Guide for Educators

Welcome Teachers! SPI was founded by world language teachers that were unsatisfied with the traditional "cattle-drive" multi-country tours and wanted something more meaningful for their students. There is no better way for students to prepare for college, their future careers, and most importantly life than studying abroad for college credit!

The 5 Essential Elements of SPI Programs...
1. Students and teachers commit to using 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 homestay family in a small, manageable city where they are required to use their developing language skills as they safely 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 makes traveling or promoting immersion easy! We are with you every step of the way - from pre-departure orientation to post trip alumni reunions. Learn more about the different opportunities to travel as a paid director or support SPI with your students.

     

What Teachers Say

Betsy Arnold Cy Falls HS, Houston, TX (Spanish) “I believe in study abroad and SPI programs. SPI’s attention to detail and fantastic organization makes traveling with your students easy. With such good organization you get to spend more time enjoying the places you visit while teaching your students and less time worrying about travel logistics.”

Linda Johnson Parish Episcopal HS, Dallas, TX (Spanish) “SPI was well-organized, responsive to our needs, and thorough in their planning of our custom program. It was obvious by the hotels, guides and sightseeing chosen for us en route to San Sebastian, as well as the selection of the language school, that the SPI staff was very knowledgeable about the area and the needs of American students. We are looking forward to traveling again next summer and in the future with SPI!”

Rose Potter SPI Co-Founder & Master AP Teacher, Austin, TX “Study abroad truly changes lives. In my 30+ years as an educator, I have seen my students and my colleagues grow from immersion programs in immeasurable ways. Encouraging studying abroad, and not the tours, is the best advice you can give your students as an educator.”  Why SPI exists and plans to continue

MilyBett Llanos-Gremillion Westwood HS, Austin, TX (Spanish) “You as a teacher will grow so much from this experience. SPI created a well-organized and thought out itinerary that just made sense to what the students needed. We actually had enough time to appreciate the culture and really immerse, rather than running from city to city.”

Jonathan Welch Clear Lake HS, Houston, TX (Spanish) “SPI provides the most enriching cultural experience I've ever found for students. The program is top rate.  The SPI team provided support from start to finish.  I watched my students grow not only in their language skills but also as mature young adults.”

Laura Veal Hudec Highland Park HS, Dallas, TX (Latin) “Everything form the accommodations to the excursions are excellent and in well-chosen locations. SPI is a top-notch organization that truly allows students to live the culture, language and traditions of the host country through unique experiences and itineraries.  This is a MUST HAVE experience for all students.”

Amy Gretsch Heritage Hall, Oklahoma City, OK (Spanish) “SPI provided personalized attention every step of the way for both myself and my students.  Every aspect of the program was well thought out and tailored to the needs of students this age.  SPI is simply THE BEST!  I would recommend this program to all educators.”

George Murphy Park City HS, Park City, UT (Spanish) “I knew SPI was a serious organization from the start. After traveling on tours for many years, SPI provided a more meaningful way to travel - my students actually remembered what they saw and learned!  The homestay experience helped my students gain an insider's perspective on what living the language is all about.”

Morgan May Highland Park HS, Dallas, TX (French)

Micaela Pitre Lamar HS, Houston, TX (French)

Maria Sosa-Rodriguez Bishop Lynch HS, Dallas, TX (Spanish)

Learn more ABOUT SPI staff, our history, and our mission! If you would like to contact a teacher that has traveled with SPI as a director in the past, please use the contact us page.