by Ally Lenguyen, staff writer
This summer, many of our very own Barons traveled all across the world, taking the chance to experience life in another country.
Many students went out of country this summer for exchange programs or tour trips. Leah Phillips (‘16), was one of these students.
Phillips was given the chance to study abroad over the summer in Argentina. Phillips’ family had hosted an exchange student before, using the ASF program, which offers students all around the world chances to study in another country. Having been a host, as well as her older sister traveling to China, Phillips decided she would take the opportunity as well.
Having decided that she would do it over the summer so as not to bother with school, Phillips traveled out of the country and into an eight week program over in Argentina.
“It was very enlightening,” said Phillips. “Because the school system in Argentina is practically opposite of what it is here.”
Throughout her time there, Phillips was able to not only vastly improve with her Spanish, but she was able to learn and experience many different customs. Just over the summer, Phillips was able to participate in an experience that doesn’t always come around. She not only experienced the the chance to live in a place so different from her own, but the chance to fit in and understand the culture as well. Participating has made her friends not within a simple drive down the street, but connections with people across the world.
“I’m not only seeing this lifestyle, living in Fountain Valley. I’ve also lived in a Argentina, so that’s really interesting.” said Phillips.
The chance to study in a different country doesn’t come often, and if given the chance, it appears to be the kind of program truly worth attending.
“I would love to do it again,” said Leah. “I would highly recommend it to anyone else. It is…amazing.”
