<p>Going to a foreign country over the summer, say China or Africa, somewhere where you know the language, to teach English to children.</p>
<p>I think it is unusual. College who are big on an international community (eg, Macalester, Dickinson, Mount Holyoke) might especially like it. I don’t think it is particularly compelling at the HYPS level, but would not hurt.</p>
<p>It isn’t necessary to get into colleges, but only do it if you’re passionate about it and if you’re doing it more than to just “get into college.” You will get out of it in the long run.</p>
<p>“impressive” as compared to what? It’s not an “oh wow” sort of achievement as if no one else did it. I interviewed a young woman (Indian heritage) who travelled to China with a program to teach English for 2 weeks – previously she was studying Mandarin in HS. She enjoyed herself, it was fun & uplifting for her – we discussed it in the context of her studying Chinese and I mentioned it in my write up in the proper context.</p>
<p>But was it off the chart unusual? Not really for the type of students that were applying to my alma mater. By all means pursue your idea – but just don’t bank on it being a booster rocket to your profile.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info guys</p>
<p>yes it would be, and trust me I’ve considered it before. but imagine how hard it would be to actually execute: are you going alone or with a specific group? Where are you going to live during your trip? and China has education laws or something that prohibits people opening classes during the summer for kids(i have no idea how it’s enforced, but it’s a barrier).
It’s one of those things that lots of people think about, but doesn’t end up happening very much.
wish you luck still</p>
<p>You should do this if it is a real passion, not just because you think it will help you get into college. It would be helpful if you could tie the work you do over the summer in to your past (ex. you studied a foreign language intensely to prepare you for the experience), how you were changed by the experience, and/or how the work abroad ties into some future aspirations. </p>
<p>A number of HS students in my area go abroad to do some kind of community service work so while it is a great thing to do I don’t think it will be all that unusual/impressive. </p>
<p>teastraw, there are hundreds of groups that do this every summer. If someone wants to go, it is very easy to arrange. Execution is the easiest part. Paying for it is harder.</p>