Study in Spain: Academics Service Providers

Have you always dreamed of studying abroad in Spain? Were you upset to discover that your school or university does not currently have a partnership with one of the many Spain academics service providers? Study abroad programs have become very popular among both secondary and university school students, but sadly, many schools, including a lot of colleges and universities, either don’t offer study abroad programs or the options they offer with regard to location are very limited.

This can be very frustrating, but it does not mean that your dream of studying in Spain cannot come true. For students desiring to study in Spain, academics service providers are still widely available, although you may have to go through a third-party provider rather than your home school to apply. Although your school’s selection of study abroad programs may be limited, most schools will usually accept high school or college credits from a Spanish school, as long as that school and the third-party Spain academics service provider—the organization that arranged the program—are accredited. In this article we will briefly explain the many tasks involved, both before and during your study abroad experience, and show you how Spain academics service providers can assist you with each of these tasks.

Spain Academics Service Providers: Tasks They Can Assist You With

If you want to study abroad in Spain, academics service providers can be of great assistance, providing a variety of services that include:

· Application Assistance. If you want to study in Spain, academics service providers can help you to apply. Spain academic service providers will usually review your qualifications to ensure you are eligible—qualifications such as age, grade point average, etc.—and if you are deemed eligible, a representative will then help you complete the required application and prepare you for the student interview that may be also necessary.

· Help with Costs. Some study abroad programs in Spain can be quite expensive, but if Spain is where you truly want to study, you should not let the cost deter you. Spain academics service providers can help connect you with organizations and foundations that provide financial assistance to those wanting to study abroad, including scholarship, grants, fellowships and student loans.

· Help with Logistics. Academic service providers understand that preparing to study abroad can be both exciting and nerve racking at the same time, which is why many of these organizations help to ease your stress by helping with some of the logistics of your trip. This includes arranging your roundtrip travel, helping you obtain the required travel documents and even helping you decide what to pack for the trip.

· Arrange Accommodations. Before you can begin the academic and cultural component of your study abroad adventure, you will first need someplace to stay. Spain academics service providers can help arrange for your student housing needs, with options that range from living on campus in a residence hall, renting a flat and for younger students, staying with a host family.

· Enroll in Courses. Third-party academic service providers are experts in getting you enrolled in the classes that most interest you. They are also great resources for ensuring that the credits you earn while studying in Spain are transferred expeditiously to your home school.

· Arrange Cultural and Sightseeing Excursions. Spain is a majestic country to visit, with amazing art, architecture, landmarks and scenery that should not be missed while you’re there. Spain academic service providers help to arrange many cultural and sightseeing excursions that allow you to see all the beauty Spain has to offer, and mingle with its people, learning the culture customs and traditions that make Spain such a wonderful place to visit.

Whether you enroll in a program offered by your school or by one of the many Spain academic service providers, the opportunity to study in Spain is one that should not be passed up, regardless of the obstacles you may face.

A Closer Look at International Schools Programs

Education is perhaps the single best gift any parent could give his/her child, and if you live in the United States, for example, that education is not optional, but compulsory, at least for most of a child’s life. Most children in the US will grow up and become educated in a single system—one that caters primarily to United States citizens. Children are required to attend school from age 5 until approximately age 18, which will adequately prepare many of these students—those that choose to do so—to further their education at an American college or university. But what happens when parents of US children decide to take a position of employment that is outside of the United States, like an executive of an international corporation? Is it possible for these children to receive the same US-based education—one that is taught in English and will prepare them for college—even though they are living outside of the United States? The answer is yes, and this is usually accomplished through one of the many international schools programs.

What Are International Schools Programs?

In simple terms, international schools programs are those that endorse international education. They do this by using a core curriculum that is different from the country where the school is actually located. Many international schools programs use an international curriculum, such as the popular International Baccalaureate or the Cambridge Internal Examinations curriculum, the latter of which is very popular in India. Others will use a curriculum from another country, such as a United States-based curriculum, being taught at a school in France. To qualify as an international school program, the school must meet certain criteria as laid out by the International Association of School Librarianship. These are:

· Must offer transferrable programs and credits

· A regularly fluctuating school population

· A student body that is both multinational and multilingual

· Must use an international curriculum—a curriculum other than that of the host country

· Must be accredited as an international school

· Faculty that is both transient and multinational

· Curriculum in which instruction is presented in English (usually) or presented bilingually

As businesses and the world in general have become more globalized, the number of schools offering international schools programs has risen dramatically. International schools programs have long been the schools of choice for employees of many international businesses and organizations, foreign embassies and missionaries, but more recently, the number of local children attending international schools is also up—children whose parents want them to learn a new language, usually English, and prepare them for more gainful employment outside of their own country, i.e. the United States or United Kingdom..

