Sophomore Simone Smith was accepted into the class of 2014-2015 School Year Abroad in Spain and plans on studying abroad her junior year.

School Years Abroad is a program that allows students to study abroad in China, Italy, France, and Spain. Studying Spanish since seventh grade, Smith will spend her junior year studying in Spain. She tried out for SYA, determined that it would be a good experience for her.

“I have always been curious about the world around me,” Smith said. “Once I found out about SYA, I knew that it was the best thing I could do in my time in high school.”

Smith was required to write three essays, have an interview, send in her transcript, and receive four teachers and a counselor recommendation. Smith started all her applications in Oct. and received her acceptance mail in March.

“My friends and families helped answer a lot of questions and helped me with my application,” Smith said. “I worked really hard in writing my essay and was stressed while during the application process. One family friend of mine really helped me with all the questions I had about the applications.”

Haven’t been out of the country in a long time, Smith is excited about going abroad.

“I haven’t been out of the country since I was three years old,” Smith said. “I’m excited for the experience I will have living abroad with another family. I’m sad to leave my friends and family here, but I know that I’ll be back senior year.”

Smith is very delighted with her decision to study abroad in Spain that she has no room to be nervous.

“As of right now, I don’t have any worries,” Smith said. “I’m more excited than worried. Maybe once I get closer to September I’ll get nervous.”