General

Application Process
Applications are processed in the order that they are received. It is best to apply by December if you want to secure a spot in the program of your choice. You will receive a confirmation email that we received your application shortly after we process your application. Once accepted you will be sent an acceptance packet which contains a folder with printed information (all found on our website immediately) on preparing for your program, booking your flight, getting a debit card, and renting a cell phone, etc.. Detailed orientation binders and materials are sent in May.

Click here for PAYMENT & DOCUMENT DUE DATES.
*Although, SPI sets specific application deadlines, we will accept applications up to 4 weeks prior to departure based on space availability and a late enrollment fee charge.

What is the Early Application Deadline?
In efforts to encourage participants to commit to a program by December, our early application deadline guarantees the lowest program price.  Program prices may increase after the early application deadline. 

What does my program price include?
Please visit the main programs page for a detailed list of everything that is included in the price of your program. Programs are all-inclusive except for airfare, personal expenses (including local transportation ie. bus pass, taxis), afternoon activities, and meals on excursions.

Orientation Information and Pre-Departure Assistance
In May you will receive your orientation binder and materials. Parents will also receive a parent orientation packet that we require each parent to review in order to help better prepare them for their student traveling abroad. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT EACH PARENT & STUDENT READ THIS INFORMATION THOROUGHLY! 

When will I receive homestay family & roommate information?
You will receive information on your homestay family and roommate 1 week prior to departure. Foreign schools do not provide us with confirmed family information until this time. Please be understanding that your roommate may not have all the qualities you request on your application.  As SPI programs are geared to prepare students for college, it is important to have an open mind about both your 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 permit parents to join our program while it is underway unless the visit will be short and unobtrusive to the program as a whole. We do not encourage traveling before your program and trying to meet up with the group.

Supervision and Safety

How are your Program Sites Chosen?
All programs are located in small cities where American high school students will feel safe and easily become a part of the local community. Our program sites are also chosen based on location and proximity to nearby excursions as well as high standards of living and low crime statistics. Part of each SPI program curriculum is educating students on being savvy and observant world travelers.

Safety While Abroad
SPI maintains contact throughout the year with local U.S. consulates and embassies to ensure each program site and its excursions are safe to travel to. SPI also works with each one of our partner institutions to ensure that students are placed in caring and safe homestay families to guarantee they make the most of their immersion experience. In the event of emergency, students will be assisted by both U.S. based program directors and local supervisors who are generally natives of the area or country of study. We encourage students to go out in small (not large) groups of 3-4 to explore and improve their language abilities in the city’s markets, shopping districts and open air cafes.

On-Site Directors
SPI maintains small group sizes so that directors can adequately monitor and prudently care for each student. Directors are available 24 hours a day and carry cell phones in case of emergency, but this does not mean that Directors are with students 24 hours a day. Directors check in with students on a daily basis, but students are expected to abide by the SPI standards of conduct in the evenings. If problems should arise with homestay families, roommates, homesickness or other personal concerns, the on-site directors (aka international mom and dad) are available to help.

Resident Directors
SPI provides on-site directors with expert resident directors native to the host country. Resident directors serve as local experts on excursions and assist the group in all aspects of their stay from arrival to departure.

Communications

While students are Abroad
On-site directors have all emergency contact information in case a problem should arise.  A staff member in the U.S. is available to handle all concerns and requests. We ask that you please email us anything you wish to communicate and reserve phone calls for emergencies only. If a problem should arise you will be contacted by our office as soon as reasonably possible given the situation.  

What if I get homesick?
Most students (and directors) get homesick at some point during their summer abroad. It is a natural feeling that nearly all people experience when placed in a new environment outside their own culture. Dealing with culture shock is addressed at length in our orientation materials. The best remedy for culture shock is to express your feelings to directors, other participants and let them know how you feel…most people are having the same feelings! Parents should expect a homesick phone call or email at least once because just as at home, not every day is a good day.

