Preparing for departure.

I am about to depart on a life-changing journey. About five months ago I decided to apply for student teaching abroad. There were four destination choices but I was mainly interested in Costa Rica and Australia. After a very intense twenty minute interview and two weeks of constantly checking my email I was invited into the Australian Program. I immediately accepted and began my first obstacle--funding. Although very stressful and time consuming I utilized my resources and paid for the entire semester! I recently found out that I will be teaching in a first grade (year one) classroom for three weeks in Morayfield, Queensland. I  could not be more excited!

I am leaving for Brisbane in just a couple days. I have nearly everything packed and ready to go but I cannot shake the nagging feeling in the back of my mind that keeps telling me I FORGOT SOMETHING! It has been an experience all on it's own trying to pack for a month long trip since I am leaving 30 degree weather and lots of snow and arriving in sunny 80 degree beach weather! I keep throwing my long sleeve shirts aside while saying aloud, "You will not wear this. It is too warm." What a concept!

I have visited the Mall of America a couple times this week in search of wonderful gifts for my home-stay family and my cooperating teacher down in Australia. I am proud to say I have found a couple of good gifts! I am going to keep them on the down low for now. I will disclose their awesomeness after they have been presented. I wanted to find a gift that was somewhat original, directed towards the Minnesotan culture, and would be fun to keep around. I truly hope they enjoy them!

I have heard so many wonderful things about Australia from past students and the exchange students from the Caboolture Campus in Australia. I am looking forward to meeting many new people, experiencing a new culture, and teaching with a different curriculum.

I wanted to get started on this blog before I left, I will do my very best to update and add pictures as much as possible!

Oh I almost forgot! The classroom I just finished my first part of student teaching with in Bloomington, Minnesota has just started a Flat Stanly unit! So, for my first week in Australia I will be taking pictures and having adventures with Flat Lincoln (my mentor teacher's son)!! :)

Next time I post will be from the land down under!!