I Filed My Visa Application! It’s Getting Real! 🇪🇸✈️

Oh wow — I did it! Last week was a huge milestone in my Spain journey: I went to the BLS office in Chicago and officially filed my visa application! I can hardly believe it… in just 80-something days, I’ll be heading to Spain! I’m excited, nervous, and honestly still processing it all.

Let me tell you how it went.
I had my appointment during the first week of June, and to get there, I drove all the way from Lexington, KY to Chicago with my mom the day before. Yep — a full 7-hour drive! But I needed her with me. She’s been by my side through every major transition, and this one felt huge.

We stayed just five minutes from the visa office, and on the morning of my appointment, I got there a whole hour and 15 minutes early. I was not about to miss it and risk having to reschedule. The wait was easy. The office wasn’t too hectic — just around 12 people in total — and surprisingly calm.

Now here’s the funny part: I almost got skipped! Another worker had pulled me aside to ask a few questions, and just as they started calling names, I realized it was my turn. Thankfully, I got to the right person just in time. 🙌🏽

I had followed every single one of CIEE’s instructions down to the letter — and it paid off. The entire appointment took 15 minutes. Quickest and smoothest application I’ve ever done.

And get this: the very next day, I got a call saying my visa will be ready in TWO WEEKS!

I had stressed and worried over this part for months, and it turned out to be so simple — all thanks to CIEE. If you’re thinking about applying through their program, let me just say: do it. They make sure you feel supported every step of the way.

It’s all becoming real now, and I can’t wait to share more as the countdown continues. Spain, I’m coming for you! 🇪🇸💃🏽✨

- Feeling: Grateful & Giddy
- Countdown: 80-something days to go!