English 1 and theory of knowledge teacher Elizabeth Chapman’s door is adorned with a green heart sticker with a yellow border, representing Greenheart travel. A short ways down from her classroom, she was adorned a bulletin board with brochures for Rotary Youth Exchange, Amigos de las Americas, American Field Service and more. All of these programs allow high school students to travel abroad.

Chapman explained the benefits of studying abroad.

“I think that it gives them a chance to practice being in unfamiliar situations and navigating the world independently,” Chapman said. “It exposes them to cultures and languages that are different from their own and gives them a respect for people who might be different from themselves.”

Chapman cited her own study abroad experiences as the impetus behind her efforts to encourage students to study abroad.

“I’ve been really lucky to get to study abroad many times in my life and it’s changed my outlook and made me a stronger, more flexible, more open minded person,” Chapman said. “I think that it’s really something that everyone should experience.”

Chapman detailed her experiences with international travel throughout her life.

“My first trip outside of the country was when I was 17 and I got a scholarship to go to Japan for the summer,” Chapman said. “After that I studied in Mexico and the Czech Republic in college and then as a teacher in Germany and India. I’ve taught English in France, Spain and Vietnam.”

Chapman works to bring information about study abroad program to students.

“If any student is interested, they should come see me,” Chapman sai. “I’m really passionate about trying to help find ways for students to make this possible. Even if you’re a ninth grader planning for the year after your graduate, it’s not too soon to start thinking about it.”

Chapman reflected on what she has learned from her study abroad experiences.

“I’ve learned that most people worry about the same things across cultures,” Chapman said. “A lot of wanting to fit in, not disappoint the people around you and succeed for yourself in life, whatever that means.”