Hello!

Hi, my name is Ruth Hale, and I am desperately trying to raise the money to study abroad with AFS for the 2010-2011 school year. I want nothing more on this planet than to spend my next school year studying in a foreign country (the location is still undetermined, though I've applied for China first-most, then France and Italy as other options). I hope to become fluent, or near-fluent in Chinese, French, etc, and study their language thoroughly. I am excited to live with my host family and gain the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live in a school-based home setting and fully experience the culture! In addition, I hope to share my American culture with them, doing what I can to strengthen a wonderful intercultural bond.

The problem is, times are tough, and studying abroad is spendy. I am doing everything within my power to apply for scholarships through AFS and otherwise, apply for jobs to create an income, and save every penny. Please, please think about making a donation (no matter the size; nothing is too small!) and helping me make this dream a little closer. If you are living close, and would like to exchange your donation for work, or anything I can do for you, please let me know!

I am so excited to begin this fundraising process and keep this blog updated on what is going on! I should hear back from the Global Leaders scholarships soon, letting me know if I am receiving any of what could be be a couple thousand dollars.

To sponsor my AFS program now, please click the ChipIn button.