Meet Charlotte - SYA France 2026
Extracurriculars Abroad: I’ve spent each Monday volunteering at the local nursing home, being in charge of organizing activities, celebrations, and coordinating future visits with the school. I was subscribed to a local gym, which I went to every morning before classes started. I also took pilates classes, often with friends, a few times a week.
Favorite SYA Class: Political Science
Favorite Food in France: Gallete completes and kebab!
How did SYA impact your college search process?
SYA has impacted my college search process in terms of what I know I’m looking for in a college. Being abroad has only given me the urge to go abroad even more. Now, I’m searching specifically for colleges with strong study abroad programs. In terms of applications, I believe having SYA on my resume makes me an even stronger candidate for colleges.
Do you have a favorite memory with your host family?
One of my favorite memories with my host family was on my birthday when they organized a birthday dinner for me. I told them I liked the asian cuisine and when I returned home with my three best friends for dinner, there were at least 4 different kinds of dumplings. We spent the dinner sharing countless memories. My two little host sisters sitting on my lap blew out my candles for me, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. I nearly cried when opening my gift from my host parents which was a mug covered in photos of me and my host family. In that moment, I felt extremely appreciated and special. My birthday spent in France will always be the most remembered one.
What did you learn abroad that surprised you?
When arriving in France, I was surprised by the much slower way of living, specifically on Sundays. On Sundays everything is closed and the metros run less frequently. It’s a day meant to spend time with family before a new busy week’s start. I will always cherish my calm Sundays spent bonding with my host families, and will miss the tranquility of them and the way of life in France in general once I return to the US.
