Visas and Preparation: An Introduction

This will be the first of what will hopefully be many blog posts while I am preparing for/in Spain. In the last couple months I have begun preparations for my trip to Spain. After my initial application (which I completed on the required due date), I was accepted to the program and began to start the visa application process.

For those who have never applied for a visa to another country, it is quite a process. Each country has its own specific standards and requirements for applying for a student visa. Luckily for me, Spain has some of the most stringent standards for applying for a student visa. I was required to fill out two applications, include 4 passport sized photos, receive a physical, send my passport, 2 copies of my passport, a notarized letter saying that my study abroad company was my legal representative, and a money order for 100$ USD. As a service, my study abroad organization (CIEE) set up a group visa appointment so that each student did not have to travel to their respective consulate. Seeing as the consulate for Detroit is located in Chicago, I thought that this would save me a lot of hassle and expenses. However, this was not exactly the case. The process turned out to be quite stressful seeing as my (now former) bank managed to give me an official check instead of a money order. After returning the check and sending two overnight packages and incurring the charges for two overnight packages, I had spent around 100$ for shipping and other fees. However, all my necessary materials arrived on time to be taken to the visa appointment. As of this point I am waiting to hear back on the status of my visa. As long as my application is accepted I will be enjoying Spain in less than two months. If not I'm going to have to scramble for a back up plan...