It’s not often that a school can boast of its study abroad programs being among the top 75 in the entire country.

But we can.

Since 2000, approximately 600 students from our school have studied in six different continents (Antarctica is still on our wishlist). These aren’t just numbers. They’re a testament to how our study abroad program provides unique experiences that other schools don’t offer.

We should take advantage of these opportunities.

Bellaire connects students by partnering with organizations like AFS, Rotary and AMIGOS. These programs are divided into language, academic disciplines and service/leadership, including subsets tailored to various interests. Studying abroad is open to all high school students regardless of grade level and background. However, certain programs may have academic requirements to apply.

But what sets us apart from other high schools is our study abroad coordinator, Elizabeth Chapman, who manages interest meetings and workshops to help students find the study abroad program that suits their preferences. Whether it be studying in Europe, residing with a host family, opting for a three-month stay or any other specific request, there’s always a program available.

Because cost is the most cited reason deterring students from studying abroad, Bellaire collaborates with non-profit organizations like CIEE to provide access to scholarships. This commitment isn’t just talk. Since 2018, students have received over $250,000 to study abroad.

Stepping out of our comfort zones is often the catalyst for growth. Traveling abroad uproots the daily routines and the sense of familiarity we typically experience. Being in a new place forces us to learn how to socialize with strangers who hold different values and perspectives. This foreign environment may be challenging, but learning to adapt to uncharted territory and connect with people despite differences fosters the comfort and capability to thrive in an increasingly globalized world.

Growth doesn’t thrive in the familiar. It flourishes in the unfamiliar.

Studying abroad introduces us to college life and teaches us to rely on ourselves. Residing alone and having to step into new surroundings gives us a chance to experience independence on an entirely different level. Living in a foreign place while maneuvering through cultural and language barriers broadens our mindsets, exposing us to a completely different perspective on life. Spending every day observing how people in another country talk, dress and socialize unveils the uniqueness that defines the world beyond the borders of the U.S.

When we push beyond the boundaries of our knowledge, we open ourselves to diverse perspectives, ideas and experiences.

So give it a shot. Study abroad. Maybe you will be the first student to study in Antarctica.