Description

Since 1996, SPI has provided life changing homestay immersion opportunities exclusively for high school students across the globe. We believe traveling abroad develops independence and maturity by expanding students' knowledge of the world and increasing their understanding of other cultures.

All SPI immersion programs are unique and personalized global experiences designed to build leadership qualities to help students succeed in both college and in their future career goals. Our programs are guided by experienced bilingual educators with small group sizes.

The 5 Essential Elements of SPI Programs.
* Students, teachers, and the director use their language of study throughout the program.
* Students study at an accredited university or academically demanding language institute to receive college credit based on their transcript and/or the petition process.
* Students live with a family in a city where they are required to use their developing language skills as they safely explore the community and establish friendships with local residents.
* Students participate in high quality excursions to culturally important sights with teacher-guides that understand their level of listening comprehension, their U.S.-based curriculum and their interests.
* The on-site program director and teacher travelers, are mature and experienced teachers that serve as a mentor, caregiver, motivator and model immersion student, conducts the entire program in the language of study.

Highlights

Located on the beach in the rolling hills of northern Spain, San Sebastian presents itself as an inviting, enchanting city where old and new meet. For years European families have traveled here to relax or surf on the city's pristine beaches. San Sebastian was founded in 1524, and the old town, "el casco antiguo", is built on a sandy isthmus connecting the mainland with the steep peninsular point of Monte Urgull Park. The park is encompassed by the 16th-century fortress of La Mota and makes for peaceful walks and provides breath taking views of the Cantabrian Sea. "La parte nueva", the new part, spreads inland along the banks of the river and is a hub for high end shopping and art galleries. The Palacio de Miramar, the Spanish royalty's former summer residence, has been used for some years by the University of Basque Country as a small campus site in San Sebastian. The city serves as the capital of the Guipuzkoa province and has evolved into a culturally rich cosmopolitan destination that is ideal for Spanish language immersion.

BENEFITS OF SPI STUDY ABROAD:
* Students will receive 40-80 contact hours on an official transcript that they may petition up to 2-6 hours of college credit.
* Build your resume for college and your career beyond. Students with study abroad experience stand out in college admissions.
* Gain an appreciation for the arts, architecture, history, and meet friends from around the world!
* Get a head start on college and more importantly life with SPI this summer! Don't graduate without studying abroad!

Type of Programs

• Cultural Exploration
• High School Study Abroad
• Language Immersion

Languages

• Spanish

Subject Areas

• Culture
• High School Program
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Please visit our website for details

Program Fees Include:

- On-site bilingual Directors who guide students during their immersion experience abroad
- Orientation information and pre-departure assistance
- Tuition and books at university or accredited language school
- Room and meals at homestay family accommodations
- Group ground transportation
- Host city orientation briefing
- Overnight excursions to important cities includes transportation, hotel and breakfast
- Cultural Day excursions to important and historical sites
- Entrance fees on all organized group excursions
- Tutoring Assistance
- SPI Immersion Travel Guide personalized for your program; includes useful homestay city information, detailed maps, excursion guides, etc.
- Custom Language Learning Aids produced by SPI
- Medical Insurance for the duration of program
- Transcript Services
- College and academic advising for all participants

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

American, Canadian and European Participants.

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of small

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

SPI Study Programs International's Mission Statement

SPI educates students in foreign language, culture, and travel. We believe that travelers who study abroad develop fluency in another language and attain new perspectives on other cultures. These skills increase their future opportunities for professional and personal success in today's growing international community.

Year Founded

1996