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SPI is committed to personalized and immediate attention to your questions and concerns.
Please feel free to email or call us anytime with any questions you may have! We encourage you to research our website for immediate answers to your questions.
Email: info@spiabroad.com
SPI Office: 1-866-502-7505
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Application Process
Applications are processed in the order that they are received. It is best to apply before January if you want to secure a spot in the program. You will receive a confirmation email that we received your application shortly after you apply. Once accepted you will be sent an acceptance package with important information. Please provide SPI with a copy of your flight itinerary before March 1.
What does my program price include?
Please visit the main programs page for a detailed list of everything that is included in your program. Programs are all-inclusive except for airfare and personal expenses. Some afternoon and weekend components may also not be included.
Orientation Information and Pre-Departure Assistance
In early May you will receive your orientation packet. Parents will also receive an orientation packet that provides guidance and support while students are abroad. Shortly after receiving your orientation information you will receive information on your homestay family and roommate.
Can I stay longer and travel after the program is over?
Yes, you may complete the proper documentation and release form to travel independently from the group after the completion of the program. We do not encourage traveling before your program and trying to meet up with the group. It is best to fly over on the group flight.
Do you have programs for college students?
SPI offers custom programs for college aged participants. Please contact us for more details. | |
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On-Site Directors
SPI maintains small group sizes for directors to adequately monitor and care for each student. Directors are available 24 hours a day and carry cell phones in case of emergency. Directors actively check-up on students' progress on a daily basis. If problems should arise with homestay families, roommates, homesickness or personal problems, your on-site director serves as your mom/dad away from home and is available to help 24 hours a day.
Safety while abroad
SPI selectively chooses program destinations and itineraries based on safety. Students are placed in clean, safe homestay family environments. The homestay families adopt the students into their way of life and care for them as if they are their own. By dressing modestly and acting appropriately (not being loud, rude, etc.), students are able to immerse into the daily lives of the local people. We encourage students to go out in small groups of 3-4 (not large ones) to explore and improve their language abilities in the city’s markets, shopping districts and open air cafes.
Program Supervisors
SPI provides on-site directors with program supervisors located in the country of the program. Supervisors are experts in the country of travel and serve as extra help on excursions and for arrival and departure activities. Supervisors will meet groups at the airport and will confirm that every student has arrived on foreign soil with the SPI office. | |
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How much money should I bring?
We suggest bringing $250 USD per week for Europe and $200 per week for Latin America. This estimate takes into account the exchange rate from dollars to foreign currency. MAKE SURE YOU BRING ENOUGH MONEY as spending habits vary greatly!
Should I bring Debit Cards, Credit Cards, or Traveler’s Checks?
All students should have an ATM/Debit Card with a 4 digit PIN. This is the easiest, cheapest, and most convenient way to get money while abroad. We advise bringing at least $200 in reserve traveler’s checks and a credit card in case your ATM card gets lost. It is not normal in other countries yet to accept credit cards for purchases less than $10. Not all stores will take credit cards from American banks but most will.
American Express Traveler’s Check Card
SPI highly recommends getting one of these cards as back up! The traveler’s check card works like a pre-paid ATM card where students can access money that is put on the card at ATM machines across the world. This card is protected under American Express’ travel protection which provides a toll free international phone number for assistance and replacement cards if lost or stolen. Parents can also add money to the card by calling American Express. This card is NOT widely accepted in Mexico - it works best in Europe. www.americanexpress.com
How does the SPI payment plan work?
Once we have received your deposit and application, you will receive your acceptance package followed by your program bill. The standard payment structure is broken up by deposit, payment 1, and payment 2. You may pay by credit card or check. Fees are assessed for late or delinquent payments! Failure to pay by the due dates could result in losing your place in the program. | |
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How are families chosen?
Each family is personally screened by the foreign university/institution’s housing director as well as by SPI. The host families are experienced in hosting foreign students and understand that students are there to learn the language. It is common for European college students to live with a family rather than in a dormitory during college. So, the homestay families are experienced in taking care of students throughout the year.
When will I know where I will be living? Who will be my roommate?
We send out housing info 1 week before departure. Please be patient, often times foreign schools do not deliver the family information until the date of departure. It is a good idea to make small cards to give to friends and family with your homestay family address and phone number. Most families do not speak English. They are used to hosting foreign students and understand you are there to practice the language.
You will also be sent your roommate information with your homestay family information. The roommate experience is a great warm-up to life in college. It is a good idea to contact your roommate before departure to decide who is bringing what (alarm clock, etc.).
What is the food like?
Each homestay family cooks and prepares wonderful varieties of local and regional food. Be open to trying new things – you never know when your taste buds change! Meal times are very important to foreign families so be sure to let your homestay family know if you are going to miss a meal. Be sure to tell your family the foods you eat and don’t eat (families will be notified of special dietary needs ie. vegetarian, lactose intolerant, etc.) | |
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What level of class will I be in?
Classes focus on preparing students to perform well on the AP/IB exams. Generally, there are two groups of classes, one intermediate and one advanced. All classes provide for a fun and challenging curriculum to improve your Spanish skills. Classes are broken into grammar, oral practice, and culture/literature.
College Credits - How does it work?
Due to the constant changing nature and varying policies of granting college credit with each U.S. Univeristy, it is impossible for SPI to guarantee college credit for students. Students attend grammar, conversation, and culture classes 4 hours a day M-F at a foreign university or accredited language institute. Upon completion of the course the foreign school sends SPI an official transcript. Once you have been accepted into a university, you can request your transcript to be sent to the appropriate admissions office for evaluation. We will mail the official transcript to the school you have designated. The best way to insure getting college credit is getting pre-approval in writing from your future U.S. University.
AP/IB Test Credit
SPI programs help prepare students to perform well on the AP/IB Spanish exams. Every university grants AP/IB credit differently. Normally, students will receive between 3-12 hours of credit per passing exam grade. The exams are administered in May. | |
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