March 2008 Archives

Everything is really good in my new host family I'm really enjoying myself and getting to know all of them. School starts again tomorrow and I'm not looking forward to it back to chemistry, physics, italian, math, english and biology. I think in three weeks I have exams and then my report card. Over the last month my italian has gotten so much better in my dreams now Im speaking on both english and italian I've started reading novels in italian I really believe I will be fluent by the time I leave. Over the break if I have learned one thing its that every celebration is just another excuse to stuff ourselves with amazing food. I think I have eaten enough panettone and pandoro to last a lifetime. My new family is amazing and warm and loving and I'm so happy to be beginning a new year with them :)
tanti auguri,
Tess

AFS offers year, semester and summer programs to Italy.

If you're on Facebook, join the new 'Ask an AFSer' Facebook Group. It's a place created by AFS Returnees where you can connect with AFSers of both past and present. It's a cool way to learn about AFS adventures from those who have been there and back again. If you have questions about what a trip might look like, how to choose a country, or what to pack, this is a great place to start. Check out an example of how it works below:

AFS offers year, semester and summer programs to Japan.

Hi! I had to put that title in, just for Mom. :-) And the time has come at last: tomorrow I'm going to NYC for the Gateway orientation. From there, I will travel nonstop NYC to Paris on Thursday night, then spend a few days in Paris before a bus takes me and some other AFSers to southern France to meet our families. Right now, there are 500 billion emotions all kind of whirling around my head. I'm scared and ecstatic and nervous and... I don't know. Everything. In a way, it's kind of surreal, too. I mean, it's a little odd to think that I just saw my best friends for the last time in 10 months and this is the last time I'll sleep in my room until I get home. As time goes on in France, I know that I'll make friends and I'll become comfortable in my new house. I really do know that, in theory. The actually believing it thing is what's a little hard to deal with right now. It's getting really late now, and I have to get some sleep before tomorrow! AFS offers year, semester and summer programs to France.

Living and studying abroad will prepare you for life in ways that no other experience can. It's not just a trip or a vacation—it’s an experience that will change you. From living and sharing daily life with a host family to becoming involved in a new community; from making new friends to experiencing a new culture fully; you will grow as a person. Not only will you learn a new language, but will learn about yourself along the way.