Learning extends beyond the halls of your high school and the boundaries of your city or hometown. One potentially great way to expand your horizons before you earn your diploma and decide where to attend college is to study abroad in high school. Many students who choose to participate in high school study abroad programs do so during their junior year so as to not miss out on the many events that occur during their senior year. There are a variety of different programs ranging from summer volunteer opportunities to spending the entire academic year in another country. This potential opportunity provides students with the chance to make lifelong friends, memories, and experiences to support them throughout the rest of their lives.

The allure of studying abroad grabs hold of most every student at some point in their high school and college careers. The choice, however, has more to do with money and being separated from one’s family for a few months. It also includes relevant experience for a student’s major, and cultural exposure.

The number of American students who go abroad has more than tripled in the past two decades (304,467 students in the 2013-2014 academic year), and this increase is likely to continue. International education is on the rise, and for good reason: research has shown that students who study abroad have better career prospects and are more socially aware.

Senior Kadet, Julia Friedman, has recently returned from a 6 month trip in France where she studied abroad.

“I got the idea from my best friend Denver Wolf, she was supposed to go to Italy this year. I decided on France because I wanted to learn the language and experience the incredible history, culture, architecture, and food.”

Julia lived in the countryside in a tiny farm village called “Saint Maurice en Gourgois.” It was about an hour from Lyon, the third biggest city in France. She attended “lycee,” which is the equivalent to high school and was a science major in the year “Terminal.” Julia’s study abroad was more than just school; she gardened, bee kept, and cooked with her host family.

“I’ve lived in Colorado Springs my entire life, and I wasn’t really scared at all, just excited to see new things. My host family was able to show me endless new experiences. If you are planning on studying abroad, have absolutely no expectations going into it. That way, you are more open minded and never disappointed.”

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Just as studying abroad demanded a number of lifestyle changes, so too does returning home. Ideally, the person you are now returning as from abroad is not the same person who left in the first place. You have been transformed intellectually and personally, and have successfully functioned in a culture entirely different from your own.

“It’s hard to re-adjust to AAHS, but all the teachers and administration have been really helpful,” said Frriedman.

At Air Academy High, Dr. Beers is the guy to talk to if studying abroad is a project you’re interested in. There are two companies that represent studying abroad for AAHS students at those are:  the ASSE- International Student Exhcange Program and the AFS program.

Dr. Beers, said “We usually only have 1 or 2 students show interest and pursue studying abroad a year. But it’s a great opportunity, especially first semester of Junior year.”

If you are interested in studying abroad or want more information, visit Dr. Beers in student services and the study abroad program websites at:

https://www.afsusa.org/study-abroad/

https://asse.com