Applications Submitted!

Hello All! I don't think anyone has officially read this blog but we thought we would still post an update :) Classes are in full swing here at UNI and things are already getting stressful.  I just got my Level II placement in second grade and I cannot wait to start.  Shawn is busy studying for classes and getting things put together for Allen. We are also taking a study abroad prep class.  It is very exciting and interesting and it is awesome to talk to our instructor who has traveled all over the world.  Here are some FAQ....

How long will we be in Africa?
Right now we know we leave at the VERY beginning of February and will return sometime in June. International student orientation is on February 4 and we will arrive before that.


Why did you guys pick South Africa?
I have always dreamed of going to Africa and Shawn has jumped on the bandwagon :) We are excited to live out this dream of visiting Africa and hopefully this will be the first of many trips.  Volunteering was also really important to both of us and NMMU has it integrated as part of the program.  We think we will be working at the Isithembiso Children's Home.

Is the trip going to be expensive?
This is a tough one. It will be expensive but not ridiculous.  In all reality it (hopefully!) won't cost much more than being at UNI. Considering we will have student loans anyway this is the perfect opportunity.  Shawn and I realized that we probably won't ever have this opportunity again and we are eligible for scholarships to help with the costs. Pauline Thomas (Shawn's grandma) is also selling fudge to help out with in-country costs. We are so grateful to her. If you want to buy some-let us know!

How can we communicate?
We will have an international phone to communicate with our families and we will have regular access to the internet. We are going to try and set up skype.  We will also of course have email and this blog. :)

Will your credits transfer?
Yes! Our classes will be approved here at UNI so we know how they will transfer back.  This semester will put Shawn attending Allen in the fall of 2011. I might be a little behind also but I don't really have my track all planned out so it is yet to be decided.

I'm sure there are many more questions and a lot more information but this is all I could come up with right now.  This is a learning experience and we are trying to get everything figured out. We will try to update more regularly now that we are only FIVE MONTHS away from our departure.  We hope everyone is doing well and has a great three day weekend!

Shawn and Alyssa