Communicating While Abroad
Our orientation information gives specific details for keeping in touch while abroad along with some important guidelines for students and parents to make the most of the program. Our on-site directors and teacher travelers are available 24 hours a day to students during the program.
Money Abroad
We have specific recommendations for each program with regards to getting money while abroad listed in our orientation information. We encourage bringing $150 – 250 per week for spending money. It is required to bring a debit card with 4 digit PIN linked to a checking account (you can order this through your bank.)
What are the Classes Like?
Classes are taught by native speakers that have advanced degrees in teaching languages to foreign students. Students are broken up by level (after taking a placement test) and class sizes remain small 5-15 students per class/level. Our SPI courses focus on practical acquisition of the language – our goal is to increase fluency in a short period of time!
When do I get my Transcript?
Transcripts can take up to 6 months for the foreign school or university to provide them to SPI. We will send you an official copy of your transcript in a sealed envelope to petition for college credit AFTER you have been accepted to a university. Do not use the transcript to petition credit prior to entering a university.
What Activities and Excursions are Offered?
Each language immersion program has a different set of extracurricular elective activities and excursions that range from cooking classes to sports events and everything in between. Students are not required to participate in all of the activities offered, although participation in 2-3 activities per week is expected. Please review the detailed itineraries for more information on activities and excursions.
Homestay Experience – Expectations
If you are participating on an SPI immersion program, you will live with a roommate in a caring homestay (single rooms are available for a fee.) All homestays are screened by SPI and the foreign school and many have hosted SPI students for years. Most homestays come from humble means, and are wonderful hosts. They come in all shapes and sizes around the world just like they do at home, so keeping an open mind to trying new things and living a different way of life is key. Most SPI homestays are single women in the later years. We prefer this profile as they have more time to spend with students, are excellent cooks, and are perfect for helping students improve their language skills.
Homestay Experience – Food, Allergies
Homestays provide 2-3 meals per day depending on the program. Please list all allergies on your application so we can best place you in a home. You will still need to remind your homestay of your dietary or allergies when you arrive (your on-site directors are there to help!) It is crucial that you keep an open mind to trying new foods and understand that you will probably not like everything that your homestay serves. We coach students on-site how to interact with homestays to make their stays more comfortable and rewarding.
Homestay Experience – Supervision
Homestays, like on-site directors, serve as international ‘mom and dads’ for your time abroad. Most houses are located withing a short distance from the school or the center of town. They are all in safe locations. Homestays provide an extra set of caring eyes for students in the evenings to ensure their safety.