Airplane Ticket and Slow Moments

I purchased my airplane ticket to DC today :)...well technically my dad did but yea same thing. Yesterday we had another pre-departure orientation, this one seemed kind of short... we talked about packing, host family gifts, etc.

You are probably wondering what the 'slow moments' in the title of the post means so here it goes. Well just about everybody I know that is going to Germany with AYUSA has gotten accepted by Partnership International... but I never got an e-mail saying I was accepted. So after the orientation I called Jeanne only to find out I have been accepted MONTHS ago haha. Yea, so jokes on me. Anyways that is pretty much all for now.

Bis später, Jenaé

Orientations etc.

So I had orientations 12 days ago it went well. It lasted for about an hour, we talked vaguely about what to expect and what is going to be going on once we arrive in Germany.

Here is a list of what we talked about:

• Travel to Germany
• Arrival in Germany
• Language Camp
• Mandatory Seminars
• End of Program

We recieved more details about our flight to Germany. Language camp is held in a former monastery/cloister. English is strongly discouraged from Day 1. NO English is a frightening idea but oh well its all part of the program. We got to see what our daily schedule would look like one word to describe it. Busy. Basically composed of classes and eating. I am totally ok with the second part, I mean who doesn't love food? We talked about some of the 'fun stuff' we would be doing which consided of a Talent Show, Dance lessons, Excursions (can I hear a woot woot for traveling?) We found out when Language camp ends :( but on a bright note we travel by train to our host family... Maybe it's just me but I have never traveled anywhere by train and the idea seems really exciting. Ok moving on... we have mandatory seminars the first one is in Januar (January) and will be held in Köln then at the end of the year in June we have one in Berlin and we get to visit the Bundestag (aka German parliament). On a not so exciting note we found out when we leave.

Well anyways, having this orientation has got me really exciting and actually I have another one tomorrow. I can't believe there are only 62 days left until I start this mind blowing adventure. It seems so far away yet so close but there is so much that I want to do before I leave. First things first I need to get an airplane ticket, hopefully within the next week. It's impossible to express how excited I am right now but at the same time it still seems surreal like when we had the orientation you just get so excited and then after it seems like everything goes back to 'normal'.

Hopefully this blog gets more interesting. Until then.

Pre-Departure

Pre-Departure is starting soon!! My first orientation is on June 2nd, I am really excited. I should also find out whether or not I got accepted by the German couterpart (Partnership International) within a week.

Well that is all I have as for information. There is something else I want to say though, there is a look I get from people when I say I am going to be an exchange student. Some people seem shocked, others are excited and occasionally I get a look like I am completely crazy. Everybody says it is such a big deal and honestly up until now I was just excited and never really thought about what going on an exchange year really means. School is coming to an end which means all I will have left is the summer and that's it. I frequently get asked if I am scared or nervous, occasionally I say yes but mostly no. As the countdown starts I have come to terms with how I really feel and honestly I am frightened. Not because I think that it will be horrible but it's such a drastic change. The first thing I say is how happy I am to get out of school early, but that isn't completely true. I love (some of) my teachers and I will miss my friends like crazy. Everybody is always so quick to be ready to leave (esp in this state) but this is still home. And I am leaving my home to make a home somewhere else. I tried explain this to my mom and the first thing she said was "You don't have to go" but that's not it, I want to go. I am going. This has been my dream for a couple of years now and regardless of the ups and downs that I come encounter with I am going to do this. I am going to give 110% to this experience that few get the opportunity have.

Right now feelings are just mixed. I can only imagine that they will become more confusing as the time to leave approaches quickly. Well, I am really excited and I can't believe I have been so fortunate to be given this opportunity.

I have started studying German grammar. I am actually currently reading a book that has German poems in it and has a translation on the next page. Shockingly, I can understand most of it when I first read it, I think the hardest part are the idioms because even though you know what it means technically it can be hard to connect the dots. Eventually I plan on starting a German blog just so I can see how my German has progressed. Not right now though because it is horrible just take my word on that. It will get better though. Hopefully.

