Reflections, 2025: Our student yearbook

Our Students

Meet Farther Foundation’s 2025 class of student travelers. They have shared their experiences with us, and now, we share them with you in our annual yearbook, Reflections.

mission and vision

Too many students in and around Chicago live in communities defined by historic inequities, disinvestment, and lack of opportunities based on race, ethnicity, and other factors unrelated to their talents and aspirations.

Farther Foundation enables students to experience the wider world through educational travel. Our students become immersed in new cultures, provide community service, cultivate leadership potential and attain personal growth. Inspired by their experience, our program alumni return home with new skills, confidence, and enthusiasm—ready to take on new challenges in school and in life.

impact

100% of our alumni graduate from high school, 98% go on to college, and 87% graduate or remain on-track to graduate college.

videos

Some of our students chose to make videos to share their experiences with us — Check them out!

giselle

“Before the trip, I often defined happiness by achievements or the things I had, but now I see it differently. Happiness is built in small moments like, sharing tea, making bread, being surrounded by the people you love and finding pride in what you do. That lesson has made me more mature, more reflective, and more grateful.”

Giselle traveled to Morocco where she engaged in community service while immersing herself in the language and culture of this unique land.

Jaylen

“By the end of the month, the nervousness I felt at the beginning had completely faded. I felt comfortable navigating the city, speaking the language, and connecting with people from different backgrounds. But more than that, I had found something unexpected—I had met my second family. My host parents and their daughters, my roommates, and the friends I made through the program had become part of my daily life in a way that felt permanent. I wasn’t just visiting anymore. I wasn’t a tourist. I had become a local, and leaving felt like saying goodbye to home.”

Jaylen spent his summer in Barcelona.

cecilia

“Being in China with the help of scholarships like the Farther Foundation, I realized I was on a trip of a lifetime. This was my opportunity to learn about myself, what it means to be independent, and meet different people from around the world. I was traveling to a country that most people don’t get the opportunity to visit and I was living, learning, and immersing myself in it.”

cris

“During our classes we would go on an activity and explore certain parts of the city like the gothic quarter. The Gothic Quarter is the oldest part of Barcelona and we went on a tour through the entire neighborhood. My favorite days were Friday’s. Every Friday we had shortened classes and were able to spend the rest of the day with our friends or host families.”

Cris (far right) participated in a language and culture program in Barcelona.

Whitney

“I learned how to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. I no longer silenced my broken Mandarin. Instead, I confidently stumbled through mispronunciations, gesturing when I ran out of words. I shifted my embarrassments into small victories that celebrated my bravery at being able to somewhat communicate in Mandarin. Instead of laughing at me, locals delightfully guided me through Shanghai. Somewhere between misreading menus and asking for directions, I began to feel less like a burden, but more like an independent woman in Shanghai’s rhythm.”

Zenaida

“My trip to Ghana was one of the most interesting and eye-opening experiences I’ve ever had. One of the most powerful parts of the visit was when we stood in the same water that was once used to clean enslaved people before they were sold. I stood quietly in the shallow river, thinking about the pain that had passed through there. As a group, we poured libation, which is an African tradition of honoring the ancestors—by gently pouring water into the earth and saying prayers. It was a spiritual and emotional moment, and it helped me connect more deeply to the history.This part of the trip reminded me how important it is not just to learn about history, but to remember it in a real, respectful way. Being there in person made me realize the true impact of slavery—not just in numbers, but in the lives and stories of real people. It’s something I’ll carry with me forever.”

andrea

“This opportunity at Boston University not only gave me an idea of what it is to be independent, away from home and family, but also pushed me to really be myself, away from my comfort zone. I got to experience what living alone is like, starting from the ground up to build a place in which I can live and a place in which I can have friends and feel totally okay with the person I am projecting out there: myself.”

Anthony

“I felt I was being consumed by school, and technology, being at a disconnect with nature and the world around me. This trip felt like the beginning of something special, a unique experience in my life in which everything was different, but in a good way. I would be able to rekindle a bond for the outdoor world and try new things which I had never done before. Feeling immersed in Norway from the beginning, I knew this trip was for me. It felt like a perfect way to try something new, and outside my comfort zone. ”

ariana

"Putney School taught me numerous skills and life experiences that I’ll always take with me. It gave me the freedom to create my own art projects, the confidence to believe in myself, and the courage to talk to unfamiliar faces. While being far from home, I've learned to adapt to their schedule and make the most of my time here. As the days went by everything became simpler and more manageable. No longer did I feel dread but instead hope for what the day may bring.’”

