Foreign Study Winners and Losers
There are hundreds of student exchange and study abroad programs and organized student tours available. Most programs offer a rich learning experience. However, some don't seem to measure up to their advertising claims. How do parents and students sort through the options? Please share your experience with foreign study. Was your program or tour worthwhile, or just a waste of time and money?
- Please don't post questions here. Use our Travelers Helpline.
ISEP
Check if your school is a member of the ISEP program. If it is, this is definately one of the cheapest ways to study abroad. You pay the exact same amount you would if you just stayed at home for the semester, even for room and board, except that instead you get room board and tuition on your host country. All you have to buy extra is the plane ticket and health insurance. You won't get the "program" stuff like organized visits and such, but I've found that where I am- Rennes, France- you can find the exact same thing through the university's foreign student office or the equivalent. Basically an affordable way to get a great exchange experience.
Sarah
Leonardtown, MD USA 05/07/2008
estonian language and culture
if you want a real UNIQUE study abroad experience, id say check out the Tallinn Summer Schools Estonian Language and Culture Course. I participated in it last year and had a blast! They took us to the Viljandi folk music festival which is one of the best Ive ever been to. Estonia has a good location to so its easy to travel to Russia, Finland, or Latvia before or after the course.
heres their website if anyone is interested
(http://www.tlu.ee/?LangID=2&CatID=2164&ArtID=7976&action=article
CB <email>
Wash DC, DC USA 04/28/2008
Study Abroad at The University of Oxford and The University of Cambridge
I spent my junior year abroad reading (studying) English and Philosophy at St. Catherine's College, University of Oxford and my friend spent her JYA at Cambridge. We both went through Butler University's program (Institute for Study Abroad), which was terrific. They offered lots of support in the application process, scholarships to help fund your JYA, and trips to different locations in England during your semester/year abroad, including a short home-stay with an English family upon your arrival. I had amazing tutors, including the late Jonathan Wordsworth, who is a direct descendant of William Wordsworth and held the same privileges as all fully matriculated students did, including access to the Bodleian Library for research, etc. I highly recommend the program for those who would like to attend a particular college at either Oxford or Cambridge, as often American universities do have exchange programs with certain colleges but you might want to be in a different one than your university offers.
Jaime
London/Seattle, WA USA 04/23/2008
DENMARK
DIS, the Danish Institute for Study Abroad, is a great program for foreign study in Denmark! There are hundreds of courses to choose from. You do take classes with American students studying abroad in the program, but if you try hard enough you shouldn't have trouble meeting the Danes. Denmark is a really underrated place - I highly recommend DIS! Go visit www.dis.dk!
D
PA USA 04/19/2008
Study and Soccer in Germany
Football/School Exchange Program.
My son plays soccer and wanted to play in Europe so i googled and eventually found FARA. He went when he was 15 and is there now and has nearly completed a year. He did not know a word of German and is speaking quite fluently after 8 months. Michael the President organises everything and my son has had the experience of his life. His fees were half the price of others and i highly recommend the organisation and the experience.
Donna Mantello <email>
Mel, Vic Australia 04/06/2008
UWO European Odyssey
I was a student at UW Oshkosh, and they offer a really cool program where we studied abroad for a semester, travelling to the major European cities. We started in London, then to Paris, Athens, Florence, Rome, AMsterdam, and ending in Berlin, spending about 3 weeks in each city. The destinations change year by year, but this has got to be the best study abroad trip I have ever heard of as far as how much you get to see and experience. The classes were art and history credits, mainly gen-eds. Unfortunately the trip may not go this year due to not enough people signing up. The total trip costs, including all the spending money I brought, came to about $15,000. When you consider you will be living in hostels and budget hotels, eating out daily, and doing tons of really cool activities for 4 months, this is a great deal!!! I made the great friends and had the best experiences of my life!!! Oh you do not have to be a student at UWO to attend, just contact the staff if you are interested. UW Oshksoh European Odyssey http://www.uwosh.edu/oie/abroad/odyssey.php
Anna <email>
Madison, WI USA 04/02/2008
TESC Study Abroad Programs
My son attends the Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA. At TESC you enroll in a "program" each quarter instead of individual classes. The programs are cross-disciplinary. This year, as part of the year long "America Abroad" program, he is interning for 3 months in South Africa with an NGO that does advocacy work for AIDS orphans and people with AIDS. This is real world work--one of their clients died within the last week--and incredibly rewarding. Other program participants are interning with NGOs in Thailand and Guatemala.
