LINK Scholars Study Abroad
This summer, two LINK Scholars—Mariya Mason and Ari Jones—are taking part in life-changing international cultural exchange programs through our partnership with American Field Service (AFS), an organization that sends students around the world to learn, grow, and make a difference. AFS is a global nonprofit that offers students the chance to live with a host family, volunteer in local communities, and experience life in other cultures. For more than 75 years, AFS has provided students with opportunities to study abroad, experience new cultures firsthand, and develop the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly connected world.
Mariya Mason—Kenya
Mariya, a class of 2026 rising senior at Fenwick High School, will be studying abroad in Kenya this summer! Through a special partnership between LINK and AFS, along with generous support from donor Art Massolo, Mariya is able to participate in this transformational two-week immersive trip. Her program will focus on cultural exchange and helping homeless youth—an opportunity that really inspired her. “I have always centered my life around helping youth,” Mariah said. “When I saw that the Kenya program involved working with homeless youth, it drew me to Kenya more than any other program.”
During her trip, Mariah will be staying with a host family, volunteering, and learning about Kenyan culture and daily life. She is especially excited to experience life in a different setting and try new things. “I hope this experience can widen my view on so many things culturally and economically,” she said. “I want to see how other people live their lives outside of our country.” To get ready, Mariah is learning some native greetings, researching Kenyan customs, and completing the required online courses through AFS. Even though she has traveled without family before, she knows this trip will be a big step for her. “The hardest part will probably be adjusting when I first get there,” she said, “but I know I will be able to overcome it.”
Mariah looks forward to seeing a safari and spending time with her host family. “I am going in with an open mind, ready to learn,” she shared. Her trip illustrates the power of education, leadership, and service—values strongly aligned with the values LINK holds dear. We are so proud of Mariah, and we cannot wait to hear about her adventures when she returns!
Ari Jones—Denmark
Ari Jones, a class of 2026 rising senior at Whitney Young High School, will be spending several weeks living and learning in Denmark this summer! Through a special partnership between LINK and AFS, along with generous support from donor Art Massolo, Ari is able to participate in this fantastic five-week study abroad program, departing in early July. During her trip, Ari will be staying in a student dormitory, giving her the chance to connect with other international students and experience independent living. Her schedule will include Danish language classes to help her build basic communication skills, as well as elective courses such as world cooking, where she will be exploring global cuisines through hands-on lessons. Ari will also be participating in excursions and activities that introduce her to Danish culture, history, and landmarks.
“I have always wanted to study abroad,” Ari shared. “When I found out Denmark allowed 17-year-olds to live in a dorm instead of with a host family, it felt like the right fit for me, especially since it is my first time traveling abroad.” Ari originally hoped to study in Paris, but when that was not an option for her age group, she embraced the opportunity to discover Denmark. “Once I decided on Denmark, I started learning more about the culture, the language, and even started practicing Danish,” she said.
Ari is excited to step outside of her comfort zone and experience life in a new country. “I have been living here my whole life, but I want to see life somewhere else,” she explained. “I think learning about different lifestyles can help you with your own, and just seeing different ways of life is helpful in general.” She is also curious to experience Danish personality traits and values. “I have watched videos about Danish culture, and I found out they are very inquisitive, and I am very inquisitive too. I am excited to see how I fit in,” she said.
While Ari knows there may be challenges along the way, she is feeling confident and ready for her summer in Denmark. “I just want to experience something different,” she said. “I am more excited than nervous. Honestly, my mom is more scared than I am.” We are incredibly proud of Ari for taking this opportunity and for her courage in representing our community abroad. Through this AFS program, she will gain valuable life skills, cultural understanding, and unforgettable memories that will help shape her future.
Congratulations, Mariya and Ari! We’re so excited about the amazing growth you’ll experience while studying abroad this summer!
