By the time he’s graduated high school, Oxford sophomore Paul Belmonte will have traveled to Australia, New Zealand and even South Africa.
‘The funny thing is I’ve never even been to Canada,? the 15-year-old joked.
Belmonte was lucky enough to be awarded an Award for Excellence scholarship from the American Field Service (AFS), a worldwide non-profit that has been leading international high school student exchanges for over 60 years, last month.
Beginning January of next year, Belmonte will travel to South Africa to spend 5? months, where he will get firsthand knowledge of what it is like to live as a member of a family, school and community in another culture.
Although most AFS scholarship winners would gasp at the thought of studying in Africa, Belmonte said he’s been ‘intrigued? by the country ever since his seventh grade geography class.
‘My teacher was really passionate when he taught about it and it really inspired me, I guess,? he said.
After visiting Australia and New Zealand as an ambassador for People to People in 2006, he said he ‘caught the travel bug.?
‘Being given the opportunity to live in another culture and actually become one of the locals, it can give you such a more broad view on life,? he said. ‘You can really understand humanity.?
Scholarship judges for AFS were impressed by Belmonte’s academics, community service and leadership skills. He was nominated by his theater and speech teacher, Debra Brown.
‘I nominated Paul because he is a great student. He is always asking questions and I think this will introduce him to a whole new way of life,? she said. I feel he will be a great representation of Oxford to South Africa.?
Although what and where he will be studying had yet to be determined, Belmonte understands he will be working with a national curriculum that will challenge him just as if he were at OHS.
‘Living in another country is kind of intimidating,? he said. ‘I’m kind of afraid, but I’m not afraid to jump in and do it at the same time.?
The AFS scholarship Belmonte received totaled $1,000. He said he has been visiting local businesses to sponsor him and would like to thank Lake Orion Family Dentistry’s Dr. Allain for sponsoring him.