The Summer She Found Herself in Yucatán: A Student's Journey

What if one summer could change the way you see the world, and yourself?

That’s exactly what happened to Grace F., a high school student from Carver, Minnesota, who spent a month in Mérida, Yucatán, through a study abroad program. As she prepares to enter her senior year, Grace reflects on how her time in Mexico challenged her, inspired her, and gave her a clearer sense of who she wants to become. Her story is a reminder that sometimes, the path to your future starts by stepping outside your comfort zone.

Finding a Home in a New Country 

When Grace first arrived in Mérida, she was welcomed into the home of her host mom, Malena. Living with a local family didn’t just give her a place to stay; it gave her a deeper connection to the culture. “She truly made this experience so much better,” Grace said. “I’m so grateful to be able to immerse myself into the Mexican culture.” From daily routines to home-cooked meals, living with Malena offered Grace a firsthand experience of life in Yucatán, something no textbook or classroom could replicate. Instead of being a visitor, she became part of a community.

Learning by Living 

Grace didn’t just come to Mérida to explore; she came with a purpose. She wanted to strengthen her Spanish and deepen her understanding of Mexican culture, and this program delivered. “This trip has really allowed me to immerse myself and test my Spanish knowledge,” she said. “It put me in real-life situations where I needed to use only Spanish and navigate the trip.” From navigating local markets to having conversations with her host family, she gained confidence in her language skills and learned how to adapt in real-time. These weren’t hypothetical scenarios; this was learning by living.

The People Make the Experience 

For Grace, one of the most meaningful parts of her journey wasn’t a place, it was the people. “One of my favorite parts of this trip was the people that I met,” she said. “Every single person has been incredibly kind and made this trip truly unforgettable.” Whether it was bonding with fellow students, connecting with her host, or engaging with locals, each interaction helped her grow personally and socially. The kindness she experienced reminded her that being open to connection can make any unfamiliar place feel like home.

Big Dreams for a One-Month Journey

A month in Yucatán might seem short, but for Grace, it was long enough to spark big changes. Living abroad pushed her to think more intentionally about her future, about who she wants to be, what kind of impact she hopes to make, and how she can keep exploring the world. Experiences like these don’t just teach you about another culture. They teach you about yourself. They inspire future goals, not just by opening your mind, but by showing you what you’re capable of.

Her Advice to YOU 

Grace didn’t just learn new things about another culture; she discovered something about herself. And for anyone heading into an experience like this, she has one piece of advice: “Be yourself and don’t care what anyone thinks. You have this entire month to be who you want to be—and you should use it. Everyone there is in the same boat, and it’s much more fun to be chalant. Also... bring a speaker.” Her words are simple but powerful: this is your moment to grow, connect, and enjoy life as your most authentic self. Don’t waste it trying to be anything less. And yes—the speaker? Just a bonus.

Diving In, Wholeheartedly 

What set Grace apart was how fully she chose to engage with the experience. She didn’t just show up, she showed up open. Whether it was pushing herself to speak Spanish in everyday conversations, trying new foods, or stepping into unfamiliar routines, Grace embraced the opportunity with courage and curiosity. She understood that the more you put into an experience like this, the more you get out of it. Instead of holding back, she leaned in, and that made all the difference.

If you're a student wondering what your next step might be, maybe it’s not on a typical path. Maybe it’s in a different place, with different people, learning different things. It only takes one experience to shift your perspective and spark a future full of possibilities. 

Apply now for the experience of a lifetime!