Spain, Yucatan, Germany. Where to choose? Studying abroad is a program that many high school students partake in. At Aragon, many students do so through the “high school summer abroad” program at the Council on International Educational Exchange.
Aveah Pok (Madrid, Spain)
Why did you study abroad?
I chose to study abroad because I’ve always had a really long[time] goal to become fluent in Spanish, and I thought a good way to practice my Spanish speaking was to study abroad and be fully immersed in Spanish culture. And another reason was because my friend had done it the year before, and they recommended it to me, so I thought it would be a good experience.
What advice would you give to other students interested in studying abroad?
Don’t limit yourself from these kinds of opportunities. I didn’t think I could thrive on my own, outside of the U.S. and away from my family. But really, you gain a lot more independence, and if you believe in yourself, that you can do this kind of journey, then you will, and you shouldn’t be afraid of it.
Patrick Gomm (Berlin, Germany)
What was the most memorable part about studying abroad?
I was [in Germany] during the Euros … They played in the [Olympiastadion Berlin] Stadium there, which we got to tour through CIEE for free. We got to go into the locker rooms, and [my roommate] left his backpack in a very crowded area. They thought it was a bomb, so the bomb squad was surrounding it, and when he came back, he got arrested. Obviously there was nothing in it, but it was funny, because he was innocent.
Pacome Polly (San Mateo, CA, USA)
Why did you study in the United States?
I picked the United States because I wanted to speak English And I had never been to this country before, so I was curious to discover more. I didn’t choose my location in the U.S.
Amelia Hayden-Gephart (Merida, Yucatan, Mexico)
Did studying abroad make a difference in your learning?
I definitely think so because studying abroad connected me with the language. I was able to recognize the benefits of learning a language like how you’re able to communicate and connect with more people outside of the U.S. as well as inside the U.S.
What was your favorite thing about studying abroad?
Meeting new people and getting to know the culture behind the language. [Mexico is] one culture of many that speak [Spanish], but it was really cool to meet people who grew up with the language and see it in action, rather than just in a classroom. It was really cool to hear [the language] in the streets and be able to speak it myself day to day.
