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Posted October 9, 2023
Two Plymouth High School students were able to spend part of the summer learning and exploring in a foreign country, thanks to CIEE Global Navigator Scholarships.
Current sophomore Ana Stemper participated in a three-part Spanish language and culture program in Madrid, Spain from June 10 to July 8.
Her mornings began with cultural excursions. “These spanned from learning the Flamenco, a traditional Spanish dance, to visiting el Museo del Traje, a museum which taught us about the way clothing has changed over the years to showcase different events at the time,” she said.
“In the afternoons we did mission ñ, which is when we were given prompts like favorite music or food, often something that had to do with our morning excursions, and were able to talk to locals in Spanish about their experiences or thoughts,” she said. “Some of the highlights of my trip was speaking to locals and learning new words.”
After lunch, she and others in the program had Spanish classes until mid-afternoon and then were free to explore the city. At the end of each week, they presented slides in Spanish about Spanish culture.
“I really enjoyed spending time with my roommates and my friends exploring new parts of Madrid,” Ana said.
Jacklyn Lensmire, also a sophomore, went to Portugal in June to explore ecosystems and ocean sustainability.
“I don't even have words to explain how much fun I had!” she said. “I loved that I got to know and understand the ocean better; there is so much to learn.”
Jacklyn was able to try many different activities while in Portugal. “I have many favorites, but snorkeling was definitely one of them; it was so cool to see all the different animals,” she said. “Surfing was another one of my favorites. It was definitely challenging, but it was fun!”
Both students recommend CIEE to others looking for a fun learning experience.
“Living in Spain helped me learn that I could do things on my own and that I was capable of a lot more than I thought,” Ana said. “It also helped me become more confident in my Spanish abilities.”
Jacklyn said she loved meeting new people and learning about their culture and trying their foods. “The idea of leaving is scary, but I promise you it's so worth it,” she said. “I'm so unbelievably thankful that I got this opportunity!”
The Council on International Educational Exchange, founded in 1947, is a non-profit organization promoting international education and exchange. CIEE scholarship recipients are selected by the from the school’s applicants based on both merit and financial need.
PHS students can apply now for CIEE Global Navigator Scholarships for travel during the summer of 2024; apply by Dec. 1 for a chance to fly free. An informational meeting for interested PHS students and their parents/guardians will begin at 6 p.m. Monday Oct. 16 in the PHS Library.
This will be the seventh year that PHS receives scholarships. In 2022, three students went to Spain, Germany, and Mexico. In 2020, one student went to Costa Rica. In 2019, five students went to the Dominican Republic, England, Germany, and Spain. In 2018, 12 students visited Germany, Ghana, Mexico, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. In 2017, four PHS students studied in Botswana, the Dominican Republic, France and Thailand. In 2016, nine students went to Botswana, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Mexico, and Spain.
• Contact PHS language teacher Laura Koebel at lkoebel@plymouth.k12.wi.us or 920-893-6911 ext. 1225
• Visit the CIEE High School Study Abroad website for more information.
• Visit the Innovative Opportunities section of our interactive, award-winning District Report Card to learn more about the unparalleled opportunities for international experiences available to our students.