International Schools Programs: About the Curriculum

The curriculum taught at international schools is typically based on that school’s country of origin, with the most popular models being based around US education or education in the United Kingdom. However, the use of an international curriculum—curriculum designed around creating a more global and collaborative citizen—is also becoming very popular.

Most International Schools programs—the schools using an international curriculum—provide instruction in all of the following areas:

· Mathematics

· Language Arts

· The Sciences

· Humanities

· The Arts

· Physical Education

· Information Technology

· Design Technology

· And more…

This curriculum is designed to create a well-rounded student who is prepared to meet the challenges of higher education. Also central to most international schools programs is a fostering of appreciation for the diversity of other cultures. Students will regularly interact with fellow classmates and instructors from around the globe, learning the importance of both independence and interdependence in the new global society.

International Students Accommodation: What You Need to Know

Are you a university-level student planning to pursue a course of study in the United States? Do you also plan to pursue an on-campus residence during your stay in America? Among the many options for international students accommodation in the U.S. is living on-campus. This option not only offers the utmost in terms of convenience, it also gives international students a great opportunity to make new friends and to learn the customs, traditions and language of the fellow classmates. Despite all the advantages, though, many international students will pursue this option with a bit of anxiety and trepidation, which, of course, is completely normal. While studying in a foreign land can alone be very intimidating, living closely with those from the host country can initially be almost paralyzing. To help ease your worries a bit, in this article we will provide a bit more information about on-campus international students’ accommodations, along with what you can expect while living at a U.S. university.

International Students Accommodations: Everything You Need to Know about On-Campus Living

Nearly every college and university in the United States offers on-campus living—a residency option ideal for an international student’s accommodation. Although in other parts of the world they are called residence halls, in the U.S. they are referred to as dormitories. Dormitories are large buildings that contain a number of student rooms (usually shared by two students), several large community bathrooms, a community kitchen and a community living space.

Student rooms usually come furnished with two beds, one or two desks and enough closet and storage space for each student. The rooms do not generally have private bathrooms, but instead students will use a community bathroom that usually includes toilets, sinks and a shower or tub. For meals, most residents of dormitories will flock to the on-campus cafeteria, which usually serves meals three times a day that are included in the price of the international student’s accommodation, as it is for US students as well. Those who prefer to cook meals for themselves can do so in the community kitchen.

The furnished living area is where most students will gather between classes and during the evening. Whether watching television, playing games, or just talking, this area of the dorm is the perfect place for international students to get to know their American counterparts and to make new and sometimes lifelong friends.

International students need not be concerned about supervision or safety in these dormitories. In each dorm there are supervisors, usually called “resident advisers” or “resident directors,” that are employed by the University. In most cases these supervisors are either upper-level students or graduate students, and they are responsible for making sure that each student follows the rules regarding the cleanliness of the dorm, noise limitations, and other rules that help ensure the safety and comfort of each student.

In terms of an International students accommodation, the dormitories located on most college and university campuses are safe, convenient, and in most cases, fun. While living in the dorms, not only are the classrooms and other University services in close proximity, but the opportunities available to meet new people, practice valuable language skills and soak up the American culture are virtually endless.

High School Study Abroad Programs

Are you a high school student who has always dreamed about studying and living in a foreign country? Do you enjoy meeting new people, seeing new and interesting sites and taking part in culturally diverse activities? If so, you may be a perfect candidate for one of the many high school study abroad programs. High school study abroad programs offer students age 15-19 a unique opportunity to study in a foreign high school and live with a host family in that country. Aside from the amazing academic opportunity this presents, high school study abroad programs are an exceptional vehicle through which students can learn the culture and the history of another country, and gain valuable language skills that could benefit them both personally and professionally in the future.

