Chrissy Fawley's Most Excellent Adventure

By Diane Saltzman '98
A Year Abroad Diane Saltzman The 1997-'98 school year means something different to all of us. For some it will be the beginning, for some the end. For Chrissy Fawley, a member of the Class of '99, it will be the experience of a lifetime. On September 15 she leaves for Barcelona, Spain where she will complete her junior year of high school. Chrissy learned of the program, Phillips Academy School Year Abroad, from a representative who came to Class Meeting. It is a competitive program through a well-renowned school, and should prove to be everything that Chrissy hopes it to be.

When making any changes in life a fear of the unknown is involved. However, Chrissy has managed to turn the mystery into excitement. She looks forward to her independence and is incredibly excited to break away from the familiarity of home. It is Chrissy's first time away. She knows nothing of her Spanish family or the other members of the group and will not until she arrives in Spain.

The American group will fly into Barcelona on Thursday for a brief orientation in a small country town. On Monday, school begins. That brief period will give Chrissy time to become familiar with the people that she will be spending her days with. Phillips Academy Andover faculty teach challenging academic classes: history,science courses are not offered. All classes are taught in Spanish except for math. Chrissy is nervous about her Spanish but feels that she has taken enough to get by. The school day is shortened in order to give the students time to explore the richness of the city. According to Spanish custom, the students return home for lunch and take part in siesta. The group takes excursions on the weekends and independent travel is strongly encouraged.

Chrissy has spent the summer exploring the things that Spain has to offer through books, pictures, movies and the internet, but she says that she really needs to experience Spanish life first hand. The group is encouraged to immerse themselves in the Spanish culture and need only follow three rules: NO CHEATING, NO DRUG USE, NO DRIVING. Drinking is allowed and the students will find it to be a large part of Spanish culture.

Chrissy said that the hardest part of the whole process was deciding to apply. Although she has had some doubts she knows she made the right decision. She thanks everyone for being so supportive and she looks forward to senior year at GA We at home wish her the best of luck and can't wait to hear about her year!