I received my class schedule today, although I have not yet heard back about my Residency Permit Acceptance (hope I get that email soon!).

Course options were limited due to my unfortunate inability to learn, read, and write in Dutch, but I am excited for my classes come September. I am enrolled in my top choices for classes: 

1. Introduction to Celtic Studies
2. Dutch Present-day Society
3. Conflict Resolution
4. From the Novel to Fanfiction

Since reviewing my semester schedule, I am completely overwhelmed by the few hours within the classroom compared to my coursework at home. The quarter system at my home university is not your friend, and certainly not mine. I look forward to a semester, some free time to venture away from my desk, and a new start for the next 7 months.

It's July 3rd, and my flight leaves on August 8th, arriving in Amsterdam on August 9th.

Preparing to leave the country for 7 months is challenging, and this whole application/preparatory process has been a nightmare! There are countless forms to fill out and mail to different locations, emails to read, housing to arrange for, airfare, organizing supplies, packing, and the residency application which has been a thorn in my side. It constantly feels like the Netherlands does not want me entering the country!

Even with all that, I am gearing up to go. I've bought a new backpack which I am very excited about, and my room is littered with sample size lotion bottles. I'm excited for the application process to be completed soon (let's hope my Dutch photo was approved!), and for that stomach-turning excitement, anxiety, and jumpiness for the next step -- arriving in my new home city of Utrecht!