9 posts tagged “study abroad”

So, you know how I did French immersion almost 2 years ago?  Well, I had a professor, I think I've mentioned her before, who is a survivor of the Rwandan genocide.  For all you francophones, she's just released a book about her experience!! http://www.editionslaurenceteper.com/fiche-livre.asp?Clef=41

So you can buy it on amazon: http://amazon.qc.ca/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=berthe+kayitesi&x=0&y=0

I want to pick it up and read it.  Sometimes inspiring people just fall into your lap and you don't even really stop a moment to think about it.

Onto other things, though, as this is my blog and I'm egotistical like that.

I've been all over the place mentally lately.  Though, I want to focus on one subject which will bleed into others, but I should start somewhere, right?

I've been looking into moving to New Orleans.  It seems like a drastic thing which will pass in the coming days, but I've taken some steps to make this plan actually happen, and it feels good, if strange.

I spent a chunk of the morning texting with Emily about the possibility of moving and what it would entail, time lines and all that stuff.  I e-mailed Tulane about their French and Business programs, their non-traditional student application process and some of their student services.  I've yet to hear back from Tulane, but I got an out of office message telling me the counselor who specializes with Massachusetts prospective students will be out of the office until tomorrow.  We'll see how that goes with that.

As for moving, I'm toying with the idea of getting rid of my car completely when I do it.  The one hang up, though, is that it limits my ability to get around a lot.  New Orleans has a bus system and limited tram/street car.  Most of the getting around, especially getting out, of the city is through car.  I also would need a method by which to get out in the event of an evacuation for a hurrican (which is a possibility since I'd be moving to a lovely hurricane prone area).

My car loan is up in June, so it gives me the opportunity to buy a new one or ditch it all together.  I'm leaning toward buying a new (as in, like, I'm the first owner new) car and learning how to drive manual.  If I can drive manual, I can pay what I pay now for this car with something that's going to easily last me 10 years.  I've been looking into getting a station wagon (yes, station wagon) because it gets the gas mileage of a sedan while have a lot more storage space (because, with evacuation, I'm going to want to take my valuables like my computer in case of severe damage or looting).  It'll also allow me to ship less stuff when I move because I can drive with it.  I'll also be able to drive a new car down there without worrying as much if it's going to shit out on me.

There's also been a lot of BIG SHINING ARROWS for me going down South, as I've explained to a few people.

Firstly, I've been feeling very stagnant and stuck up here.  I've been wanting a change of big proportions even when I was in school.  I was placated for a while moving out of the house and establishing myself, but it's waned because I've not been able to land a better job with more potential up here.  Everything I'm looking for requires this magical "3+ years experience" for something that is, really, not anything someone with that many years needs to do the job.  I've got the skills and the talent, but no one is interested in hiring me.  It sounds like time to go back to school and investigate greener pastures.

Secondly, Emily point blank asked me if I'd be interested in moving in with her in New Orleans before I went down there to visit.  It had totally taken me by surprise, and I didn't just say "no" on instinct.  I was open to the idea, even if I hadn't considered it.  I like Louisiana a great deal, and I definitely want to get out --even if just for a couple years.

Thirdly, I think New England is making me into someone I really don't want to be.  I desperately fighting the exclusivity and coldness that typifies the culture here.  It's not to say I want to go running around chatting every random person up; I just feel like New England is making me into a hard, distrusting and even distant person.  I need to get out of this for the betterment of myself.

Fourth, I've encountered absolutely no heavy resistance from anyone I've talked to when mentioning my desire to move down South.  It's all been "GO FOR IT!"  It's really refreshing to know I've surrounded myself with such supportive people who really encourage me to go out and do, but it also shows how much getting out and getting away is really in my self-interest.  I'd miss everyone dearly up here because you all are (some literally) my family.  I would never forget or leave any of you in the dust because I love you all way too much to do that to you.

The people that I've talked to about it have actually helped me push my ass into doing this and somewhat committing to it. I've actually gotten a couple people to say "what's holding you back?  you/we're still young and have every chance to do it."

Fifth, I was talking with my boss today.  We've actually grown into pretty good friends over the last couple months.  We were in the parking lot taking a break and she started asking me about my trip -- what I did, if I know anyone down there, all of that.  Then she mentions to me if I've ever thought about moving down there.  I artfully answer the question (remember, I don't lie).  I say "Yeah, I've thought about it, but I'm way too poor to move anywhere."  She proceeds to tell me about someone else who used to work at the Bureau who was in a similar situation to what I'm in (used the Bureau to get their feet wet in the professional world, but it isn't their world-ending dream to work there).

