Hello Cardiff, How you doing...

I'm Backed!!!

I totally missed my blog. Due to slow internet connections in London and then no internet in Cardiff I haven’t been able to update. Sorry for the wait.

Basically last Monday morning arrived at London Heathrow Airport. I had to go through the UK Border Patrol. The line appeared to be terribly long when I got to the queue. Luckily, it moved pretty fast. As I waited in line I just kept praying for favor that the border patrol ppl wouldn’t interrogate me for that long or ask for load of evidence that I was there to study. The patrol man asked me a few question, then stamped my passport and off I went.

From the London airport I took a shuttle to the St. Giles Hotel where IFSA- Butler University orientation was being held. As I sat on the shuttle I got the feeling if I could make it here than I could make it anywhere. Contrary to popular belief that the United Kingdom is similar to the United States, there really do in my opinion have a plethora of differences.

After I arrived at the hotel I checked-in my room and tried to rest before heading out to dinner with the staff and other students. We walked for about 20 minutes before at the British restaurant. They had pre-selected what entrees and desert would be served. I had chicken pie for entree and dick custard for desert. Since I can be somewhat of an introvert when I first meet new people, dinner conversation wasn’t really flowing so I just popped in my headphones and listened to my mp3 player. I was so thankful that I bought one before I left. It is definitely great for eliminating the awkward silence I sometimes feel. It kinda like a security blanket lol.

The orientation lasted for about 2 days. I got the opportunity to meet a Pearly Queen and Lord Tarverne. We basically went over British culture and the differences between the U.S. and U.K.
Wednesday Night I went out with my new friend Sasha and her friends, who I knew through my mother. We went to this place called the Zoo Lounge. It was totally crazy. There were multi-levels with various djs and foam machine on the first floor. I have never seen so many people just dancing like it’s whatever “I don’t care if you don’t like my moves” attitude.

Before I knew it was Thursday morning; time to head to Cardiff. The bus ride was about 3.5 hours. The city is very beautiful and somewhat quaint.

When we arrived at Cardiff University we were taken to out flats. It was really task lugging my own luggage up about 3 flights of stairs. After about 2 trips I made it with all my things in my room. Sasha, Sessy, and Linry were coming to visit me that afternoon/evening so that became my motivation for getting my stuff unpacked and put away. By the time they arrived they couldn’t believed I had put everything away and settled in. That night we hung out at Oceana.

The following day I went to Cardiff Centre and got a few more things for my room. My weekend was pretty much full of exploring and trying new things.


Yesterday, I went to the International Student meeting, got my id, and scored some free goodies from the National Companies Fair.

Today I went and got my classes straightened out and went to local companies fair. Due to my previous class time conflicting, I had to pick a few new courses. So now I am taking Conflict and Media, Politics and Journalism, and Race, Nation, and Identity in the Media.

By the way I wish I knew how to understand pigeon, since many minority people speak that here. Anyway, tonight many of my flat mates went out, but I chose to stay-in so I take care some of things. Well tomorrow is the societies (school clubs) fair so I will definitely check that out to see what fancy my attention. Keep you posted.

Cheers,
Black Girl in Wales

Final Days

Helo (yes, I know in American English I spelled it wrong. However, in Welsh culture I spelled it right). In just about 4 short days I will be on the plane from the U.S. headed to the U.K. Now that I taken the GRE (graduate records exam) and finished my internship I will like I can really focus on the trip. I’m growing more and more excited by the minute.

Hopefully, today I can get everything I need from a few stores so I can finish packing. Usually, I’m the person in the groups who always over-packs. At first I couldn’t understand how I was going to fit a semester worth of things in just 2 suitcases that had to weigh under 50 lbs. I mean when I pack to drive from St. Louis to Alcorn State University (my home university); my whole car is pack to the max literally. Luckily my friend Jace came home over the weekend to show me how to pack effectively.

Though I am excited, I must admit I am tad nervous about what happens when I get off the plane in London. I will have to go through border patrol, and then catch a shuttle from the airport to the hotel, where my orientation will be held.

After 2-3 days of orientation we will then be taken to Cardiff University (in Wales). I received my housing assignment though I like the fact that I have my own room and bathroom. I don’t like the fact that it is 3 miles=40 minute walk. They do have a shuttle that runs M-F from the flats to the campus. Thank God!

Everyone I met that has visited said the food is not very tasty. I assume some of it is an acquired taste, but I am definitely open to trying anything that looks good and smells good, except seafood. I don’t eat seafood. Ever since I was little girl and almost swallowed a bone I vowed to never eat seafood again and I haven’t.

I think I want to start doing a quote of the week on my blog. This week quote: “Forbidden fruits create many jams.

Alright well let me get to preparation mode. Next we talk I will be London!!!


Smooches,
Really soon to be a Black Girl in Wales

Special Thanks to the Gilman Foundation

Hey, I hope everyone is doing well.

Well it has been a few weeks since I last blogged. Mainly, because I was prepping for the graduate records exam. I took the GRE yesterday. I’m so happy that’s over I can really begin to focus on preparing for my study abroad, which is about nine days away -it still feels surreal.

This week I want to give a special thanks to U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ Benjamin A. Gilman Foundation for helping me reach my dream of going abroad. This scholarship program is funded through the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000. According to their website http://www.iie.org “The Gilman Scholarship Program aims to support students who have been traditionally under-represented in study abroad, including but not limited to, students with high financial need, community college students, students in under-represented fields such as the sciences and engineering, students with diverse ethnic backgrounds, and students with disabilities.” The scholarship program is for two and four-year college students.

Check out their website for more information on how to apply. They give out numerous scholarships each semester. So you might be wondering who is Benjamin A. Gilman was a Congress Representative from New York, who was a strong supporter of international education and experiences.

Overall the Gilman Scholarship Program is truly helping eliminate the financial barrier, which prevent minorities and low-income students from receiving international education.

Peace, Love, & Harmony
Soon to be a Black Girl in Wales