7/23/2012

Going away party


Although its still four weeks to go, I've decided to throw a birthday/going away party last saturday. So, this is for all the amazing people who were there with me: I LOVE YOU! (I know, I've said it before...) I had a blast on saturday! You guys are the best :)


Things you need to remember

Today was "office day". Future exchange students, be aware, you're gonna need all kinds of forms and official letters and stuff. I'm still not quite sure if I have it all. Today, I picked up a letter from my insurance company and I still don't know if I need an actual letter about all my vaccinations or just the vaccination pass.... uh, and I need to talk to my bank -.- not my favorite place to be...

Speaking of Bank: my recommendation is a bank account with Deutsche Bank, not because they are so unbelievable great (^^) but because they actually have some kind of agreement with the Bank of America (and Scotia Bank in Canada, for that matter), so you can withdraw money from any Bank of America ATM and they don't charge you any service fee. Makes travelling a whole lot easier, let me tell you! Also, they actually offer a credit card for students, and - believe me - you're gonna need a credit card in the US :D I also decided to make copies of all my documents "just in case" - probably not such a bad thing to do ;)

Ah well, the hardest part is still to come... I have absolutely NO IDEA how to pack for summer AND winter in Boston! -.- Any suggestions? Anyone? ...

7/17/2012

How to find a room in Boston

Ok, since this is also a blog for all future exchange students, here are some thoughts and tipps on how to find a room in Boston:

first of all, you should probably check the alumni reports for tipps or adresses of former hosts, because not only did those hosts then probably have a good experience with exchange students, the students can also tell you whether or not everything worked out and what you might have to take into consideration when chosing this particular host. I met the guy who stayed with my host last winter by chance, actually. I already had the room after I found out that another student from Frankfurt had stayed in it a year before  :) It's a small world after all.... anyways, we met at our universitie's USA exchange party and he gave me a few of his impressions on my host and my surroundings, which I really apprechiated.

I found my room via the MIT European Club website. They have a "marketplace" where students and Bostonians offer their home to exchange Students. This is very practical, since it is designed to be especially for students staying for a short period of time (apparently other appartments and rooms are only availably for a year's lease...) So, if you don't already have a personal contact, check out http://euroclub.mit.edu/marketplace and see if you can find something there!

Five weeks and counting...

5 weeks to go - just had my first Hepatitis shot -.- Really wished it wasn't necessary... Ah well, I'll survive...

Last week was the End of Term Party at my "home" University and I must say, I did feel a little sad saying goodbye to all those people who have grown so dear to me. I will miss them, that's for sure. On the plus side, they will probably all still be here when I come back, so there's something to look forward to!
AND, another plus side,: I took a bunch of pictures with my Frankfurt Friends! *yay* Love you guys!

7/07/2012

Countdown to take off: - 60

In about 6 weeks I will be leaving for London, where I will start my journey around the world. I have my visa, I have a room in Boston and I have my ticket - I'm (almost) all set! All I have to do now is get my vaccination -.- three injections in four weeks = no fun. But, oh well, you gotta do what you gotta do right? Darn vaccinations...