In the previous entry I had stated that I was looking for several ways to fund my internship in Argentina that will hopefully start next fall. However, I am having some difficulty finding grants and scholarships that are directed at college grads looking to volunteer/intern abroad. While I am keeping my hopes up and continuing my search for these kinds of funding, I want to reach out to my friends and family to help me in whatever way they can.
Ideally, I'd like to remotely set up fundraisers in Grand Rapids and possibly my hometown area (Sandusky) that would help to cover the program costs. This would be quite a process, but I feel like it is more than possible with some hard work and patience (from those of you that are daring enough to offer to help me). Whether the fundraiser be a silent auction at a place where people who would support sustainable development projects congregate (they exist, I'm thinking you know Uma!) or a concert with some of my musician friends, or whatever your brilliant minds come up with! Please, send the link to my blog to as many people as you feel may be interested. I will be soon putting up a "Donate Now" link by which people will be able to make monetary contributions to this project.
I'd like to set any concerns about how the money will be used to rest by quoting the following information from the FSD's website:
Specifically, FSD program fees go directly to funding a participant's expenses:
1. Pre-Departure Support
2. Room and board
3. Transportation to and from the airport, as well as to and from FSD sponsored events, and to and from the
host organization while in-country
4. In-Country Support, including ongoing trainings (see http://www.fsdinternational.org/whyfsd/devtraining)
5. Program Maintenance and Growth, including legal and logistical costs
6. Access to FSD’s grant funds to implement project work
7. Health Insurance
8. Safety and Security Infrastructure (for example, our programs in Kenya needed to be evacuated in January
due to political turmoil).
9. Re-entry support through FSD’s AlumniConnect Program
It is these fees that the host organizations cannot afford to pay. FSD makes every effort to ensure that these
costs are minimized, thereby allowing a maximum number of participants to travel abroad. By funding his/her
trip, a participant benefits a host organization most effectively while gaining meaningful, hands-on international
development experience.
So, as you can see, this money will not go to me to spend as I please. All of it is well-allocated as per a system developed by the FSD that is true to their motto of supporting community based organizations in developing nations at minimal to no-cost to them.
Please, feel free to send or post as a comment any ideas that you may have for me to fundraise the nearly $15,000 that I will need. Thank you so much for reading and pass it on!
10/27/2009
10/22/2009
New, big things! New, big challenges...
So, two days ago I called the office of the Foundation for Sustainable Development in San Francisco. I wanted to know how far along in the process of reviewing applications they were, especially since it had already taken a week longer than I was originally told (2 weeks). The delay in the processing of my application caused me to send in my Fulbright grant application without a letter stating that I had been accepted by the FSD. I felt like this may hurt the viability of my application a bit; however, I am going to keep my hopes up (especially since it would cover the expenses of the program).
I was getting a bit ahead of myself though, as I had not even been accepted yet. But, my impatient phone call to the FSD office allowed me to hear the news that I wanted: that I had been accepted to their Microfinance/Community Development program in Rio de La Plata, Argentina!!! They originally thought I wanted to start in January of this year, but obviously that won't work with me being in Spain until June of 2010. So after a bit of talking, I have been able to defer my application, which means I just tell them when I want to start my program.
At the moment, I am signed up for a 9-month program (starting in September) that would allow me to go home for the summer, save some money, go to Argentina and return summer of 2011 to do the same for my next adventure. Just to touch briefly on this: my dream school is the Institute of Social Studies in the Haag, in the Netherlands. Ideally, I would start my studies there for my Master's in Fall 2011. But, first things first. Argentina.
I need to start figuring out how to fund this internship with the FSD. As of right now, my program fee is $10,000, which includes insurance, housing, food and money for my own seed grants (money that funds my development projects). I am figuring about $1200 for the flight, and another $3000 for miscellaneous expenses. All in all, nearly $15,000. If I were to win the Fulbright it would cover absolutely everything, although I would start six-months later than my ideal time. This has prompted me to search for other grants and scholarships to help defray the costs that are about to swallow me. If anyone reading this has any fundraising ideas, please, feel free to let me know. I am able to get tax-exempt status for all donations, etc. because the money goes to a non-profit agency.
