The idea of studying abroad is frightening to some. Roaming the streets of a foreign city, having to communicate in a language other than your mother tongue, and living with complete strangers are scary thoughts even to most adults. Senior Sojourner Hunt considered the option of studying overseas as an opportunity–and for now, not junior year in college.
Despite her small stature, Hunt has always been a courageous figure. Even as a freshman, Hunt knew that she wanted to study abroad. “I felt like there was more to see,” she said, “and why wait until college?” Thus began her search for the perfect program. Utilizing Student Year Abroad (SYA), Hunt embarked in her eleventh-grade year on a year-long excursion in Rennes, France. She went to school at L’école Américain and was hosted by the Carbonnel family.

At first, Hunt was thrown off by the cultural changes in France. Besides the obvious language difference, France’s cultural norms differ from those in the U.S. “The French don’t really work for more than six week intervals,” Hunt said. “It’s six weeks and then you have to take a vacation.”
Hunt also felt the large presence of religion.She said, “Catholicism is more engrained in the French culture.” Hunt also mentioned the overall embracing of religious holidays. “My host mother was sort of against religion,” Hunt said, “but she still hung baby Jesuses all over the house for Christmas.”
Another noticeable shift between the U.S. and France, in Hunt’s view, is the educational system. In the French system–known for its harshness–a student is graded on a scale of 0 through 20, rather than F through A. Receiving a perfect 20 on an assignment is virtually unheard of. Hunt had to familiarize herself with the traditional school settings of her French school too. “It’s a lot more of memorizing facts and getting them perfect,” she said. “You sit there in desks that are in rows, and they talk to you. It’s very traditional.”

Junior Lila Schatz is also experiencing a unique educational system by studying abroad in Spain for the current school year. Schatz, who also used SYA, is thoroughly enjoying her time in Europe. She said, “It’s cool to eat completely foreign foods with a family at home and wake up saying, ‘Buenos días’ instead of good morning.” Although Schatz has experienced some issues with switching host families, she similarly commented on how valuable her study abroad program is. “I absolutely do not regret going,” Schatz said. “Even though I’m upset that I’m not comfortable with my family, I’ve learned more about myself by knowing that I wasn’t comfortable.”

“It’s incredible for their language skills,” Upper School French teacher Cindy Marker—who is familiar with overseas studies programs and Parker’s foreign exchange students–said. “The benefits

are not only seen in the language acquisition when they get back, but they’re more confident and independent.”

Not only has Hunt become proficient in another language, but she has gained insight into the culture and traditions of another country. When reflecting on her year, Sojourner has few regrets. “You’re going to mess up every day, and you get over it,” Hunt said. “The most important thing is to not give up.”

Studying in France is not as simple as baguettes and berets, but as Hunt said, “it’s the best thing you can ever do for yourself.”

SYA offers nine month-long study programs, as well as five-week programs during the summer, for American high schoolers interested in traveling to Spain, Italy, France, or China. The program requires a minimum of two years of studying French or Spanish if a student wishes to travel to France or Spain, but there is no experience requirement for students traveling to China or Italy.