When can I call my son/daughter?
Parents should limit calls to only 2-3 times per week and use email to communicate with students more regularly.  Too much communication greatly disrupts the immersion experience, and also creates for homesickness. As our programs are only 2-4 weeks in length, we ask that you respect your own investment in this experience and limit your communications.  (Please read thoroughly the communication section of your orientation binder.) While students are abroad we ask that you call between the following hours (otherwise you may get a grumpy/tired voice on the other end!) The following is equivalent to EUROPEAN TIME 2pm -11pm.

Eastern Time: 8am - 5pm
Central Time: 7am - 4pm
Mountain Time: 6am - 3pm
Pacific Time: 5am - 2pm

MEXICO PROGRAMS are on CST (Central Time)
COSTA RICA PROGRAMS are on MST (Mountain Time)
CLICK HERE FOR A WORLD CLOCK

Should I get a Cell Phone?
Although it is NOT necessary to get a cell phone for your 2-4 week study abroad experience, it is a useful device for communicating with on-site directors, other students, and your family in the U.S. Cell phone companies in other countries charge for use differently than those in the U.S. - be forewarned that student bills in the past have been as high as $100-$250 as you pay per minute for all outgoing calls.  Call costs range between $.30-$2 per minute depending on your location.  Students will have the opportunity to buy local pre-paid phone cards to call home a few days after arrival.

PICCELL WIRELESS provides students with  international cell phone rental with a local phone number in their country of study. Please allow at least 3-4 weeks for delivery and please note that there is a rental fee associated with this service plus per minute charges while you are abroad (you may contact Piccell about rush shipping options.)  SPI IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR PHONES, SERVICE, PRICES, OR CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROVIDED BY PICCELL WIRELESS. WE DO NOT MAINTAIN INFORMATION ON PICCELL WIRELESS PHONES AT OUR OFFICE, PLEASE CONTACT PICCELL DIRECTLY!

Can I use my U.S. cell phone abroad?
Most U.S. cell phone providers allow use of your mobile phone overseas for high roaming charges ($1.50/min. +). Many students traveling to Mexico bring their U.S. cell phone – but you must check with your service provider to make sure you have the right equipment and to find out what the roaming rates are. Some providers require activation for this service.  Be forewarned this method of communication is VERY expensive and SPI is not responsible for your misuse of cell phone communications.

Can I drink the water?
In Europe, although bottle water is very prevalent, you may drink the water from any faucet. All Latin America homestays provide unlimited purified water and have large purified water dispensers in their homes. All homestays are very careful about this and they themselves do not drink the local tap water. Do NOT drink the water from the tap in Mexico!

Travel

Flight Arrangements
For complete details on flight arrangements, click here: Flight Information

Do I need a passport?
YES. Your passport should have an expiration date no earlier than six months from the end date of the program. EXAMPLE: If the program ends on June 30, your passport should not expire before December 30.

How do I get a passport?
The easiest place to apply for a passport is at the post office. Go to U.S State Dept. Website for up-to-date information on passport requirements. Parents: it is also a good idea to get a passport for yourself!

How quickly can I get a passport?
It usually takes 4-6 weeks to get a passport. By paying an expedite fee and express mail charges, you can get a passport in as little as 2 weeks. ABC Passport Services provides next day service when necessary, although if you have never applied for a passport before, minimum wait time is 2 weeks to receive your passport.

Should I make a copy of my passport?
YES. You should make several copies of your passport and it is a good idea to scan a copy to your computer at home. Color copies are preferred. Keep one copy in your orientation binder and one copy in each of your bags. Leave two copies at home with your parents.

Do I need a visa or special immunizations?
NO. A visa is not required for stays shorter than 3 months. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please contact your airline for visa and immunization requirements. Unfortunately, SPI cannot be a liason for non-US citizens requiring visas or special documentation, you must contact the embassy/consulate and apply directly.

INSURANCE: What does my ISIC Insurance cover?
Your program cost includes basic medical coverage with your ISIC card for the length of your stay abroad.  Click here for Complete Policy Information

Do I need to purchase Travel Insurance?
We encourage purchasing additional travel insurance in case you must cancel your trip for medical or family reasons.  We recommend using AIG Travel Guard. They are the industry leader and standard in travel insurance and offer great rates for students studying abroad.  Please note that nearly all travel insurance policies work on a reimbursement system.

