Lyndy Explores Saumur

Grace Lyndy Heign

Since the inception of the Indiana University Honors Program in Foreign Language in 1962, thousands of students have been a part of the most proven study abroad program in the country. After a lengthy application process, I was accepted into this rigorous program.  

What makes this program differ from others is that it is built on three distinct pillars: language commitment, academic instruction, and host family experience. These pillars create a well-rounded linguistic and complete cultural immersion setting for a serious student.

To be able to take college level courses in grammar and linguistics while living among native speakers the summer before my senior year is truly a fulfillment of a long-held goal. I am grateful for being accepted into this program and plan to take advantage of every opportunity it affords me.  

This goal is becoming a reality with help from my friends and family around the globe.

My family and I are working hard at making this trip possible for me, but we are seeking sponsorship to help offset the expenses. I have taken a part time job cleaning houses, and I am saving every penny!

Bonjour! I am a seventeen-year-old homeschooled junior. I live in a little town with my mom and one of my three sisters.  I attend Project Ballet where I have been a classical ballet student for the past four years. My passions go beyond ballet. I am also an art student, and I love learning new languages. I have studied French, Latin, and Chinese. The French courses were my idea, the Latin was my mother’s idea, and I tried Chinese, I really tried!

While I may live in a small town, I have had several life experiences that are anything but small.
I traveled to China in 2012 on a mission trip with my family when I was 11 years old. While serving in local orphanages, I was taught humility, patience, and flexibility.  I had to trust that I could not solve the problems I encountered while in China, but I could learn to begin to be part of the solution for some of them.

In 2016 I went on another mission trip and traveled to Laos and Thailand where I was enthralled with the culture, language, and people of this remote region of the world.
 
I wish to expand my knowledge of the French language so that I can work as a translator or study the fine arts in France. While I am only seventeen, and it is highly plausible that my vocation plans may change in the next few years, the life applications I hope to gain from this trip will last a lifetime.

I will have opportunities to form new friendships, attend cultural and historical sites, and learn independence in a unique environment. By removing me from my comfortable surroundings, loved ones, and all that is familiar, I will learn things that cannot be taught in a traditional classroom. They must be experienced.

One must go.

Don't just exist.

Live.

By experiencing all that the Indiana University's Honors Program in Foreign Language has to offer, I will obtain the critical growth that everyone person should experience before heading off to college.

Among the benefits that IUHPFL provides are:

·         Classes and mentorship from  highly educated, well traveled instructors

·         Unforgettable excursions to sites of historical and cultural significance

·         Significantly increased proficiency in the target language

·         Increased clarity about academic and career goals

·         Cultural competency and global awareness

·         Increased self-confidence and problem solving skills

·         Lifelong friendships with peers and host families

·         Likelihood of placing into higher level foreign language courses in college

The program fee is $4900 and the group airfare is $1453. 
The final payment is due May 15!
I received $1000 of financial aid from IUHPFL
I have applied for a scholarship as well and will update you when I receive any news! 

Merci beaucoup!

Au revoir...