I haven't left just yet, haha.
The last few weeks have been crazy. I have had about 5 injections in the last month.
You name it, rabies, yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A.
Also, 3 months worth of Malaria Pills and super strong insect repellent.
All I can hope now is that it's worth it all !
So here is a quick update on how I got into this exchange and where it's taking me:
I wanted to travel, and I wasn't too sure what to do at university next year. I thought about taking a gap year, but I didn't want to waste time. On my AFS exchange, I am able to study and travel.
Time wasted = 0
Time gained = The Best Year of My Life (I'm hoping, we'll soon find out).
Why did I pick Peru?
I actually can't verify this particularly.
I knew I wanted to go on an exchange, I just didn't know where.
When I was selected to go, I was told I had to choose a country. I had 3 choices; Peru, Belgium and Sweden. As you can see, I didn't really mind where I went, as long as I got to have the experience.
What have I done so far?
A shit load of fundraising, I'll have you know!
In total, an AFS year exchange costs about $13,000 NZD.
Thankfully, I was awarded with a $5000 Scholarship and a $1000 Grant to assist me financially. The rest was made up from about three or four months of walking/washing dogs and car boot sales, Peru Group in the International Week at Manurewa High and months and months working as a sales person at Bond & Bond. I'll tell you, hard work, but it's so rewarding to know that I did it all myself. It's opened my mind up to new opportunities already!
Where am I now?
Okay, so I am still in Auckland, New Zealand. I have passed my schooling and have university entrance, all due to the fact I did year 13 a year early to help boost my rank points. I think this has worked well. I've still got to go to school, which can sometimes be boring, but I don't regret anything. It's now two weeks before I depart for the exchange and the feelings are... all over the show. I'm mostly excited, which I hear is good. I really can't wait to take this step in my life where I become more independent. I'm leaving the nest and spreading my wings. Oh, cliché I know, but how else do you describe it?
I plan to update this blog with photos and stories as often as possible. Please don't hesitate to pass the link on to anyone, as I want to share my experience with everyone!
