American students live the dream in England
Meet the bright students as they ride inside one of the most famous tourist attraction in England, the London Eye. Photo by Ardhys DeLeon.
Getting the opportunity to travel to another country and experience a new culture is something that almost every teen dreams about. This summer, these dreams came true for 19 students from all over the U.S., as they got to travel to England and learn about its history through insightful trips.
This unique opportunity was awarded by The American British Business Foundation, which partnered with American business people and the ACS International School in England. This allowed 19 lucky students to travel and enjoy England with all expenses paid, as well as dorm at a traditional boarding school.
“This program was started to give American students the opportunity to study Britain in a different and unique way. It [will] give them an awareness and appreciation of the British way of life,” House Parent Lynne Williams said.
During their two weeks in England, these students visited many interesting sights like The National Gallery, The Tower of London and the Crown Jewels. They also got to climb up the 311 spiral steps of The Monument of the Great Fire of London and enjoy the view of London from the top of the great building.
“My favorite places that we visited where Piccadilly Circus where we watched the play 39 steps, and when we went on the London Eye because I got to have fun and learn something new,” Illinois student Martin Brizuela said.
This program is open to High School Juniors who are entering their senior year in the fall of the proceeding year. The requirements may change depending on the year and state the student is applying from. Here in New York, students submit an application and then are called for an individual interview. The amount of students that can be selected for each participating state varies.
“I recommend other students to apply for this program so they can expand their knowledge, culture and views on life, and learn about not only England but other European nations as well,” North Carolina student Kaitlyn McCreary said.
This summer’s participating 19 students came from the states of Texas, New York, Connecticut, California, Charlotte, North Carolina, Illinois and Maryland.
“Being accepted by this program and able to visit England allowed me to experience more. It expanded my knowledge of British culture and now I’m not so ignorant about what happens across the pond,” Connecticut student Charles Tinnen said.