Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a program?

Tours or Arles? Gijón, Segovia, or Pontevedra? China? Although certain programs attract a slightly different mix of students, there are other factors that should be a part of your decision. We can’t go over all those here—you’d get bored. So call us. We can also give you names of alumni/ae from each program who are perhaps best placed to help you decide. And remember, we hold informational interviews in several cities during the winter, or come see us at Dartmouth, it’s a great place any season of the year.

What level of Spanish, French, or Chinese is required?

Frankly, if you are a motivated person, if the choice to really assault fluency is your goal (and not just your parents'), then we can do the rest. We teach at as many as three different levels, and have even contracted special tutoring for those either just above or just below everyone else. Bring your energy, enthusiasm, and leave the driving to us. Note that all French and Spanish programs require 2 or more years of the target language, while China requires none - beginners to more advanced students are accepted. This is because Chinese and Italian are not yet that widely taught. And, for China only, that is why we encourage high school seniors to apply. In France and Spain, students ranged from 2 to 5 years of the language on our programs last summer - in fact, there were a few students who were close to fluent. We take French and Spanish students with 1 year of the language in only certain circumstances - call if that's you.

When do I get detailed information on what to bring etc?

In the spring, we send out a detailed packet for your trip. It goes over clothes to pack, money to bring along, presents for your host family, etc. It also includes a detailed questionnaire designed to help us select a family for you. Specifics of our flights are also sent out then. Overall, don’t be too concerned about all these details right now. We will take care of everything! As the summer nears, we send out several other letters to help you prepare for your trip. As always, be certain to call or email us with even the most mundane question.

Can personal travel plans be accommodated before or after the program?

Our flights can be adjusted to meet almost any schedule, but the earlier we know your plans the better. Changing our group flights adds to the cost, but not substantially. Our flights cost around $600 ($900 to Chnia)- if you schedule your own flights, we refund that; if you change dates or airports (NY/Paris/Madrid/Barcelona/Rome/Kunming) but use us, there is a non-group charge plus any additional flight costs. And, in most circumstances, we can easily arrange to meet you in Europe or at our gateway (currently Bangkok) to China or get you to where you're going after our program. Last year, we arranged to meet students pre-trip in Tours, Madrid, London, Toulouse, and Paris; and post trip, we put students on trains or planes for Frankfort, London, and Hong Kong. We are flexible, but again, we need as much advance notice as you can give us.

What are the other kids like?

This one is a hard one to answer - for example, enrolled last summer was one student who has climbed Mount Ranier, another who trekked through Alaska for 5 weeks, and another who sang throughout Europe with her choral group. But there are also several who spent the prior summer in study programs, bus trips, or on family vacations. Diverse in their interests, active, curious would be the most apt generalization that comes to mind.