St. Thomas Aquinas High School Student Receives Full Scholarship to Spend Two Weeks in South Korea

CIEE: The Council on International Educational Exchange, a world-leader in international education and student exchange, has announced the acceptance of St. Thomas Aquinas High School student Phoebe Rafferty (class of 2013) of Durham, NH to a prestigious Scholarship to South Korea from August 9-22 2011. Phoebe is one of 100 high school students selected to participate in the third annual South Korea Scholarship Program for high school students, which is referred to in Korea as the Korea – US Youth Network. Students will be hosted by Yonsei University South Korea’s oldest and most acclaimed university located in Seoul, South Korea. Participants will attend academic lectures, tours, and cultural excursions throughout the program, with the intention of fostering understanding and diplomacy between the U.S. and South Korea.

In August, Phoebe will set off to represent the United States and St. Thomas Aquinas High School. The program begins in one of five U.S. gateway cities, where students will be met by CIEE representatives who will provide them with a pre-departure orientation to prepare them for their experience abroad.

As part of the application process, Phoebe wrote an essay describing how she will contribute to the process of building an amicable and cooperative relationship between Korea and the United States. In her essay she noted that, if she were to be chosen as a participant, she would share with young people her experiences and adventures in Korea. As a member of the STA International Club, Phoebe will have plenty of opportunity to share her experiences. She, along with fourteen members of the International Club, have been able to share personal experiences with fellow St. Thomas students, as well as have had the opportunity to share their own cultural experiences with other local schools.

“I love adventure,” said Phoebe. “I like to visit new places and experience new cultures.”

St. Thomas is thrilled that Phoebe was awarded this Scholarship from CIEE. CIEE and St. Thomas have worked together over the past year to develop a successful international student program at the school. If you are interested in learning more about the St. Thomas program or hosting an international student, please contact Admissions Director Patty Krupsky.

Located in Dover, NH, St. Thomas Aquinas High School is a coeducational, Catholic high school community where young people are called to be challenged academically, to stretch their hearts spiritually and to embark on a journey to make a difference. For more information, visit STA at www.stalux.org or call (603) 742-3206.