Four Foothill High School students spent their summer far from Bakersfield — immersing themselves in new languages, cultures, and perspectives through international study abroad programs with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). For more than 75 years, CIEE has provided high school and college students, as well as educators and working professionals, with opportunities to study, work, and live abroad.
One of those students, senior Juan Lopez Morales, spent four weeks in Paris. While overseas, Morales lived with a host family, studied French daily, and explored both iconic landmarks and hidden local gems. He said once he got comfortable with his host family, he didn’t want to leave.
“One thing that definitely stuck out to me was the local places; it definitely gave me a different perspective of Paris,” Morales said.
Morales also noted the friendliness he encountered in France. He had heard a few stereotypes of Parisians being mean or standoffish, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Morales said everyone was kind and welcoming despite language and cultural barriers.
“I went in there not knowing anyone,” he said. “They were all so friendly, so kind, especially in the more local areas, they were just so welcoming.”
Morales went to Paris with a diverse group of students from all over the U.S. Despite not knowing anyone, he quickly made friends with his fellow students as well as the family that hosted him. At first, he says the experience was daunting, but his classmates, teachers, and host family all helped him improve his language skills and gain confidence.
“The first day, I was completely lost. Everyone seemed so fluent,” he recalled. “Living with a European family definitely immerses you in this experience a lot more.”
Zoey Hernandez participated in a Women for Environmental Action program in Costa Rica last year and has since encouraged others to apply.
“My experience was truly amazing,” Hernandez reflected. “The program gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in global issues while learning about the sustainable practices Costa Rica implements.”
Hernandez took classes on environmental action and development and worked with her team to develop a project that promoted sustainable and eco-tourism in the region. She says beyond the academic side, the cultural exchange was equally meaningful.
“I gained a deeper appreciation for Costa Rica’s people and traditions while expanding my own perspective on how local communities can have a global impact,” Hernandez shared.
That encouragement is precisely what led Morales and other students to take the leap this summer. Each chose a different destination and program focus, from language and culture to global issues and community development. Hernandez said being the first at her school to attend such a program made it all the more special when she encouraged others to follow in her footsteps.
“Seeing how much they gained from the program highlighted just how much potential exists when opportunities like this are shared,” Hernandez explained.
Supported by both a CIEE income-based scholarship and funding from the Foothill Alumni Association, Morales was able to cover almost all of his expenses, something he hopes will encourage other students to consider applying.
“I would definitely suggest they try it if they [students] have the opportunity,” Morales said. “I know a lot of students do worry about financial aid, but with the amount of assistance they give you, it’s definitely an opportunity that I would recommend.”
For Morales, the summer abroad was just the beginning. He now hopes to study abroad again in college, perhaps for a semester or even a full year. He says it’s not about the destination; it’s the journey.
“If I were ever offered the chance again, I would definitely do it again,” he said. “Any place is good for me, I would want to see any place in the world.”
Morales says he hopes his story will inspire others to explore the world through programs like CIEE.
“It gives students more of an independent perspective,” he said. “Since I went by myself, it made me get out of my comfort zone and be more interactive and more social with people. But it also helped me grow as a person.”
For those interested in applying for opportunities abroad, visit the CIEE website, or talk with your high school counselor.
By Katie Avery
Katie Avery joined the Kern County Superintendent of Schools in 2023 as a Communications Specialist. As a former journalist and marketing professional, her passions include media and storytelling. Before joining KCSOS, Avery worked for various local TV stations as well as the health care industry.