On Obtaining a Visa-or- My personal hell

I can finally say that I have sent in my application for a student’s visa to Chile. Let me just say that the process was quite long. The first thing that one should know is that in the visa process the early bird does not get the worm.

As soon as I received the list of requirements for the visa I got to work: fill out 3 forms, get one police report from LAPD and one from Tucson PD, get a physical, get an HIV test, get 4 passport photos, get proof of means of support while in Chile (notarized naturally), and of course letters of acceptance to a Chilean University. I went straight away to get the physical and HIV test, I sent in a notarized document along with copies of my passport and driver’s license to Tucson PD. I drove to LAPD with my proof of residency, passport, and driver’s license. I got my photos and my proof of means and then I waited. I waited and waited for those documents of enrollment from Chile. As I kept waiting I realized that all of my information was dated no later than November 12. My pride at getting everything done early slipped away when I realized that the current date was December 11. Everything for the Visa must be sent in together and must be dated within a month of when you apply for your visa…the small print. So I realized amongst taking my 3 finals (with only 4 days left in L.A.) that I needed to redo every single thing I had worked so hard to finish early.

So I had another physical before one final, and then I had another HIV test (along with the unnecessary doctors conference that comes along with each HIV test). Next I drove downtown in the pouring rain only to realize that I had 20 min worth of change for my meter. So I ran through downtown L.A. (probably a very dangerous thing to do) and I got my police report after dropping my keys in sewer water. After that the rest just seemed to fall into place. And now after purchasing a money order I have officially sent out my application. And you see now why I have learned that sometimes a little procrastination pays off.
In summary: Chile is one of the hardest places to earn a students visa for and the truth of the matter is that I will be going to Chile whether or not I have a visa come February. I have become an expert on visa applications, so feel free to email me with any questions or concerns.
Chau Chau


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The Beginning

As an avid traveler I have decided to post my adventures! My passions are languages, seeing new places, meeting new people, and photography. Through my travels I will be able to experience all these and more, and I can keep everyone updated as I go. Right now I am preparing to embark on my biggest adventure yet: study abroad in Santiago, Chile! It’s quite a process, but I am also very excited. I have chosen to entitle my blog “Sail Away” first of all because of the inspiration I have found from Mark Twain’s quote. Not only has that quote sparked a fire in me, but it also has special meaning with my first and ultimate traveling partner (Kate). My title is also derived from my love of the ocean and the intrinsic sense of adventure and freedom I always feel as I am sailing away… Thanks to everyone for taking the time to read my blog(Kimberly McVick). Happy travels!
Sammy

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~Mark Twain

"There must be within you a tiny spark that can be increased by fanning and eventually burst into flame." ~Francesco Petrarca

“Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” ~Miriam Beard