He, one day, just moved out to California to work in IT.  He knew no one, had no job and had to find a place to live -- all that stuff -- but he did it and now he's doing really well for himself.  He never would have had that opportunity had he not just taken the plunge and done it.

I know my boss well enough to know that she wasn't saying "get out now while you have the chance" so much as "don't discount it as much as you think."  It's almost as if there's a feeling at the Bureau that I'm almost beyond working there, to some extent.  It's a weird feeling.  I have this respect from management that I've worked hard to attain and I think, at a certain point, they almost want to see me go off and do other things so I can "live up to my full potential".  They've seen how hard I work and how passionate I am about doing well.  It's both refreshing and worrisome as I don't want it to be the reason they'd axe me if there's another round of lay offs.

There are downsides to moving, of course, as there always are.  But, I think, for me mentally, this would be a good thing.  I just need to start seriously saving money to make it happen and have it work.  New Orleans is definitely not the happy shiny city (comparatively) that Boston is.  It's seedier; there's more crime; it's more unsafe.  But, I think, I would do well to move there, go back to school, and really just get it going actually more on my own.  See what I'm made of and really get to test myself.

A recurring theme in my life is "untapped potential".  It's almost a mantra how often I'm told I have this in my life.  This would be an opportunity for me to tap into it and really establish myself.

At this point, I'm going to do it.  I've started putting pieces into place and I'm moving forward.

I'm making an action plan -- it's exhilirating and terrifying; exciting and numbing; logical and absurd.  It's pretty much everything I feel I am.

And, it certainly allows me to pursue more of those question marks floating around my head.

So, I am just doing my thing in myspace and I find this video on someone's profile.  It made me think of that day in Immersion where all the animateurs dressed up as Sesame Street characters.  I died when they did this one.  Of course, all in French.  I can't remember the words they did, though.

Hey guys!
Look! I'm no longer dead to the internet!  I've made it back home and have started to unpack my stuff (no, for reals).  The past 5 weeks have been utterly amazing.  My French has improved so much in terms of grammatical understanding, usage and flexibility and in terms of just strict vocabulary.  I can understand the language in itself AND (which is the best part) I can talk at real conversational speed for the most part.

By the end of the program I was thinking and even dreaming in French.  I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to learn another language.  Take some academic classes, learn your materials and then go and immerse yourself in the language.  When you have no choice but to use the language it totally changes your appreciation and understanding of it.

The program itself was awesome, too.  Truth be told, I did get a little bored from time-to-time because a lot of the activities were the same, but I have a really great set of housemates (who may have found there way over here from The Facebook) who really made everything awesome.  I definitely want to go back again (possible next year for Spring).

As usual, I have yet to get my pictures developed (and I still have the disposable from Italy to develop, too).  But, when I get a job, I will do that tout de suite.

It's so strange to think I've been gone for 5 weeks.  In some ways, it's like I've only been gone a weekend, but in other ways it's like I've been gone 6 years.  Small things have changed since I've gotten back -- the cabinet in the kitchen are now white (or, as my mother insists, Cream-- but I fail to see a difference) and the linoleum has been torn up.  But, as with all things, there is still the sense that I'm back in my comfort zone again.

I drove into Boston last night because Lauren, one of my housemates from the program, was stuck there.  It was so nice to drive around the city with her and Meg and point everything out. We got tea at Tealuxe in Harvard Square and just drove around the city.  It was just really amazing.  It was a good transition for me to get me back into the groove of being home.

We changed internet, cable and phone service today.  The cable guy was here for most of the day installing everything and making sure it was all in good working order.  The internet is so ridiculously fast I can't wait to download fun things onto my computer.  I'm starting another music binge (which really began yesterday before I went to get Lauren).  This new fast connection is going to kill me because I'm going to just be downloading all sorts of shit all the time.

Are there any good animes I should be keeping my eye out for?  Does anyone have any recommendations for me?  I'm in the mood to watch a new series.  My favorite series include Lain, FullMetal Alchemist and Air, just to give you an idea of my taste.  I liked about 2/3 of the first arch of Bleach (the fillers killed me), for shounen I like.  Again, recommendations are ALWAYS appreciated.

Hm.. what else...

I have a job prospect in the works.  I sent out my resume today.  What's different about this one is that I know someone who's given me the lead into the business and she's been chatting me up.  There's 2 positions open and they're looking to hire within the week.  I should know by next week whether or not I have the job.

As you may have guessed, I did not get the job in New York City.  Sucks, but is probably for the best.  I really couldn't have afforded to live there anyway.  The job I'm hoping for now is not what I was originally looking to do, but it's employment and it's local.

