This is a special page created just for you -- the students! This page provides more insight on the Abbey Road experience, coming directly from our student alumni and summer staff.
Each month, we will "spotlight" a student alumnus or alumna, a summer staff member and one of our programs -- as well as newspaper articles and other materials. We hope you enjoy it!
2008 GreenTicket Scholarship Winners!
In the fall of 2007, Abbey Road Programs launched its environmentally conscious GreenTicket Scholarship Program. Students were offered a chance to earn a valuable scholarship towards an enriching summer study abroad experience, while at the same time making a positive impact on important environmental and social issues We are thrilled to introduce the students who were awarded this scholarship. Each of these excellent students is committed to the environment, and involved in making our planet a better place to live!
Matthew G. - San Diego, CA Matthew resides in San Diego, CA where his father is an organic farmer. His contribution to the environment includes: volunteering in projects with kids in marine biology, working with the Surf Rider Foundation, an oceanic environmental project. Matthew is also a member of his school’s "Key Club" which provides food, clothing, for relief efforts and cleans up beaches. His father’s farm also includes an oasis for endangered species of frogs, turtles, and birds. You can learn more about the Surf Rider Foundation at http://www.surfrider.org.
Daniella C. - West Palm Beach, FL A member of her school’s Environmental Science Club (ESC), Daniella takes the term “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” to heart every day! Whether it be by recycling everything in the house or conserving paper, she is committed to doing her part to help the planet. Daniella is also involved in Ocean Conservancy’s International Costal Cleanup, the world’s largest volunteer program devoted to keeping our beaches, oceans, and waterways clean and safe! If you would like more information on this program, please visit http://www.oceanconservancy.org.
Emma R. - Philadelphia,PA Emma takes the current state of our environment very seriously. She recognizes that what we do to our earth now will impact future generations. She is part of “Sustainable Schools” through Earth Force, an organization that supports student-run projects which help the environment! Through her school, Emma helped to protect a nearby stream that was constantly polluted. Lastly, she is currently working with her father to turn her condo Green! For more information about Earth Force, you can visit them on the web at http://www.earthforce.org.
Student Alumni Spotlight:
Cindy T., from Atlanta, GA
Hi, my name is Cindy. I had the time of my life spending a month in España with the Abbey Road Cádiz Residence Program in summer 2006. Each day was filled with the perfect balance between planned activities (e.g. windsurfing, salsa class) and free time to explore the city and meet the locals. There was always something to do, and that is what made each day an adventure. The Spaniards were all so friendly, always willing to show us directions or answer any questions.
I was and still am completely amazed that I was living the life of an actual Spanish teenager. We learn about different cultures in Spanish class in America but nothing can compete with actually being in Spain, speaking with Spaniards, eating the same food, and shopping at the same places. I owe so much to this program because it helped me realize that I want to pursue my love of languages in college. Furthermore, Abbey Road’s teachers and program directors are extremely helpful and a joy to be around. What made the transition from America to Spain so easy was that they were eager to answer questions and take suggestions for activities from all of us. Many times I went to go grab a café con leche with a teacher just to talk. These teachers were more than teachers: they were older siblings. They watched over us but at the same time gave us our space and freedom. Over all, this program helped me gain confidence and a love for cultures.
I learned how to mimic a southern Spanish accent, to judge if the crowd likes a certain matador by the type of call they use, and to live with no inhibitions. I come away from this program having friends from across the country and in Spain and a lifetime worth of memories. I could literally spend days telling all the funny, romantic, and absurd stories from Spain. Only Abbey Road would have allowed me all these opportunities, and for that, I recommend this program to anyone who is willing to experience a chance of a lifetime.
Staff Spotlight:
Janet Lawrence, RA Italian Civ. Program
Ciao, ragazzi! I'm Janet Lawrence, your Resident Advisor (RA) for the Italian Civilization Program this summer, back for a second year with Abbey Road. Last May, I graduated from Smith College with a BA in English Literature and Italian Studies. Since then, I've been teaching English to Italian schoolchildren in Florence. In my spare time, I tour with an Italian Indie rock band, and I enjoy the museums, the music, and, most importantly, the mangiare magnifico - all the delicious food that Italy can offer!
I'm coming back for a second summer with Abbey Road because my experience last year left such a positive impression on me! The students and the staff created a lively and dynamic group which became one of the most successful examples of community living I've ever seen. With whom else could I have battled the summer sun with a dip in a Roman fountain, or laughed my way through my cooking group's earnest attempts at veal parmesan? This year I'll be bringing back the afternoon yoga classes, the Tiramisu Competition (where various kitchens compete to make this Italian treat), the Dance Off at the teen discotheque, and lots more. I look forward to meeting you all for our adventures under the Tuscan sun!
Program Spotlight:
La Ville de Québec, Canada
Our Québec City Program will touch your soul and delight your senses -- and greatly improve your French! History, culture, language and fun come together in this wonderful city just across the border.
You will admire the blues, reds and stony greys of the 17th century buildings that line La Rue du Petit Champlain and La Place Royale. You will experience ‘la vie québecoise’ buying local produce and maple syrup at the Old Port Market, or listening to ‘chansonniers’ in a ‘boîte à chanson’ like ‘Chez Son Père’. You will savor the diverse aromas and flavors of La Rue Saint Jean and its restaurants, bakeries and ‘épiceries’. You will immerse yourself in the music of a French language so distinctive in its beauty and so colorful in its expression.
Matthew G. - San Diego, CA
Daniella C. - West Palm Beach, FL
Emma R. - Philadelphia,PA
