I leave for Moscow in just a little over a week. However, the fact that the next step of my life is looming over my head like a gigantic black cloud has not prevented the fact that I am a master at procrastination. Pity. Piles of clothes, both clean and dirty, have created new style of carpet in the room I currently occupy. Books galore find themselves crammed into every available nook. In addition, three lonely,empty suitcases are waiting to be stuffed full of whatever clothes, books and objects I will (hopefully soon) choose to bring with me on my journey. And then there is my recently arrived Russian language course longing to be used, read, listened to. And yet, I am here enjoying my first real vacation since my college years commenced three years ago.
Both fortunately and unfortunately, I have been provided with extra planning/packing time. Apparently, the Russian Consulates/Embassies in the US will no longer expedite work/business VISAS. Originally my VISA agency agent had assured me that my VISA will DEFINITELY be in my hands by July 30th, 2010. The next day he called me back, very apologetic, and very wrong. Oh well. At least he was extremely nice and humble about the whole thing. However, nice and humble cost me an extra $200, because I had to reschedule my Tuesday flight for a Friday flight. Que será, será.
--Sincerely, your soon-to-be Russian Traveler--
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Life's Little Discouragements vs. My Stubborn Persistence
Ok, I have to admit that this past week I was really close to giving up on the whole "Russian Project." What makes it worse is that the whole reason is money. I hate money troubles; I've had them practically my whole life. I keep being told to budget in enough money for unexpected government and school-related problems (which I am trying to do). However, I first have to earn enough money to purchase my plane ticket and to cover all the costs for the first month or so until I start receiving my salary. Yesterday I realized that it no longer matters that I am putting in 11 hour work days, by the time I leave for Russia, I still won't have enough money to cover everything.
This being said I have decided that I am going to apply for a loan. While I hate doing so, I can see no other option right now. If something arises that makes it absolutely impossible for me to go and give it a try, then I can live with that - as long as I have done everything possible. I strongly feel like Russia is where I am supposed to be, and I know that if I give up now, I will always regret it. And I don't have regrets.
Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 94:19 When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.
-- Your hopefully, soon-to-be Russian Traveler --
Update:
I have officially received my loan. I am so thankful! The whole process went much smoother than I expected, and I have enough to cover most of my costs and start an emergency fund. God is so good!
This being said I have decided that I am going to apply for a loan. While I hate doing so, I can see no other option right now. If something arises that makes it absolutely impossible for me to go and give it a try, then I can live with that - as long as I have done everything possible. I strongly feel like Russia is where I am supposed to be, and I know that if I give up now, I will always regret it. And I don't have regrets.
Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 94:19 When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.
-- Your hopefully, soon-to-be Russian Traveler --
Update:
I have officially received my loan. I am so thankful! The whole process went much smoother than I expected, and I have enough to cover most of my costs and start an emergency fund. God is so good!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Saying Goodbye
Today I said goodbye to most of my best friends. It's hard parting from each other without knowing if or when we will see each other again. In high school, when I said goodbye to my friends, I knew that we would at least see each other a few more times because we shared a common home town to which we would return each summer. It's different with college friends. We are leaving now to go our own ways. We don't share a common town: we shared a common school. When that school time is gone, so is our daily contact. We still have facebook and email, but we don't have each other's actual person to lean on and hug.
My friends have meant so much to me the past three years. In high school I never had a lot of friends with whom I could actually hang. I had two really "best" friends and a few others that I would see at school. At college there was a group of us. It was actually a new experience for me to have a group of friends, and it actually took some adjusting. But I loved them all. We shared. We laughed. We cried. We joked. We played. We lived.
I'm excited to go to Russia, but I am not looking forward to going back to my high school days (metaphorically speaking of course). I don't mind going to Russia and being temporarily "friendless." Aloneness does not bother me. I've spent most of my life alone and isolated. I am just as content reading a book as hanging with a group. In addition, I am looking forward to making new friends, which while it is difficult for me, I plan on doing my best to find friends as well as to be a friend.
