What this is all about...

I decided that I wanted to create a sort of travel diary, partly to help me remember everything that I do during my year abroad, but mostly so I can share with my family and friends.

So, what is going on?

I'm going to be spending a year in France. I will be studying French at the University of Paris. When I get to Paris, I will be taking a placement test to determine at which campus I will be studying. And, as a part of my stay, I will be working in a French primary school, as an English language assistant. I'll basically be helping to teach little kids English.

But most of important, I will be living in Paris for a year! (Can you telling I'm getting excited about this?)

I am very lucky (but in this case, I think I have to refer to one of my dad's definition of luck- 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration), to have received the opportunity, through Cal State Fullerton, with MICEFA. MICEFA stands for (in French) Mission Inter-Universitaire de Coordination des Echanges Franco-Americains... basically a French-American University Exchange. If you really are interested, their website is http://micefa.org.

So this has been an interesting journey getting to this point. The French aren't quite as deadline oriented as most Americans, so it creates some anxiety at times. Like having to submit all of my paperwork in January, but not hearing anything at all from the French Government until the end of May. And as of right now, I'm still waiting on the proper paperwork so that I can apply for my visa.

I did get an email that said that I will be working in the rectorat of Versailles. Wow. But I won't be getting my paperwork until August, they are hoping towards the beginning part of the month. I hope so too.

I am due in Paris the 28th of August. Which means I'm leaving on the morning of the 27th. That date is getting closer. Too bad I am still a bit too pre-occupied with summer school to really be as stoked as I should be.

But those of you who know me, I'm sure you can see me breaking into my occasional fits of the happy dance. It creeps up on me every once in a while...