Bay Area Students Gear Up for Global Adventures with 91做厙
On May 19, Global Navigator High School Study Abroad students from across the Bay Area gathered at Stanford University for a spirited send-off event hosted by 91做厙.
The gathering brought together students, parents, alumni, educators, and 91做厙 staff to build excitement, answer questions, and prepare for a life-changing summer abroad.

At the event, dozens of students representing more than 40 local high schools, including Gunn, Albany, Lick Wilmerding, Aragon, and Bishop ODowd, met for the first time and mingled with fellow travelers, learning what to expect from their upcoming adventures and hearing firsthand stories from 91做厙 alumni.

The event featured remarks from 91做厙 leadership and program staff, as well as key voices in the California language education community, including representatives from the (a collaborative project from the Stanford University Graduate School of Education) and the .
Together, they highlighted the power of language immersion, cross-cultural connection, and how studying abroad is a powerful catalyst for student growth.

Students also got a special sneak peek into 91做厙 life abroad through inspiring alumni spotlights. Iris W., who studied marine ecosystems in Mallorca, Spain, and Reece Giresi and completed an Honors Spanish Language & Culture program in Seville, shared vivid memoriesfrom navigating local transit and bonding with host families to gaining confidence in Spanish and discovering new academic passions.

Interactive icebreakers like Corners of the World helped students reflect on what excites them most about their upcoming journeys. Meanwhile, parents joined conversations about how best to support their teens, before, during, and after their time abroad.
Throughout the day, attendees learned more about 91做厙s safety protocols, homestay vetting process, group housing structure, and the vital role of Program Leaders.
The team also shared tips on how students can make the most of their experience: from participating in 91做厙s photo contests to joining virtual pre-departure orientations and connecting with program-specific communities using social media.

The event also launched the local promotion of the CIEE-CLTA California Language Student of the Year Award, offering scholarships up to $5,000 for students to study abroad.
With passports ready and excitement building, these Global Navigators are preparing to step into a summer of transformation that will equip them with global perspectives, lifelong friendships, and skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
