Here you can find all my blog entries from before I left to the U.S.

As I’ve already told you, I have started my visa application some weeks ago. The last thing to finish the application process was the interview in the consulate in Berlin.

Last Thursday after school I took the train to Berlin, where we had rented a hotel room for the night before the interview. 

I was relaxed and enjoying the ride into the center of Berlin when I suddenly noticed an e-mail from the US Embassy in which they told me that the photo I had provided to them for the application did not match the standards!! 

So I had to find a photographer in Berlin who would take the pictures in the right way and could print them directly. And there were less than 24 hours left until my appointment... but luckily it wasn’t that hard to find one because - it’s Berlin!😅

After taking the pictures I did some sightseeing and then I went to bed because I had to get up early the next morning.

On Friday, June 1, 2018 at 8:30am I had my appointment in the consulate and I have to admit that I was feeling well prepared but still very nervous. But in the end it’s been easier than I expected it to be. They only ten-finger-printed me and asked me one question. Hereafter they asked me to give them my passport again and told me they would send it back to me.

Since I’m going to be there for 10 months as an international student, I’m applying for a J1-visa. This includes filling out the DS-2019, DS-160 and I had to pay the SEVIS fee. Furthermore it is necessary that I introduce myself in a personal interview to the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.

It took me pretty much time to fill out all the forms and to answer the questions. They wanted to know for example whether I’ve ever been to the U.S. before and whether any family member of mine lives there.

While doing all that dry work I found some exciting news: my host family from Georgia had written me an e-mail to introduce themselves. I was so surprised and happy to hear from them. It was an overwhelming feeling to finally receive a message after having waited so long and not knowing when I would get to know them. 

So I called them right that evening (I guess it was about 2 pm there at that moment) to tell them, how happy I am.

Now I only have to pass the interview in a few weeks and to receive my visa which they will send me back by postal service.

It was very cool to chat with the others about their expectations and experiences. We had some free time to exchange numbers and contact details for staying connected. 

I also really enjoyed to hear from the so called “returnees” who have already been to the US, Canada or New Zealand.

All in all I’m feeling very well prepared for my exchange year now.