High School Study Abroad Programs

If you’re interested in participating in a high school study abroad program, your guidance counselor should be able to provide you with the information you need. Just as a backup plan, though, below we have compiled a list of some of the more popular high school study abroad programs you can contact:

American Council for International Exchange (ACIS)

The ACIS high school study abroad program has been in existence for 40 years, with campuses in London, Paris, Rome and St. Petersburg. These 4-week summer programs include academic enrichment, along with a number of short cultural and recreational excursions. Airfare and housing for these programs are included in the cost of tuition.

Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)

The CIEE high school study abroad programs are very well-respected. Offering semester and full academic year options, the CIEE program has campuses in a number of diverse international locations, including, but certainly not limited to, Brazil, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Spain, Japan and Australia. Students live with a host family while attending the local high school, and will have an abundance of time to soak up the local culture.

Rotary Club International Youth Exchange

One of the oldest and most renowned service clubs in the world, Rotary Club International has been sponsoring high school study abroad programs since 1927. Programs are open for students who wish to pursue one of the many vocational studies programs, and scholarships available and based on merit.

AYUSA

Unlike some high school study abroad programs—programs that require an exceptional grade point average—the AYUSA program is available to all students who possess a minimum of a 2.75 GPA. Students can choose from summer, semester or full academic year programs in over 10 countries worldwide. Scholarships for the AYUSA program are also available, and like the Rotary Club scholarships, they are also based on student merit.

This is just a small sample of the many high school study abroad programs, and like these, every one of these organizations offers a very unique opportunity for students who want to see the world and expand their horizons.

Directory of International Schools and Study Abroad Programs

The world is a very different place than it was only a decade ago, and as we continue to march towards full globalization, international schools—schools that offer courses different from the normal school curriculum of the host country—are becoming more and more common as an educational option. Also becoming increasingly popular are the many study abroad programs being offered throughout the world—opportunities for students to study for a semester or an academic year in a foreign country. While international schools and study abroad programs are not the same thing, recently many international schools have begun offering study abroad opportunities for students desiring to live and study abroad for a few months in another country. In fact, there are so many of these opportunities available that there now several websites that offer a directory of international schools and study abroad programs—catalogs listing each international school that is participating, with a full description of the study abroad program as well.

How to Use a Directory of International Schools and Study Abroad Programs

When using an online directory of international schools and study abroad programs, the main page, or home page, will usually include some general instructions on how to use the directory. Most directories will allow you to narrow your search using certain criteria, including searching by country, language spoken, type of study abroad program and duration of the program. For example, if you’re looking for a 4-week summer study abroad program in France, you would first search for French international schools, and then narrow those results down to the 4-week summer programs.

Once you’ve decided how you will begin your search, the second page will usually include a list of schools, with a brief description about the program. For example, if you searched for programs in China, one of these listings might say:

“Academy of Chinese Language and Culture - offers year round study abroad programs and learning immersion courses to foreigners interested in the Chinese language and culture.”

There will normally be many listings just like the one above, and although this description is admittedly very basic, once you click on the hyperlink (usually the name of the school), you will be taken to a page that offers a more complete program description, as well as information about the institution that is offering it. Some of the information this page will contain includes:

Location of the school and nearby places to visit

Program description, including dates and important program features

Candidacy requirements for the program (GPA requirement, etc.)

Program duration—semester, academic year, summer program

Daily schedule, including classroom and recreational hours

Program cost

Financial assistance and scholarship opportunities (most study abroad programs offer scholarship opportunities)

Living arrangements—on-campus housing, off campus housing, host families, etc.

How to apply, including application deadlines

The primary advantage to using a directory of international schools and study abroad programs is that once you reach the website you can usually locate all the program information and details about the school all in one place. This is also a great type of site to bookmark, as you may want to come back to it several times for reference purposes.

Find the Answers You Need with an International Schools List

While 20 years ago an International schools list would be rather short and limited, that is certainly not the case today. International schools are becoming increasingly prevalent and can now be found in almost every world country. These multinational schools, which teach a different curriculum than the one normally offered in the host country, are perfect for foreign residents looking to receive instruction in their mother tongue, as well as for local students seeking to acquire new language skills and become better prepared for educational and professional opportunities in other countries.

Statistics indicate that there are currently over 5,000 international schools in the world, some of which teach a universally accepted International curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate, and others that offer curriculums based on English-speaking models such as the SAT preparation program from the United States and the “A” and “O” schools model used in the United Kingdom.

