10/02/2026
โ๏ธ ๐ In June, we introduced three Access scholars selected to spend the summer overseas through this yearโs Quest Study Abroad Program. Now home, Karla, Diamond, and Jhonathan have plenty to share about their adventures in Argentina and Malaysia. Hereโs a glimpse of their lives exploring new cultures, attending local schools, and building friendships that stretched across borders.
โข๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐น๐ฎ ๐. (Notre Dame High School - St. Louis โ27 | St. Cecilia School & Academy โ23) spent six weeks in Argentina, where she walked to school, ate lunches with her host family, and often met friends for a late afternoon snack called merendar. She noticed differences in everything from the school schedule (gym class is always after school) to the time people eat dinner (11pm!) to the local Spanish accent, which became easier to understand the more she talked with people. Her most memorable moments include eating ravioli and celebrating Argentinaโs World Cup wins with friends. She offers this advice to students considering studying abroad: โIf itโs fear that stops you, I would not hesitate to still take the chance. It will change your perspective in life.โ
โข๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐บ๐ผ๐ป๐ฑ ๐. (Nerinx Hall โ27 | Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School โ23) spent a month in Malaysia, dividing her time between activities with other study abroad students and life with her host family. She attended classes, explored the country, and learned about the role religion plays in Malaysian public life. On her last day in school โ one filled with fun activities, pictures, and never-ending hugs โ friends sent her off with a personalized keychain and a big bag of Malaysian snacks. Diamond was struck by how meaningful her friendships had become. Her advice to potential study abroad applicants: โDonโt be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Be the go-getter who sees the world and learns about different cultures.โ
โข๐๐ต๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฅ. (Francis Howell Central High School โ27 | St. Cecilia School & Academy โ23) spent two months studying in Argentina. His school days ended around noon, leaving afternoons to explore the city center, work out, and play basketball with his host sister. He especially enjoyed eating empanadas. Jhonathan had worried about making friends before the trip, but he did โ and came home with simple advice for future travelers: โItโs okay to be nervous.โ
With support from the Boniface Foundation, Access was proud to cover airfare and provide each scholar with a $600 travel stipend. Weโre proud of Karla, Diamond, and Jhonathan for embracing the unfamiliar, and weโre excited to see where their curiosity takes them next!