I can not say enough good things about Evergreen's study abroad programs. Last year my son did their Ireland program, which involved learning the language, as well as history, culture and economics. He spent 6 weeks in Dingle.
RickaG
Puyallup, W USA 03/07/2008
Don Quijote including partner schools
My daughter (20) visited three Don Quijote schools last summer, and was very pleased with the Don Quijote owned schools (Salamanca and Barcelona) but not with the partner school in Valencia. She went to that school last, and didn't feel they provided the support or quality she had expected. The others she raved about.
Dave <email>
Grapevine, TX USA 01/27/2008
Summer Italy Program
I googled Siena and came up with this page. My university had a summer program where we were able to take history and art history classes. We were put in apartments through the Siena IES center which were fine except that there was not enough housing for us - it was a disaster. The staff at IES was not helpful at all and the director seems to hate Americans. I saw the Paris kid's comments and I wish I had had that experience - this was not a semester and only 5 weeks but I agree with everybody else - research programs if you can and go with established programs. The IES Siena center is not one of them - but Paris does seem to have a pretty good staff from what the other girls say.
Villanova, PA USA 01/25/2008
Spanish Immersion Courses
From my own personal experience, I highly recommend don Quijote. I spent five weeks in Madrid and three weeks in Barcelona and I absolutely loved the experience. You have a choice of staying with a host family or you can share a flat with other students. Although these programs tend to be popular with the college-age crowd, don't let your age (if you're past 25) stop you from learning. This program accepts all age groups and there will always be a diverse age-range of students amonge the crowd of the "young ones". I participated in this course in my late 30's and I had a great time, too, so you are never too old to learn. Don Quijote also offers immersion courses throughout Latin America as well.
Elaine <email>
Dallas, TX USA 01/17/2008
Archaeology field schools
I might suggest that people also consider archaeology fieldschools. They can be a lot of fun, you get to help make discoveries, and they are often not limited to college students. You can find lists at several locations, for instance:
http://www.shovelbums.org/
http://www.archaeological.org/webinfo.php?page=10016
http://www.saa.org/public/news/field-lab.html
(Two of these are search engines for fieldwork opportunities.)
They are generally open to volunteers, and experience is often not necessary.
Bob
Lakeland, Fl USA 01/13/2008
Harlaxton College, Grantham, England
For a semester abroad, check out Harlaxton College in Grantham, England. It is owned by the University of Evansville, but many other colleges/universities partner with UE to send undergraduate students. The program encourages students to travel throughout the British Isles and Europe. I attended some time ago and the experience changed my life forever. It is definitely worth a look!
Don
Fort Lauderdale, FL USA 01/06/2008
IES Paris, again!
I would like to agree with the poster below me, I too, went to Paris with IES and had the time of my life! The classes were great, and I stayed in a lovely host home. I understand that everyone's experience is different, and it sounds like the Siena program was new, so it may be best to go with a well-established program, where you can read a lot of reviews or even contact former participants. I must say, though, that I found the IES Paris staff to be wonderful. On one occasion, I had a horrible night and (I'll spare you the story!) couldn't get back to my apartment, and one of the staff members invited me into her own home for the night. They were caring and generous, and I couldn't have had a better experience!
Amanda
Washington, DC USA 01/03/2008
IES Paris
I have to add my strong opposition to one poster's comments about IES. My IES Paris semester couldnt have been more wonderful. The staff was caring and friendly and geuniune. I miss it every single day!
Katie
Dallas, TX USA 12/03/2007
Siena Study Abroad
Be careful with study abroad programs. I was unfortuanate enough to study at the new IES Siena center with the absolutely horrible director (who another girl mentions as being wonderful). Parents and Students beware, you're going to be paying thousands of dollars and need to research programs carefully. We were put into substandard housing (pipes breaking, doors not working, dusty allergy, mold), no internet despite the website claiming their would be, and a director who was there maybe 2 full weeks out of the entire 3 months. All in all, be careful - it can be a wonderful experience. As a lose I would say 100% stay away from IES Siena or IES in general. When I tried to complain they essentially they couldn't do anything and that if I wasn't happy with an apartment to go get a new one with no help from IES despite VERY unhealthy conditions.
Siena, USA 11/28/2007
German study
A foreign study immersion program not in Europe is the German summer program in Taos NM. I went to Germany for three weeks but another guy I know went to Taos. With the exchange rate today I might consider Taos and hope for a better exchage rate in the future.
