You didn't provide the option I would choose: Fall Semester only.
I know there are 101 good reasons to put it off, but I still think Fall is a much better choice than Spring. And if you only do one semester, you'll be home in time for Christmas, and you won't need a visa for a trip that short.
When I did my semester in France, it wasn't the best time for me to go in regards to personal matters. Granted, my father hadn't died, but my parents had just divorced and there were other things going on, but I just had to bite the bullet and do it. If you go for only the Spring, you're essentially going to be a latecomer to a group that will have already spent a whole semester together.
I know Life sucks right now, but at least look at the logistics and timeline involved in only doing the Fall before you dismiss the idea alltogether.
My school suggests that if you are going to do one semester, you should do a spring semester because you will be there longer and actually get to complete their finals. That's why I didn't put it down.
I wanted to choose answer #5 -- "Do what you want to do."
Yes, you've had a rough year - horribly rough. I think you need to get away and clear your head. So I think what you should do is what YOU want to do. You've spent the past months doing everything for other people. Do something for yourself. If you think you should only go Spring, only go Spring. Do what will make you happy.
Just remember, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Are you gonna get there and have so much fun that you wished you had more time when it was all said and done and wished you had spent another semester there? Probably.
However, bottom line -- do what will make you happy and what is the best for you.
I really think the spring semester is a good idea. It was hard enough for me to be there for the semester, and I didn't have any of the stuff to deal with like you do. Maybe you'd do great for the whole year, but if you have any doubts at all, I would just do the spring semester. Either way, I think it will be a great experience for you.
A year is a long time, even just an academic year. I know that being in South Africa for 6 months, away from a lot of stuff here, was very difficult. And given the current situation, I think you definitely need to be home, give yourself a little time to deal with everything that has happened and everything that is still happening. Otherwise you will just feel way too overwhelmed while in France to actually enjoy all the opportunities you'll have.
I'm really really sorry to hear about your dad...you're strong, though, you can make it through this. =)
Comments 5
I know there are 101 good reasons to put it off, but I still think Fall is a much better choice than Spring. And if you only do one semester, you'll be home in time for Christmas, and you won't need a visa for a trip that short.
When I did my semester in France, it wasn't the best time for me to go in regards to personal matters. Granted, my father hadn't died, but my parents had just divorced and there were other things going on, but I just had to bite the bullet and do it. If you go for only the Spring, you're essentially going to be a latecomer to a group that will have already spent a whole semester together.
I know Life sucks right now, but at least look at the logistics and timeline involved in only doing the Fall before you dismiss the idea alltogether.
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Yes, you've had a rough year - horribly rough. I think you need to get away and clear your head. So I think what you should do is what YOU want to do. You've spent the past months doing everything for other people. Do something for yourself. If you think you should only go Spring, only go Spring. Do what will make you happy.
Just remember, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Are you gonna get there and have so much fun that you wished you had more time when it was all said and done and wished you had spent another semester there? Probably.
However, bottom line -- do what will make you happy and what is the best for you.
Reply
Reply
I'm really really sorry to hear about your dad...you're strong, though, you can make it through this. =)
Lauren
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