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My View
However, it is not that easy going overseas. It is not done by a snap of a finger, especially for the people of my country, Serbia. There are many of requirements for getting a J1 type of visa from the Embassy of the United States, and the most reliable way of is to have an experienced agency by your side. J1 visas allow to work legally up to four months and the last, fifth month, to travel all over the country as a tourist. Consequently, the first and toughest thing was to find an appropriate agency, which can help to find a job and get me a visa. I searched online for the best agencies' offer for about 2-3 weeks. Fortunately, I found an agency "SNAP" (BUNAC), which specializes in J1 visas. That fact, in my opinion, makes my agency better than the others, because other agencies, which also offers the same program, are usually specialized in travel visas rather than J1. Therefore, I contacted the people in the capital city of Belgrade, where agency's office is located, and arranged a meeting with director's advisor in October 2006. We understood each other very quicky and he told me all about the program, Work and Travel. The program costs about $2,000, which includes agency fee and $800 for the airline ticket. The conditions were reasonable, so I agreed onto terms by paying the amount. That was just a part of my "big project". In fact, I had done everything on my own with a little assistance from my parents (they paid the fee). During next few months, my agency sent me the list of job offers from America, so I can choose. Firstly, I wanted to be a waitress in a country club in Connecticut. Then, I wanted to be a sales person in a beach store in Miami. Somehow, I knew that I would feel and recognize the "right" job when it comes, but so far that feelings was missing. None of the offers from the list were suitable for me and then I started looking for it by my self. On the Google, I typed words like"J1 visa", "job offer for students", "student summer job in USA" etc... And then, on the description page of one job offer, the picture of an antique mirror standing in the corner of an old-styled room grabbed my attention instantly. Also, I liked the terms of the contract - high wage, flexible hours, and housing provided. It was a perfect job! There were two positions available for this employer. For me, the exact job was not an important aspect, because, in my opinion, any job is fair as long as you commit yourself. Besides, for us students, it is just another experience in life. In any case, I wanted to go there so badly, because I felt something special about that place. I applied online for the job and started to think about that magi- cal island, where I was supposed to go for the work. I did everything on my own, therefore, I was considered to be participating in a "self-arranged program", in which student finds his/her own job. There is also possibility agencies to find jobs for students, in which case the program is called "full service program," consequently, the fees are higher. I was ecstatic waiting for a response. After a week, on my face came dark shadow. It turns out that my letter had failed to be delivered. The fact that I missed my opportunity for this "perfect" job disappointed me. After about two or three days, my phone rang. People from my agency told me that I should urgently make contact with one employer from USA. They thought that was the right job for me, because of my English skills. By the fate, it was the same job which I had unsuccessfully applied for, just a week ago. I was in shock. That was definitely some sort of destiny. I send an e-mail to my future employer and we agreed to talk on the phone within next few days, so he could check up on my English. That employer was from Siasconset, on Nantucket Island. After our first conversation, I knew deep inside me that next summer for me is going to be far away from the mainland. That was in February this year. In March, I already signed my contract with this employer. He was very patient with my curiosity and answered all of my questions. I wanted to find out a lot of things that I was interested in about my job and about all other conditions. For me, as a journalism student, everything was important to be explained. I took seriously all of his words. I spent almost a half of the year preparing for this trip. To get from point "A" (Serbia) to point "B" (USA) requires one thorough preparations. So, there was so many things I had to do to come here, on the Nantucket Island. My sources of information mostly was "his Highness" - the Internet. I was collecting pictures, video materials and important historical facts about the island. I was especially interested in its inhabitants, who made this place a truly "heaven on earth." History of Nantucket and Siasconset is unique and interesting. Harmony of tradition and modernity is the first and foremost thing I have noticed. Even while I looked it at the screen, I knew that Nantucket has a special spirit. So, I was very dedicated to my research and at the same time I was taking my exams for the Faculty. When my school year was almost finished I got invitation from my employer to stay in New York City for few days when I arrive in USA. Then, I started to pack my suitcase and to finish my obligations back home. For last 10 days I spent with my friends and family exchanging goodbyes. It was time for me to leave. I packed my clothes, hopes and dreams, and on the 20th of June I was in my airplane for New York. While I was standing at the gate of Belgrade airport, in my heart and mind I felt some fear, uncertainty and nostalgia mixed with happiness, excitement and determination. I waved to my family and walked toward the big "iron bird."
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