[nabs-l] studying abroad advise

[priscilla]

Dear all listers,
This is the second time I have this challenge when it cones to studying abroad since the first time I planned it ahead did not work out because of students backing out due to financial circumstances.
I already worked out with a friend who was really willing to go abroad with me and she really liked the idea  of going to Israel.
This time, I am going to Europe and traveling to Netherlands, Belgium, and Brussels.
the dean met with me and my parents because my parents had concerns for me being on the trip since it is the first time I would actually travel with the school not counting the last time I planned another trip because it never happened.
my situation is finding a close friend who can go because like I mentioned in previous post, there will be visual tours, lectures, and also I need to Hearn how to deal with being in the hotel.
The dean suggested mom going as a result but as a last resort.
I don' really like the idea of mom being with me at all times because of the fact that I feel more comfortable being with other friends in social settings, but most of my close friends already graduated so it does not count anymore since they are no longer at school
I had a close friend who is going on the trip and although I explained to her my situation, she still wanted to go and was glad to help me, she unfortunately can't go because of family and financial hardships which was pretty sad.
I tried talking to other friends to come and did explain my situation and they already know, but again, they couldn't afford to study abroad because of personal issues and the expenses not because they were afraid to help me but they had other more complicated issues and are worse off than I am.
I even called my friend Valerie, but unfortunately she couldn't go because she graduated already and she is starting med school pretty soon.
I am so frustrated because most of my friends who are glad to help can't unfortunately due to other issues of there own and I have to depend on mom as a last resort.
but here is another problem, mom recently transferred to another school to teach and her employer is strict when it comes to long absences from work that are a week's worth or more.
She called me up and told me  "I am not sure I I will be able to go because I have to talk to my employer and I don't really think they are willing to give me the days I need to go on this trip with you, but I will get moor information because I would like to go too."
I am glad that mom is supporting me on this trip and I thank god 1000 times for having grateful parents really and wholeheartedly.
but, I am afraid she might interfere with the fact that I have to get used to being with my friends and do other stuff with them as opposed to her being with me all the time.
I understand she has very deep concerns but, I just don't feel too comfortable being with mom while all my other friends are on the trip, but this is my last resort since I don't really have anybody else for support.
So what do you all listers suggest please because I need to deposit the money as soon as possible and the latest is this coming Monday unless they cancel the trip which I am afraid because not many students are signing up due to a bad economy thanks to president bush's plan for giving other countries millions of dollars to be used in wars.
So, please reply to this post with any advice, I really appreciate it.

Thank you very much

Good day,

Priscilla
Ps. I am starting to plan some days with my of m instructor to learn how to travel on train because we might use that in Europe, and I am excited to learn but it is very difficult since my classes overlap and I get tutoring for my statistic course 4 days a week and have to use Fridays for projects which I need help in.