All you downloaders out there who love electronic music, I have a musical charge for you!  Find Royksopp (legally of course!) and download them.  They're fantastic to listen to.  They're Norwegian, but sing in English.  I enjoy it a lot, obviously.

Since I'm on the whole bounce-around-and-talk-about-everything unfocused entry thing right now, I also want to wish everyone who had a birthday while I was gone my sincerest (if most tardy) birthday well-wishes!  I'm sorry I wasn't around AND was living under a rock!

Ok, I think that's enough for now.  I'm probably going to update again later because I'm feeling really rambly.  Who knows, I might update in French (sans accents)! :-)  oh excitement.

I am alive and well and in Canada.  The immersion itself doesn't begin until tonight.  This will be my official last post unti I get back as I'm fairly certain that English language websites (aside from e-mail) are not allowed.

Anyhow, I'm alive!

<3s to you all! :-)

So, after planning for nearly a year, the time has come.

I'm off to French Immersion.  As you know, I leave tomorrow and won't be back on here until the beginning of August.  If you need or want to talk to me, you can e-mail me (message me if you don't have it).  I should have some, if limited, access to e-mail.

For those of you who have my cell phone number, please don't call it unless it's an emergency.  Roaming charges are murder internationally.  I'd rather you just e-mail.

So, with that:

Adieu et au revior mes amis voxiens!

So, yeah, this is my last week in the US for a month.  I'm really nervous about leaving, but I'm also excited.  It's a weird feeling to have because it just flits around your stomach and twist-turns.  It's a big rollercoaster for me because I get spiked with nerve-splitting anxiety where I am just terrified and then I'll jump into huge excitement at it.

Most of all, though, it's going to be the challenge.  This is going to be the biggest challenge I've faced foreign-language wise and I know it.  I'm up for the challenge, but I have no idea if I'm ready for it.  I know I'll survive and I thrive on being left with a challenge.  It's one of the big reasons why I did this.  It's like a big French class for 5 weeks.  It should be a lot of fun, but it should also be a lot of work.

My travel plans have changed again, as well.  I'm still taking the ferry and all of that, but now we're staying an extra day and leaving on Friday night.  My Dad was making hotel reservations and the place that was open only does reservations for more than 1 night --- so, we're leaving Friday evening.  I have no idea what we're going to do on Saturday (probably go to Portland and see how long it takes to get from where we're staying and the ferry pier.. if I have my way).  I'm going to be a neurotic mess making sure I have everything I need and just preparing myself for everything (did we mention I'm crazy?).

So, yeah, i've been resisting the urge to pack now.  Instead, I've been out all day with Elyssa who I worked with in Admissions.  It was an awesome afternoon and definitely took my mind off of everything for a while.  Now that I'm back at home, I'm going to read Le Monde and try to contain my crazy.  I'm probably going to lose out and start packing, so who knows.

5 days. :-O

This is a list of things I need to do before the Undergraduate Conference on the 27th.  I started thinking about it before I was about to fall asleep and started panicking.  Like, literal panic attack type panicking.  So, to get a grip on it, I'm outlining what I need to do and the various steps involved.  I'm hoping some organization will keep me more sane and I can check things off as I go.

So, here it is!

By 4/27, I need to:
I. Have poster done and ready (4/17)
    A. break down literature review into bullets
       1. pull out major findings
       2. bullet point
    B.  break down results (no longer my section of the poster!)
       1. pull out of results section
       2. bullet point sentences
          a. make literal findings different color
       3. revise results section for errors
       4. do post hocs
    C. break down discussion
       1. finish outlining
          a. more areas for further research
          b. clearer implications of individual results
          c. clearer overall implications
    D. Hypotheses
       1. pull out of literature review
          a. list major ones only
    E. Stimuli
       1. pick one condition and set apart
    2. label parts and tell how change for conditions
    F. Title and Clip Art
    G. Mount on paper
    H. Arrange in visually appealing manner

II.l'Histoire du Cinéma Français
    A. pick movie to write chapter (Antoine et Collette?)
       1. obtain movie (no ebay or amazon -- part of l'Amour a 20 ans short series...)
       2. watch obsessively
       3. find critical reviews and background information

III. Finish Costumes/Anime Boston (4/20 - 4/23)
    A. Laurie The Rabid Fangirl
       1. buy new (higher quality) wig
       2. buy garters to hold up socks
       3. buy eyeliner and eye make up
          a. foundation, too?
       4. buy shoes (flats/sneakers)
    B. Battle Royale
       1. Make collar (see instructions)
          a. tin cookie sheet
          b.film negative
          c. foam
       2. look up what's in day pack
           a. make day pack (if time) (not going to have time)
    C. Cherry Blossom Ball
       1. find light color tie

