SPI Basics and Student Recruitment

Basic Steps to Promoting SPI...
1) Familiarize yourself with the SPI website and our mission
2) Request materials from SPI & tell students and parents about the program
3) Learn more about on-site director positions
4) Continuing promoting SPI throughout the year and let SPI know if you are interested in working as an on-site director.

I want to work for SPI next summer!  How do I get started?
STEP 1:  Contact us by email or phone and let us know the best time and method to contact you info@spiabroad.com 866-502-7505 x1.  We will help you get started immediately!

What do I tell parents about the program?
You are not expected to be an expert on SPI.  Direct parents and students to the website or to our office email or phone for answers to their questions. Sending an email to the parents is the easiest way to inform them about the SPI study abroad opportunity. After some parents and students have expressed interest, it is a good idea to host a small meeting as it forces parents to commit to hearing about the programs and why they should study abroad.

Why do SPI programs cost what they do?
SPI programs are the most affordable programs available compared to other high school study abroad programs (tours are less expensive because you are combined with other groups to form one large herd of cattle!) It is essential to understand that SPI programs are not tours; they are immersion experiences that are highly personalized, with high quality accommodations, transportation, and very small group size.  The size of the group alone affects pricing tremendously as costs for hotels, buses, classes, etc. all increase with a smaller group size.  We hire and pay on-site directors and maintain a 1 to 8-10 teacher/student ratio.

How do SPI trips differ from traditional tours?
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. Students live with a caring 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. 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. Our programs have one element in common with traditional tours: in the afternoons or on weekends, 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.

Do you offer financial assistance for students? 
SPI offers several annual scholarships through various organizations and associations. Sadly, there is very little money directed by organizations for high school aged participation in study abroad.  Please request our fundraising packet if you would like more information on helping your students raise money to participate.

Working with your School

How do I promote the program if my school or district has a policy of “no school trips”? 
SPI understands that many teachers are accustomed to participating in school sponsored trips and excursions. SPI programs are 100% unconnected to any school or institution. As an on-site director you are working with SPI as an independent summer job totally unrelated to your job in the classroom (except we know students with immersion experience make your job more rewarding!)  For this reason we do not encourage discussing your plans to lead an SPI program with your administrators as often your intentions get interpreted as a "tour or trip" that is directly involving the school. We pride ourselves in providing teachers with the materials you need to educate parents and students on the importance of international education WITHOUT involving with the school. SPI's contract with each student clearly states that the program is not associated with any school or district. So you can comfortably encourage SPI to your students and parents.

What do I tell my principal/department head about SPI programs if they ask? 
Although we do not encourage sharing your plans with your administrator due to misinterpretation of your involvement, having them on your side is a huge help!  If your administrator does inquire about our programs, have them visit our website to learn more.

I can’t have meetings on school grounds, where are some other places you recommend to meet?
Nearby coffee shops, restaurants, public libraries, or even an interested student’s home are great places to meet. Another idea is to incorporate your meeting with your Language Club's monthly meeting or during your Language Honor Society Meeting.

Do I have to collect applications and money from students?
NO! Students apply directly with SPI and we handle all payments directly with each student.

Travel Information for Directors

If you are interested in working as an on-site program director or assistant next summer please contact us and we will help answer all of your questions and get you started immediately!  info@spiabroad.com  866-502-7505.

Why does SPI not arrange a group flight?
Flight Info Page
SPI does not provide group flight arrangements due to constant changes in airline policies for groups, nationwide student participation, and for flexibility for parents and students in trip planning.  Airlines have quit offering special or discounted fares for small groups because they know the seats will sell during peak travel season, therefore, you are holding seats they can be selling at full price.  They also charge $100 per seat deposit up front to hold a group block of seats often time non-refundable if you do not use the entire block of space.

Although it may seem like an inconvenience to not have airfare included in the program price, after years of experience we have have determined that the best method for getting teachers and students to the program site is having students purchase their own airfare. Even if you are arranging a custom program with only your students, please understand that from our years of experience we know that having students purchase airfare individually is the best method.  It may be something that you are not used to (especially if you are coming from doing cattle-drive tours.)  In order for your students to travel on the same flight as you we post the exact flights from your home city you will travel on.

Do I travel on the same flight as my students?
SPI provides a chaperone on the designated international flight (Asst. Directors), although students are expected to travel independently to the international arrival city (i.e. Madrid.) Upon arrival, all students will be met at the airport by SPI Directors and Staff.  For your student's convenience, we will post on our flight information page the exact flights you are on from your home city so that they may travel with you on all segments.

When will director airfare be confirmed?
SPI confirms assistant director participation & airfare in March or when the group has reached minimum enrollments for you to travel.  Head program director airfare will be confirmed before assistant airfares will be purchased.

Can I meet up with friend of family members after the program is over?
Absolutely! Take advantage of the fact that you are already abroad.  We ask that you please book any transportation or flights departing several hours after the designated international flight for the students departs.

Can my spouse and/or children come along?
While this is not advised, SPI is flexible and can often work with you to accommodate family members when necessary. We want directors committed to serving the needs of students in the program group. The immersion experience is not just a tour!