Do your homework before signing up for immersion experience abroad

By Melissa Gaskill
April 30, 2002

Combining a vacation to an exotic location with learning a language sounds great. But before you book a flight, be sure that study abroad is right for you, said Jennifer Lewis, product manager at studyabroad.com. First, you'll need the time off and the money. Other methods may be cheaper, but the costs need to be weighed against the benefits.

"Even a short-term immersion experience is valuable," Lewis said. "It really shakes up your world and can change your belief and value systems. You make social connections and friendships that affect you always. This connecting socially may be the biggest factor for a nurse."

Sound good? Juli Goff, director of Se Habla ... La Paz, a Spanish-language school in Baja California, lists points to consider when choosing a program.

• First impression: Does the school provide personal attention? Is it responsive? Does the staff assist you in deciding whether this school is right for you?
  
• References: Personal recommendations are best; otherwise, does the school willingly provide references in your profession?
  
• Instructor credentials: Is this information readily available? Are instructors adequately trained specifically to teach a second language to adults?
  
• Methodology and curriculum: What method is used? How many hours of instruction? Is it an appropriate curriculum? Is there homework? Is the school accredited? How is progress measured?
  
• Class structure: Are there various levels? Are students evaluated for placement at their language level? How many students are there to a class (smaller is better)?
  
• Text and materials: What does the school use, and does it recommend additional texts that can be bought in the States? Is material individualized to interests and professions?
  
• Location: Is the city easily accessible? Is the school in a safe area, accessible to accommodations, dining, activities, etc.? Is there transportation?
  
• Ambiance: This includes student demographics and physical facility. Does it have air conditioning, computers, snack facilities? What about noise level?
  
• Cost: What does it include? What other costs will there be?
  

If students stay in family homes, find out how the families are screened, how they are paid and how much, if there is transportation to and from the school and if security is maintained. If hotel accommodations are used, ask about the quality of the hotel, its location relative to the school and other facilities, transportation and total cost.

Studyabroad.com offers the "Guide to Studying Abroad," a checklist for selecting a program.