of garnering a nickname of Maggie seeing as MAG would be odd...) Hence, I'll be searching for her as it'd be nice to have a fellow American exchange student to France in very similar conditions as myself.

The countdown is nearing its end.  With less than one month left, August is going to be an extremely busy month for me as I'm frantically making final preparations.  I have my visa appointment this Friday which has got me stressing out as I, an AP (in my case, advanced procrastinator) student, have left everything to the last minute.  I'm hoping it goes smoothly as it will be the final major hurdle to cross before I have the final green light to travel.  Speaking of hurdles, the ChipIn widget's gone!  Significance?  Gello has managed to pay his tuition in full!  The deadline was August 1st, and I sent in my final payment with just a few days to spare.

Going back to this month, I feel the need to assemble a giant checklist of all preparations before departure.  However, with my horrible memory, I doubt such a checklist will have much on it as I tend to recall things in an impulse and forget them in a matter of minutes.  From what I can remember right now, I have to...

• Scan the final health form addendum and email back that to AFS. 
• Buy things I'll need in Europe, such as an electrical converter, special clothing for the climate, etc.
• Purchase Host Family Gifts
• Figure out a method of how I'll support myself financially whilst abroad (think, pocket money and how I'll be able to access my finances in the U.S.)
• Figure out how I'll be able to use my iPhone and iPad in France with talk/text/data "sans engagement" (without a commitment)
• Hang out with friends for a final time until I return.
• Try to find out the deal with this going-away party that I heard was in the works.
• Locate those luggage tags AFS sent me a while back.
• Formulate and get answers to a bunch of questions I have for my host family (I always forget them because of my memory.)
• Start Packing!

I'm sure the list is a lot longer than that, but that's all I was able to recall at the time of this writing.  To be honest, the nerves are starting to get to me.  Since midnight of July 31st / August 1st, I have had a lot of trouble sleeping at night because of thoughts that race throughout my mind.  Fortunately, I know I'm not the only one and it's great that AFSers from around the country, and world, have come together by a common interest and formed a support group for one another.  So far, I know 2 others that will be in the same region as me in France.  Thus, we're probably going to be seeing each other often and travel by train together.  Even corresponding to the same consulate resulted in communication between a fellow AFSer and me.  In short, I'm appreciative of the support system we all have for each other hopefully those great long-lasting/close friendships between exchange students that the returnees frequently mention will form between us all as well!  

I also found out through the group who will be chaperoning the Americans headed towards France on the flights. There's a total of 55 of us with a single chaperone!  The total travel time is around 14 hours, including a 4.5 hour layover in Switzerland.  Sounds like fun!

Another sleepless night ahead,

-Gello

ID, Please.

Hi there!

It's been a month since my last post.  Throughout the time that's passed, I've gathered enough news to do an update.  Hopefully, I can remember everything I've been wanting to share.

To start things off, the reason behind this post's title is because my Host Mother asked me for an ID/Passport photo of myself to be used for both my school file and schoolbus card.  (More info on school later in this post.)

Next, the colour scheme and background image of this blog have changed.  That's probably the most evident change since my last post.  Also, the entire Blogger site has overhauled its layout and revamped it to a more modern one.  I like it, although it'll take some time for me to get used to it.

My friend Florence who's going to Germany just received her host family not too long ago. She's currently going through the same reaction I went through when I was matched with my host family. Click here to read her blog.  I'm happy for her and share the excitement, haha.  