max

“Growing up in a low-income household, I never traveled outside of the country, but after this trip, I felt so much more independent. I loved all the people I met, my peers and the CIEE staff . Everyone always seemed to have a smile on their face, and the biggest takeaway I got from my program abroad would definitely be the relationships I made. I met some of the brightest and amazing people. My friends came from so many different cultures, and being able to live with them while navigating a whole new culture independently really made me much more mature. I feel so much stronger and smarter than before this program.”

jennifer

“If my homestay has taught me anything, it would be to always have an open mind when meeting new people. For me, meeting my host family was a blessing in disguise. Living with a host family wasn’t just some other home away from home, it was its own adventure of finding comfort and adapting to an unfamiliar place. Now that I’ve returned home, I think of my younger sisters and parents often. I miss the familiar smell of my host mom’s cooking, the jokes my host dad and I would make together, fine tuning my Korean with Hyolyn, and making paper lanterns with Hyodam. I would give anything to do it all over again. While we may not be together anymore, I’m extremely grateful I found a family 6,573 miles from where I was born.”

brayan

“Before this summer, the idea of spending three weeks at a college felt both exciting and terrifying. I got into Carleton College’s Summer Liberal Arts Institute for their Computational Solutions program and I was happy to be given this opportunity, yet the feeling of nervousness never left. Neither of my older siblings ever left home for college since they both commuted so this felt like I was jumping into something completely new. I didn’t know if I’d fit in, make friends, or even handle being away from home that long.

That first night my whole floor had a meeting.We all opened up about ourselves with icebreakers and I met cool people. Cian from Brooklyn has his pilot license and flies planes, Oliver from Minneapolis runs a radio station segment in the afternoons, William from Beijing is basically a professional at ping pong; these are just some of the interesting people I became friends with. A good memory we all shared was on our first night, we stayed up late and talked about where we were from and what our lives were like. Even though everyone came from different places, some even from Japan, China, and Korea, we all wanted to connect. It made me feel comfortable, which isn’t normal for me in a new space.”

sania

“Hawaii itself was more than a new location for me. It was a teacher. Being immersed in the culture and nature taught me about the value of respect, balance, and responsibility. Learning about the Hawaiian people's traditions and their deep connection to the earth made me realize that I do make a difference, even in little things. Whether holding on to garbage, being respectful of sacred places, or just taking the time to notice the beauty in everything around me, I returned home with a better sense of control in the world I live in. I now feel more conscious of my role in society. Not as a recipient, but as a giver who repays and looks after the world and individuals that surround me.”

Campus Experiences

This past summer, our students lived and studied on Prep-school and college campuses including: Brown, Yale, Carleton, Johns Hopkins, Stanford and more. They learned time management, good study habits, and how to do laundry. They learned they could do college level work. Plus, they made friends from across the country and around the world, discovering that diversity is a strength to be valued in themselves and others.

amy

“The places I visited, such as Monza, Lake Como, Venice, art museums, and architecture rooms, articulated my understanding of the culture in Italy as a whole. From the precision of the artist in paintings and buildings, to the tendency of taking care of each art piece, I learned that the value of their culture is to preserve it and expand it beyond its country”

jaylen

“I now have the confidence to forge ahead into the future and handle obstacles in a more positive frame of mind that better fosters resolution. By comparing the person I was before the program with who I am today, I can see quite clearly that my outlook on life has changed. Now I can look at myself more clearly as an individual who is also committed and self-aware. I have expanded my grasp of where I belong in society; no longer just a single unit separated from everyone else but someone with different identities and responsibilities which extend beyond oneself.”

jeyli

“That day I arrived, I met my host family. I was so nervous. I really wanted to make a good impression but worried about the language barrier, but at the same time I was excited for this new chapter of my life. They were amazing hosts who had planned out something every day for a whole month to give me the best experience in Korea. The best moments with them were going hiking at night, visiting Changgyeonggung Palace, and making or trying Korean traditional food like kimbap, jajjamyeong noodles, etc. I was so thankful to have them as my host family. They didn’t just open their home door for me but opened their lives and time to make sure I was enjoying every moment I was with them. Being welcomed by them in such a loving way reminds me that even when you are far away from familiar places, there are people that can make you feel like you belong.”

antonella

“Being part of this program taught me just how deeply public policy shapes our everyday lives. Everything from traffic lights to the upkeep of public spaces. Seeing those connections made me more aware of the choices I make and the systems behind them. But the growth I experienced went beyond awareness. I practiced listening closely and sharing my perspective confidently, even when conversations got complex. Collaborating with people who were just as passionate as I am sharpened my ability to communicate clearly and respectfully.”

Antonella went to Oxford University in England.

