THOMASVILLE- Say “Bonjour” to France’s newest foreign exchange student and Thomas County Central Yellow Jacket, Ivan Correa Santoyo.

Santoyo was selected by the Rotary Club of Thomasville as one of only six participants for the esteemed Rotary Youth Exchange Program. Santoyo will now represent Thomasville and the United States as he embarks on a year-long academic journey abroad in 2025.

Santoyo first heard of the program briefly when attending the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) over the summer.

“I met some students there who were going abroad to Brazil and Rio, and on the back of our pamphlet there was a page about it encouraging us to ask to go,” Santoyo said.

After returning from the awards ceremony, Santoyo said he began filling out the application.

“One thing led to another, and now I’m going to France,” he said excitedly.

A year II French student, Santoyo said he believes he will have to speak French throughout his stay. He has not been notified what area of France he will be residing in, nor the school he will be attending, but is 90% sure they will be speaking to him and teaching lessons in French.

“I’m not sure how I’m going to wrap my head around that yet, but I’m trying to take it one step at a time,” he said.

Nevertheless, Santoyo is excited about the unique opportunity.

Santoyo said he has previously traveled to Mexico, which was very eye-opening.

“There are a lot of different things over there, which makes me excited for this trip,” he explained. “I’m most excited to see the different people and cultures and how they live. At the end of the day, I hope I can see everyone as they are and be able to make friends anywhere and everywhere I go.”

Santoyo’s program lasts nine months. During the nine months, he will stay with three different host families, enjoying their various customs, traditions, and lifestyles.

While he is there, a student from France will travel to Georgia.

“You can’t just give your hand and expect something in return,” Santoyo explained. “My mom and my aunt are going to be hosts for the person coming over here.”

Santoyo said he also hopes to learn and share compassion with those he meets abroad, noting the importance of not going to war with one’s neighbor.

However, he shared he has some nerves too, especially about being away from his family for such a long period.

“It’s nine months away from my family, and I’m going to miss them, but I’m going to come home eventually,” he said. “I’ll be able to meet a new family and friends over there, and hopefully love it.”

Santoyo shared that his mom, aunt, and dad were all super supportive of his desire to travel to France and take part in the program, with his mom pushing him to get out of his comfort zone and try new things.

TCCHS French teacher Kelly Arno is also thrilled for Santoyo, who is reportedly the first student from TCCHS to take part in the nine-month exchange program.

“I cried,” she said. “I didn’t know he applied to the program until he told me he got accepted and I just am so proud of him. Not only is Ivan an intelligent and dedicated student, but he is also incredibly brave.”

Arno noted that it is no easy thing to be willing to leave one’s friends and family and everything familiar for a new experience, especially for an entire academic year.

“The kind of courage he has to tackle this adventure is just really astounding,” she said. “I am in awe of this young man.”

Santoyo appreciated Arno’s kind words but still has personal goals he’s set for himself while in France.

“I’m hoping to come back a changed person, more responsible, and handle problems on my own,” he said. “I’ll still be able to reach out to my family, but I just want to learn to be more responsible overall.”

As Santoyo looks forward to his new experience and growth in 2025, he encouraged his fellow classmates to dive head first into opportunities to see the world and grow from new cultures.

“This is going to be a great eye-opener,” he concluded. “It is going to change lives and it’s a great experience to have. I’m so thankful to the local and state Rotary Club.”