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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.
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