FTWGuy2
Ft Worth, Tx USA 11/19/2007
International Summer School, Oslo
International Summer School in Oslo, Norway is great!! It's for 6 weeks and not just for college students. For example, the oldest student this past summer was 73 and the youngest 19. In this program you will meet people from around the world and really get to know other cultures and make new friends. The program also includes excursions around Norway that are included in your program fee. It's action packed and a lot of fun. Next summer will be the 62nd year. There are not just Norwegian language classes, but also some graduate programs and undergraduate programs. The program Director is also really great. He really interacts with the students, attends the events and even has lunch everyday with the students. You can tell he really cares about the program and making it quality for everyone. For more info, www.uio.no/iss.
Lori
Boulder, CO USA 11/13/2007
education
www.daad.com
i highly recommend it. i wish i had done it for my bachelors. i'm a masters student in germany and i did NOT register via an american institution. in germany, education is free, well now in some states it's 500 euros a semester. but anyone from any country can study for free.
so if you go to the website that is stated above, you can type in your area of study, which level, which LANGUAGE, and also search for scholarships (living expenses) all highschool students should become aware of this great opportunity.
kirstin <email>
kiel, DE 08/13/2007
Goethe-Institut in Deutschland
German study opportunities are offered by13 Goethe Institutes in Germany. I attended the Institute in Schwäbisch Hall in 2000. The teachers were excellent with morning instruction and social activities some afternoons and evenings. Classes are available for beginners on up. There were few US students at the time, with many students from the former eastern bloc, Latin America, and Asia. I took day trips each weekend. I recommend the institutes in smaller towns, as the institutes in large cities have students that work and disappear from the school as soon as class is over. There is limited socializing in the large cities.
Check the website, http://www.goethe.de/enindex.htm I priced a single room and instruction for <$75 per day. Studying could be cheaper than vacationing, and probably cheaper than a course offered by US universities.
Chip
IA USA 08/07/2007
Study abroad programs
I work for a very reputable and affordable academic program in Madrid every July. Anyone who is interested in learning or improving their Spanish for university credit is eligible to participate. It has been in existence for 30 years, and I am a Spanish teacher who first became involved in the program as a student. There are no hidden costs, and I have taken a number of my own students year after year. There is also a side trip to Running of the Bulls. I am an expert on Madrid and the University of Madrid, and would be happy to answer any questions or send brochures for next summer's program. My e-mail address is listed and I can provide many names of other participants who will support my statements regarding this program. Thanks!
Joanne Longobardi <email>
Englewood, Co USA 07/22/2007
Working abroad is an option too
I did a program that wasn't study abroad, but rather work abroad. It's a much more cost-effective option since you earn money while you're abroad. Through BUNAC (www.bunac.org), US college students or alumni who've graduated within the last 6 months can get work visas for the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The length of time that the visa is good varies by country, but the UK is 6 months and Ireland is 4 months. I spent 6 months in early 2005 in London, working at the Natural History Museum, which is one of my favorite museums in the world. You're responsible for finding your own housing and employment, but the people who work for the program give you advice both before and after arrival about the best ways to go about doing that. Since you'll most likely be living with and working alongside local residents, you get a pretty strong cultural immersion. And did I mention how much nicer it is to pay $300 or so for a work visa instead of thousands for overseas tuition?
Lindsey <email>
Los Angeles, CA USA 07/07/2007
Study Abroad - a broad experience
For anyone thinking about studying abroad but wants to experience a variety of cultures (rather than live in one country) I HIGHLY recommend the Semester at Sea program through the University of Virginia. The program is not only available to current students but also adults looking for an informal continuing education experience.
Kendra
San Diego, CA USA 06/29/2007
Summer study in Oslo
when I was in college, I studied for just a summer at the University of Oslo. They have an amazing international summer program. You only take one or two classes, but you meet so many people from all of the world and learn much more than you ever could in a class. they have great activites and excursions and it is all well priced.
Maggie
Seattle, WA USA 05/29/2007
Study Abroad - Switzerland
Neuchatel, Switzerland has a wonderful study abroad/exchange during the summer months. It's in a great spot for traveling to other places on the weekends, and you can't go wrong living in Switzerland! Check it out through the University of Utah.
Ann
SLC, UT USA 05/04/2007
Spanish classes in Spain
I am very interested in studying Spanish intensively in Spain (probably a two-week course). I am aware of several programs but am having a hard time finding feedback on any. Has anyone taken any of these courses? Any recommendations for one course over another, or one city over another? I appreciate any feedback.
