TESTIMONIALS FROM IMMERSION PARTICIPANTS
“Immersion was one of my favorite experiences from my time at Dawson. I learned so much about myself and it was probably one of my more formative times while I was in the Upper School. It definitely inspired me to want to pursue more languages and cultures. The following year I participated in a 2 week immersive experience for Arabic, and now at the Naval Academy I am considering a major in International Relations while studying French or Arabic, maybe both! I would 100% suggest this program to anyone who is interested, and I can't emphasize enough the impact it had on my life!”
-Tommy Noonan (France), ’21
I cannot recommend French immersion enough. I visited Tours in 2019 and for one month I was steeped in French culture and wonderful experiences. My French family was incredible and took me on trips on the weekends. I went to monasteries, castles, coast sides and the zoo. I still talk with my French host siblings and I’m so grateful to have had the chance to go. I thought, felt, and lived French- it’s one of the best things a person can do.
-Aurpheon Ray, '20
I cannot recommend French immersion enough. I visited Tours in 2019 and for one month I was steeped in French culture and wonderful experiences. My French family was incredible and took me on trips on the weekends. I went to monasteries, castles, coast sides and the zoo. I still talk with my French host siblings and I’m so grateful to have had the chance to go. I thought, felt, and lived French- it’s one of the best things a person can do.
-Aurpheon Ray, '20
“I really loved the trip, getting to explore Paris with one of my good friends who was in the program with me was an amazing experience, and the homestay really allowed me to get an authentic living experience! I very much enjoyed visiting the local tourist attractions, and being immersed in the culture and the amazing food the region has to offer. Overall, one of my favorite experiences in high school.”
-Nate Bernstein (France), ’20
“As soon as my host mom picked me up, she treated me like I was her own daughter displaying spectacular genuineness and care. Being able to live with my host family, along with visiting various sites and doing fun things with the Dawson group, allowed me to take on a more worldly perspective; this perspective has helped me set higher goals for myself as well as distinguish future visions concerning where I want to be and who I want to be.”
-Aria Barbour (China), ’20
“Once, trying to show my bravery, I picked up an unknown lumpy rubbery meat, boiled it in the broth and lifted it to my lips. I closed my eyes, opened my mouth, and swallowed, I opened my eyes and my host sister, and her uncle were stifling a giggle. I asked “What was that?” Daisy revealed that I ate the third stomach of the cow. While this experience may seem scary, or unappealing, it was incredible. I was exposed to something new, and although I ended up eating cow stomach, I stepped out of my comfort zone just like Mr. Carter wanted me to. The immersion program serves to give students the chance to not only travel abroad, but to learn about and understand the intricacies of cultures unlike our own. This expectation was exceeded on my trip, and the memories I made will forever be cherished.”
-Anika Banerjee (China), ’20