I have been saving to travel throughout Europe since I was about 17 years old. I have always loved traveling, thanks to my mother!! When I started school at UCF I saw they had wonderful study abroad programs and I decided to apply. In about April 2012 I found out that I got accepted and then the entire process started. I did not realize how ridiculous the process would be, until all of it piled up on me.
I figured UCF would help out with getting housing, setting up classes, and basically help with everything...unfortunately I had to do all of it on my own (the other students going helped out a good amount too). I also noticed I had to figure out how to get my own travel insurance for Europe on my own as well, because my parents had no clue about anything either.
I started out buying my plane ticket, which was the biggest purchase I have EVER made!! I almost had a panic attack! Then shortly after that I figured out how to get insurance and then 3 other students and I applied for out housing. When we applied I almost had another panic attack because I had to wire almost 1000 american dollars over to a bank I have never heard of. After about a month of waiting, I finally got confirmation that they received my money!! Thank the heavenly Lord! Then came applying for a Visa, which you have to have a ton of documents to get!! Basically, everything else had to be done before I could apply for a Visa. I had to have my housing confirmation, insurance, my plane ticket, 2 passport photos and proof that I actually had money! I triple checked that I had everything and I get an email back stating I had to actually mail my PASSPORT to D.C. NOT OK WITH ME! But it all worked out and I have my VISA!
Now that I have everything I need here in the U.S.A, I just need to pack and get on my way to Austria. It seems easy enough, right?! Well it is not so easy! Packing is going to be a pain in the butt, my shoes are the biggest problem. I know I will need to reduce the amount of clothes I am thinking about bringing. I do not need to bring my entire closet! The shoe problem though is something I cannot get passed. It will be freezing over there for 2 months and then it gets warmer. So, I will be needing my winter boots and then warmer shoes as well! It is so hard to choose. (sounds ridiculous I know) I am bringing 1 big suitcase, 1 carry-on suitcase and 1 duffle bag for weekend trips!
I am incredibly happy I have this opportunity and I cannot wait to get over there. However, it is going to be hard to say good-bye to my family and friends for 4 whole months! I've been away from people for about a month at a time, maybe 2 months. This will be a big test of how I can handle being away from the people I love.
4 of us students already have a trip to Ireland planned for St. Paddy's day!! I'm super excited about that!! I'm also trying to figure out where else to go while I'm over in Europe! That has been the fun part! :)
Thank you to anyone that has actually read my first post. Stay tuned for more posts prior to my depature and while I'm in Europe.