Liz <email>
Hyattsville, MD USA 05/04/2007
Study Abroad In France
I am looking into doing study abroad in France next summer for two months. Can anyone who has gone tell me roughly how much it cost them?
Ashley
Orem , UT USA 04/29/2007
Miami University in Luxembourg
Miami University of Oxford Ohio has a wonderful program based in Luxembourg. My younger son went there in the early 90's and as a result, became a much more dynamic and enthusiastic life long learner. He traveled to 18 countries and the Vatican while there and met another Miami student and as an eventual result they have been married for 8 years and have given us two grandchildren. He and I went back to visit two summers ago and spent the day touring WW II battle sites, under the guidance of one of the local program sponsors. All in all his European study had a profound impact upon all of us.
Ken Andrews
Penfield, N.Y. USA 04/15/2007
Italy Study abroad for everyone
For answers about an excellent study abroad program for college students and or adults. www.umbra-institute.com They have an excellent intensive lauguage course in conjunction with the Straniere School in Perugia along with many other accredited courses. They have a great summer course program also.
Idalee Hutson-Fish <email>
Walla Walla, WA USA 04/09/2007
Study Abroad for the older student
Hi Everyone! I returned to school (age 50) after my children were grown and attended a study abroad program with Southeastern Louisiana University. This was also my first time to Europe.
It was one of the best experiences in my life! The program director chose Salzburg, Austria and it was a great choice. It is central to so many places. We went to class Monday through Thursday and were free to travel for the long weekends. It was a three week program. In that time we travelled to Vienna, all around Salzburg, Venice and Rome, Munich and the Dachau concentration camp and took a night train in a couchette to save a travel day, to Paris. I packed too much!!! I'm going on the same trip, different class, and packing lighter. I'm already mapping out the places I'll visit. Good planning is the key to a great trip. I hope you all make wonderful European memories!
Carla <email>
Mandeville, LA USA 04/09/2007
Doing a semester abroad is fantastic... wish I would have thought of it when I was in college, but what about the mid 30's and older crowd that may want to spend 2 weeks, a month, or whatever time we can spare? Anyone of that demographic have any experiences or suggestions to offer? (Well, you can be younger than that if you have a program to recommend).
Erica
DuPont, WA USA 04/08/2007
Salzburg College is a great experience!
I spent a semester at Salzburg College in Salzburg, Austria and it was a wonderful experience. It's a gorgeous city, and the staff/factulty are extremely fun and helpful. Classes are taught in English but students live with Austrian families. Students are also fed by the families - which is a great way to eat like the locals do. Salzburg is centrally located and we frequently took weekend trips to Paris, Italy, Prague, Budapest, etc.
I highly recommend studying abroad - for many of us, it will be the longest and most intense experience abroad.
Laura <email>
Cleveland, OH USA 03/26/2007
Arts Academy in Florence
I am looking to apply to the Academia d'Arte in Florence Italy starting in November at the earliest. I'm going to Florence this spring on unrelated business, and I was going to check out the academy in person while I'm out there (it just feels safer that way). However, does anyone know of other arts academies or programs for studying music -- specifically classical voice? The program looks perfect for me from what I can tell from the website, but I feel better having a back-up plan.
Ann <email>
Washington DC, VA USA 03/12/2007
FILM STUDY ABROAD
A friend my mine recently graduated from London School of Film. It's expensive but she gained a lot of contacts in both independent and mainstream cinema. She's a documentary filmmaker who was interested getting a foothold in feature length film.
COMET
LONDON, UK, USA 02/04/2007
Semester in Scotland
I studied for a semester in Stirling, Scotland and it was the best semester of my life. Traveling is one thing but actually being immersed in and living in another culture is a whole different experience. It was an experience that I will remember forever and a piece of my heart will forever be with Scotland. Be careful what program you go through, however. Do a lot of research and try to talk to someone who went with that specific program. Most universities have study abroad programs and I would recommend going through a school program if you have the option. There are some programs out there that are better than others.
