Placer High School senior, Jamison Celio, recently traveled to Morocco to begin studying abroad on an 80,000 dollar grant. 

Celio was given this amazing opportunity after receiving a grant from the  National Security Language Initiative for Youth, which is funded by the US Department of state.

“I applied for the Arabic section and got accepted for the Rabat, Morocco cohort,” explained Celio. “The application was similar to a college application and I had an interview as well.”

The grant covers flights, food, housing, and anything a student could need while studying abroad. Its value could range from $50,000 to $80,000, that’s including tuition.

“I’ll be studying for 8 months,” stated Celio, “and in that time I won’t be able to come home ever.”

Celio is referring to this current school year where he will need to stay in Morocco the entire time.

Celio will be studying the Arabic language and culture full-time, with grammar and calligraphy classes. Celio will also be doing a lot of volunteer work, teaching English to residents of Morocco among other things. Celio chose Arabic as his target language, and Morocco is the only country that has a cohort for a year.

“Morocco’s main languages are Arabic and French, so translation will be a bit easier since I have some experience in French,” expressed Celio. “My host family will not speak any English, so that’ll be fun.”

Celio is very grateful and excited for this opportunity to experience a new culture and learn more about his target language.

“I’ve always wanted to study abroad,” said Celio, “but I’ve always been worried about expenses.” 

Celio’s dream in life has always been to travel and learn about foreign cultures different from the one he has always known in Auburn, and thanks to the National Security language scholarship, his dream is coming true.

“My family isn’t investing any money into this program, and that is ideal for me,” Celio said.  “Travelling is very important to me, and I’m so grateful for this opportunity and to be on scholarship while doing it.”

Celio has left on his journey to Morocco and will return in 8 months. He is excited to return with new ideas about the world itself, and he looks forward to sharing his newfound knowledge and experiences with his friends and family.