The 2014 SPI Instagram Photo Contest is in full swing! Here are some (but certainly not all!) of our students' awesome entries. 2014 alumni, it's not too late to enter and…
San Sebastián is beyond amazing….of course. I arrived in San Sebastián on the 14th and, waiting outside the bus stop for us (my roommate Lizzie and I) was our family!…
Our Alumni Photo of the Week comes to us from one of our 2012 Siena alumni: Kaelyn! Kaeyln's photo is of a local street artist she witnessed on the group's…
When my dad dropped me off at the airport with a 53lb suitcase and my passport, I wasn’t nervous. Sydney, I told myself, You’ve been through China. What can a…
The SPI Alumni Photo of the Week goes to our Santander '14 Alumni, Sydney, for her beautifully-captured shot of Segovia, Spain!
Surf's up for 2014 Alumni, Gaby -- surfing is always a favorite activity of San Sebastian students!
The SPI Alumni Photo of the Week comes to us from Rayna, a 2013 Biarritz participant. Looking at her photo of students frolicking on the beach makes us almost giddy…
Our SPI Alumni Photo of the Week is from Alison, who was a participant on last year's summer French immersion program in Biarritz. Alison's photo of the Place de la…
Why it's awesome: Monteverde is one of those dream-come-true study abroad destinations, particularly for the adventurous at heart. First off, the region itself is characterized by incredible cloud forests and breathtaking…
Our SPI Alumni Photo of the Week comes to us from Grace, who spent last summer studying in Santander. Living with a homestay is an essential part of the cultural…
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We hire bilingual high school teachers, university professors, and caring local staff who, as a team, serve as international “moms and dads” throughout the program. Directors actively participate in all aspects of the immersion experience: helping with housing adjustments, checking in on classes, and making sure students are taking advantage of the wonderful excursion and activity opportunities. All SPI staff go through extensive reference checks.
Directors are selected based on their experience working with teenagers in an international setting, their ability to communicate fluently in the language of study, and their academic & professional background. All on-site staff go through an intensive training process.
Students are expected to be respectful of their directors’ guidelines and abide by the SPI standards of conduct at all times. SPI directors and program staff are available 24 hours a day. Directors check in with students on a daily basis in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings; they also frequently monitor all aspects of each student’s progress. Homestays and residence directors are contacted to learn how students are adjusting, and to handle any concerns. Daily curfews are enforced.
Since 1996, we have proudly attracted an academically-minded student body focused on improving their language skills and growing from cultural experiences. At SPI, we take our role as teachers seriously — we recognize that we are responsible for guiding students through one of their most life-changing experiences. We expect students not only to abide by our standards of conduct at all times, but also to serve as ambassadors of their local communities, schools, and cities.
SPI maintains a strict policy against the use of alcohol. Directors check in with students in the evenings; however, parents are expected to review our standards of conduct with their children and set clear family expectations prior to the start of the program with regards to their behavior abroad.
Our meaningful afternoon elective activities make local culture, art, architecture, museums, sports, and attractions come to life! Each program offers a variety of engaging activities designed to combine serious fun with truly inspiring “once in a lifetime” experiences. Electives are not included in the program price, and we suggest students budget $100 per week for participation in these incredible learning experiences.
> CULTURAL: Cooking, Dance, Art & Architecture, Museum & Theater Visits, Local Sporting & Cultural Events
> SPORTS: Surfing, Volleyball, Soccer, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Hikes & Walks
> ENRICHMENT: Photography, College Prep (Essay Writing, Admissions Prep), Photography, Guest Speakers
SPAIN: Bilbao, Pamplona, Santander, San Sebastian, Guernika, Biarritz (France), Comillas, Picos de Europa
FRANCE: Bordeaux, Bayonne, Anglet, San Sebastian (Spain), St. Jean de Luz, Pyrenees Mountains
COSTA RICA: Liberia, Cloud Forest, Puntarenas, Rincon de la Vieja, Tamarindo Beach
ITALY: Florence, Orvieto, San Gimignano, San Vincezo, Castiglione della Pescaia
Students live with roommates in a local homestay or student residence that is experienced in hosting foreign students. SPI has worked with most participating homestays and student residences for a number of years, and they understand students are there to learn the language and experience the culture. SPI diligently screens each homestay and student residence facility with the following in mind: safety, location, cleanliness, and previous experience hosting students.
HOMESTAY EXPECTATIONS
Most homestays have hosted students for many years and take their jobs and duties as cultural ambassadors very seriously. Our foreign schools also work with each family on a year-round basis to ensure a positive experience is had by each student. It is critical to understand that most homestays come from humble means and different dynamics.
All housing options are located within a 10-30 minute commute from the school. Students will walk or take the local bus, which is a safe and normal way for students their age to get around in our host cities. The majority of our housing options are located in the same areas where students will be close to each other.
Student curfews are set based on what a culturally appropriate weekday and weekend curfew would be for teenagers in the country of study. This is normally between 10 PM – 11 PM on weekdays and a little later on the weekends depending on location and group dynamic. As an important safety measure, program staff diligently monitor student curfews. Specific curfews are listed on each program page for your reference.
Students are well supported in all housing options and are provided with: meals, a living and study space, laundry service or facilities, linens and towels. It is fundamental that students have an open mind to trying new foods and living in an environment different than “home” to benefit from this transformative experience!
HOMESTAY EXPECTATIONS
Although SPI homestays come in all shapes and sizes, the majority are older couples or single/widowed women in their 50s – 60s who have extra room in their home and are eager to host students. We have found this dynamic provides the best support, the most interaction, and the most culturally rich experience. Some homestays do have children, but students should keep in mind that homestays with children are busier and often offer less interaction — much like a busy American family.
The language courses focus on developing communication skills by simulating real-life situations through interactive class activities that include writing, oral expression, film, music, food, and literature.
> 2 Hours – Grammatical Concepts
> 1-2 Hours – Conversation, Culture, Literature, Film, etc.
> Small class sizes with levels 1 through AP/IB
SPI uses foreign universities and accredited language institutes for coursework abroad. These institutions provide high school students, upon successful completion of their courses, with an official transcript that they may use to petition college credit from their future university or college. Official transcripts are first sent to SPI in September, and then we will mail an official copy of the transcript in a sealed envelope to each participant. You will mail the official transcript packet directly to your U.S. university once you are enrolled.
Most SPI language immersion programs give 30-80 contact hours, or classroom hours, enabling for a potential of up to 1-6 semester college credit hours by your university. Contact hours are treated differently at every school. Some schools will grant specific class credit for the hours (e.g., Spanish), although most give a general foreign language or elective credit. Normally, 15 Contact/Class Hours = 1 College Credit Hour.
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.
