FAQ

I guess I always grew up knowing I would spend a year abroad, I don't know if it was because my mom spoke so highly of her Peace Corps experiences, the fact that I watched my older sister live an amazing four years abroad in Congo, or truthfully just the availability of the information. Either way, It was always an easy topic with my parents, and I had a lot of time to study and understand what I would be getting myself into. I often assume that anyone could do it, if they just took the time to walk down the hallway to their counselor's office. I never stop to think about how much time and effort the people around me have put into this experience.  My friends have put so much emotional support into this, and without them it would be so difficult for me to even think about pursuing further. Not to mention my family for not just supporting me emotionally, but also financially. It is such a blessing to come from a family that understands how important this experience can and will be for me. The way they have put my dreams first, is something that i will be forever grateful for. But for the point of this post: Their are a ton of people who don't understand how, when, where, and most importantly why I have decided to take this route for the next ten months of my life, I would like to answer a few frequently asked questions.

1. You're parent's are letting you go abroad... for a whole year?
-My parent's have never thought twice about my decision. I can't even remember me asking them, they have always just been really supportive, and that's more than I could ever ask for.

2. You're going to a private school, or an american school right?
-Nope, I will be attending a local public school with my (host) sister Mirian. I will be taking a lot of classes that probably won't transfer over when I get back to America, but that just means I  will have to work extra hard senior year. I think I'd take that for a year in Spain, any day.

3. So... you know the family you are staying with?
-I have never met the family I will be living with, but I think that is one of the greatest part's of this huge adventure! I have talked to my parent's once or twice, but I talk to my sister at least once a day.

4. Do you even speak spanish?
-This will be my twelfth year in spanish. I have been taking spanish since Kindergarten. I took math and science in spanish all the way through fifth grade, and from then on I have just been taking it as an elective. It is such a privilege to already be proficient in the language, and understand a lot of what is going on. But I will say that my grammar is horrific, and I am still a little shy when it comes to my speaking skills. I have also been taking german since sixth grade, but spanish is definitely my passion.

5. How did you choose AFS?
-I have a close family friend that went on an exchange to Argentina with AFS, It was also in the right price range, they have a great and interesting history, and i love the fact that almost everyone their is a volunteer. It tells a lot about an organization, especially if most of the volunteers are returnees. I definitely plan on getting involved when I return.

6. You're still coming home for Christmas, right?
-Sadly, I will not be returning home for Christmas. Neither will my parents be making the trip out to Spain. AFS greatly discourages the natural family to visit during the year, because it will break the immersion. It would be great to see my family, but it will also be rewarding to know that I completed the year on my own.

7. You'll still text me everyday, right?
-It is also frowned upon to make constant contact with your family and friends at home. It creates homesickness, and it also makes it very hard for you to connect with your family and friends abroad. I am also planning on deactivating my Facebook and Twitter.

8. Why are you spending a year abroad?
-I almost deleted this question after typing it, because it is so difficult to even think about. There are so many reasons why I want to spend my year abroad. I want to experience new things, open my mind to thing's I've never thought about, understand people that I've never given a chance to, learn a language that has never been anything more than words out of a maroon colored textbook. I want to experience a culture that I can only understand by living in. I want to be able to say I wanted this, and I did it. To be able to say it was awkward and amazing, uncomfortable and unforgettable. To know that I lived, and not just went through life day by day, I truly lived. That's why I want to spend my year abroad.