I finally received my iPad 2 in the mail whilst I was gone from home for a while.  It took about 2 weeks to be delivered as Apple is having some trouble to meet the demand.  (I checked every Apple Retail Store and authorised reseller within a 50 mile radius to no avail.) Actually, I'm composing this post on my iPad right now.  I chose my iPad over my MacBook Pro to bring with me to France as the iPad can do everything I would use my MacBook Pro for whilst being more portable.  Video-calling, blogging, Facebook, recording HD video, music, photos, and even phone-calling (I've managed a work-around without any jailbreaking or any unathorised alterations.)  If I'm really lucky, I might be able to use it at school there, although I doubt it. Plus, I can connect to a 3G network for only 8 euros a month.  Moreover, with iOS 5 to be released in September, I'll be able to use my iPhone and iPad without ever needing my Mac. Thus, I plan on just bringing my iPhone and iPad to France.  I think I'll be set.

My host sister's birthday was yesterday.  She turned 10, which my natural younger sister will turn this month as well.  Both of my host siblings depart to Ardèche tomorrow for summer vacation.  My host sister talks to me frequently.  She's really excited for my arrival and helps me to feel welcomed. =]

It's official.  I unenrolled from my high school right before the school year ended.  Meaning, I don't have to do the summer homework!  However, I do have to start working on my visa application and processing.  I already have an appointment date at the consul in New York.  I'm hoping everything goes smoothly.  The next official news is that I've also been enrolled in my French high school!  I've been placed in Première ES.  

For those unfamiliar with the French system of secondary education, here's a short summary:

The French high school is called the lycée.  A student attends a lycée for 3 years.  Whereas in the United States where our grade level numbering increases as we progress (think 1st, 2nd, 3rd...10th, 11th, 12th); in France, it decreases (3ème, 2nde, 1ère, terminale).  I will be in première (1ère) which is appropriate for me as it's equivalent to an 11th-grade junior in the U.S. which I would be if I stayed here.

Now, when a student's in 1ère, he or she must choose their "path."  (Think colleges and majors.)  There are 3 paths.  S, ES, and L.

S - Scientifique. Classes will focus primarily on advanced sciences and maths.  It tends to be male-dominated and seen as the hardest one out of the three paths.

ES - Économique et Social.   Economics and social sciences.  It's the most general and balanced path as there isn't a particular focus on any one subject.  Out of the three paths, it's the most evenly co-ed; and it's the path students take when they're not really sure what they want to be when they grow up.

L - Littéraire.   Classes will focus on the humanities, such as art, history, literature, music, French, and foreign languages.  It tends to be female-dominated.

Personally, I would have wanted to be in S because science and math are my strongest subjects.  In addition, they're the subjects I'm most likely to receive academic credit for in the U.S.  Nonetheless, I'm a bit relieved I wasn't placed in L as it would have been my last choice.  Speaking of choices, I did have very few selection of courses.  I chose to take English and Spanish as my two "langues vivantes" (modern languages) over German as I hope that my background in those two languages will help bring up my general average.  I also chose on taking music & art instead of ancient Greek, Latin, or Dutch.  

My host mother also informed me that my French high school would be receiving a lot of exchange students for the 2011-2012 school year.  On one hand, I'm glad to know I'll have people to relate to as I adapt and adjust to the experience.  I also won't be the centre of attention.  On the other hand, they and I might be compared to one another, especially if we're from the same country.  We might also distract each other from befriending natives should we stick to each other.  

On a minor note, I discovered after my last post that people have left comments on my posts and replied to mine on their blogs.  I don't like how I'm not notified of either action.  Regardless, any feedback is appreciated and I'll be sure to reply when appropriate.  Also, to any readers who have blogs of their own that I follow, check your comments should I ever leave one!

Wishing he covered everything he had planned,

- Gello

Travel & Logistics

Good evening all.  (Or morning, day, afternoon, night...whenever should you read this.)

