Student Visas

      For my summer abroad, I am required to obtain a student visa. I know we are dealing with national security but this has been the most complicated and frustrating process I have ever gone through. I am making another attempt at getting all of my paperwork in today, and I really hope that I have it all this time. The frustrating thing is that different consulates and websites say different things. I have the list for the LA consulate of what they require. And then I go to the SF consulate to make sure I have everything and there are a few things extra from the LA list that they require. I thought this was a UNIVERSAL thing! If one Italian consulate requires a certain piece of paperwork, they should ALL require it. So I think that I have everything I possibly could. And am going to make the drive into SF once again, this time in the rain, because I have less than 7 weeks until my departure and well I need that visa on my passport before I leave California. It's essential. And nerve-racking. So a piece of advice to students traveling abroad for study...get help. Go through your school. If you do go through a private program, ask as many questions as possible. I learned my lesson the hard way (like I usually do). If my dad reads this, he'll probably laugh at me and then call me and tell me "I told you so." Yes, Dad, you are right.
        Oh and the rain. It has been raining on and off for a whole WEEK. I don't understand it. I know the whole saying "April showers bring May flowers" but my goodness. It's POURING. And my cousin is getting married in an outdoor wedding at the end of the month. I'm pretty sure that this whole week is putting her on edge. It's going to be beautiful no matter what but it'd be nice if it was clear skies.
       Ok well that's my rant right now. Here's to one more week of school and one more week closer to summer and my wonderful adventures.