I went through the Institute for Study Abroad, Butler University (http://www.ifsa-butler.org/)and it was an amazing program. We had a three-day orientation to help us adjust to the culture shock. They also planned two (one to the highlands of Scotland and one to York, England) trips, which were paid for with the program fee as well as a few dinners and a Caleigh. They also had an amazing support staff that helped with not only the transition to Scotland, but also the transition back to the States. Many people I met who were participating in other programs were amazed at all the Butler Program offered. I would highly recommend it. They truly care about the students and wanted to help as get as much out of the semester as we could. If you are considering studying abroad, do it. Just go. You will regret it if you do not.
Laura
Seattle, WA USA 01/25/2007
Studying Film/Video Abroad?
Does anyone know of any programs to study Film/video abroad?
Right now I'm pretty open to anywhere, I'm just beginning to research my options.
I have a B.A. already in multimedia, and was now interested in studying film.
Thanks!
Rebecca <email>
Chicago, il USA 01/17/2007
Foreign Study
Lynn The University of California at Berkeley EXTENSION has a wonderful summer art program in English in Paris either for credit or not. I attended this program in 1988 and loved every minute of it. The last time I noticed (maybe
last winter)Berkeley was still using the same program director and the same wonderful art professor from the University of Paris. I would think you could find more information at one of Berkeley's websites.
Jean <email>
Fort Collins, CO USA 01/15/2007
Three Weeks in Germany
I spent three weeks in Bamberg Germany at an intensive language school. During those three weeks I spent two 1 1/2 hour class periods each mornings and 1 class period each afternoon learning the language.
I lived with a local during the three weeks and paid 87 euro per week. This compares to what I spent for one night in a hotel in Berlin. I did visit Nurenberg and Berlin on weekends. One week of class with a room did cost about what I spent last year staying in hotels.
Bamberg was a great place to spend three weeks with enough to see and do in the afternoon.
The class size varied each week from 5 to 8 people. It is true that the more people in the class the less you learn. Once the class went up to 8 people they did divide the class in two for the second class period.
One concern was that everyone would speak different languages. English was the one common language and was used to explain things the class didn't understand.
Another concern was if I would be prepared. I wasn't and spent the afternoons relearning what I had already learned in the states.
FtWorthGuy2
Ft Worth, Tx USA 12/27/2006
Summer Study Abroad
I highly recommend traveling with a university for a first study abroad experience. While the trips are often more expensive than doing a full semester in an European university, they provide a sense of grounding and help to ease some fears.
I spent 5 weeks in France (mostly Paris) with Arizona State University and had the most amazing time of my life. I followed the trip with an additional 6 weeks wandering around. I agree with the other posters, try and get away from your American friends, but also recognize your own comfort level. I am a rather shy person, so starting my trip with several Americans put me more at ease and made me comfortable in the environment.
Travelling around afterwards is the best decision I have ever made. I went to Spain, Scotland, Germany and Italy before going home. The time spent by myself taught me a great deal about who I am!
One piece of advice I have to offer is to make sure you enjoy the professors who will be leading the trip. You spend a great deal of time with them, and it is incredibly important that you enjoy their company. Also, shop around. If one trip doesn't seem quite right, then it probably isn't. Be picky, it will pay off.
I enjoyed my travels so much that I will be going on another summer study abroad, staying afterwards and come fall semester returning to Paris for a semester long study abroad.
Travel is absolutely the best way to learn ... about yourself and, most importantly, the world around you!
DO IT!
Anna <email>
Phoenix, AZ USA 12/26/2006
Art/Language/Culture study abroad
My daughter is doing a study abroad this summer in Ales, France. The program is combining Art, Culture and Language through Florida Atlantic University (http://www.fau.edu/divdept/schmidt/art/study/index.htm). Any recommendations about how to keep out cost down about flying in and out? She wants to go a little early and stay a week later to travel around Europe but doesn't exactly know where she wants to go yet. Should we just fly her in and out of Paris? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Connie <email>
USA 11/29/2006
Study abroad is a must experience!!
I agree! Spend some time abroad and learn the local language. I lived abroad a number of years ago in Oslo, Norway (for 1 year) and loved it!! I met people from all over the world and it really opened my eyes to the world.
As another reader said, spend time away from your countrymen! You will learn so much more if you can make a few native friends. They will teach you more than you could learn as a tourist or even as a student who only spends time with other Americans, Canadians, etc.
And even if they speak English, you must must make the effort to speak their language or you will never learn. Eventually you will just have to pretend they are not speaking English and keep on speaking their lanuage. If they can respond to you, even if in English, that means they understand you.
So I say do it!! The longer the better!! But even if you can go for 4-6 weeks, that's better than nothing. You will learn more than if you stayed and studied at home.