Jenaé

Informationen

Today I recieved a lovely e-mail (ok ok I am exaggerating) but I did find out when I am leaving (officially) from what airport and at what time. :) Yes I am beyond happy. Airport: Dulles International Time: 9:59 pm ... I kid you not on that one. I must say it was rather clever the way they said 9:59. Oh and beware if you are a stalker reading this... there are 60 of us and one should not mess with exchange students with luggage :). (Friendly warning!) So that is all. Until next time, Jenaé

Life isn't Fair

Everything that is good for one person can very well be a nightmare for somebody else. I found out that a fellow AYUSAer was declined the scholarship after being told they would be going to Germany, you may wonder why I feel the need to post this well it's simple really. A lot of people read travel blogs and it always talks about how everythings are so perfect and some of the things that aren't perfect seem to get ignored. Not trying to be a downer but it's the truth. Not everything is perfect, it's not going to be perfect. But when you are thinking about doing an exchange you need to know that you are willing to take the blows because with every good opportunity there is always something that can go horribly wrong. I feel horrible that things like this happen. For somebody to be granted their dream only for it to be taken away in a blink of an eye. Don't get me wrong I am not bashing my company or saying that you shouldn't go on exchange just know it's not always going to be easy.

On a side note no new news... pre-departure is coming up soon and some people from different organizations are finding out where they are going. I want to know where on earth I am going. Keep your fingers cross for me.

Jenaé

Leading a Life of Quiet Desperation...

Out of pure desperation to get more news, I urged myself to call Jeanne Iverson (the coordinator for AYUSA). So I did and I got tons oh news! Yes I am proud, very proud. So now you might be wondering what I found out well here it goes....

• There are 60 people going to Germany with my group
• Pre-departure orientations start in May and we will have 3-5 of those
• The pre-departure orientations will be with 20 (yes 20) students via the telephone...how they plan on making that work I really have no idea (it will be split up by time zones)
• We will be finding out about host families anytime from May till the time we leave
• On August the 15th we will meet up at the airport in Washington DC and we will board the plan together (everybody from AYUSA) and we will take a group flight to Germany!!!
• We aren't having a formal orientation in DC like some other groups...at least that isn't in the plans right now
• Language camp is in a small town called Hedersleben, where we will be residing there for a month

Random information Hedersleben is in Sachsen-Anhalt (Saxony-Anhalt). The capital of Sachsen-Anhalt is Magdeburg. Sooo yea that is all for now.

Jenaé

Application in Deutschland

Nothing very interesting has happened lately. Even though today I got an e-mail saying my secondary application was perfect and that it is now being sent off to the program in Germany called "Partnership International." So that is exciting, I am just really happy to be done with all these papers (maybe I shouldn't speak so soon). Ohh... and I had to go and get a Polio shot on Monday, because apparently you have to get one 9 years or less before leaving. I really don't like shots (but then again who does?) anyways that is pretty much all. Oh and today I went and bought some converters/adaptors and a pocket travel dictionary. I already have a German/English Dictionary and then I have a book called 501 German verbs which is a really good book. I suggest that anybody going should buy it. Yup so that is all for today. Short(at least shorter than the other ones) and to the point. Best Wishes,

PS. What do you think about my new signature? Should I keep it or no?

While eating Pancakes...

"Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store, not under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends"

Cindy Lew

This past Friday I was at IHOP with my friends and we were joking around having a good time taking pictures and stuff (mostly for the secondary application and also for my scrap book that I am going to make for going away). I couldn't help but think how much I am going to miss everybody (well ok not everybody but my really close friends). No this isn't a blog about how I don't want to go or anything but it's just like, this is real you know. This year coming up will be exciting, nerve-racking, fun, sad, scary and ultimately well worth it. I am sure that I will experience so many mixed emotions. I know before I knew that I was going I would sit looking at my computer reading blogs about people that are already in Germany or any other country and wishing that was me. Pretty soon it will be me, it kind of already is me. Sorry to rant. I talk to other exchangers with CBYX and it is exciting knowing that in about 5 months or so I will be flying out with them to Germany. I have heard people say that an exchange is a 3 year thing; one to prepare to depart, one on the exchange, and another after you get back.

