Well, it's been awhile

It's been 7 months since I posted last. And as you probably figured a ton has happened. So here I go!

I've gotten my host family, departure date, and a million things that pertain to obtaining my visa.

Host Family
I'll start with this because I think it's the most exciting. I got my host family on April 14th, still remember the day (I know crazy right), but that day started pretty normal until my mom got a really long email in Spanish but was able to make out the quick gist of it and we both immediately ran to the computer to google translate it, as my spanish skills were nowhere near the level of that email. But to make a really long story short, I'll have three host siblings, though I won't meet one, atleast I don't think (?), because he will be in the USA while I am there, also through AFS. And two host parents, all of them I'm excited to meet of course! They've been really helpful with this whole process! So shout out to them when they read this!

I'll be living in Pamplona, Navarre! A city world famous for hosting the annual running of the bulls festival every year, though my travel dates don't coincide with the festival it's still pretty cool. And I'll live in an apartment in the city, so that's a really big change that I'm actually looking forward to! So since a lot of people I tell Pamplona about ask what region in Spain that is, I've attached a map. Also the population is about 320,000 in the metro area, so that's pretty cool. Needless to say I'm very excited to get there!


Departure
So last night actually, the 27th, I got an email from AFS saying what my official travel information consisted of, and it's pretty cool. I have to be in NYC by 4pm on the 4th, then on the 5th we, as in all the AFS students from the USA going to Spain, fly to Zurich, Switzerland for a layover of x amount of hours, then fly to Madrid and arrive on the 6th! How I'll get from Madrid to Pamplona is beyond me, bus or train maybe(?), but somehow I'll get there. So since I got my official travel info, I can start the official countdown! 68 more days, seems like a while, but I remember when it was much larger of a number.

Visa
When AFS said Spain's visa process is complicated, they didn't lie. This is a very long process. I couldn't count on one hand hand how many times I've had papers notarized, apostilled, or papers I've had to send off to some really official place. But it'll be worth it! All of this hard "visa-work" will end with a trip to your area's consulate, and by area I mean multi-state region. I got lucky, I only have to go to Houston, which is like a three hour drive, I think some people have to go 12+ hours. Also Houston's Spanish Consulate doesn't take appointments, so I think me and my mom will have to leave really early in the morning to make sure we are seen that same day.

Well until next time,
See you in 70 days, Spain.

Who I Am And Why I'm Here

Hola! Bienvenido! 

Hello! Welcome!

I guess I should probably start off by introducing myself! My name is Trevor Moore I'm 15 years old and live in the awesome state of Texas, United States of America! This blog is being written about my journey of becoming and being a foreign exchange student in Spain!

I have started this blog to keep anyone who's interested in keeping up with me as I prepare to study abroad for a year and to keep up with me while I'm there! I am going to be studying as a foreign exchange student in Spain for a full 10 months come next September. This is something I've been thinking about and planning for a long time. I'm interested in the program for many reasons (WAY too many to list) but I'll share with you my "big 3" 1) Immerse myself in a new culture, 2) Becoming fluent in Spanish, which in The United States is a great asset, and 3) I have met a foreign exchange student that came to The United States from Spain and he said it was the best experience of his life.

I have been doing an immense amount of research, attending numerous webinars and begging my mom to let me go;)! The program that I am going with is called AFS, American Field Service. They've been around for 60 years and have offices in over 40 countries to aid with the 13,000 students they send abroad from those countries every year. My AFS tuition will cover my health insurance while abroad, international flight, and a large scale support system while abroad.

To raise money for this I've been doing a multitude of things, and have been working really hard to get enough money to go, including doing lots of hard work! The cost for the program is pretty hefty, but hopefully I'll successfully "tackle the tuition"! My goal for this blog is to raise $5,000 for my year abroad! Please know that no amount is too small and that any amount would be greatly appreciated! I know that times are tough, but every little bit will help me achieve my dream. Thank you for reading this, and I would greatly appreciate it if you could forward this blog to anyone else who you think might be interested in sponsoring my AFS experience. You can donate directly through this blog with the Chipin widget on the side bar.

Thank you in advance and feel free to contact me with any questions you may have,

Trevor Moore

trevormoore1209@gmail.com