Image Credit to Summer Marsh

Communications junior Summer Marsh (second from left) proudly holds the Brazilian flag along with other students part of her local RYE program.

Most students in their lifetime limit themselves to the education within the walls of their school. However, communications junior Summer Marsh is taking her passion for knowledge and coupling it with her thirst for culture by traveling to Curitiba, Brazil for one year as an exchange student.

“I’ve grown up with a passion for traveling. Both of my parents are flight attendants so that has helped immensely,” Marsh said. “You not only make lifelong friends [through this exchange program], but you also learn about yourself and what you truly want to be. I recommend this program to anyone who likes adventure”

Marsh herself is no stranger to adventure. She has traveled to Canada, Uruguay, Argentina, France, Spain, Japan and many more. Ever since she was 5 years old she has been accustomed to traveling. She remembers waking up early in the morning as a child to board 7 am flights across the country, and has always enjoyed it.

“It’s not so much even that I love traveling as it is that traveling is a part of me.” Marsh said.

Along with nine other students from Florida, Marsh will be exchanging to Brazil through the organization Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE), which is a branch of Rotary International. RYE sends over 8,000 students to study worldwide every year.

Marsh departs July 20^th. To prepare for her journey, she has been attending multiple seminars about Brazilian culture and language camps. She talks to native speakers and listens to Portuguese music. One of her techniques for learning the language is a bit unconventional.

“What actually helped me the most was watching Disney movies in Portuguese, like Tangled, the Little Mermaid, and the Princess and the Frog,” Marsh said. “This has been one of the hardest languages for me to study personally.”

When Marsh returns from Brazil in one year, she will most likely become homeschooled in order to graduate on time with the class of 2016.

“She won’t be able to come back to Dreyfoos which is sad, but I know it’ll be worth it,” communications junior and close friend Jessica Taylor said. “I think that her leaving is a really good opportunity for her.”

Looking back, Marsh is thankful for her time at Dreyfoos and all the experiences she has gained.

“To me, learning another language is the ultimate form of communication.” Marsh said. “Saying that, I believe Dreyfoos has prepared me to pursue my dreams.”