Christian

“We left the youth hostel and traveled 6 hours by bus to Dochodo Island. This was the most unforgettable time during the whole experience. Dochodo Island was beautiful and had many breathtaking sites. But the island’s features were not why it was unforgettable. We were also there with local Korean high school students. We had so much planned each day with the other students. I had so much fun interacting and playing with them. All of us created such close connections with the students that it was sad to say goodbye at the end of the week.”

david

“Not only did I learn about climate change, but I also learned more about my own language. One of my favorite parts was taking Spanish classes. I didn’t think I was going to enjoy them as much as I did. I figured the ABC’s were easy. I already spoke the language, how hard could it be? But I was in for a surprise. I was challenged in a way that I couldn’t imagine. More importantly, my teachers, Jenny and Eva, showed me how fun and meaningful learning could be. They were some of the kindest and funniest people I met. Their passion for teaching made me realize how valuable education is. It’s not just for mastering a subject, but also for shaping the way we see the world. Their curiosity encouraged me to be more curious about the Spanish language too.”

David’s time in Costa Rica impacted him in many ways.

dureti

“When I first arrived in Madrid, I felt overwhelmed. Everything was in Spanish, and while I could understand a few words here and there, I had a hard time keeping up. Ordering food, asking for directions, or even just making small talk felt like a challenge. However, instead of giving up, I pushed myself to keep trying. I listened carefully, asked questions, and made mistakes and started applying the Spanish I was learning from my professor. Progressively, my Spanish began to improve. By the end of the trip, I could hold real conversations and understand the people around me in a way I never thought I could. That growth made me realize how much I enjoy speaking Spanish, and how much I want to continue learning it.”

diego

“The most powerful part of the trip came from our time at EnriquezArte, a small community center in the heart of Barcelona. The center was led by a man who dedicated his life to improving his neighborhood, blending art, personal growth, and service into a shared space of creativity and belonging. Watching people of all ages and backgrounds come together in that center made me think about the meaning of service in a new way. It wasn’t about doing something for someone else and then leaving, it was about creating spaces where everyone could thrive together. The energy of EnriquezArte showed me that community is not just received but built, and that service is not an obligation but a responsibility we share as human beings.”

giselle

“That's when we saw two little kids playing soccer. We made an impulsive decision to join them, which might be a little crazy, just two foreign kids wanting to play soccer not evening knowing French like that. We asked if we could play with them, they were speechless because obviously we didn’t speak French. I only know the basics and the numbers. I just pointed at me and my friend and the two of them and rolled the ball. They nodded and said “oui”. We started 2 vs 2 but eventually more kids started to join us. Although we didn't speak the same language we communicated through a ball and trees. We used the trees as goal posts.”

Giselle took chances in France, like engaging local kids in a soccer game.

itzel

“Before this study abroad program, my plans for the future were concrete. Graduate high school, go to college, find a good job, and travel whenever there is a chance. However, the more time I spent away from home and reflected, I realized that there are so many different paths to choose from, and I don’t have to follow the same one others choose to do. It was the teachings from my professor, entrepreneur guest speakers, and my classmates that taught me the importance of understanding oneself to truly determine what I want in life. Hearing their experiences only added and inspired mine. It changed my mindset to one that motivates me to explore this new found independence to navigate this new version of myself. I feel as though now, there are so many different opportunities waiting for me that I have yet to discover and pursue.”

Itzel took classes and immersed herself in the culture of Singapore.

ian

“The classes at Le Cordon Bleu were amazing; the equipment, the vibe, and the type of cuisine we were able to indulge in expanding my ideas for my future into a greater view. One of the first dishes we made was a Chicken Fricassee with potatoes and it wasn’t simple to cook, for example to prep the chicken we had to coat it in flour and lightly brown it and set into the oven. After you have to deglaze onions with wine and create the sauce for the dish out of the jeux from the chicken and the onions, it simply wasn’t like anything I had cooked at home. The method of cooking and techniques were like a well orchestrated harmony from a choir. Every part played into how perfect your dish came out.”

elizabeth

“Our host mom would call us downstairs to make sure we ate. Her smile filled up pretty much the entire room. There was one time when we made strawberry ice cream. We were all laughing and talking about life. This is where I learned how I truly need to start opening myself to more people because I knew it would make so many memories. I loved spending time with my roommate and my host family. If I had never come out of my shelf, I probably wouldn’t be so

close to my host family or my roommate. They made me feel comfortable. I felt like I could tell them everything, and I did. We would always take pictures together and would always tell them what they recommended for us to do. To this day, I miss them so much.”