This blog has officially become much more sentimental than intended. I'm usually way too practical to let things affect me like this. Oh well, I guess it just goes to show the value and importance of those we love.
My friends have meant so much to me the past three years. In high school I never had a lot of friends with whom I could actually hang. I had two really "best" friends and a few others that I would see at school. At college there was a group of us. It was actually a new experience for me to have a group of friends, and it actually took some adjusting. But I loved them all. We shared. We laughed. We cried. We joked. We played. We lived.
I'm excited to go to Russia, but I am not looking forward to going back to my high school days (metaphorically speaking of course). I don't mind going to Russia and being temporarily "friendless." Aloneness does not bother me. I've spent most of my life alone and isolated. I am just as content reading a book as hanging with a group. In addition, I am looking forward to making new friends, which while it is difficult for me, I plan on doing my best to find friends as well as to be a friend.
This blog has officially become much more sentimental than intended. I'm usually way too practical to let things affect me like this. Oh well, I guess it just goes to show the value and importance of those we love.
Friday, April 23, 2010
The Goings On of my Inner Mind
I feel as if plans are finally getting rolling and settled. I "graduate" in three weeks, although I will still have to take two classes after that. By June 10th I will have officially finished my undergrad career. As to be expected, I am both extremely excited and overwhelmingly petrified at times, but even the paralyzing, can't-breathe petrification is an amazing feeling, because it means that anything can happen. I have the whole world open to me. Of course, it also means that whether or not I fall flat on my face is up to me (which could explain the feelings of panic).
On another note, I have officially been placed, although I will not give the exact location at this place and time. I have heard both good and bad about the town/city. Once I get there and can judge the situation and setting, I will decide whether or not I will give the location. My passport appointment is finally scheduled for Monday and hopefully I will have one more step down. It took a couple weeks longer than expected to get my birth certificate as Texas ended up losing it from the printer to the desk of the person in charge. Aren't grand, bureaucratic offices great? Of course, I realize that Russia government/paperwork will be far worse, so I guess I will count this as practice. Anyways, other than that, there is not much to tell. So, Good day my faithful readers.
---Your hopefully, soon-to-be Russian Traveler---
On another note, I have officially been placed, although I will not give the exact location at this place and time. I have heard both good and bad about the town/city. Once I get there and can judge the situation and setting, I will decide whether or not I will give the location. My passport appointment is finally scheduled for Monday and hopefully I will have one more step down. It took a couple weeks longer than expected to get my birth certificate as Texas ended up losing it from the printer to the desk of the person in charge. Aren't grand, bureaucratic offices great? Of course, I realize that Russia government/paperwork will be far worse, so I guess I will count this as practice. Anyways, other than that, there is not much to tell. So, Good day my faithful readers.
---Your hopefully, soon-to-be Russian Traveler---
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
To Go or Not to Go ???
Ok, so today I began doing what I should have done to begin with (or maybe not). I searched through various TEFL blogs and forums looking for helpful hints on living overseas and teaching. Most of the advice given had one theme - stay away from Russia.
1. The "McLanguage" schools are bad.
2. The national schools are bad.
3. The government is bad and changes VISA requirements and laws from month to month.
4. No one follows through with payment, benefits or any other service.
5. I can be kicked out at anytime with little notice or funds.
Naturally, I became worried, then panicked. I mean, I will be spending 10 months there away from all of my family and friends. While I am not expecting to make it rich or even to gain a healthy income, I would like the promised, regular pay. The promised company support in handling both teaching and the government is a vital reason why I went with this company. After spending the next couple of hours rifling through blogs, forums, reviews and more I quickly became unsure as to whether or not this would be the right opportunity. A very helpful site that is seemingly a "must" for TEFL/TESL teachers is Dave's ESL Cafe (http://www.eslcafe.com/).
I supplemented the material I found through the above sites with information from the company's website and with the facebook group. I may be naive, but I will admit that the facebook group has done much to alleviate my concerns. It makes a big difference to actually see the faces and names of people who will be in the same boat I may or may not be in.