With my previous update, I had recently received host family information (which was extremely exciting, to be honest.)  Since then, I did request my host parents on Facebook which they accepted and told me they had just told their children about me that very same day.  (I feel somewhat guilty as I think I may have prompted them to do so because I attempted to make contact so early.)  Either way, my host siblings requested me the following day.  My host mother and I exchanged messages through email and Facebook and I absorbed all that I could.  Moreover, we exchanged skype names so we could chat through there.  My expertise in information-gathering through Google led me to actually have a really solid and decent knowledge about them before we even formally chatted, haha.  Nonetheless, they provided me with much more detailed information than what I was able to research on my own.  We even video chatted!  Yes, I think it went well.  They seem super friendly and really enthusiastic about hosting me.  Honestly, I think I was placed in a wonderful host family and that will make this an awesome experience that will be incomparable to anything in my life.  =]

So far, I learned that my host brother is around my age.  My host sister is the same age as my natural sister. I'll be going as a new student, along with my host brother, to the local high school in a nearby city.  Although, they said it might be unlikely that we will be in the same grade as I'm a year older.  I have to say I'm a little disappointed about that as I'll be utterly lost at the school without a guide.  (Not to mention, I had already devised a brilliant plan to divide up the schoolwork if we were to have the same classes. -tear-) With both those things likely to be out of the question, I guess the silver lining would be independence that I will be compelled to use.  There's a lot more information I have (and a lot more yet to learn, I'm sure).  However, if you're really interested to learn more, you can contact me through any means you know how. (My email/messenger name is on my Blogger profile page.)

A few days ago, I received an email from AFS about country-specific information that was made available on their site.  I read through it and it was informative, as expected.  Yesterday, I received another AFS email with my international itinerary as well as my Gateway Orientation information.  On the last day of August I'm to arrive at a hotel near JFK Airport before 4 pm.  Since I live quite close to New York City, I plan on driving there.  The Gateway Orientation doesn't welcome parents as it's to serve as buffer from life in the U.S. and life abroad.  There, we will have the orientation and lodge overnight at the hotel.  On the following day, September 1, I depart from JFK to Zürich, Switzerland. There will be a four hour layover in Switzerland.  (Silver lining?  I "visit" two countries in one day and can say I've been to Switzerland. ;D) Then from there we take a connecting flight to Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris, France.  By that time, it will be September 2nd.  The rest of the day is to be spent resting at a hotel nearby.  On Saturday, September 3rd, 300 AFSers from around the world (myself included) tour Paris in the morning!  During the afternoon, we're to have our arrival orientation for basic survival skills in France.  After one more lodging at a hotel, on Sunday, September 4, we all leave to our host families.  As of now, I presume to be travelling to my host family by train.  The day after we meet our host families for the first time, September 5, which is a Monday, is the first day of school.  Yikes, I arrive not a week in the country and it's already time for school.  I wish they would have given us at least a week to adjust to the household.

With all of that in the near future, I still have to nevertheless focus on the immediate future and its plans.  I have to finalize some sort of plan to receive academic credit with my school whilst also withdraw my enrollment. :(  I have to get started on obtaining my visa (although I need papers to arrive from France before I can obtain it.)  I still have that pesky tuition to pay off.  I need to start purchasing some things I'll need while abroad.  (For example, I had no idea I would need an electrical converter to charge my stuff over there.)  I would love it if I could miraculously land any kind of summer job.  I also need to start preparing myself mentally for this.  Right now it's a jumble of conflicting emotions.  I know there is numerous other things that should be listed, but alas my memory fails me.

Accordingly, I think I'll end my blog post here unless I magically remember what else I planned on adding to this post.  (If I do, the changes will most likely go unnoticed anyway, haha.)

Until the next one,

Gello.


(I really abused parenthetical expressions on this post.  Oh well. )

More People Go With Visa

G'day everyone!

With my previous post, I was awaiting any kind of information, whether it be visa or (if super lucky) host family information.  Well, I received the former.  Yes, minor-aged student French visa information arrived.  I got it via email and had to download and print a hefty sized PDF file.  After perusing said document, I've concluded that what AFS-USA forewarned of the visa process for France is true.  Here's what they provided as a summary:

The visa application process for France is detailed, time-consuming, and costly. It involves collecting a number of documents including a certificate of good health and vaccination history, a notarized parent statement authorizing you to receive a tuberculosis vaccination upon arrival in France, and a parental consent form, among other documents.


