How do SPI trips differ from traditional tours?
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. 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 explore and live in the local community. 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. Our programs have one element in common with traditional tours: in the afternoons or on weekends, 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.
