Dreaming...

[winterthunder]

Ok, so stick with my jumps in logic here and tell me what comes of this line of thought...
I can switch my application from Ecuador to Dundee, Scotland and get an exchange position, meaning I pay NCSU tuition. NCSU has just introduced an International Studies major, which fits perfectly into what I want to do with my life (international epidemiology) and also fits decently into my current majors. It would be eight extra courses, I think, though I'm still checking on this. Dundee has a very good European politics program, so I could tailor a semester in Dundee to an International Studies major. I would pay NCSU tuition plus airfare and insurance. Instead of all the money my parents give me going towards tuition in Ecuador, I would have some left for travel. I would still have to pull from my own funds, but not nearly as much. Then I could try for another exchange position in Ecuador in Fall of 2007 when there hopefully won't be 8 people going down. It seems to me that if the point of going to Ecuador is to be immersed in Spanish language, having 8 people from NCSU is a bit counterintutive. Or I could go in the spring of 2007 if I can work it out with the Study Abroad office. More thought needed there...

Cons that I can think of:
I haven't declared an International Studies major yet- it's going to take some effort to declare it and get classes approved.
I'd have a harder time planning around my CALS Honors research, though it could be done. It would be easier if I were gone for a full year instead of two consecutive falls.
Money- damn, why does that always come up? I can afford both, I think, but if I can't get an exchange to Ecuador that leaves me with an uncomfortably low amount in my bank account.
Interferes with my plan to toss myself into extracurricular activities after I get back from Ecuador. Again, this becomes less of an issue if I can spend a year away.
I'll have to find someone to sublease or take over Erin's lease on the apartment, depending on when I go.
I won't be going with Heather:(
I think this finally pulls me out to five years of college. I was hoping to get out in four and a half and backpack for 6 months or so before heading on to whatever. However, as mom pointed out, I'll have two study abroad experiences and I'll be set up for a job that will require a lot of travel. With nicer accomodations as well. And, I'd still have a summer for backpacking if I still felt the need.


I wish I had a camera. My mom has fallen asleep on the couch and the dog is stretched out in a similar position on the floor below!!

Comments

[roguejam.livejournal.com]

So Dundee would be... Fall 06 or Spring 07?

[winterthunder.livejournal.com]

Dundee would be fall of 06, since that's when they have an exchange open. Ecuador would become either spring or fall 07.