DISPATCHES FROM SCHOOL YEAR ABROAD

THROUGH THE SCHOOL’S RELATIONSHIP WITH SCHOOL YEAR ABROAD (SYA), GDS students can apply to spend their junior year—or a semester of it—in France, Italy, or Spain. The program places students with a host family and runs its own school, where students study with a cohort of 30–36 peers from other U.S. schools. Except for English and math, all classes are taught in the host country’s language. Seventeen GDS students have studied abroad since GDS joined SYA in 2018, returning with their horizons expanded and a zeal for international connectedness. Here are three recent stories:

ZARAGOZA, SPAIN

TEDDY BHATIA ’20

TEDDY’S TAKEAWAYS Teddy’s time with his host brother’s friend group changed his perspective on his American identity and raised his awareness of prejudices he didn’t even realize he had regarding non-English speakers. “Be ready to push yourself outside your comfort zone for the best experiences,” Teddy said. “There’s so much learning that goes on outside of the classroom.”