EXPAND YOUR WORLD - FOREIGN LANGUAGES OPEN DOORS TO MORE FUTURE POSSIBILITIES
who can participate?
There are programs for all age groups. Different age groups can participate together. Individuals, couples or small groups. Seniors are welcome; there are no upper age limits.
YOUNGER STUDENTS
Younger students are welcome. Some schools have programs for much younger students (3+ and up); usually in is private lessons with teachers who are used to the age group and have age appropriate materials. Others know of age appropriate programs in the neighborhood (day camps for example).
Younger students do not have to take classes, however if parents are taking classes, younger students must have something to do. Schools can help parents arrange for babysitters, childcare, etc. What you cannot do is leave younger students in the care of school receptionists or leave them in a student lounge.
health
Participants do not have to be in perfect health to participate, but any problems need to be under control. The problems cannot impose on your hosts or others in the program.
Other countries do not have as many facilities for people with mobility restrictions. If you have any restrictions, they must be mentioned in advance.
ALLERGIES
- You must tell us in advance about allergies. If you remember an allergy when you arrive at your homestay it may create a major problem.
-You will be eating foods, etc. that you may never have eaten before.
- Those with pollen allergies must realize that going to a totally different climate /region might activate allergies that you never knew you had.
BABY SITTING & CHILD CARE
Arrangements can be made for Baby Sitters and Child Care. The costs for this depend upon the destination.
It can be more expensive than in the U.S. Be prepared for this.
PHOBIAS
Very seriously ...
- If you love dogs, but realize you are afraid of big dogs, please let us know.
- If you really do not like birds in cages, please let us know.
- Snakes, either as pets or out of doors. Let us know in advance.
If you realize you forgot to mention something after your arrival, it might not be easy to make the change. It could be impossible.
special diets
In some cases, they are easy to arrange. Vegetarian can be done easily, as long as you do not require everyone else involved be vegetarian too.
Kosher or Halal in a Residence Hall might be difficult.
It is participants responsibility to eat responsibly.
There may be / will be an additional charge for some Special Diets. It depends on the program. It is on a case by case basis.
adapting to cultural differences
Everyone needs to go with the mindset of going to appreciate the differences; not wanting everything to be the same as at home.