As a result of everything, I have come to the conclusion that, while I do not know what will happen, I need to take this chance. It may be a leap of faith to accept this position, but most worthwhile things in life are gigantic leaps across giant chasms of riskiness. I will go to Russia with a positive attitude and will take the bad along with the good. Some things may be out of my control, but to go or not to go is my choice.
Have you been to Russia? Have you taught overseas? I would be interested in your comments.
---Your hopefully, soon-to-be Russian Traveler---
1. The "McLanguage" schools are bad.
2. The national schools are bad.
3. The government is bad and changes VISA requirements and laws from month to month.
4. No one follows through with payment, benefits or any other service.
5. I can be kicked out at anytime with little notice or funds.
Naturally, I became worried, then panicked. I mean, I will be spending 10 months there away from all of my family and friends. While I am not expecting to make it rich or even to gain a healthy income, I would like the promised, regular pay. The promised company support in handling both teaching and the government is a vital reason why I went with this company. After spending the next couple of hours rifling through blogs, forums, reviews and more I quickly became unsure as to whether or not this would be the right opportunity. A very helpful site that is seemingly a "must" for TEFL/TESL teachers is Dave's ESL Cafe (http://www.eslcafe.com/).
I supplemented the material I found through the above sites with information from the company's website and with the facebook group. I may be naive, but I will admit that the facebook group has done much to alleviate my concerns. It makes a big difference to actually see the faces and names of people who will be in the same boat I may or may not be in.
As a result of everything, I have come to the conclusion that, while I do not know what will happen, I need to take this chance. It may be a leap of faith to accept this position, but most worthwhile things in life are gigantic leaps across giant chasms of riskiness. I will go to Russia with a positive attitude and will take the bad along with the good. Some things may be out of my control, but to go or not to go is my choice.
Have you been to Russia? Have you taught overseas? I would be interested in your comments.
---Your hopefully, soon-to-be Russian Traveler---
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Why Russia? I'm Glad You Asked.
Since I was in elementary school, all I ever wanted to do was travel. Actually, that wasn't everything I wanted to do. I also wanted to be a lawyer, a senator, a global journalist, an artist, a singer, a fashion designer, a best-selling author and a marine biologist, a research psychologist, and an archeologist. (Quite a list, I know.) However, one of the common threads throughout these fabulous career opportunities is travel. I was determined that whatever occupation I chose would keep me on the road or in the air.
Speed forward through time and I still want nothing more than to travel. Through some brain seizure or some masochistic urge within, I decided on the frustrating and gratifying major of History: International Studies (with a minor in English, of course!). Speed forward again and through one other moment of masochistic desires (or intense restlessness.) I decide to graduate a year early. I am a college sophomore/junior who just decided that she only had one more year left before she entered into the "real world." Scary thought. So, I surfed and surfed the internet for a type of job that would take me overseas. I searched resorts, schools, internships, archeology, etc.
The frustrating thing about the "real world" is that most jobs of significance, money and adventure require experience and or more money. I have neither. So, I switch to looking for PAYING internships overseas. If you ever want to experience the feeling of running into a wall without doing damage to the wall, look for PAYING internships in History or English. It doesn't feel pleasant. But then...I clicked on a link...and there it was.
A paying internship in RUSSIA!! Teaching English as a Second Language. No experience necessary. AND... a TEFL Certification given at the end of the program (which is required to teach and intern in most Western European countries). It was perfect. Not only could I go to Russia, but the certification could open up doors both in the US and abroad. But wait...there is MORE!
Throughout this same semester, I had been taking both Russian History AND a Dostoevsky class. And I had found my passion. Having always been slightly attracted to the morbid and strange, Russia's dark history and their cultural folk traditions and manners fascinated me. The psychological depth of Dostoevsky and Tolstoy drew me in and, weird as it is, Stalin fascinated me. And now, I may actually have a chance for a payed internship in Russia, homeland of the Russian Ballet, Tchaikovsky and the Nut Cracker, Dostoevsky and Tolstoy (Stalin was born in Georgia). Russia, home to some of the most splendiferous and opulent palaces, could be my home for a whole year. So, I applied. And I have been accepted. And...