International Schools List: Three Examples

If you need to perform research on International schools, either for personal or professional reasons, the Internet has made it easier than ever to find the information and/or statistics you require. Today there are several websites that offer a comprehensive International schools list—a list usually broken down by country or region that not only lists all of the International schools, but provides detailed information on those schools and the types of programs they offer. To illustrate the type of information you can usually locate from an International schools list, below we have highlighted a few International schools, including some details we discovered by consulting one of these increasingly popular lists:

The Kilmore International School. The Kilmore International School is located in Victoria, Australia, and a mere 1 hour from Victoria’s Tullamarine Airport. Kilmore is a secondary school that uses the International Baccalaureate curriculum—a curriculum designed to facilitate worldwide entry into universities. In addition to offering courses in language arts, mathematics, science and the humanities, Kilmore is renowned throughout Australia for its wonderful music program, led by the world-famous flautist Ms. P. Robinson.

Ryan International School. Ryan International School is located in Mumbai, India and was founded in 1976 by Dr. Augustine Pinto, chairman of the St. Xavier group of schools. The curriculum taught at Ryan International School is the very same curriculum used in the United Kingdom, which is designed to prepare students for the Cambridge Examinations. All courses at this college preparatory academy are taught in English.

Black Forest Academy. Black Forest Academy is a private primary and secondary school with on-campus housing for all students. Located in Kandern, Germany, the Black Forest Academy uses a North American curriculum, and all instruction is in English. Black Forest Academy stresses a Christian worldview, which is why admission to this school is conditional on acceptance of the school’s philosophy. While anyone can apply for the Black Forest Academy, preference is usually given to the children of Christian missionaries and international business families in Europe.

As you can see from the three examples listed above, an international schools list can be a very effective tool—a quick and easy way to compare schools from different regions. It not only helps parents determine the curriculum model used at the various schools throughout the world, but also provides important details regarding the school’s extracurricular programs and philosophy.

Study Abroad International Exchange: Growing as a Student and a Person

Are you the type of person who enjoys meeting new people, seeing new sights, taking risks and facing new challenges? Are you interested in gaining a new perspective both as a student and global citizen? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you may want to consider one of the many study abroad international exchange programs that are currently available. Study abroad international exchange programs allow students just like you the opportunity to pursue academic excellence and diversity by studying in a foreign country. The programs also provide the perfect opportunity to learn about new cultures and to gain a new perspective on your own country by looking at it through the eyes of another country. The advantages of these study abroad programs are endless, and to illustrate that, in this article we will discuss some of the key benefits of participating in a study abroad international exchange program, including the academic profits and the opportunities for personal growth.

Study Abroad International Exchange: The Benefits

The study abroad international exchange experience is certainly not for every student, but it is for those who are seeking a different way of looking at the world—students who desire to experience the kindness, majesty and power in the cultures, customs and traditions of other people.

There are several academic benefits to studying in a foreign country. New language acquisition, for example, not only makes you a well-rounded person; it can also prove to be a significant advantage professionally in the future. Another academic advantage is the opportunity to look at problems from a new perspective, and to experience the history of another country first-hand by directly interacting with professors, fellow students and your host family. Most colleges and universities allow you to transfer your credits from your study abroad international exchange program back to your home school, so while some of your classmates will be going through the same old grind, you’ll be earning the same amount of credits while experiencing the wonderment and excitement of a foreign land.

Perhaps even more important than the academic benefits to studying abroad, are the opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. While most people live the majority of their lives seeing the world through a one-country perspective, you’ll become liberated from that way of thinking and learn to appreciate your duty and responsibility as a world citizen. You’ll encounter several challenges as a study abroad international exchange participant, affording you the opportunity to improve your character and problem-solving skills. Each and every day of your study abroad experience will be filled with new sights, sounds and tastes, and these are experiences that you will remember for a lifetime.

The program options for studying abroad are virtually limitless. As a study abroad international exchange student you can study subjects such as science and engineering in Germany, biology in Africa or South America, world religions in the Middle East or Literature in the United Kingdom. With literally thousands of programs and opportunities available, you are almost certain to find one that suits your unique interests.

What Can I Find in a Directory of Study Abroad Programs?

