Press release -
Wisconsin teen heads to Africa after a life-changing year abroad in the UK
(Boston, June 12, 2025) Most American teens don’t spend an entire year of high school overseas. But for Wisconsin native Sylvi Jones, a lifelong passion for the arts pushed her to make an unusual move—enrolling at East Sussex College in England through Educatius’ high school exchange program.
Now, that bold step is taking her even further. This week, Sylvi will travel to The Gambia as one of four global participants chosen for the annual Aiducatius Creativity Internship. She’ll co-lead creative arts workshops at St. Martin’s School, using storytelling and theater to inspire young students.
Educatius has supported students at St. Martin’s School in The Gambia since 2009 through its charitable arm, Aiducatius. The Creativity Internship is an extension of that support, connecting Educatius exchange students and staff directly with the school community through shared creative experiences.
“I came to the UK because my local high schools just didn’t offer enough for someone serious about the arts,” Sylvi said. “East Sussex College has a Performing Arts Academy with staff who really know the industry. I’ve learned so much—and it’s opened doors like this one.”
She lives with a local host family in Lewes, who’ve helped her adjust to life in a new country. “They’ve been amazing,” she said. “From daily routines to British culture, they’ve supported me every step of the way.”
Sylvi’s creative journey started years earlier with a Halloween costume. “I told my mom I wanted to make my own. I built bird wings with a fifteen-inch wingspan. It wasn’t the costume that changed me—it was having someone believe in my ideas. That’s what I want to do for other students.”
Sylvi will work alongside three other global interns: Anne Håkanes from Norway who studied in Australia; Fednike Nozistene, a performing arts teacher from Florida; and Margaret Pettersen, an Irish host mum and coordinator. They’ll be joined by Educatius staff to deliver hands-on workshops to students from kindergarten to high school.
While not many American students pursue high school abroad, Sylvi’s experience shows why more should. Exchange can give students a renewed sense of purpose, global perspective, and opportunities that stretch far beyond the classroom.
“This year has changed my life,” Sylvi said. “Going to the UK gave me the education I wanted. Now I’m going to Africa to share what I’ve learned.”
Students and alumni from any Educatius exchange program are eligible to apply for the 2026 Aiducatius Creativity Internship. For American families looking to give their child something different—something global—Sylvi’s path is proof of how far it can take you.
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Educatius is the number one choice for high school programs abroad, with 21 years of experience. We enrich the lives of over 8,000 students from 60 nations each year, through international exchange programs in the USA, UK, Ireland, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and online. Our commitment to quality extends to host families and industry partners, ensuring impactful experiences for all. Through initiatives like Aiducatius, tree planting in Tanzania, and the Global Youth Resilience Initiative, we strive to make a positive global impact. We believe education can change the world.