IT'S RUSSIA!!!!
Sincerely,
---Your hopefully soon-to-be Russian traveler---
Speed forward through time and I still want nothing more than to travel. Through some brain seizure or some masochistic urge within, I decided on the frustrating and gratifying major of History: International Studies (with a minor in English, of course!). Speed forward again and through one other moment of masochistic desires (or intense restlessness.) I decide to graduate a year early. I am a college sophomore/junior who just decided that she only had one more year left before she entered into the "real world." Scary thought. So, I surfed and surfed the internet for a type of job that would take me overseas. I searched resorts, schools, internships, archeology, etc.
The frustrating thing about the "real world" is that most jobs of significance, money and adventure require experience and or more money. I have neither. So, I switch to looking for PAYING internships overseas. If you ever want to experience the feeling of running into a wall without doing damage to the wall, look for PAYING internships in History or English. It doesn't feel pleasant. But then...I clicked on a link...and there it was.
A paying internship in RUSSIA!! Teaching English as a Second Language. No experience necessary. AND... a TEFL Certification given at the end of the program (which is required to teach and intern in most Western European countries). It was perfect. Not only could I go to Russia, but the certification could open up doors both in the US and abroad. But wait...there is MORE!
Throughout this same semester, I had been taking both Russian History AND a Dostoevsky class. And I had found my passion. Having always been slightly attracted to the morbid and strange, Russia's dark history and their cultural folk traditions and manners fascinated me. The psychological depth of Dostoevsky and Tolstoy drew me in and, weird as it is, Stalin fascinated me. And now, I may actually have a chance for a payed internship in Russia, homeland of the Russian Ballet, Tchaikovsky and the Nut Cracker, Dostoevsky and Tolstoy (Stalin was born in Georgia). Russia, home to some of the most splendiferous and opulent palaces, could be my home for a whole year. So, I applied. And I have been accepted. And...
IT'S RUSSIA!!!!
Sincerely,
---Your hopefully soon-to-be Russian traveler---
Co-Signer Applicants Now Accepted
So...for the latest update. I think I have found a way to get my diploma in time for the VISA process. Basically, instead of taking two 16 wk online classes, I will take two 4 wk classes on campus at the beginning of summer. Actually, one would be at Liberty University (my current school) and the other would be at the Central Virginia Community College. However, it would not be my life if this wonderful solution did not have a snag. So, for the snag.
In order to take these two classes, I need to take out two loans (one for each school). And due to the fact that I am a full-time student working for minimum wage when I can, making less than $12,000/year, I need a cosigner. Unfortunately, due to a large amount of medical bills, previous school loans for two children and other bills, my parents no longer qualify to cosign. Which, for right now, puts me back at square one. All-in-all, I guess square one is better than no square, but it sure is frustrating.
As for other news, I am currently waiting for a copy of my birth certificate to arrive so that I can apply for my passport.
Would anyone like to volunteer as cosigner? I'm not picky. Really. Seriously.
As usual, advice and comments are welcome.
---Hopefully your soon-to-be Russian Traveler---
In order to take these two classes, I need to take out two loans (one for each school). And due to the fact that I am a full-time student working for minimum wage when I can, making less than $12,000/year, I need a cosigner. Unfortunately, due to a large amount of medical bills, previous school loans for two children and other bills, my parents no longer qualify to cosign. Which, for right now, puts me back at square one. All-in-all, I guess square one is better than no square, but it sure is frustrating.
As for other news, I am currently waiting for a copy of my birth certificate to arrive so that I can apply for my passport.
Would anyone like to volunteer as cosigner? I'm not picky. Really. Seriously.
As usual, advice and comments are welcome.
---Hopefully your soon-to-be Russian Traveler---
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