KWHS students spend the summer studying abroad
BY DIVYA NAVANI
KONK LIFE STUDENT REPORTER
From our tiny island to countries worldwide, the Key West Conchs take the world by storm. Trough the
international program, Experiment in International Living/EIL, 20 Key West High School students have the
opportunity to travel abroad for three-fve weeks to the country of choice.
From Argentina to Zimbabwe, this isn’t the usual type of vacation: Students who partake in EIL experience
frst-hand what it is like to be an immigrant and an ambassador. EIL ambassadors learn new languages through
immersion, new cultures through interaction and new leadership through independence. On top of that, students
live one-three weeks live a host family, allowing them to feel “at home” with the country.
Last year, students went from Morocco to Mongolia. Tey met new people worldwide and developed life-long
friendships in the process. For some students, it was their frst time traveling; for others, it was a chance to redefne
themselves as world travelers. Students were exposed to experiences shaping them into the students they are today.
Tis year, the KWHS Conchs hope to expand Key West’s involvement further. One student, junior Sydney
MacDougall, has the honor of traveling to Tailand, which happens to be the most sought-out program in EIL’s
roster.
MacDougall said, “I’m super excited to dive into the Tai culture and see how they live their daily lives.”
MacDougall represents Key West High with Weedmide Alexandre, Ciara Barrett, Meghan Barter, Aneisly
Betancourt-Marrero, Nicolas Concepcion, Daniel Davila, Jefyne Desilme, Eileen Ellington, Madilyn Flores, Daniel
Gvili, Margaret Iarrobino, Erik Jutte, Jessica Nitti, Marionica Noel, Adreanna Otero, Harrison Simmons, Savannah
Smith, Linsey Wilkins and Sarah Valdez.
Students were awarded this opportunity by the Monroe County Essay Competition and major contributor Take
Stock in Children, each giving scholarships to study abroad. With support of these organizations and the
community, these students are ready to embark on a new journey flled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, making
themselves and their community more diverse, accepting and tolerant.

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