It's nice to know that all I have to worry about is money now. I feel like getting into the FSD's Argentina program was really a huge stepping stone to my long-term, life goals. As a product of the social welfare system of the United States, I know that I have been given many opportunities that have helped me better my situation and ultimately quality of life. I feel like my passion is being able to do that for people much less fortunate than myself, in an area that is under-served by professionals (in which I happen to speak the language). Sustainable community development (social and economic) has been the part of my studies that has grabbed my attention from since before I even knew what it was called.
I'm going to place links to the two programs I'll be working with so all who are interested can check it out. Take care and until next time!
http://www.fsdinternational.org/country/argentina/cdopps
http://www.fsdinternational.org/country/argentina/mfopps
I was getting a bit ahead of myself though, as I had not even been accepted yet. But, my impatient phone call to the FSD office allowed me to hear the news that I wanted: that I had been accepted to their Microfinance/Community Development program in Rio de La Plata, Argentina!!! They originally thought I wanted to start in January of this year, but obviously that won't work with me being in Spain until June of 2010. So after a bit of talking, I have been able to defer my application, which means I just tell them when I want to start my program.
At the moment, I am signed up for a 9-month program (starting in September) that would allow me to go home for the summer, save some money, go to Argentina and return summer of 2011 to do the same for my next adventure. Just to touch briefly on this: my dream school is the Institute of Social Studies in the Haag, in the Netherlands. Ideally, I would start my studies there for my Master's in Fall 2011. But, first things first. Argentina.
I need to start figuring out how to fund this internship with the FSD. As of right now, my program fee is $10,000, which includes insurance, housing, food and money for my own seed grants (money that funds my development projects). I am figuring about $1200 for the flight, and another $3000 for miscellaneous expenses. All in all, nearly $15,000. If I were to win the Fulbright it would cover absolutely everything, although I would start six-months later than my ideal time. This has prompted me to search for other grants and scholarships to help defray the costs that are about to swallow me. If anyone reading this has any fundraising ideas, please, feel free to let me know. I am able to get tax-exempt status for all donations, etc. because the money goes to a non-profit agency.
It's nice to know that all I have to worry about is money now. I feel like getting into the FSD's Argentina program was really a huge stepping stone to my long-term, life goals. As a product of the social welfare system of the United States, I know that I have been given many opportunities that have helped me better my situation and ultimately quality of life. I feel like my passion is being able to do that for people much less fortunate than myself, in an area that is under-served by professionals (in which I happen to speak the language). Sustainable community development (social and economic) has been the part of my studies that has grabbed my attention from since before I even knew what it was called.
I'm going to place links to the two programs I'll be working with so all who are interested can check it out. Take care and until next time!
http://www.fsdinternational.org/country/argentina/cdopps
http://www.fsdinternational.org/country/argentina/mfopps
10/19/2009
Food for thought.
Yesterday I was having a rough day for some reason, but it got better. My friend invited me over for dinner and some Arrested Development because I had told her I was feeling down. I instantly felt better knowing that someone was concerned about my well-being and would take time out of their day to help me.
I came to a realization that this happens a lot to me in my life. People ask me how I am, and on the off chance I will complain or tell them my current woe. It seems like rather than the traditional "Oh, I'm sorry" or "That sucks", that I am fortunate enough to have people who take my happiness into account and make an effort to help me. Many who read this are these same people, whether you have helped me by lending an ear, putting me in my place, monetarily or whatever it may be.
This is a very fortunate situation to be in, but it presents another problem (outside of being dependent upon others): I feel that I receive so much in my life, whether it be love, help, advice, etc., but I don't feel myself overtly putting back into that cycle. Is this something that I (or we) do subconsciously, overtly or a combination of both? I thought about this and realized that every day I want to make an effort to give, to contribute in whatever way possible, because I feel like I am part of such a wonderful "cycle" that I want to do whatever I can to keep it going and help it expand.
Think about this today, about what you receive, who you receive it from, their intent, etc. and also about how you contribute to that. I feel like many of us will be surprised to find much more than we expect or notice on a day-to-day basis.
I came to a realization that this happens a lot to me in my life. People ask me how I am, and on the off chance I will complain or tell them my current woe. It seems like rather than the traditional "Oh, I'm sorry" or "That sucks", that I am fortunate enough to have people who take my happiness into account and make an effort to help me. Many who read this are these same people, whether you have helped me by lending an ear, putting me in my place, monetarily or whatever it may be.
