It began when the teacher's assistant walked into class last January at Brigham Young University and informed unsuspecting students, "I have been asked to announce that there are two available openings for the UK Spring Term Study Abroad Program." I was surprised to hear that as the deadline for students to apply was the end of November. I glanced around the packed auditorium where about 200 students were sitting, realizing my chances were pretty much zilch of being accepted. By applying I'd be setting myself up for bitter disappointment, especially If I was denied...again. That's why I didn't bother to apply last November. I gave up the dream after being denied twice into the International Study Abroad Program. However, I also knew that I would never go if I didn't apply. So I braved another application, and spent another $35 for the non refundable application fee. Then waited.
The 2D Visual Arts UK Spring Term Study Abroad Program begins May 4th in Paris, as in France. The fortunate 20 students who are accepted will travel with two knowledgeable, enlightened professors to Paris, Wales, London, Edinburgh, Oban, Glasgow, Dublin, Spanish Point, Limerick, Clare, The Burren, take a ferry to Aran Islands, then return to Dublin. Class ends June 12, 2015. Study Abroad is not just a sight-seeing-touristy tour. Students are required to take at least six credit hours. They will also be collaborating with other art students from the United Kingdom.
The waiting finally came to an end with an email from the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies. I braced myself. They have a way of sounding so nice when you are being denied. There are almost 30,000 students on campus all wanting a shot. Just to make sure my eyes did not deceive me I reread their email several times. It's hard to see when you're tearing up. For the first time in my life I was going to need a passport.
No comments:
Post a Comment