Italy Update

I think most of you know that I made a change in my study abroad plans over winter break. There were several contributing factors to my change of mind about Oxford. 1) I just couldn't get enough money in time. 2) It wasn't looking like I was going to be healthy enough to go if I had to work multiple jobs during the school year and all summer. 3) The academic pressure was getting to me. 4) I didn't really want to be gone a whole year. I prefer the one semester programs. I was very relieved once I made the decision. Because I got the flu last week I got my preliminary application in on the very last day, Sunday February 15. They were actually quite nice about rescheduling my interview since I'm sure none of them wanted to contract the flu from me. My interview was Monday morning. The director of the Orvieto program was actually at Gordon and conducted the interview. He was very kind and friendly. It was hard to answer the questions about why Italy is the best fit for me over another program. I worked so hard on having my academics good for Oxford that I hadn't really concentrated on answering that kind of question. In my mind, it's just Italy, so who wouldn't want to go? Well, I got the email that I made it through the first round. The guy said he was pretty sure that I would, but it was still nice to get the email. Now I have to get a bunch of references and a transcript and pay my fee. Then they call me in for another interview. I should have the final yes or no by March 10, I believe. While I was having my interview and he was telling me about the program I was getting so excited. I can't imagine just hopping on a train and going to Naples for the weekend. I want this so much!!! Please keep praying that everything works out. I'll be putting up more Italy updates as things continue to progress. If you have any questions, leave me a comment and I will do my best to answer them. By the way, the picture at the top is of Orvieto. Isn't it gorgeous up on a hill like that?