Additional Travel Insurance Providers:
Cultural Insurance Services International - provides insurance for students studying abroad.

What happens if my flight gets delayed on my independent travel arrangements?
SPI will provide all travelers with day-of flight contact information to ensure all students are met at the airport upon arrival on foreign soil. It is still the responsibility of the parent and student to work directly with the airline in the event of delays or cancellations.

What should I pack?
Detailed packing lists are providing in your Orientation Handbook that are sent in May.  Check the TSA Website for current restrictions.

INTL BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE!
Most worldwide airlines are now allowing only 1 piece of checked luggage weighing no more than 50 lbs. (22 kilos) to avoid fees.  Using soft luggage is advised as well as leaving behind unnecessary items such as hair dryers, laptops, etc.  Some programs use private transportation that has space for only 1 large suitcase per person so please respect this request of bringing only 1 suitcase and 1 backpack or carry-on.

Do you recommend a specific kind of luggage?
We encourage bringing one larger suitcase and another collapsible bag for the return (for all those souvenirs!) Remember when packing...less is more. Eagle Creek has an affordable selection of luggage that has detachable backpacks perfect for taking on excursions. Student must be able to carry their own luggage so please avoid bringing the GIANT suitcase! View the Travel Store section on our Enrolled Students page for specific luggage recommendations.

Can I bring large items such as my surf board or bicycle?
As the duration of your stay is not of great length we DO NOT allow bringing these items (once you arrive you can rent them.)  These items are a great inconvenience to the homestay family, the directors, and the entire group.

Money

How much money should I bring?
We suggest bringing $250-300 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! Students will have to pay for their own local transportation so we encourage bringing an extra $40 per week for buses and taxis.

Should I bring Debit Cards, Credit Cards, or Traveler’s Checks?
It is REQUIRED to 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 $300 in reserve traveler’s checks or U.S. cash and a credit card in case your ATM card gets lost. Credit cards are not widely accepted and charge a 3% international service fee. Not all stores will take credit cards from American banks but most will.

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 (3% convenience fee charged on all credit card transactions) or check. Fees will be assessed for late payments! Failure to pay by the due dates could result in losing your place in the program.

Housing

How are homestay families chosen?
Each family is personally screened by the foreign university's housing director as well as by SPI. Homestay families are experienced and professional hosts to foreign students and understand that students are there to learn the language and culture. Families are paid a per diem stipend to cover meals and living expenses but are not paid to provide students with lavish extras. The homestay family experience is one of the most rewarding parts of studying abroad.  It is crucial to understand that each family comes in different shapes and sizes. You will be exposed to living in an environment much different than what you are used to at home.

When will I know where I will be living? Who will be my roommate?
We send out housing info one week prior to departure. Please be patient, as 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 and are patient with your abilities.

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 families so be sure to let your homestay family know if you are going to miss a meal. Be sure to remind your family the foods you eat and don’t eat and if you have any food allergies (families will be notified of special dietary needs ie. vegetarian, lactose intolerant, etc.)

School

What is the foreign school like? What level of class will I be in?
Classes focus on the practical use of the language as well as preparing students to perform well on the AP/IB exams. Students are broken into 2-3 classes based on skill level.  All classes provide a fun and challenging curriculum that will improve your verbal and written communication skills. In most programs, classes are divided into different sections including grammar, oral proficiency, culture, and literature.

College Credit - How does it work?
Due to the constant changing nature and varying policies of granting college credit with each U.S. university, it is impossible for SPI to guarantee college credit for students. Students attend grammar, conversation, and culture classes 3-4 hours a day Monday through Friday at a foreign university or accredited language institute. Upon completion of the course, the foreign school sends SPI an official transcript. SPI then mails you in the fall after your program an official copy of your transcript in a sealed envelope that should be kept in a safe place until you are accepted into your university. It is important for students to keep their original coursework they did while abroad for some universities to properly grant credit. 

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 3-8 hours of credit per passing exam grade. The exams are administered in May in the U.S.