Pre-departure

If you are looking at Study Abroad programs, here are the four P's -and a T- a few things to keep in mind:

1. Passport- you will probably need it. If you don't have one already, you should get one right away for Study Abroad. It takes time!
2. Paperwork- there is a LOT of paperwork involved- you will need lots of signatures proving that your affairs are in order before you go.
3. Program Costs- self explanatory. Keep in mind this is not a free adventure.
4. Packing- that's the one I am coming up on now. Know your allowances in terms of size, and remember- you aren't going away forever. You don't need as much as you think you do, and they will probably have generic things (cosmetics, hygenics) available there. School of thought- pack half as much clothing and twice as much money as you think you will need.
5. Travel- Plan ahead! Especially if you are flying, you can often get a cheaper deal by planning ahead. This is VERY IMPORTANT.

In other news, I'm getting nervous and excited about Costa Rica. I got my host family information yesterday. I'll be staying with a mom and her two kids-ages 28 and 30- and another student from South Carolina. It's real now!!

Pre-departure- first blog!

Hey guys! Michelle here, giving you some background. I am a Spanish Education major at Daemen College, and for those of you who don't know, study abroad is required as part of my curriculum. I elected to go to Costa Rica because i fell in love with its geography and history while studying Spanish in middle school and high school. I know many people who have been there, and they have all promised me I will love it.

I will be staying there for three months, living with a host family while attending school at Universidad Veritas. For me, this is a big step. Prior to now, I have never lived anywhere except the home I have lived my entire life at in Kenmore, with my parents. The longest I have ever been away from home was two weeks. Needless to say, i am quite nervous about spending this much time away from my loved ones. However, i'm just as excited to go!

I leave the States on January first, and I will be staying in Costa Rica until March 27th. Anyone who wants can follow my blog on here, whether you know me and want to keep updated or you just want to know more about Study Abroad. Pura Vida!