America is a great country with indescribably beautiful nature, mesmerizing skyscrapers, and impressive buildings! It brings together many peoples and nations, which is truly amazing. It may be one country, but each state is like a separate "little country," unique and interesting with its own distinct features.

I think, like each of us, I really wanted to go there, but being the youngest child in the family, it took a long time to convince my parents to let me join the program. Yes, of course, it seems impossible to fly across the ocean and live for three whole months in a foreign country we've heard so much about, but it is all real—you just need to take a step, believe in yourself, and start preparing!

I spent two years convincing my parents and got rejected two years in a row, but I didn't give up; I knew I would get there eventually. Finally, after three years of persuasion, I received the long-awaited consent from my parents, and honestly, I couldn't believe my luck ;) But later on, they supported me in everything and believed that I would succeed.

Of course, getting consent was only the first step; then came signing the contract, paying for the program, collecting documents, finding a job offer, and most importantly, the interview at the consulate. A lot of effort was spent, and it was a year full of anxiety, but these are pleasant little things, and now I smile when I remember how I waited for emails from the IEC and InterExchange, checking my inbox every day, re-reading all possible consul questions, and reading posts and blogs like this one from previous participants))