Are you considering the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend school overseas, if even for one semester? Do you need more information about study abroad programs, including what these programs entail and the candidacy requirements for each program? There are many, many different ways to study abroad, with programs available for almost any interest, but getting started can often pose quite a challenge. If you are a high school student, for example, you could of course check with the school guidance counselor, but many of these professionals can be very overworked, and are therefore not very current in their knowledge of study abroad opportunities. Even some college students find it complicated to find the appropriate on-campus resources that can help answer their questions.

Fortunately, with the widespread popularity of the Internet, finding information on study abroad programs has never been easier. There are now many international exchange programs with a website on which students can browse through a directory of study abroad programs, getting answers to questions that range from “how much does it cost to study abroad” to “what are the requirements of each program.” To illustrate this, below we will outline just some of the crucial pieces of information you can usually cull from a directory of study abroad programs, which in most cases, also includes the name of a contact person that can help answer any further questions.

Directory of Study Abroad Programs: What Information Is Available?

A directory of study abroad programs is a great tool when performing preliminary research on studying overseas. Some of the information you can locate includes:

Type of Program. A directory of study abroad programs will generally place programs into two general categories, representing the two basic types of international education programs: Study Abroad and Exchange. A study abroad program may span one semester, an entire school year, or be more short-term in nature, such as a 4-week program during summer or winter intersession. They will typically consist of courses that are aimed at a particular course of study, including language acquisition, and are taught by instructors at the host school. Exchange programs usually span one semester or academic year, and are very similar to study abroad programs in terms of courses and instruction. However, the major difference between the two programs is in the word “exchange.” In an exchange program, when a student goes to study in a host country, a student from that country is sent in exchange to study in the United States.

Requirements. A directory of study abroad programs will also list the program’s requirements. This can include eligibility requirements, such as a specific grade point average, or requirements after acceptance, such as the travel documents a student will need to participate.

Cost and Financial Aid. Also to be found in a directory of student abroad programs is the cost of each program, and resources through which students can apply for financial assistance and scholarships.

Living Arrangements. Living arrangements could include both on and off-campus housing, along with living with a host family.

This is just a small sample of the wealth of information you can discover in a directory of study abroad programs, and collectively, these directories make it easier than ever to research academic opportunities overseas.

Why Study Abroad: A Look at Some of the Benefits of Studying Abroad

Why study abroad when I can study at home? This is a very popular and frequently asked question among students, but you may be surprised by all the fantastic reasons to study abroad—reasons that have been given by students who have previously participated in a study abroad program. To give you an idea about what you can expect, in this article we will provide a list featuring some of the key reasons to study abroad, as reported by students who have participated in these programs.

Why Study Abroad?

The number of reasons to study abroad is virtually limitless, but for the purpose of brevity, here we will merely look at some of the top reasons reported by other students.

Why Study Abroad? Broaden Your Horizons. The world is a vast and amazing place, but sadly, the majority of people will only experience a very small part of all the sights and experiences the world has to offer. From the Eiffel Tower in France to the Great Wall of China, the sights of the world and the cultures of its people are endless and are definitely a great incentive to participate in a study abroad program.

Why Study Abroad? Explore Your Heritage. Haven’t you ever wondered or had unanswered questions about the homeland of your ancestors? Study abroad programs give you the opportunity to visit the countries in which your family has roots and to learn the customs, tradition and language that have helped shaped who you are.

Why Study Abroad? Learn a New Language. Today, unlike any other time in our history, there is a strong interconnectedness between your homeland and the other countries in the world. Consequently, learning a new language, which is possible with many study abroad programs, can open up a whole new world for you, both culturally and professionally.

Why Study Abroad? Gain Insight through New Friendships. Many students who participate in study abroad programs will forge lifelong friendships that will help them gain a new insight and outlook on the world. Between the fellow students you’ll meet, the professors and the members of your host family, study abroad programs allow you to expand your network of friends and enjoy all the benefits that are inherent with these new relationships.

Why Study Abroad? Gain a New Perspective. In our day to day lives we tend to become immersed in the trials and tribulations of our own country. However, when you participate in a study abroad program you’ll be regularly exposed to a number of different cultures, traditions and customs, and that experience will help give you a new perspective of your own homeland and the life you lead in it.

Why Study Abroad? Financial and Professional Potential. Participating in a study abroad program can look great on a professional resume. It indicates to potential employers that you not only have cross-cultural skills that could benefit their company, but a strong commitment to personal growth and achievement.

So why study abroad? The better question is why wouldn’t you participate in one of these programs? Not only will you enjoy the personal experience of a lifetime, but that experience could very well benefit you professionally for years to come.

