SPI Study Abroad – Study Programs International – Language Immersion & Cultural Programs in Spain, Mexico, Italy, Costa Rica, France, and China

High School Immersion

Summer 1: June 12 - June 29, 2008

$3,100

High School Immersion

Summer 1: June 19 - July 13, 2008	$4,200
Summer 2WK: June 19 - July 6, 2008	$3,100
Summer 2: July 10 - August 3, 2008	$4,200
Summer Full: June 19 - August 3, 2008	$7,500

High School Immersion

Summer 1: June 12 - June 29, 2008	$3,100
Summer 2: June 26 - July 13, 2008	$3,100
Summer Full: June 12 - July 13, 2008	$5,500

High School Immersion

Summer 1: June 14 - June 28, 2008	$2,000
Summer 2: June 28 - July 12, 2008	$2,000
Summer Full: June 14 - July 12, 2008	$3,500
MiddleSchool Immersion
July 12 - 26, 2008	$2,000

High School Immersion

Summer 1: June 19 - July 13, 2008	$4,200

High School Immersion

Summer 1: June 14 - July 5, 2008	$3,800

High School Immersion

Summer 1: June 19 - July 13, 2008	$4,200
Summer 2: July 10 - August 3, 2008	$4,200
Summer Full: June 19 - August 3, 2008	$7,500

High School Immersion

Summer 1: June 19 - July 13, 2008

$4,200

SPI programs are created using direct, personal experience by study abroad professionals, master educators, and our academic advisory board. Our well organized programs focus on the needs of American students. They are designed to help students prepare for success in the growing international business community.

The 5 Essential Elements of SPI Programs...

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

2. Students study at an accredited university or academically challenging language institute to receive college credit based on their transcript and/or the petition process.

3. Students live with a family in a city where they are required to use their developing language skills as they safely explore the community and establish friendships with local residents.

4. Students participate in high quality excursions to culturally impactful sights with teacher-guides that understand their level of listening comprehension, their U.S.-based curriculum and their personal interests.

5. The on-site program director & teacher travelers, mature and experienced teachers serving as a mentor, caregiver, motivator and model immersion student, conduct the entire program in the language of study.

Methodology
SPI teachers and directors select high quality schools, excursions and homestay families based on direct experience. Our programs promote bilingualism and encourage multicultural perspectives in our students.

Academics
Students are enrolled in a 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
Students live in a local home with a native speaking family for the majority of the program. Host families understand that the student is there to learn the language. The host family facilitates the learning process by truly immersing the student into their language, culture, and daily routine.

On-site Directors & Teacher Travelers
SPI directors are extensively trained in monitoring all aspects of the student’s progress and involvement throughout the program. The directors talk to the host family often to understand how the student is progressing in developing his/her skills. Our intimate group sizes give each student personal attention from their directors and teachers that are available 24 hours a day.

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 famous museums to hiking the Picos de Europa Mountains, students explore the most important monuments, cities, and natural wonders each country has to offer.

• 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)

• 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

• Tutoring Assistance

• 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)

What’s NOT Included

• AIRFARE is not included in the program price (Custom programs may include airfare, consult your school)
Flight Itineraries and Information

• Optional Afternoon/Evening Activities for movies, extra museum visits, theater performances, sporting events, etc. ($25 per week)

• Local Transportation when in your homestay city (buses, taxis, etc. - $25 per week)

• Spending Money for souvenirs, snacks, and lunch/dinner on overnight excursions. ($200 per week)

How does the College Credit work?
SPI uses foreign universities and university accredited language institutes that provide students, upon successful completion of their courses, with an official transcript. 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.
COLLEGE STUDENTS: Once you apply for a program you will be sent a form that needs to be completed by your academic advisor. This form will ensure that you understand in writing by your university which credits will transfer and how.

How do I petition to transfer the credit?
After SPI receives your official transcript in our office in late September, we will mail you 3 official copies of your transcript (2 copies in sealed envelopes which you will mail to your U.S. university directly once you are enrolled.) DO NOT MAIL TRANSCRIPTS WHEN YOU ARE APPLYING FOR A UNIVERSITY - ONLY AFTER YOU ARE ACCEPTED AND ENROLLED. SPI holds 1 additional copy of your official transcript in our office and charges a $20 fee for each additional transcript request made.

It is ultimately the decision of your school if they will honor your credit 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?
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 U.S. 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 college courses are 3 credit hours long.

High School AP/IB Credit
The AP/IB exams are the most assured way and offer the greatest amount of college credit for pre-university students. SPI programs help students prepare to make high scores on the AP/IB exams. First, it is important for students to participate actively in their classes during the school year.

College CLEP Exams
Enrolled college students may opt to place out of foreign language credits by taking the CLEP exams. These exams are administered directly by your university. Please contact your specific U.S. college or university for more information.

*Due to the nature of college credit granting policies by each individual U.S. University, SPI does NOT guarantee college credit thru the foreign transcript or the AP/IB/CLEP exams for any student.