    Spanish Immersion
   Spanish Immersion
   Spanish Immersion
   Spanish Immersion    Italian Immersion
   Spanish Immersion
   French Immersion
About SPI Programs SPI immersion programs are designed to help students prepare to enter the growing international business community with a strong foundation in world languages and cultures. Our well organized programs are created delicately using personal experience by study abroad professionals, master educators, and our academic advisory board.
1. Students, teachers, and directors use the language of study throughout the program.  SPI Program Overview  Methodology SPI selects high quality schools, excursions and homestay families based on direct experience. Our programs promote bilingualism and facilitate cross-cultural understanding in our students. Academics Students are enrolled in a foreign university or accredited language school and have the opportunity to earn an official transcript that can be used to petition for college credit. Our programs facilitate advanced language learning to prepare students for making high scores on the Advanced Placement (AP/IB) exams prior to entering college. Homestay Family Immersion Students live with a caring local homestay family who is experienced in hosting foreign students in their home. Homestay families understand that the student is there to learn the language and live the local culture. SPI screens each family and most of our families have hosted students for many years. The foreign university also works with each family on a year round basis. It is important for students and parents to understand that families come in all shapes and sizes so keeping an open mind to trying new foods, living in a different environment than their home is fundamental. On-Site Program Directors SPI directors serve as international 'mom & dads' and are available 24 hours a day to students throughout the program. They are extensively trained in monitoring all aspects of the students progress and involvement throughout the program. The directors talk to the homestay family often to understand how the student is progressing in developing his/her skills. Our intimate group sizes ensure each student receives personal attention from their directors from start to finish. Overnight & Cultural Day Excursions All of the SPI programs incorporate both classroom academics and travel exploration. Weekend and cultural day excursions help students use the language of study and interact directly with the local people. From visits to world class museums & exchanges with local students to magnificent hikes through the Pyrenees Mountains, students explore the most important monuments, cities, and natural wonders each country has to offer. What's Included In All Our Programs On-site Bilingual Directors (no greater than 1:10 ratio) guide students during their immersion experience abroad. They are available 24 hours a day to students. Detailed Orientation Information and pre-departure assistance. Tuition and Books at university or accredited language school. Room and Board at homestay family accommodations and once a week laundry service (double occupancy.) All programs include 3 meals per day, except Siena, Biarritz, and San Sebastian where a packed lunch is provided in lieu of a formal meal. Group Ground Transportation on organized group excursions. Host City Orientation briefing and SPI Travel Smart Briefing. Overnight & Cultural Weekend Excursions to important cities & historical sites includes transportation, hotel and breakfast. Entrance Fees on all organized group excursions. SPI Immersion Travel Guide personalized for your program; includes useful homestay city information, detailed maps, excursion guides, etc. Basic Medical Insurance for the duration of program (ISIC Card.) ISIC INSURANCE COVERAGE. SPI encourages purchasing additional travel insurance with TRAVEL GUARD to protect against trip interruption or cancellation prior to departure. Whats NOT Included AIRFARE is not included in the program price. FLIGHT INFORMATION (Custom programs may include airfare, consult your school) Optional Afternoon/Evening Activities for movies, museum visits, theater performances, sporting events, etc. ($40 per week) Local Transportation when in your homestay city (buses, taxis, etc. - $40 per week) Spending Money for souvenirs, snacks, and lunch/dinner on overnight excursions. ($200 per week) College Credit Information  How does the College Credit work? SPI uses foreign universities and university accredited language institutes for our course work abroad. These institutions provide students, upon successful completion of their courses, with an official transcript which they may use to petition college credit from their future university. *IMPORTANT! Due to the nature of college credit granting by each individual U.S. University, it is impossible for SPI to guarantee credit for any student. How do I petition to transfer the credit? After SPI receives your official transcript in our office in late September, we will mail you 2 official copies of your transcript in sealed envelopes which you will mail directly to your U.S. university once you are enrolled. DO NOT MAIL TRANSCRIPTS WHEN YOU ARE APPLYING FOR A UNIVERSITY - ONLY AFTER YOU ARE ACCEPTED AND ENROLLED. SPI does not hold any additional copies of transcripts in our office. It is ultimately the decision of your school if they will honor the transcript or not. The following is the general rule for granting credit by U.S Universities: 15 Contact Hours = 1 College Credit Hour What are Contact Hours/Credit Hours? Most SPI programs give 40-80 contact hours, or classroom hours, enabling for a potential of up to 2-6 college credit hours by your University. Contact hours are treated differently at every school. Some schools will grant specific class credit for the hours you will receive, although most give a general foreign language or elective credits. Most regular semester long college courses earn 3 credit hours. High School AP/IB Credit The AP/IB exams are the most assured way and offer the greatest amount of college credit for high school students. SPI programs prepare students to make high scores on the AP/IB exams, which opens doors for further college credit opportunities.  |