Please note that all students must submit their visa application to the consulate in person. Be prepared to travel to your regional consulate. Some French consulates also require that all documents be translated in French, which can be costly. Once the visa instructions are ready for your program and cycle, they will provide a date range for when to set your visa appointment. Please do not set a visa appointment before you receive your visa instructions.

The current visa processing fee is US$100-US$150, not including the cost of obtaining, translating (when needed), notarizing, and mailing the required documents, nor the cost of traveling to and from the consulate. Please note that these fees and requirements are determined by the consulates and are subject to change.

Being that the above summary is a general view of the visa process, I was instructed to visit my regional French consulate that has jurisdiction over my state for detailed information.  Fortunately, my regional consulate is located in New York City!  Travelling there won't be an issue.  That reminds me.  I'm really grateful to live within the vicinity of NYC.  For instance, besides being required to travel there for my visa,  the $13,000 tuition for France does not cover domestic airfare to attend the gateway orientation and departure city.  All students living in the United States who are heading to study abroad are required to attend a gateway orientation just prior to departure at the international gateway city.  The city for France is, fortunately for me, New York City!  Essentially, I save money since I live so close. :D

Now, I was instructed to start the visa process immediately, for it can be complicated with problems.  AFS advised to schedule an appointment around August.  However, my regional consulate does not allow appointments to be made more than 6 weeks in advance.  Thus, I can't make the appointment now.  Nevertheless, I've checked out the site for information for a detailed feel of what I documents I must provide.   Each must be presented with the original plus a copy. Here's a checklist with some comments by me:

1. Passport (I renewed mine this year, so this doesn't worry me.)
2. Application (The visa application is only in French.  Still, AFS was helpful to provide a separate sheet of translations.)
3. A recent colour photo.  (I'm not sure if they mean passport-sized, or a standard photo.)
4. A green card/documents to prove legal resident status within the U.S. (Since I'm an American citizen by birth, this does not pertain to me!)
5. Birth Certificate (Not a problem.)
6. Notarized parent consent form (The French consulate has provided a form I can print out and have my parents fill in.)
7. Transcript (I'll have to ask my school for one at the end of the year.)
8. A letter of enrollment from the French school.  (AFS-France has to provide me this.  I can't control when I receive it.  Hopefully, it's soon.)
9. Private School Tuition Receipt (I doubt I'll go to a private school. I believe this doesn't apply to me.)
10. High School Diploma if attending university.  (I'm not going to attend a university there.)
11. Supporting Documents to Show My Level in French (I don't understand what documents they want for this. o.o)
12. Host Family Agreement Form (This will be sent by AFS-France and filled out by my host family.)
13. Notarized Financial Guarantee from my Parents + Most Recent Bank Statement (This should not be an issue.  I hope.)
14. Immunization Records + Consent of Tuberculosis Vaccination Upon Arrival in France (I'm up-to-date with my vaccinations.  However, I'm not looking forward to another once I land in France.)
15. Medical Travel Insurance (This will be provided by AFS-USA.)
16. Civil Liability Insurance (This also will be given by AFS-USA.)

As of May 2011, the current visa processing fee is $143 (99 Euros).  However, this is subject to change as exchange rates change frequently.  I have to go to the consulate in-person with my parents.  There are fine, fine details to this process as well, but I'll have to inquire more information on those as I receive even more information as well as the date approaches.  For now, I'll start working on whatever I can to obtain the visa.  I'll also be waiting for any host family information.  Finally, the pre-departure orientation is next Sunday in 9 days!  I received an email with details on where to go, what to bring, etc.  We'll be getting our AFS-shirts while at the orientation.  It shall be fun!

Gotta "Keep on [Waiting] Till The World Ends" ;D

-Gello

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.