When September Comes.

So about a week ago, I received my travel logistics!







This is all so crazy, I can't believe it.
In about 3 months, I will be heading to New York (For the first time ever!) and shortly after, flying to ROME♥.

I guess I don't really have much to write.. I have been talking to my host sister, but still haven't heard from my host parents. My host sister seems really really nice, but unfortunately won't be in Italy while I am. She is going to Honduras with AFS too! Which is really cool, but it is kind of sad, because her and I get along really well! I will write more when I know more!

Thank you everyone who has supported me by the way:)

Arrivederci,
Rachael

Ciao Famiglia!

(Thank you Nicole for the inspiration for the name of the post)

I GOT MY HOST FAMILY TODAY! I am so happy right now. I can't even begin to describe.

I have a dad named Pietro, a mom named Maria Grazia, two sisters named Giulia and Olga (ages 22 and 16), and a brother named Enrico (aged 17 or 18). And TWO dogs! I think that will be perfect, because I have a dog named Mac, that I will miss with all my heart while I am gone, and now I will have two dogs to play with!

It is on the beautiful island of Sardinia, in a town called Ilbono.

(Thank you Wikipedia for the picture)

(And Google)

It is a small town of between 2000 and 5000 people.
It is PERFECT. I love it already.

I have emailed my family, and am (im)patiently awaiting a response.

Yet again, I received this information during my second period English class. My mom texted me "You got your Italy placement. Log onto your email." Which immediately was followed by me kidnapping my friend's phone, and learning everything I could about Ilbono Italy.

More will come soon-
Arrivederci, 
Rachael

Be Calm.

Hello:)

It has been a while since I last posted, because of lack of news. Almost less than a hundred days, weird>>>>>

Recently an AFS volunteer in Italy has told our facebook Italy 2012-2013 group that there are officially 470 students going to Italy. And then she let us know that 200 students have been placed.

Me? I wish I could say I was one of them. But, all in good time, I guess!

There has been so much going on lately, that it has left me little to no time to think about the lack of news. Last week, I met my HERO, Christofer Drew, he is the main guy in the band NeverShoutNever. I have around 11 days of school left (Thank goodness!!!). And I have been travelling so much, it feels weird to be constantly at home.

So no news for now, but as soon as I have some, I will post! Maybe I will get my host family and placement soon? I know I say it a lot, but crossed fingers!

P.S. I have been working on Italian as much as I can:) And applying for jobs to raise spending money. 

Arrivederci

Rachael

A German Experience.

Hey all,

So, I haven't posted for a while, but I have really been meaning to.
For the past 3 weeks, I have been hosting a German exchange student through a program at my school. It was a short program (She left earlier this morning), but I think that it was a great experience to have. It kind of gave me an inside look on what the first couple weeks would be like.

The first night after picking her up from the airport, I'll admit was pretty awkward. But the two days after that we did quite a few activities, so we got over it. I am so glad that I did it.

So, if any of you readers have the chance to host a student, no matter for how short or long, I would definitely say: do it. It shows you another culture, and if you are an exchanger, it helps show you what it will be like to step in a whole new place.


Italy: 
No new news, but a volunteer from Italy told us that most students get their host families in June for Italy. And that there are normally more host families than students, so not to worry. But I am worried. I can't help it. I really want to know my placement, and my host family.
Fingers crossed for sometime soon!

Arrividerci,
Rachael


p.s. I got ALL of my fundraising done (raised $$8,390.00) so thank you to everyone who donated! Even though it doesn't show up on my "ChipIn", people sent checks. I am so grateful for all of you.
Love you all... CIAO 

From the Mail-

Hi!
I am kind of copying Nicole's idea, but I thought it was a good one!

Look what I got in the Mail:

 Thank's for the idea Nicole:) 

This guide just kind of tells about the whole experience and helps you through it. Helps you get ready for it. It describes the different orientations and what the next "steps" are. 

Arrivederci-

Rachael

                                                                                     

Italy? Italy!

Well Hello There!

Today was amazing.

So, I was sitting in second period, watching a horrible and boring movie when I receive a text from my Mom. (Good influence, texting me during class). It says: "You have been accepted to Italy!!!!!!". I almost screamed. In the process of trying to stop myself from screaming, I kind of let out a little squeal. So I got quite a few odd looks, but I DON'T CARE! I JUST GOT ACCEPTED TO ITALY.

I am so happy right now. The weather is warm. My birthday is in exactly 1 week. And I have 171 days until I leave for (in my opinion) one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I feel so amazing right now. Now, all I have to wait for is my host family, the visa process, and time to leave! (September 2nd, give or take).

Thank you to all who have donated and supported me going to Italy! It doesn't show up on the "ChipIn" button, because my family and friends have sent me checks. But thank you everyone.

Arrivederci,
Rachael

Almost, Kind Of, But Not Quite.

Hello!

So yesterday I got a new email that said:

Dear Rachael,

I am writing to you with the results of the Viaggio Italiano scholarship for which you applied. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer you this scholarship opportunity. With dozens of outstanding students competing for just a few scholarships, the members of the selection committee were faced with difficult decisions.

Although you were not selected to win this scholarship, your application is very impressive and we would like to offer you a $500 award to help cover a portion of your tuition.

So, it was kind of bittersweet. I didn't get the full scholarship, but I got 500$. Which is definitely helpful, and I will take all that I can get, but it is kind of a let down too. As far as I know, no one else got the 500$, and I find it kind of strange, but that is okay:) It is 500! 

I have no news on the being-accepted-to-AFS-Italy front yet, but people are being accepted left and right, so I think that it will happen soon! Hopefully.

Thank you! 

Arrivederci 

-Rachael