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2020 High School Study Abroad

Programs, Tuition & Dates

Summer Language Immersion Starts Now!

Late arrival, early departure and three week options are available. 

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SPAIN

ESPAÑA

Spanish Language Immersion & Culture Programs in Spain

Santander

SessionDatesTuition
Summer 1June 12 - June 27$4,195 $3,795
Summer 2June 26 - July 11$4,195 $3,795
Month 1June 12 - July 11$7,995 $7,095

San Sebastián

SessionDatesTuition
Summer 1June 12 - June 27$4,195 $3,795
Summer 2June 26 - July 11$4,195 $3,795
Summer 3July 10 - July 25$4,195 $3,795
Month 2June 26 - July 25$7,995 $7,095
6 WeekJune 12 - July 25Call for Info

Housing Options

Homestay accommodations included in program tuition.

Pre-Requisites

Age Requirements: In grades 9-12 Language Requirement: 1 year of Spanish

AP/IB Preparation

Upper level courses incorporate AP/IB Spanish course material, themes & exercises to prepare students for these exams.

*The program start date listed above is the departure day from the U.S. Students will arrive in Europe the following morning. View Flight Information
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Fill out the form below and we will send you a catalog and get in touch. Please note all fields are required.

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COSTA
RICA

Spanish Language Immersion & Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica

Monteverde

SessionDatesTuition
Summer 1June 13 - June 27$4,095 $3,695

Flamingo

SessionDatesTuition
Summer 2June 27 - July 11$4,095 $3,695

Monteverde + Flamingo

SessionDatesTuition
Month 1June 13 - July 11$7,895 $6,995

Housing Options

Homestay accommodations included in program tuition.

Pre-Requisites

Age Requirements: In grades 9-12 Language Requirement: 1 year of Spanish

AP/IB Preparation

Upper level courses incorporate AP/IB Spanish course material, themes & exercises to prepare students for these exams.

*The program start date listed above is the departure day from the U.S. Students will arrive in Europe the following morning. View Flight Information
Request Info

Request Your Catalog Today.

Fill out the form below and we will send you a catalog and get in touch. Please note all fields are required.

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Start Enrollment

FRANCE

FRANCE

French Language Immersion & Culture Programs in France

Biarritz

SessionDatesTuition
Summer 2June 26 – July 11$4,095 $3,795
Summer 3July 10 – July 25$4,095 $3,795
Month 2June 26 – July 25$7,995 $7,095

Housing Options

Homestay accommodations included in program tuition.

Pre-Requisites

Age Requirements: In grades 9-12 Language Requirement: 1 year of French

AP Preparation

Upper level courses incorporate AP French course material, themes & exercises to prepare students for these exams.

*The program start date listed above is the departure day from the U.S. Students will arrive in Europe the following morning. View Flight Information
Request Info

Request Your Catalog Today.

Fill out the form below and we will send you a catalog and get in touch. Please note all fields are required.

Schedule A Call
Start Enrollment

ITALY

ITALIA

Italian Language Immersion & Culture Programs in Italy

Siena

SessionDatesTuition
Summer 2June 26 - July 11$4,095 $3,795
Immersion ExtensionJuly 11 - July 25$3,195 $2,995

Housing Options

Homestay accommodations included in program tuition.

Pre-Requisites

Age Requirements: In grades 9-12 Language Requirement: Open to All Levels. Program focuses on Latin Studies too

AP Preparation

Upper level courses incorporate AP Italian course material, themes & exercises to prepare students for these exams.

*The program start date listed above is the departure day from the U.S. Students will arrive in Europe the following morning. View Flight Information
Request Info

Request Your Catalog Today.

Fill out the form below and we will send you a catalog and get in touch. Please note all fields are required.

Schedule A Call
Start Enrollment

QUESTIONS?

We're here to help.

SPI EASY ENROLLMENT GUIDE

What’s Included?
Click here to view what’s included and not included on every SPI program. What’s Included

Flight Information
SPI designates an arrival and departure booking window that gives you the flexibility to use the airline of your choice (suggested itineraries are provided.) Please book your flight after you receive acceptance confirmation from SPI. Flight Information

Reserve a Space Without Enrolling
In fact, we recommend it. SPI can hold a spot for up to 1 month in the program of your choice while you and your family finalize summer plans. Reserve Your Space Now!

How do I Enroll?
After completing the online enrollment with $1,000 program deposit, an orientation packet will be sent via email and post mail. Flexible payment options are available for an additional fee if you need more time to make final payments. Enroll Online Now

Request Info

Request Your Catalog Today.

Fill out the form below and we will send you a catalog and get in touch. Please note all fields are required.

Schedule A Call
Start Enrollment

Connect with Us @SPIStudyAbroad

Start Your Summer Immersion

Schedule a call with one of our Program Advisors and request a digital or print catalog. We can help guide you and your family to the best High School Language Immersion Summer Program.

Request Information

Request Your Catalog Today.

Fill out the form below and we will send you a catalog and get in touch. Please note all fields are required.

Schedule A Call
Enroll Now
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ABOUT SPI HIGH SCHOOL STUDY ABROAD

Since 1996, SPI High School Study Abroad offers intensive French, Italian and Spanish language immersion, cultural leadership and volunteer service summer programs in Spain, France, Italy, and Costa Rica.

Top Youth Travel Program

Language Immersion

Spanish Immersion+Leadership

San Sebastian, Spain
Santander, Spain

Spanish Immersion+Volunteer

Costa Rica

French Immersion+Leadership

Biarritz, France

Italian Immersion+Leadership

Siena, Italy

Explore SPI Abroad

Get In Touch

SPI Study Abroad

P: 512-502-7505
[email protected]

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Copyright 2019 SPI Study Abroad | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy & Terms

On-Site Supervision Team Abroad

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.

Training & Experience

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.

Daily Supervision

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.

Student Behavior Expectations

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.

No Alcohol Policy

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.

Afternoon Elective Activities

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.

Common Afternoon Electives

> 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

Sample Travel Excursions

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

Our Screening & Selection Process

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.

Location of Housing

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.

Evening Curfews

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. 

Typical Housing Dynamics

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.

Language Course Overview

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

College Credit Opportunity

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.

Credit Hours vs. Credit Granted

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.