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December 18, 2024 | Article

Discovering a New Path

Laura, a student at Colégio Objetivo DF in Guará, Brazil, found herself drawn to the Hudson Global Scholars U.S. Dual Diploma Program, an online American high school program she could pursue alongside her regular studies in Brazil. From the start, she was intrigued by the possibilities. “When I found out that I was going to join the program, I thought about the new possibilities and this new experience,” she recalls. “It’s a very different platform and program. It’s something new for me, and I thought about how advantageous this will be for me in the future, how it can help me go abroad for university.”

The decision to embark on this path wasn’t hers alone. When Laura came home excitedly telling her parents about the American high school program, they knew it was a decision worth considering as a family. “Laura told us about it and said, ‘Mom, Dad, look at this American high school program,’” her mother remembers. Laura urged them to attend a video conference to hear the details. They all gathered to listen, discussing it together afterward. Ultimately, they decided to let Laura take on this international challenge.

New Experiences: New Confidence

For Laura’s family, this wasn’t just a chance for Laura to study a new curriculum—it was a way to strengthen her language skills and expand her cultural knowledge. Her father viewed it as a step forward for her, “a deeper understanding of the English language, and consequently, the possibility of opening new doors for her in the job market.” And so, the family’s commitment to supporting Laura in this endeavor took root.

Since starting the U.S. Dual Diploma program, Laura has gained experiences she never anticipated. “The experience has been really cool,” she says. “I’m learning a lot of things I never thought I’d have the opportunity to learn, and it is very rewarding for me to be part of this program.” She also appreciates the personal benefits. “I’ve been participating in new experiences that really build me up as a person, because I’m in my teens; I’m growing up, so it has been great for me.” Laura’s family has watched her confidence and skills grow as she tackles new projects and activities that push her beyond the familiar.

Watching Progress Unfold

Laura’s parents have been thrilled to witness her progress. Her mother beams with pride as she talks about her daughter’s dedication and performance: “Laura gets excellent grades. In fact, she is a great student.” As they watch her English improve, they’ve also noticed her increased curiosity about the world around her. “From the moment you have subjects different than we have in Brazil, it brings exposure to a different culture,” her mother observes, “and it creates an opportunity for her to look at things from a different perspective.” Laura’s expanding knowledge has sparked her curiosity to explore American culture further, prompting her to research and discover more.

The program’s flexibility has also been a perfect fit for Laura’s lifestyle, allowing her to maintain a structured routine while adapting it to her other activities. She appreciates the interactive nature of her classes, which include videos, activities, and projects that require her to explore different subjects. She appreciates that the platform is very dynamic, which helps her to balance schoolwork with her daily life: “I can set my routine, my schedule, and follow it exactly according to how I like to study.”

A Vision of Success

Laura’s parents now envision a future shaped by her international education experience. Her mother imagines Laura thriving in university, saying, “I see a girl entering university in two or three years, having a wonderful career that she enjoys.” Her parents hope her experience will give her options that lead to a fulfilling life beyond a high salary. “Success is about doing something what you like to do.” Her father has similar hopes: “I imagine she will be in university in the United States, working there in the future as well, all as a result of the learning she is doing in this American high school.”

This journey hasn’t been without challenges. Laura’s parents understand that not every student might be ready for the demands of the U.S. Dual Diploma program. “They need to get into a routine; they need to adapt,” her mother explains. Laura’s love for the English language and her fascination with American culture have made it easier for her to embrace this commitment.

From a benefits point of view, her mother sees only positives as she marvels at her daughter’s improvement in English. “She sings in English. She listens to accelerated audios in English…I say ‘Daughter are you able to understand this?’ and she says ‘Mom, I understand everything!’”

Building a Bridge to the World

Laura’s experience earning an American diploma has given her much more than academic knowledge; it has provided her with a broader worldview and a sense of confidence in navigating diverse cultures. She has become fluent in English and developed an appreciation for learning about life beyond her home country. “She’s adding experiences and subjects to her world that she would never have here in Brazil,” her mother shares. They are proud to see her confidence grow, to hear her explain what she’s learning, and to know that she feels prepared for a world of new opportunities.”

The decision to embark on this international education journey has brought Laura’s family closer as they collectively support her goals and ambitions. For them, it has been a way to give Laura a glimpse of the global world while staying close to home. They know that with the skills she’s acquiring, she’ll be ready to step into the future with confidence and excitement. And for Laura, the experience has been both empowering and enriching—a platform to dream big, learn deeply, and reach her highest potential.

International education at home may not be the traditional path, but for families like Laura’s, it’s a journey that brings the world a little closer, fostering independence, curiosity, and a spirit of exploration that can last a lifetime.

Watch Laura and her family’s full testimonial below!