The Application Process Pt. 2

Get ready

During the winter and spring EF held two getting-ready-meetings, where I got more information and got more prepared for what lies ahead of me, my year.

Applying for VISA

In April I received, from EF, the DS-2019 form which I needed to apply for VISA. First I had to answer all these different questions and fill out quite a lot of information online at the American embassy’s website, as well as paying for the VISA. Secondly I booked an appointment for my visit at the embassy. My appointment was very early, so I was almost first in line into the embassy. First I entered security, where I had to leave my purse, phone and everything else one doesn’t need at the embassy. I approached the first counter, where a woman look at all my papers and passport, making sure I had everything I needed. Next I had to wait until I was called. Eventually it was my turn to be interviewed. The lady behind the counter asked me a few questions regarding my intentions for my stay in the US, who I would stay with, and what I would do when I got back home to Norway. I answered honestly, and lastly she scanned my finger prints. Afterwards I was free to leave and I received my passport with my VISA approximately 7 days later.

Receiving a host family

For some receiving a host family takes no time, for others it takes forever. After filling out all the paperwork, after receiving the paperwork EF matches you with a host family they believe will fit you well. This is a long progress so I am not in-depth. In the middle of June I had been match with my host family and I received information about both my family and my IEC.

The Application Process Pt. 1

In this post I am going to explain to you the process I went through, from the day I decided that I wanted go exchange to the US, until today when it is only 44 days until I leave. Since there is a lot to explain, I will divide the post in two. Part one: before Christmas, part two: after Christmas

Join in on an info meeting with EF

I remember myself reading every single page at ef.no about going to the states and attending high school for one year. At this time I was curious, but I hadn’t decided yet. Still, when I saw that there was an info meeting the day after, in Oslo, I asked my mom if we could go, and she was all for it. I am not a religious or spiritual person, but when I saw that EF held this meeting the day after I showed interest, I most say, a part of me actually believed that it had to be a sign saying that I should to just go for it, and try something new for once.

The next day my mom and I went to the meeting, where the leader of EF Norway, along with a woman from EF’s office in Boston was speaking and promoting the exchange program. They covered everything from the screening process of finding and matching host families with the students, to academic requirement (for instance; every student has to maintain a C or better in every subject), to bonuses some students may experience through-out their exchange year, such as prom, discovery tours, graduation etc. At the end two former exchange student held a brief presentation of their year, about what they got to experience, how school was like, if they participated in any after school activities, activities they did with their host family. The meeting was very engaging and I became very inspired to start my own exchange year.

Book an interview

When you have decided that you want to start your own year, you have to book an interview with EF, where you will sit down with an EF worker who will ask you about your motivation for exchanging, additionally you have to take an english test where you answer different questions related to exchanging in-depth, in english. I had this interview after the info meeting, although if you can’t come to any of the meetings one can also have the interview over the phone.

Approval

After a few days the EF office in Norway either calls you or send you a mail saying you have been approved for the program. Later you will receive your first bill and you start down paying your year.

Paperwork

Loads of paperwork. To make it possible for the EF office to match host families and students they need to know your interest among with a lot of other info, moreover they have to have knowledge about your health condition so that they can decide whether it’s responsible and legal to send you to the US or not.

This paperwork consists of:

1. A form with shorter answers about yourself, your family, religion, interests, and a form with longer answers where you for instance are going to describes you goals and ambitions in your life and what you hope to achieve during and after your exchange year.
2. Signing rules and regulations.
3. Having one of your teachers filling out the academic transcript which includes your grades, and his or hers letter of recommendation.
4. Uploading pictures of yourself, your family and friend, hobbies etc. your passport.
5. Lastly going to the doctor and having him run a health test on you.