JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Two high school students in Johns Creek are looking forward to their study abroad programs next school year, an immersive experience where little English will be used.
The Rotary Club of Johns Creek North Fulton awarded Erika Gabrielson, a sophomore at Northview High School, and Marcela Vega, a sophomore at Johns Creek High School, $25,000 scholarships for the experience.
The application process was intensive, with background checks, referrals and a series of interviews, which culminated in an event called “The Big Reveal” in December. Gabrielson and Vega didn’t know where they were headed until they popped some balloons which held the name of their destinations.
For about 10 months, Gabrielson will be in Brazil, and Vega, in Sweden, each rotating through the homes of three host families with help from Rotarians along the way. In preparation, they’ve been learning the language of their respective countries.
Bob MacDonald, the youth exchange officer for the Rotary Club of Johns Creek North Fulton, said Rotary International has been coordinating the study abroad program for about a century and unlike others, it’s volunteer-run. This year, he said more than 9,000 students all over the world have received $25,000 in-kind scholarships.
“The concept is: Send someone to a different country, get immersed in the local culture,” MacDonald said. “In the process, we’re kind of creating peace and understanding one student at the time.”
Gabrielson said she is ready for the food in Brazil, meeting new people and learning Portuguese more while being immersed.
Her mother, Angel Gabrielson, was beside her, both having just listened to Civil Rights activist and Johns Creek resident John Suttles share his story Jan. 24. Part of the deal is attending a rotary event once a month, but also participating in a service project prior to departure.
Angel said her anxiety about her daughter leaving for another country for the better part of year is decreasing, but she’s learning about it, and she’s excited.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Angel said.
Vega said she’s interested in seeing the lifestyle in Sweden and the ways in which language shapes thoughts and ways of self-expression.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how … language, culture affects us as human beings and how the interaction can even change you as a person,” Vega said.