On another subject now, I don't want to say I can't wait to find out were exactly I am going but it would be nice to know because everytime I tell somebody that I found out I am going for sure they always reply with "Where in Germany are you going?" and all that I can say it "Well... I am not really sure yet." That is a conversation that I have had a million times already. Oh and random but apparently a student from my school hasn't went on an exchange in 124346543 years but this other girl from my school is also going on an exchange 2010-2011 but she is going with Rotary to Romania. So ironic. huh?

I am finally done with my secondary application after about a million years no just kidding more like 6 days. But I must tell you it has been a stressful 6 days because I was worried about getting all this stuff done such as:

• getting a copy of a valid passport
• TB Test (Oh and the lady at the health department gave me the TB shot...only to find out I needed the test...hooray for an extra shot)
• an official transcript
• another teacher recommendation (By the way thanks Frau Sislo for answering the question on such short notice)
• parent letter to future host family (the paper didn't even say what to write about...go figure)
• a doctor sheet (talking about if I am allergic to anything all that fun stuff...)
• a copy of Immunization records
• 5 passport pictures
• photos of important people in my life (they said of family and myself so the host family gets an idea about me...so I put 5 photos they asked for 4-8...with a brief description with them)

So that was fun to do oh AND I had to sent that to the AYUSA office before the 22nd of March (they have to recieve it by then, it can't just be postmarked before then). Thank goodness that I had a passport or else I would be screwed. Majorly. Anyways so yea I am excited, not trying to dwell to much on Germany because I have so much more to worry about right now with school and fitting in online classes after school. The things one will do for what they want.

Stay Classy, Jenaé

PS That signature isn't completely original but I thought it was so clever I had to steal it. xP

ACCEPTANCE!!!

Ok so even though my coordinator told me I wouldn't find out about whether or not I made it until March 15 but turns out that today as I was walking out of school and checking my phone for texts; I recieved an e-mail for CBYX titled "Application to Congree Bundestag Youth Exchange Program 2010-2011" the first thought that came to my mind was or great I didn't make it and they are going to tell me that I messed up on one of the forms or something. So I click it trying to block all that out and the first thing I see is: Dear Jenae, On behalf of the AYUSA International CBYX selection committee, it is my pleasure to announce that you have been selected as a finalist for the CBYX program. This program attracts extraordinarily qualified and gifted applicants; the selection process is rigorous and highly competitive. Your selection is recognition of both your academic and extracurricular accomplishments and your potential for success in the program Oh and by the way I didn't bold that they did it haha. Anyways though I completely hyperventilated I couldn't believe my eyes. I actually cried, which was really not expected. Oh my gosh so this is a relief like I don't know it hasn't completely sunk in yet but now I have all these papers to fill out. Like not even joking they sent me to e-mails one saying I made it and the other with an attachment that I need to fill out. A lot of it was just background information, school information, health forms, a letter to the host family that I have to write and then a letter to the host family that one of my parents have to write. Oh and all of this has to be recieved by the CBYX before the 22 of MARCH!!! So I have to hurry up and schedule a TB shot because it has to be taken without 6 months of departure and also I have to get 5 passport photos taken. Whoa so much to do so little time but I WILL make this happen. Alles Liebe, Jenaé

The Interview went...

GREAT!! It really wasn't that bad at all although some of the questions were a bit...weird, especially some of the situational ones. Jeanne Iverson (the person that interviewed me) said that I will find out I will make it on the 15th so thats exactly two weeks. So now I get to hold my breath. :) Isn't that just ideal (sarcasm) but I will build a bridge and get over it. I feel like I answered all the questions to the best of my ability so I can only hope for the best. *fingers crossed*

The best advice that I can give somebody is just be yourself and take a deep breath and try and come up with legit reasons to why you are answering things a certain way.

I am going to really try to not blog again until I found out. No promises though. :]

Alles Liebe, Jenaé PS If you want a sample of the questions just ask.

