Help Alex Study Abroad in Israel
Donation protected
Stay informed about the progress of Alex's campaign at destinationbgu.blogspot.com .
Shalom Aleikhem! My name is Alexander Ford Griffith. I am a 22 year-old student at the University of Massachusetts. I have always had the dream of traveling to Israel. Ever since I was 12, I have been a fervent learner of Hebrew. Over the past ten years, I have studied twenty eight other languages. When I first went to college, I knew exactly what I wanted to major in: language! I first attended Berkshire Community College starting in 2015 to study Spanish, French, and American Sign Language. I graduated in the Spring of 2018 as valedictorian of my class and an honors scholar, with Phi Theta Kappa accolades and a 4.0 GPA. The education and support I received from my professors, friends, and family prepared me to continue on with college at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. There, I am currently studying Linguistics and Anthropology and I am also serving as student Vice President of the National Society of Leadership and Success. When I graduate, it is my goal to join a language revitalization organization and help peoples all over the world preserve their linguistic identity.
For my final semester, the Fall of 2019, it is my goal to study abroad at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev located in Be'er Sheva, Israel. Studying abroad is an important component of my education and future career. To study, live, and experience culture in such a place would be the most fulfilling adventure to ever happen in my life. It would greatly improve my Hebrew and immerse me into Israeli society and culture.
To make this dream come true, I need your help and support. The costs of travel, living and studying at BGU for one semester is, give or take, 17,000 dollars. So far, I have saved up over half, a total of $8,500! Here are the following contributions I have received as of November, 2018:
> Graduation Gifts from Family and Friends - $454
> The Thomas C. and Anne Everest Wojtkowski Scholarship - $1,350
> Donated Valid Passport from the CIEE - (valued at $145)
> UMass Financial Aid Refunds - $380
> Financial Aid Assets for Fall 2019 - $6,314
Total: $8,500
These gracious contributions to my endeavor are indeed a blessing. There are many financial needs to fulfill before I can attend BGU as an international student:
> Base Tuition for One Semester - $7,200
> On Campus Housing - $2,250
> IPO Program Registration Fee - $860
> Hebrew-Immersion Ulpan Requirement - $1,500
Sub Total: $11,810
- Other Cost Considerations -
> Round-Trip Airfare Ticket: $900 - $1500
> VISA - variable cost
> Costs of Living (Food, Transportation, Facilities): $800 / month (August-December)
Grand Total: $17,310
My future plans for meeting these costs include applying for more scholarships and working over the Summer. To learn more about BGU and keep yourself posted about my endeavors and accomplishments in these matters, you can visit my blog at destinationbgu.blogspot.com .
I would greatly appreciate any donation you can offer. I also accept prayers, encouragement, and words of wisdom. It is my dream to study in the State of Israel, and I have the obligation of fulfilling academic needs that will prove life changing for my future. You have the power to help me accomplish these goals.
Sincerely,
Alex
Shalom Aleikhem! My name is Alexander Ford Griffith. I am a 22 year-old student at the University of Massachusetts. I have always had the dream of traveling to Israel. Ever since I was 12, I have been a fervent learner of Hebrew. Over the past ten years, I have studied twenty eight other languages. When I first went to college, I knew exactly what I wanted to major in: language! I first attended Berkshire Community College starting in 2015 to study Spanish, French, and American Sign Language. I graduated in the Spring of 2018 as valedictorian of my class and an honors scholar, with Phi Theta Kappa accolades and a 4.0 GPA. The education and support I received from my professors, friends, and family prepared me to continue on with college at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. There, I am currently studying Linguistics and Anthropology and I am also serving as student Vice President of the National Society of Leadership and Success. When I graduate, it is my goal to join a language revitalization organization and help peoples all over the world preserve their linguistic identity.
For my final semester, the Fall of 2019, it is my goal to study abroad at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev located in Be'er Sheva, Israel. Studying abroad is an important component of my education and future career. To study, live, and experience culture in such a place would be the most fulfilling adventure to ever happen in my life. It would greatly improve my Hebrew and immerse me into Israeli society and culture.
To make this dream come true, I need your help and support. The costs of travel, living and studying at BGU for one semester is, give or take, 17,000 dollars. So far, I have saved up over half, a total of $8,500! Here are the following contributions I have received as of November, 2018:
> Graduation Gifts from Family and Friends - $454
> The Thomas C. and Anne Everest Wojtkowski Scholarship - $1,350
> Donated Valid Passport from the CIEE - (valued at $145)
> UMass Financial Aid Refunds - $380
> Financial Aid Assets for Fall 2019 - $6,314
Total: $8,500
These gracious contributions to my endeavor are indeed a blessing. There are many financial needs to fulfill before I can attend BGU as an international student:
> Base Tuition for One Semester - $7,200
> On Campus Housing - $2,250
> IPO Program Registration Fee - $860
> Hebrew-Immersion Ulpan Requirement - $1,500
Sub Total: $11,810
- Other Cost Considerations -
> Round-Trip Airfare Ticket: $900 - $1500
> VISA - variable cost
> Costs of Living (Food, Transportation, Facilities): $800 / month (August-December)
Grand Total: $17,310
My future plans for meeting these costs include applying for more scholarships and working over the Summer. To learn more about BGU and keep yourself posted about my endeavors and accomplishments in these matters, you can visit my blog at destinationbgu.blogspot.com .
I would greatly appreciate any donation you can offer. I also accept prayers, encouragement, and words of wisdom. It is my dream to study in the State of Israel, and I have the obligation of fulfilling academic needs that will prove life changing for my future. You have the power to help me accomplish these goals.
Sincerely,
Alex
Organizer
Alexander Ford Griffith
Organizer
Amherst, MA