Both girls log on to their computers and search for travel brochures and pictures of beautiful countries. As they gather up information about several foreign countries, their excitement cannot be contained and their grins turn into wide smiles. Juniors Siomara Hernandez and Esperanza Garcia have decided to take the chance to study abroad in the near future.

Hernandez and Garcia both received letters offering them the chance to study abroad while earning college credit. Garcia said she decided to do the People to People Ambassador Program, which will allow her to explore six different countries in Europe. Hernandez said she is still unsure of what program she will choose but is planning on studying abroad after high school.

“It seems like a good opportunity to see some cultural differences and get to know everything there,” Hernandez said.

Garcia said the program she chose is a summer program, but it also allows the participants to continue the program for two additional years after high school. Garcia was inspired to study abroad because she is interested in traveling.

“I really haven’t traveled outside of the United States other than Mexico when I was younger,” Garcia said. “I felt like I could get more out there and learn about other cultures while learning from another area of the world.”

Garcia said after the program, she might want to go to other countries to explore what else is out in the world. Garcia’s family supports her decision to study abroad and thinks that it will be a good opportunity for her to travel and learn. Hernandez’s family thinks it is a great chance for her to study somewhere outside of the United States.

“They think it’s actually a good idea so I can expand my horizons instead of just staying here in this country,” Hernandez said.

Both Hernandez and Garcia want to take advantage of their opportunity to learn and experience as much as possible. However, Garcia says she is worried about opening up to other people. Hernandez is worried about how she will be able to communicate with the people, but is excited to explore different cultures.

“I’m excited to see everything new instead of just staying here in Texas because I’ve been here my whole life,” Hernandez said.