This is a very fortunate situation to be in, but it presents another problem (outside of being dependent upon others): I feel that I receive so much in my life, whether it be love, help, advice, etc., but I don't feel myself overtly putting back into that cycle. Is this something that I (or we) do subconsciously, overtly or a combination of both? I thought about this and realized that every day I want to make an effort to give, to contribute in whatever way possible, because I feel like I am part of such a wonderful "cycle" that I want to do whatever I can to keep it going and help it expand.
Think about this today, about what you receive, who you receive it from, their intent, etc. and also about how you contribute to that. I feel like many of us will be surprised to find much more than we expect or notice on a day-to-day basis.
10/18/2009
Newness. Follow me here from now on.
So, I've decided to stop using my Photoblog website for good now. They now charge for more than 5 photos, which to me is a bit absurd; you can still check out old photos if you are interested though. So, on here you can find my Flickr account linked and I'll be posting much more frequently since photos aren't a necessity here. I'm going to try and keep this blog as friendly for all audiences as possible...although, I shall make no promises.
I'm thinking that I need to stop drinking coffee, or at least crappy store-brand instant coffee. I get this terrible anxious stomach/chest thing that just refuses to go away. So, as soon as that first paycheck comes, I'm going to run out to the store and buy some good coffee. This is pertinent information because I am one of those sad cases of caffeine addiction (at least one good cup in the AM). I am happy to say that I have made improvements in this area with my (somewhat new, 4 months back) morning yoga/PT stretch ritual.
The rest of my diet is pretty limited right now too, due to financial constraints...which shall be remedied very soon. My menu has consisted of toast (made in a frying pan), cereal, couscous, pasta, fruit and eggs. This doesn't sound too bad to your average person, but I love to cook and am such a foodie that I am finding myself a bit bored. Oh well, I could have worse problems.
I'll be starting my third week at Kursaal (my school) on Tuesday, and I have to say that I really like it. It is much more laid back than what I am used to, in terms of both school and work. I work approximately 14 hours a week for them, doing conversation with teachers learning English, giving lessons to bilingual classrooms (computer science and natural sciences) and writing out lesson plans. The staff is incredibly friendly and has offered me everything from dinner, to vacations with them and family, to you name it.
I'm also starting to fill up my schedule (a whopping 30 hours) with private lessons. I currently have two 5 year old cousins, another 5 year old, a 3 year old, a 22 year old and a 30 something for students. Within a week I hope to have a full schedule. I'm finding it a bit difficult to give lessons as effectively as I'd like to the young kids...but it's a challenge that I really need and enjoy. These lessons are allowing me to survive week to week here as I am paid as soon as the lesson finishes. After I receive my first paycheck from the school and have my private lesson schedule full, I expect to make enough money to go on nearly every trip I had planned before coming to Spain: Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Germany, France, England, Belgium, Netherlands and Morocco. For some reason, Italy and Greece aren't appealing to me at the moment, but who knows.
I have so much free time here it is a bit disorienting. I was working between 55 and 80 hours a week this summer in order to get to Spain, and now I am working 25. It's nice to have the time to read and relax, but I'm such a busy body its a bit unnerving. I've taken up French classes at my school and plan on studying that, as well as keeping my German studies going to keep me busy in the meantime. I'll get to use them when I go and visit Ben for Christmas vacation. That will be my first big trip throughout Europe and at the moment the planning is still in the works. I'm also waiting to hear back from the Foundation for Sustainable Development on my acceptance into their program in Argentina. I feel like my chances are really good, now I just have to see if I win the Fulbright to help fund it. If not, I will be asking everyone, including YOU, the person reading this to help me fund it. If the time comes, I'll include details that will make you feel like a bad person for not helping :P
And, of course, I am riding my bicycle an insane amount. This is great because I am getting to know the city, staying active and becoming all the hipster I can be. I'm a trackstand master now, I can even keep one going without hands...a truly useful skill, ha. I need to keep taking long trips like this last one to Tarifa in order to get in shape for my epic ride with Kevawn next summer. I won't even explain that right now since I'll probably get too excited...or jinx myself and break my arm the week before.
