St. Michael encourages its students to stretch, but junior Connor Robitaille is taking it to the next level for his senior year.
Connor was one of only sixty-five students chosen nationally to participate in the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad program. Connor will spend his senior year in Indonesia, living with a host family, attending a local high school, acquiring leadership skills, and engaging in activities to learn about Indonesia’s society and values. The program is 100% paid for by the U.S. government.
Wow!
What led Connor to apply for the program? “I've known for awhile that I wanted to study abroad,” says Connor, “but I guess my real desire for exploring the world came after taking French 1 during my sophomore year. I found “Yes Abroad”—a free program— which is run through The Department of Culture and Affairs in Washington D.C. I was denied a spot when I first applied last year, but I was determined to get in this year. So I re-applied, and was invited to drive to Huntsville for an in-person interview in January. Two months later, I learned I was chosen for Yes Abroad Indonesia!! I want to thank Mrs.Lindley for writing a recommendation on short notice, and Mrs.Jones who inspired me to study abroad. I’m really excited about this. “
Unless the Coronavirus forces a change of schedule, Connor would be leaving for Washington D.C. on June 27 for a week of training before leaving for Indonesia, where he would live through May of his senior year.
We are proud of you, Connor!