Study Abroad: Are You a Good Candidate?

Are you a good candidate for a study abroad program? While many students assume that they have to have the highest grades in their class or be loaded with money to participate in study abroad programs, nothing could be further from the truth. Sure, most study abroad programs are seeking students with at least average grades, but even more important than your GPA is a willingness to learn and to try new things. As for money, you may be surprised by how affordable these programs truly are. Many organizations offer scholarships and financial assistance to study abroad candidates, and with thousands of host families throughout the world, many of your “room and board” type expenses may be 100 percent covered.

It is true that many study abroad programs have some academic requirements, but this does not mean you have to be Einstein-like to become eligible. Additionally, contrary to popular myth, most study abroad programs do not even have language requirements. What’s truly important to those who make the participant selections for study abroad programs is who you are as a person. Generally, a good candidate for a study abroad program is someone who enjoys new experiences—an independent and self assured person who enjoys meeting new people and is tolerant and accepting of other cultures. Those who enjoy a challenge are also great candidates, because the experience of studying in another country is bound to be fraught with new environments, circumstances and predicaments, all designed to help you grow both as a student and a person.

If you’re still wondering if you would be a suitable candidate for a study abroad program, try asking yourself the following the questions and see what you come up with:

· Do I like to try new things? This could include new cultures, traditions, customs and language, along with meeting new people and eating different types of food.

· Do I enjoy making my own decisions? When studying abroad, for awhile you will be without your normal support system, your friends and your family. This means you will need to be independent, making simple decisions such as what to eat and when to leave for school, as well as more important decisions such as how to cope with conflict and change.

· I am a risk taker? Let’s face it. Studying in another country can be intimidating initially, but the rewards are well worth any of the risks.

· Do I have a track record for dealing with complex situations? Through the course of your study abroad program you will be faced with many complex situations that are aimed to help you grow and mature.

· Will my current school accept credits from my study abroad program? While most colleges, universities and even high schools will accept credits from study abroad programs—and for good reason—it is always best to confirm this fact before applying to a program.

If you don’t like challenges or taking risks, study abroad programs may not be your cup of tea, but on the flip side, if you enjoy experiences that allow you to meet new people, absorb new cultures and think independently, these programs are definitely worth considering.

Foreign Student Exchange

The young generations of today may not know the movie “Sixteen Candles” which was shown in the 1980s. It was about high school students, one of whom was an exchange student named Long Duk Dong who did not know how to use the table spoon and fork properly but managed to use them anyway as if they were chopsticks. Made about 30 years ago, the movie touched on the student exchange program where, like the present-day program, students choose to study abroad, mostly in partner institutions.

Student exchange and Study Abroad programs are sometimes used interchangeably even if they differ in some respects. An exchange student studies in an institution which is the partner of the school at his home country, while a study abroad student studies full time in a non-partner institution abroad. There are countries that consider an exchange student as a Study Abroad student, who, they claim, studies in a different country other than his own country.

The foreign student exchange, which aims to help students increase their understanding of the culture of other countries, is classified as the international student exchange and the national student exchange. An international student exchange program is for six to 10 months in the host country, usually focusing on home stays, language skills, cultural activities or community service. Among the international student exchange programs in the United States include the American Field Service (AFS) International Program, Lions International Youth Exchange Program, Southern Cross Cultural Exchange Program, and the Rotary International Program. Students under the foreign student exchange program are provided with certain options such as living with the host family, or in a dormitory while studying in the partner institution, or enroll for a shorter term if not comfortable with a long term. To be a foreign exchange student, one must have the interest to learn new cultures and practices of other countries, be willing to spend time at the school away from the culture of his own country in order to better understand the culture of the host country, and be able to absorbed the best practices in that country and bring them home after the study.

The exchange program requires accommodations in the host country. These accommodations include a host family and housing that provide options for students, especially university students, on on-campus and off-campus housing. The most important of these accommodations is the host family as this offers unmatched cultural, emotional and intellectual experience which cannot be bought by any amount of money. No less than United States Secretary of State Hilary Clinton has underscored the need for Americans to become host families for exchange students who, she says, are eager to learn about American Life, and to share the views from their own countries. Others also say that being host to exchange students, the family bridges the gap between the different countries and opens its heart to their different cultures.