I'm a bit homesick at this point, but not the kind that ruins my time here. I was really part of a great community/vibe in Grand Rapids. I enjoyed the work I was doing, the people I was working with, the bicycle and art community, my awesome friends and of course my family. I had never felt so part of something before, and it has truly been difficult to leave that behind. But, I know this is really going to help me get to where I want to be, i.e. The ISS in the Netherlands, to get the job that will help me do what I want with my life. So for all you haters, forgive me for jumping town, but I had to! I just hope to make some friendships like those I had in the GR, although its hard to say if that's possible. I'll be back soon. Peace, love and blessings.
I'm thinking that I need to stop drinking coffee, or at least crappy store-brand instant coffee. I get this terrible anxious stomach/chest thing that just refuses to go away. So, as soon as that first paycheck comes, I'm going to run out to the store and buy some good coffee. This is pertinent information because I am one of those sad cases of caffeine addiction (at least one good cup in the AM). I am happy to say that I have made improvements in this area with my (somewhat new, 4 months back) morning yoga/PT stretch ritual.
The rest of my diet is pretty limited right now too, due to financial constraints...which shall be remedied very soon. My menu has consisted of toast (made in a frying pan), cereal, couscous, pasta, fruit and eggs. This doesn't sound too bad to your average person, but I love to cook and am such a foodie that I am finding myself a bit bored. Oh well, I could have worse problems.
I'll be starting my third week at Kursaal (my school) on Tuesday, and I have to say that I really like it. It is much more laid back than what I am used to, in terms of both school and work. I work approximately 14 hours a week for them, doing conversation with teachers learning English, giving lessons to bilingual classrooms (computer science and natural sciences) and writing out lesson plans. The staff is incredibly friendly and has offered me everything from dinner, to vacations with them and family, to you name it.
I'm also starting to fill up my schedule (a whopping 30 hours) with private lessons. I currently have two 5 year old cousins, another 5 year old, a 3 year old, a 22 year old and a 30 something for students. Within a week I hope to have a full schedule. I'm finding it a bit difficult to give lessons as effectively as I'd like to the young kids...but it's a challenge that I really need and enjoy. These lessons are allowing me to survive week to week here as I am paid as soon as the lesson finishes. After I receive my first paycheck from the school and have my private lesson schedule full, I expect to make enough money to go on nearly every trip I had planned before coming to Spain: Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Germany, France, England, Belgium, Netherlands and Morocco. For some reason, Italy and Greece aren't appealing to me at the moment, but who knows.
I have so much free time here it is a bit disorienting. I was working between 55 and 80 hours a week this summer in order to get to Spain, and now I am working 25. It's nice to have the time to read and relax, but I'm such a busy body its a bit unnerving. I've taken up French classes at my school and plan on studying that, as well as keeping my German studies going to keep me busy in the meantime. I'll get to use them when I go and visit Ben for Christmas vacation. That will be my first big trip throughout Europe and at the moment the planning is still in the works. I'm also waiting to hear back from the Foundation for Sustainable Development on my acceptance into their program in Argentina. I feel like my chances are really good, now I just have to see if I win the Fulbright to help fund it. If not, I will be asking everyone, including YOU, the person reading this to help me fund it. If the time comes, I'll include details that will make you feel like a bad person for not helping :P
And, of course, I am riding my bicycle an insane amount. This is great because I am getting to know the city, staying active and becoming all the hipster I can be. I'm a trackstand master now, I can even keep one going without hands...a truly useful skill, ha. I need to keep taking long trips like this last one to Tarifa in order to get in shape for my epic ride with Kevawn next summer. I won't even explain that right now since I'll probably get too excited...or jinx myself and break my arm the week before.
I'm a bit homesick at this point, but not the kind that ruins my time here. I was really part of a great community/vibe in Grand Rapids. I enjoyed the work I was doing, the people I was working with, the bicycle and art community, my awesome friends and of course my family. I had never felt so part of something before, and it has truly been difficult to leave that behind. But, I know this is really going to help me get to where I want to be, i.e. The ISS in the Netherlands, to get the job that will help me do what I want with my life. So for all you haters, forgive me for jumping town, but I had to! I just hope to make some friendships like those I had in the GR, although its hard to say if that's possible. I'll be back soon. Peace, love and blessings.
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