IV. Samaritans
      A. get hours (e-mail again)
         1. long weekend? 
      B. get number!!

V. History and Systems (class canceled 4/9, all dates pushed back)
    A. start work on calendar project (due 5/7)
       1. Sternberg
    B. read ch 7 summary (for 4/11)
    C. read Angell (4/19)
       1. SEE-I
    D. read ch 9 summary (4/23)
    E. read Koffka (4/25)
       1. SEE-I
    F. read ch 10 summary (4/23 -- AB)
    G. read Skinner (4/25)
       1. SEE-I
    H. Show and Tell (4/25)
       1. bring in black belt
       2. print out picture of grand master villari
       3. bring trial cards (just in case)
       4. picture of donatello
       5. Subjects to talk about
          a. personal change
          b. founding of the system
          c. teaching
          d. implications to psychology
          e. getting into martial arts

VI. Thesis
    A. find more sources
       1. get useful keywords from L&L
          a. e-mail again/talk soon
       2. inject help sources in literature review
    B. edit review
       1. grammar, spelling, syntax
       2. style, flow, logic
       3. adviser notes
    C. look over procedure
       1. all in past tense
       2. adviser notes
    D. look over results
       1. fix errors
          a. cross-compare to print out
       2. post hoc analyses
          a. do them
          b. write up results
    E. Discussion
       1. revise outline to reflect all expectations
       2. write discussion 
       3. edit for grammar, syntax, style, flow, logic and spelling

VII. Internship
    A. Set up informational interview (before 4/26)
       1. Liz?
       2. Someone in the psych department?
       3. Drew?
    B. Two page write-up/transcript
       1. questions asked
          a. why asked questions
          b. answers obtained
          c. impressions of experience
    C. Class on 4/26

VIII. Other stuff
    A. SDA meeting (4/9)
       1. 8pm, HoMann
    B. Dentist Appointment (4/13)
       1. 330pm
    C. Long weekend (4/13 - 4/14)
       1. Road trip with Becky! (4/15)
    D. Teenage Wasteland
       1. either 4/12 or 4/13
    E. Godspell (4/19)
       1. 7pm curtain
    F. Class!
       1. 745pm every Wednesday
       2. 520pm every Friday (if stressed)
    G. Nova Scotia
       1. talk to Mom and Dad
       2. Send in deposit and first payment (by 4/30)

IMPORTANT DATES AFTER 4/27!!!
-5/6 - Psi Chi Induction
-5/7 - Calendar Project due
-5/8 - Orthodontist appointment, 2pm.  impressions being taken
-5/14 - Internship class
-5/10, 5/16 - Thesis Class
-5/27 - Graduation
-5/30 - Braces off
-6/9 - third degree test
-6/10 - black belt dinner
-6/17 - turn 22
-7/1 - French Immersion Begins

Photoblog

This is my "Passport" to my French Immersion Program.  My Immersion is the entire month of July and first few days of August, which is is 5 weeks.

I just got back from the study abroad office.

I want to do a french immersion program in Nova Scotia based out of L'Université de Sainte-Anne(french).  I had stumbled on the program while looking at immersion programs a few weeks ago, probably closer to a month ago now.  I fell in love with the program and my Mom, when I told her about it, is completely on board.

I needed to know what I had to do to make sure I would get credit for the program, as it would finish my minor.  I decided, naturally, to go to the study abroad office, which is next door to admissions, and see what was what.  And also see if there are other programs around that may be better, or have some sort of association with the school.  It's always good to have a school which is associated with yours... makes everything a whole lot easier.

So, she tells me about the Trois-Rivières program, which I had looked at, and another one based out of a suburb of Montréal.  Both of which I was not all that excited about, but then I mentioned the Nova Scotia program, she started looking more vigorously through her shelves upon shelves of study abroad materials.

She said that we have an association with that school for a study aborad exchange program.  During the regular semester, I would pay FSC's tuition, but Ste-Anne's room and board.  It would be sickeningly cheap for my parents to do.

The greatest part is that even if that doesn't prove true, the program is ridiculously inexpensive.  It's $2150, according to last year's figures, to do the 5 week summer program. That's less expensive than my meal plan.

I will also definitely be able to get credit for it since we have this connection.  All I need to do, and this is true of any school for study abroad, is get a form signed by the head of the modern language department.

July 2007 - Nova Scotia or bust!