Pre-Interview Gitters

Ok it is official. I am completely freaking out about tomorrow it is about 11:20 ish right now and I can't help but think about my interview tomorrow. What if I am misunderstood? After all it's not like they can see my body language, facial expressions nothing. What if I completely trip up over my words. Not trying to profess my downfalls tomorrow in advance or anything but I already know that I won't be able to focus during school. Who is even thinking about school? Tomorrow is the day. My day to prove to CBYX that I have what it takes. Maybe I am being a bit dramatic. Perhaps I should catch some zzz's but that's not very important I have so much to think about.

Oh and on top of that I have an Anatomy quiz, German quiz and God knows what else to do tomorrow.

On a good note and a bit off topic. German competition is this Saturday. I am happy for it to come but kind of happy for it to go too. The Schüler Congress it's basically a state competition for all students in German class to get together once a year and you can win medals. My school dominates :) not trying to sound stuck up but it is one of those matter-of-fact things. Like last year we took up 52 medals and the next school runner up had 16. That is all possible because of great German teacher.

Anyways I am sure you didn't bother reading this blog to find out about what is happening with my schooling so I will stop and save you the trouble.

I will try and refrain from blogging again before I actually have the interview but if I can't resist just bare with me. This is a bit nerve racking. Enough said.

Interview

Today I found out that I will be having my interview in 4 days, March 1st. I am excited and at the same time nervious. I have a pretty good idea of what to expect but it's over the phone so that makes is a little bit more complicated; not being able to see the other person's body language and such. People from cultures-shocked.org have given me a really good idea of some of the questions that will be asked (btw you should really check out that website, it is very informative about anything related to being an exchange student!!!). Not really sure what else I should say at the moment but I will be sure to inform you of anything new that happens.

Alles Liebe, Jenaé

Patience is a Virtue

"He that have patience, can have what he will"

Benjamin Franklin

Since my first post I haven't really received any OFFICIAL news. It's just been like "Oh, we recieved your application." and then I had to wait and wait just to get an e-mail to say go wait some more. BUT yesterday while sitting in a beauty salon getting my hair done, I got an e-mail. THIS is what I had been waiting for...I got through to the next round!!! Also in the e-mail it said that I should be either getting a phone call or an e-mail on Monday, February 22 about scheduling my appointment :D. Excitement just doesn't describe it... Oh and then they said things that I should expect to be asked...but who has time to pay attention to such things, when you are so excited. My interview will be on the phone, not sure if that is a good or bad thing; I think it might just be my region (AYUSA) or maybe just because of where I live at, not really sure though. Well I will keep you posted on anything new that arises.

Alles Liebe,

Jenaé

Introductions

Hello to all. Well for starters my name is Jenae and I am applying for a CBYX (Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange) scholarship. I am currently in the 11th grade and if I am accepted I will spend my senior year abroad. A lot of people ask: 'Why do you want to go to Germany?' Thats kind of a hard question to answer actually... I am just fascinated by the German culture, the language everything really. 'Why would you want to go your senior year?' I know it may seem crazy, but I know that if I get the chance to go to Germany then it will be worth missing my senior year in high school. Of course I will miss my friends but no pain no gain right. I am almost positive that the gain will greatly out way the 'pain'. 'Can you speak German?' Ich spreche ein bisschen Deutsch. Ich lerne seit zwei Jahren Deutsch. Also ich spreche nur ein bisschen. Trotz dieser ich kann verstehen mehr als ich kann sprechen. I can't think of any more commonly ask questions so... A little bit about me. Well I am 16 right now but I will be 17 when I leave. I absolutely love language. I am also in Spanish 3 in school. I must say my Spanish accent it far better than my German accent but hopefully that will change. I think I might be getting ahead of myself by writting this so early. Oh well... what can a girl say? I am hoping for the best. Tomorrow I will be completely done with my application process and after that I just wait, and wait, and wait, and then wait some more. However, I will be sure to update you guys as soon as I hear some news. Cross your fingers for me :) Bis später. Viel glück zur alle.