Gebril asserted that as a result of his involvement in the diverse Phoenix community, the immersion experience in Arizona was multicultural. As well, Gebril credits his host family in large part for his enhanced multiculturalism, embracing him in their Mexican American culture and traditions. “My host family really had an international mindset, like me. They welcomed me into their home with open arms and took me to many places in Arizona like museums and the 911 Memorial.” An experience that Gebril believes helped to foster his burgeoning multiculturalism was when his host family took him to Mexico over the holiday break. His host family and their Mexican relatives shared their home, farm-fresh meals, their culture, and Christmas traditions with Gebril. On Christmas Eve, his new extended family shared their annual tradition of lighting sparklers together and on New Year’s Eve they celebrated with fireworks. It was a bonding experience for Gebril and he appreciated being so accepted and loved by his multinational family. For him, it was somewhat reminiscent of his own experience of visiting his French- speaking relatives in Morocco and being immersed in the best of French and Moroccan cultures in his home in Vichy, France.

But seven months into his program, everything changed. With increasing Covid-19 cases and deaths, South Pointe High School closed its doors and students shifted to online learning. “We had to stay at home and stay safe. We couldn’t go out. I was only involved in online school and just trying to keep busy at home.” Gone were the South Pointe Griffin’s soccer games, the afterschool club meetings, and gatherings with his school friends. “I didn’t want to get Covid. And if I did, going to the doctor is expensive in America. In France it’s free. I did not want to risk getting Covid here and having to go to the doctor.” Gebril quarantined with his host family and engaged in distance learning for one month, when he was given the heartbreaking news from his Local Coordinator. In the interest of safety, his exchange program agency was suspending all programs and sending students back to their home countries. “It was hard information to process. I knew then that I had to go back to reality, that my American dream was done. All of the memories I’ve made and all of the people I have met, I must now leave.”

Yet even as Gebril packed his belongings, said his difficult goodbyes to his host family, and headed back to France where his natural family was anxiously awaiting his return, he maintained a positive outlook on the situation. He shared that he was even more determined to return to America now. “So much of my drive and motivation came from my exchange experience in the US. This motivation will help guide my future education and career choices.” Indeed, it already has. Gebril has applied to 10 prestigious schools on the east coast, including Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, and is currently awaiting response. “I will be so happy to come back and study at university there and visit my American family and friends.” And Gebril fully intends to pay this experience forward, as he considers working in the field of study abroad in the future so that he can assist other French students in broadening their horizons through cultural exchange. Gebril has a deep understanding of the profound nature of international exchange and how it can help shape the trajectory of one’s life. “Besides mastering a new language, studying abroad is a life-changing experience that offers a new perspective on the world. It allows you to meet new people and gives you skills that you will use for the rest of your life.”