Greenheart Travel is excited to send a group of amazing high school students to study abroad as part of our 2016 Travel Correspondent Scholarship awards. To help introduce our inspiring writers, we are doing a series of spotlight interviews to help you get to know a little more about who they are, where they will be headed and what inspired them to study abroad.
Read on to meet 16-year-old, Kayla Trowbridge, our Greenheart Travel Correspondent from Zionsville, Indiana who’ll be traveling abroad to study in Ireland!
I really like to read, but I also enjoy cooking, singing, writing and acting.
No, this is my first time out of the U.S.
I started looking into studying abroad because I wanted something different from the traditional high school experience. This seemed like the perfect choice for me.
I’m most excited about being immersed in my host community.
I think that it is important to travel and experience different cultures because doing this can help you connect with people and places that you otherwise would not, and you can build you confidence and become more knowledgeable about the world. Traveling can also allow you to develop new ideas and passions.
I’m nervous about starting school in my host community because school itself can be rather stressful and dealing with that, along with culture shock and homesickness, will most certainly be a challenge.
I have been preparing to study abroad by talking to my host family, researching Ireland’s culture and history, and reading the blogs of previous exchange students.
I don’t know how I will change, however, I am hoping to become more confident, independent and open minded.
Kayla Trowbridge is 16 years old and lives in Zionsville, Indiana. Her goal during her study abroad program is to “create relationships that will continue throughout my life and develop a new understanding of the Irish culture.” Follow Kayla’s adventure in Ireland on her blog post updates throughout her program.
Just checking in to see if you have any blog updates!!!
Living abroad will change you and make you thirst for more. You will meet people that will grab and hold your heart forever. I know that you will also be a blessing to all those you meet. I’m glad to see that you had the courage to pursue such a dream and the persistence to make it happen! You are an exceptional young lady and you will represent your country well!
Kayla, we are so excited to watch this new opportunity for you! We are so confident that this path God has chosen will be a safe and exciting one for you. Love, the Connors.
Kayla…..you are so very awesome! Although we will miss you, we are super excited for your new journey! I can’t wait to see through your blog all the exciting adventures you are going to have! Love you, praying for you, and wishing you the very best experience ever!!!
So excited for you! We cannot wait to see read all about your experiences! ? God Bless you!
We are so excited for you, Kayla. Your zville community will miss you and you will be a blessing to your new Ireland host community. We’ll keep you in our thoughts and prayers! ?