It's Official!

            Having returned to the United States since my last post, I have found myself at a loss in terms of what to blog about. However, being stuck inside during this State of Emergency blizzard warning throughout New England is as good a time as any to whip out my computer and write. I have been extremely busy over the past couple of weeks. I was looking back on my first post, from mid-December, when I was expecting to chronicle my job search. Well, fortunately, this blog will not be about my job hunt. It will continue to be about my cultural experiences in Europe because I will be working there for the next four months!

The timeline of receiving a favorable internship offer to actually starting the internship is a lengthy one when attempting to work outside of your home country. However, I am positive that the time and effort (not to mention expenses!) I have put into obtaining my visa will be worth the amazing experience I am about to encounter. I have worked with some very helpful people along the way to get me to this point. I was accepted by BUNAC, the organization that issued me my certificate of sponsorship. Once I received that letter, I was able to apply for my Tier 5 Temporary Worker Visa. This involved an online application and having to go into Boston for a biometrics appointment. At the Boston application center I simply scanned my fingerprints on both hands. As innocent as the process was, I still felt like I was some sort of felon being arrested at a police station. Not only did they scan each finger (thumbs included), I had to roll each finger across the glass so they could get a 3D scan as well. All so that I could take an internship for four months in England! However, I must applaud the UK Border Agency for how quickly they processed my application materials. The package arrived in New York on Wednesday afternoon and my visa was issued this morning. I was more disappointed in UPS for promising that my package would arrive Wednesday at 10:30am. It did not arrive to the New York building until 5:00pm. Luckily, I do not think it delayed the process significantly.

Now my only concern is how long it will take for me to receive my passport. The final step in the visa process is for my passport to brave the harsh weather conditions and travel from NYC to Weston, Massachusetts. I have faith! I am set to officially start working in Wimbledon in ten days. As soon as I receive my passport, my adventure begins. I plan to purchase a flight to London as soon as I have my visa. In a short amount of time I will find a place to settle down, attend a BUNAC orientation meeting, and start an amazing work experience. I am so grateful that I already know the challenges of living in London. Rather than culture shock, I will perform full cultural immersion. I love the Brits, and I am so thankful that I will be spending more time with them! Cheers!