I can’t believe I am about to start my semester-long journey to London. It is not exaggeration to say I’ve been waiting for this moment since high school, when I first became fascinated by London, even though I’ve never had the chance to visit.
I am overcome by many different emotions, many similar to the ones I felt when I moved to the US to attend Rollins. Of course I am nervous and sad to be apart from my family but those skeptical emotions are overshadowed by the excitement and anticipation I feel. Me and one of my best friends that is coming on the CAPA program with me have been planning this semester abroad since our first weeks as freshmen, and have been counting the days all summer, constantly talking about what we want to do and the places we want to see.
Making this experience happen has been quite challenging, especially regarding the visa. Since CAPA offers and internship along with classes the required visa is not a traditional student one, but more of a work permit called the Tier 4 Student Visa. Acquiring this visa has required many steps and obstacles, which have been intensified by the fact that I am spending my summer in El Salvador, and not in the US. Regardless, I have been able to overcome the hurdles and get my visa. I am confident that my time living in London and traveling around Europe will more than make up for the challenges I’ve faced to get there and make me appreciate my once-in-a-lifetime experience that much more!