So, GO GO GO!!
Btw, The University of Oslo was great!! So much fun! Norway is a very beautiful country. But watch out, they speak English very very well, so if you go for language learning, be prepared to try hard- not that the lanugage is hard- just that they will always want to speak English with you.
Good luck and have fun!! You will never forget your experience.
Lori L. <email>
Boulder, CO USA 11/27/2006
Art history/art courses
Looking to do a semester abroad for US Undergrad credits in art. My first choice would be Italy. Any great suggestions?
Lynn
Los Angeles, CA USA 11/19/2006
Ireland
I am excited to say that I will studying abroad for my first time ever. I have traveled abroad, but never studied. I will be in Athlone Ireland for 4 and a half weeks this summer.
Kimberly <email>
Apache Junction, AZ USA 11/14/2006
Living abroad.
If anyone is thinking of studying abroad, I'd say DO IT! There's no good reason not to. I spent a year of my academic life in Italy, and while it wasn't always easy, it certainly changed my life for the better. I now work for a study abroad company, and am doing everything I can go get overseas again! Italy is of course a wonderful place, but I've had friends who went to England, Cuba, the Czech Republic, and even Mongolia. It doesn't really matter WHERE you go, just so long as you get that head-spinning experience of living abroad. You'll never be the same person again. I studied in the IES Milan program, and I loved it. John Ockey, the coordinator, is a wonderful man. My only problem was that I spent too much time with Americans. Get away from your countrymen, if you can! You can always hang out with Americans when you get back.
Elizabeth
Minneapolis, MN USA 11/08/2006
italian language school
For study in italian, check out www.italian.org. There are two schools listed. My husband and I spent 3 weeks of our honeymoon at the one in Belforte all' Isauro, a small town of about 700 residents. Very inexpensive and a marvelous experience. If you go, say "ciao" to Carmelo and Angelo from Tom & Sue Glaser
Susan Glaser <email>
Oakland Park, FL USA 10/30/2006
Best Italian Program
Jamie --- PICK the program, not the location. You can always travel to the location. Italy is not that big.
Frank P. <email>
Centennial, CO USA 10/20/2006
German Immersion
I will be attending three weeks of German Immersion in a few weeks at Treffpunkt in Bamberg. (learn-german.com) They had a page, that I can't find anymore, about questions to ask yourself. For beginners I would suggest starting at your local community college. In Dallas they also have Saturday classes with the Goethe Center. The Goethe Institute exists in several US cities.
Try to avoid summers when everyone goes. (Larger classes) Four semesters of college german equals 16 weeks in Germany so it is intensive. Renting a room from a local is cheaper than a hotel and gives you more chances to use the language.
I know that SMU teaches a German Lite or Travel German. Something similar could be in your area. Look for a german group, ie Meetup.com.
FtWorthGuy2
Ft Worth, Tx USA 10/18/2006
Italian Language Schools
ABOUT ITALIAN LANGUAGE SCHOOLS:
I've attended 2 different schools, One in Florence and one in Bologna. I prefered Florence because the city is smaller, cleaner and Rome and Tuscany are a short hop on the train, Bologna was very cold. TIPS: If you are serious about learning the language live with an italian. If you are a non smoker insist on a smokeless house,
Liz
Cary, NC USA 10/14/2006
Where, in your opinion, is the best place for a college student to study for a semester in Italy? I am an English major, and I have never been to Italy and am having trouble trying to decide on a location to spend 4 months of my life! Any advice is appreciated.
Jamie
Philadelphia, PA USA 10/14/2006
Go north!
I offer the suggestion to investigate universities in Canada. The exchange rate is still favorable against the US dollar and there is the flavor of an international experience while still on the North American continent. My son has been very surprised at the strongly patriotic Canadians and getting an entirely different cultural perspective. Besides that, Queens University offers myriad travel opportunities that differ from "our" traditional junior year abroad in the US, as well as access to more and different countries than we have, too.
Marjorie
Portland, OR USA 10/11/2006
Immersion programs in Spain
I'm heading to Spain this January with my daughter to check out all of the cities where Don Quijote has its schools. My daughter will spend next summer there, in one of their immersion programs. I'd love to hear thoughts on these programs or other Spanish immersion programs, as well as any German immersion programs which I'm interested in for myself. Once we've returned in early January, I'll post what I learned and my thoughts on each of the locales and the facilities we've seen.
Dave <email>
TX USA 10/11/2006