When senior Leia Neilson chose to spend her junior year studying abroad in Rennes, France, she embarked on a journey that shaped her perspective on language, culture and personal growth. Her decision to join the School Year Abroad (SYA) program stemmed from a fascination with the French language and a desire to experience life in a different country.
“I really wanted to … be fully immersed in [a different culture],” Neilson said. SYA’s reputation and strong support system made it the ideal choice. “SYA seemed like the best option. They supported me throughout the year,” she said.
Upon arriving in Rennes, Neilson was welcomed by her host family, who played a crucial role in helping her adjust to life in a foreign country. Her 19-year-old host brother and 21-year-old host sister, who lived nearby, quickly became close companions.
“My host family was super nice and accommodating. If I had any troubles with French, they wouldn’t make fun of me. They took me on trips with them and really became like my real family,” she said.
One of the most memorable experiences was a trip to Quiberon, a beach town in Brittany. “It’s so beautiful there — cliffs and stunning scenery. I got to bond with my host family. The first two weeks were really hot, so we got to swim in the ocean, and it was really nice,” she said.
However, adapting to life in France came with challenges. Neilson described her school day, which began at 9 a.m. and ended at 4:30 p.m. and included a lengthy lunch break — a contrast to her routine back home.
“In the beginning, it was difficult because I woke up every morning and had to immediately start speaking in French. It was really exhausting at first — I would come home really tired. But as the months go on, you naturally get better at it. You’re taking French classes in school, which helps, but honestly, the thing that helped the most was just being around French all the time.”
By the second semester, Neilson noticed a significant improvement in her French skills. “You start to pick up on little things. By the second semester, I felt really confident in my French abilities,” she said, “By the end of the year, I realized I wasn’t even thinking about switching languages — it wasn’t a struggle anymore to speak to my host family.”
However, homesickness was still a major challenge. “Homesickness in the beginning was pretty bad. I kind of expected it, but it’s daunting to have nine months ahead of you where you’re away from home,” she said.
Neilson coped by staying busy, relying on friends, and staying present in her new environment. Bonding with her host family and opening up about her struggles also helped. “My host mom was super supportive. She knew if I was feeling homesick and would try to cheer me up, which was really nice.:”
Reflecting on her year with SYA, Neilson recommends studying abroad to those who feel it’s right for them. “It takes a certain mindset — you have to really want it. You might have doubts, but if you feel like it’s something that would benefit you, it will,” she explained.
She valued most the friendships she formed, the sites she saw and the fluency she achieved in French.
“I made so many incredible friends, traveled to so many cool places, and my French skills improved so much,” she said, “You come back pretty much fluent in another language, and you have a set of experiences that will help you throughout the rest of your life.”
Nadia Wheelock’s decision to spend her junior year abroad in Zaragoza, Spain, was fueled by a passion for the Spanish language and a desire to experience life beyond Washington, D.C. She joined the School Year Abroad (SYA) program, eager to immerse herself in a new environment and embrace the opportunities it offered.
“I’ve always lived in D.C., and I really wanted a different experience and to immerse myself in a new culture, which I know is a very cliché answer, but it’s exciting when you think about it. I love being in Europe, and I wanted to travel and meet new people,” Nadia shared.
In Zaragoza, Nadia found a second home with her host family. The family consisted of a host mother, father, two sisters, two dogs and a kitten. Wheelock quickly formed a close bond with them, particularly her host mother.
“They were just so welcoming. They truly treated me like another daughter, another sister. They always wanted to do things with me, and I learned so much Spanish because I spent so much time with them,” said Wheelock.
Adapting to the Spanish language was a challenge at first, but Nadia quickly found her footing. “It was really overwhelming because they talk so fast, and they have different accents and vocabulary than what I learned in class. It was definitely harder at the beginning, but you learn fast. Even though it’s intimidating, it’s so worth it,” she said.
Her days in Zaragoza were a blend of academics and cultural exploration. The public transportation system made it easy for her to navigate the city, whether she was heading to school, attending art classes or volunteering. After school, Nadia often spent time with friends, exploring the local shops and cafes before returning home for dinner with her host family.
One of Wheelock’s most cherished memories was attending an artistic roller skating competition with her host family. Her host sister was a competitor, and the event became a significant moment of connection for the entire family.
“It was a really exciting event because we got to cheer for her [and] see all the hard work she’d been putting in for six months,” Wheelock recalled.
Living independently in a foreign country forced her to navigate new situations and learn when to seek help. “I definitely gained a sense of independence, but also learned when to rely on other people, which is a really important part of independence that’s not always talked about,” she reflected.
Wheelock’s time in Spain also allowed her to connect with people from different backgrounds. Building relationships with people she had never met before required finding common ground, humor and shared experiences.
“You’ve really got to find common ground, make jokes, and spend time with people. I feel like it really improved me socially and mentally in my own way,” she commentedshared. These interactions not only helped her language abilities but also deepened her understanding of different cultures.
Looking back on her year with SYA, Wheelock wholeheartedly recommends studying abroad to other students who feel motivated to embark on such an adventure. “It’s life-changing — every single person says that, but it truly is. It’s so worth it,” she said.
