Isabelle continued on to Dartmouth College after attending the Spring 2013 Alzar School semester. Isabelle notes how learning to kayak has been a metaphor for the larger personal growth of the semester, her marked growth with persistence and determination. Isabelle says, “this semester has prepared me to face challenges headstrong and with confidence.”
"Alzar is a fantastic opportunity for young people of all ability levels to spend time with a uniquely motivated group of peers exploring the world and developing their leadership skills. The programs are geared towards and inspired by suggestions from students. Beyond outdoor adventures, the social atmosphere of the program is beyond compare. Students come from all across the country with unique stories, talents, and backgrounds, but all with the commonality of saying "yes" to this amazing adventure. Both the Idaho and Chile campuses are gorgeous, fully equipped, and extremely comfortable for all students. While academics are rigorous, students have ample time to explore their surroundings, take fun trips to explore local areas, relax, and spend time with each other."
Michael joined Alzar for the Spring of his junior year and he notes that "Alzar School is a life-changing experience." After graduating high school, Michael continued on to Bowdoin College, where he majored in physics and has subsequently pursued a career in the aerospace industry.
Abby, now an engineer and private pilot, notes that "Alzar helped me find lifelong friends, cultivated my desire to explore, and equipped me with the interpersonal skills I needed to become more independent and confident. Each day was filled with laughter and adventure, in and out of the classroom. I chose to attend Alzar because I wanted to diversify my high-school experience, and this program was certainly successful in helping me achieve that. I now have a passion for cultural exchange, leadership, and outdoor adventure, as well as a broader perspective of the world."
Laura's son Scott attended one of Alzar's short programs for teenagers. She saw the growth in her son over the long term. “Scott has said many times, point blank, that this was the best experience in his life. You can read about something, you can see something, or you can live something — and the impact of living something is ten-fold greater.”
"The most engaging part of academic classes at the Alzar School for me was the small class sizes which allowed for more in-depth conversations. Coming from a public school where classes tend to be bigger and curriculum is more mandated, it was a breath of fresh air to be surrounded by peers equally excited to learn. I enjoyed the organic conversations that were able to occur about class content and I loved the Harkness Discussions."
Originally from Barcelona, Spain, Miguel's family lived abroad most of his life (just before Alzar, he was living in Jakarta). By joining a semester, he brought an international perspective to our community and found a community that felt like home.
Chadaeveyia looked forward to Spanish class every day, and found her group to be a new family away from home. In her semester, she found herself trying many new activities and using her leadership daily.
"We'd like to thank you again for providing such an incredible experience for Sam. He returned home standing a bit taller (both physically and emotionally) and has clearly gained a greater appreciation and love for the outdoors. We have enjoyed hearing about Sam's new friendships, relationships with teachers, and expedition adventures. Sam came away from this academic year with stronger communication skills and lifelong connections with his friends. This has been a true gift."
"I will literally be a personal testimony to anyone interested. I believe in this program and I love it. It changed my life... Everyone should do this. You took us places we could never have gone alone and gotten the same meaning out of it. It was worth every penny. More experiences like this need to exist for students. THANK YOU!!!!"
