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.

The 5 Essential Elements of SPI Programs...

1. Students, teachers, and directors use the language of study throughout the program.

2. Students study at an accredited foreign university or academically challenging language institute where they receive an official transcript which they can petition to receive college credit.

3. Students live with a caring and experienced homestay family in a small, manageable city where they are required to use their developing language skills as they safely explore and live in the local community.

4. Students participate in high quality excursions to sites of cultural and historic importance with teacher-guides that understand their level of comprehension, their U.S. based curriculum and their interests.

5. The on-site program directors are mature, experienced teachers who serve as a mentor, caregiver, motivator, model immersion student, and conduct the entire program in the language of study.

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 student’s 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.

What’s 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)