Elizabeth spent her summer in Seville, Spain.

guadalupe

“At just 16, I navigated Rome on my own—a daunting yet exhilarating experience. Coming from an immigrant background, I recognized how rare and meaningful this opportunity was. Many in my family have long dreamed of standing where I stood. That awareness deepened my appreciation and made me more open and compassionate toward people of all backgrounds. I remember observing passengers on the Roman trains—each one from a different culture, yet all sharing a common space in a historic, vibrant city. It was humbling.”

javier

Javier’s program took him to Japan to explore the language and culture.

melanie

“I learned to make various connections in this program, like the one I made with my host mom. She took in 3 girls from the study abroad program, and she was the kindest human being ever. She cared for us so much and treated us like one of her daughters.”

Melanie was immersed in the language and culture of Spain.

michiko

“We visited a lot of temples for our day trips, they were beautiful and quiet places. Temple culture in Japan fascinates me. The closeness and intimacy within temples is at a level I’ve never seen before. Pleading prayers, quiet solidarity, and familial tradition.”

natalyah

“One big thing I realized is that I have a voice, and it matters. I used to think, “What can I really do? I’m just one person.” But this experience showed me that even small things can make a difference, and that being young doesn’t mean I can’t lead or inspire change. It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers, rather it’s about caring and trying. I guess you could say I grew up a little through all of it. This experience taught me that trying, even when things are hard, is a kind of strength. I started to see failure differently, I see it not as something to be ashamed of, but as something that helps me grow.”

Natalyah spent part of her summer in Spain learning the culture and language and studying marine ecosystems.

raegan

“Snap. Snap. Click. Click. What I heard at least twice a day during my month in China as a 5 '8, 17 year-old Black girl. The sounds of cameras flashing, the looks of confused astonishment, and the locals’ strong urge to grab strands of my hair whenever in close proximity.

Before my study abroad program, I had heard of instances like these because it was so rare to see someone of my background in a place like China, but I wasn’t exactly expecting to be treated as a foreigner since I had such a large exposure of the language and culture. I had been learning Mandarin since first grade, going on field trips to Chinatown with my class, making dumplings, and using chopsticks early on. We would even celebrate the major holidays and traditions that made up Chinese history. Chinese culture was nothing new to me, which is why I was shocked to see how many jaws dropped during my time there.”

roman

“This summer, I went to Berlin, Germany for a study abroad program on engineering and innovation. I am now more equipped for my future in engineering. This program has shown me what to expect as an engineer in my daily life, from solving common issues to developing new theories.”

sarah

“I learned tons of history while exploring Toulouse. Toulouse is nicknamed "La Ville Rose," or the Pink City, due to the fact that many of its buildings are constructed from rosy bricks. Walking through the town is like walking back in time. Cafes and bakeries on every corner, people cycling to each destination, and families and friends enjoyed the town together in the evenings. Life seemed to move at a slower pace, but in a nice way. At home I'm always racing from activity to activity, but in Toulouse I noticed how people really did take their time; either a two-hour dinner or just a walk by the river. That slower pace of life also taught me to notice little things more, such as greeting someone when you enter a store or just slowing down while I eat.”

sofia

“Once in Paris, I was taken to my host family’s house, in which I met my host mom and my roommate, who’d soon grow to become one of my best friends. I lived with a single mother whose daughter had already moved out, and so she met me with nothing but the kindest heart. She welcomed a stranger into her home and eased my transition so incredibly much that once I was there, I almost forgot about the fear that had been building up to that moment. My roommate, Lucia, got to Paris before me, and so she helped me move my things into our bedroom. We clicked almost instantly, with us spending the night talking away.”

jocelyn

“Making friends made the trip worth it. I made a little friend group of five and we all went out to places to explore the foods, specifically, but also landmarks of Seoul. We tried animal cafes with cute cats, delicious cakes, and drinks that felt like you were in heaven. We talked about our future, and it honestly felt like we had been friends forever. I truly am enlightened that I was able to meet such amazing people who strive to be better, because they taught me that I should also strive to reach my goals.”

jurni

“Being in Rabat, and meeting everyone I met was truly the happiest time of my life. Our director at the center, Madiha, gave us a lesson on Islam. It was truly enlightening and beautiful to see the passion she exuded when speaking about her religion. My favorite part was the teaching of the word “Subhanallah”. It’s a word of exclamation and praise in the presence of something awesome and beautiful. As someone who loves nature and wants to pursue wildlife ecology, I saved this word in the back of my mind. It felt right to use it on the way to Marrakesh.”

Thank you so much for supporting our students and their future.

• Your tax-deductible donations make life- changing experiences possible.

• Farther Foundation is a 501(C)(3) charitable scholarship organization.

The Board of Directors, Farther Foundation

David Weindling
Susan J. White
Melissa Coughlin
Nina Ricci
Ed Cruickshank
Matt Crossett