Overseas Teaching Internship

Background:

My name is Samantha, and I am a 22 year old Elementary Education major at the University of Florida. First, a little background about me. I have been a straight A student most of my life and my education has been extremely important to me. I started at UF when I was 18, but I decided to take time off after only two semesters. I was young and unsure of what to do with my life. So I got a job, and then another job, and became financially independent from my parents. I worked harder than I ever thought possible to pay my bills and get by. But I ultimately realized if I wanted to pursue my passion for teaching, I needed to get back in school. So I started back at UF last year. I am set to graduate in December of 2015 with my Bachelors in Elementary Education, and will go on to receive my Masters Degree a year later. 

Why I Need Help:

Recently, I was told of an opportunity to travel to Paris, France to teach in an international school. The trip is limited to very few students, and is an extremely beneficial opportunity. I will be working alongside a teacher in a school in France, gaining valuable experience in a setting completely unique to anything I've done here in Florida. I have worked with some amazing children here, and seen just how wonderful it can be to influence students' lives through their education. I have lived in Florida my entire life, but my goal is to move overseas after I graduate and teach. I would like to experience all kinds of students and cultures. Which is why this trip is so important to me. It will be a real opportunity to learn about a new culture and gain experience in an international school, full of all different races and backgrounds. It is the experience of a lifetime.I have financed my entire education on my own. My parents are unable to help pay my tuition, so I have worked and saved throughout college. I have a small scholarship and take student loans for the rest. Because of that, I don't have the money to finance this trip. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, and missing it is simply not an option. I am scrimping and saving as much as possible, but I would love some help. Anything you can do to help fund this incredible experience would be extremely appreciated.