The Dual Diploma Program offers students the chance to obtain both their country’s graduation title and the American High School Diploma. For me, this program stands for several benefits and opportunities. It gives me the chance to improve my English, not only by working assignments in this language, but also by reading the materials and contacting my teachers. The materials in the English course aren’t only grammar and vocabulary, they are also focused on writing and using tools that improve my writing skills in my mother language.
Besides learning English, I’ve also acquired some knowledge on certain issues that I wouldn’t have gained otherwise. I mean, we learn contents in the Life Management Skills course that differ from the typical subjects studied at school. These topics include stuff like creating an effective study plan, budgeting and analyzing the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) personality types.
Within the Dual Diploma program, I met Ben Lesser, a Holocaust survivor of the Auschwitz, Dachau and Buchenwald Concentration Camps. I would like to highlight I found his talk enormously interesting and emotive.
Although submitting tasks every week or having monthly meetings takes a lot of effort and commitment, the results are worthy. I’ve had a very pleasant experience with my teacher as well. She has always been supportive and encouraging, and she’s never hesitated to stay longer after a meeting to solve doubts or help.
In the end, the Diploma title allows you to study in the USA, which is always an appealing encouragement but the benefits of taking up this program go far beyond. Consequently, I’m thrilled to be part of this experience and hope to remain until I get it.
By Lucía Viñuales (alumna de 3º ESO Colegio Madre María Rosa Molas-Zaragoza)
