Who is eligible for admission to the programs? What is the age range of the students? Where are the students from?
Our programs are open to American and international students who have a genuine interest in exploring foreign languages, cultures and other academic subjects such as studio art, art history, literature, dance, environmental studies, pre-college and test prep programs, and more. We are looking for open-minded young people who want to experience a new way of life, and who are mature enough to do it in a safe and responsible manner. Our students are academically motivated, and they have a broad range of interests in the arts, athletics, social activities, and travel. Students in grades 9-12 are eligible.
For immersion programs, how much of a language background do I need?
We have a broad range of programs, for beginners to advanced students. Our advanced immersion programs in France and Spain require at least 3-4 years of study in these languages, while others are geared toward intermediate or beginner students. Italian programs, Western Civilization, College Prep, and Eco-Green do not require any previouslanguage study.. Please refer to the description of the specific program of interest for more details.
Placement assessments help determine the class level appropriate for each student. In addition to morning classes, we offer tutoring and small group workshops (e.g. conversation and culture workshops) for those students who are interested in additional learning opportunities.
What are the program dates?
Typically, the programs run for 2-4 weeks, starting in late June and ending in late July -- early August. For specific dates and itineraries, please refer to the program descriptions on "Programs" page.
Is this a "party program?"
No. While our students always have great fun, plenty of free time and many opportunities for evening outings and recreation, this is not a "party program." Our academic priorities, safety rules, and curfew and alcohol policies are taken very seriously. If your goal for the summer is to go clubbing and drinking, this is not a program for you.
How do the programs differ from each other?
We have three basic types of programs: Homestay, Residential Immersion and Pre-college programs.
Our homestay programs in France and Spain place students with local host families and focus on language and cultural immersion. Homestay is a wonderful opportunity to experience first-hand the local culture and way of life as well as to improve your language proficiency by interacting with native speakers on a daily basis.
On our residential immersion programs, students and staff live together in a program residence where the use of the foreign language is encouraged and facilitated through daily interaction, formal and informal courses, activities and excursions, etc. All of the Abbey Road faculty and staff who live with the students are fluent in the local language and many are native speakers. The key to success in an immersion program is the student's own motivation and effort. Our staff members will address the students in the foreign language and organize many cultural activities to facilitate the usage of the language. However, it is up to the students to refrain from speaking English and to practice their French, Italian or Spanish as much as possible.
Our pre-college programs offer a broad academic curriculum beyond language courses. In Florence we offer Art History, Studio Art and Italian; in Barcelona - Studio Art and Spanish; in Boston SAT Test Prep and College Essay Writing; in Santa Barbara Enivronmental Studies and Community Service. The Western Civilization program reviews the history of Western Civilization, focusing on the development of political thought, culture and art. In these programs students live in a private residence or on a college campus, in preparation of their college years.
What are the program fees and what do they include?
The program fees include all of your basic needs while on the program: lodging, all meals, day trips, transport, planned activities, workshops and events, supervision, as well as academics and tuition. You will want to bring spending money to cover personal expenses such as shopping, eating out by choice, taking taxis, or certain optional activities going beyond the planned program.
Specifically, the fees include:
Supervision (On-site staff to student ratio is approximately 1:8)
Academics (Tuition, primary subject course, one elective course, materials and transcript)
Lodging (homestay, campus, residence, and hotel housing)
3 meals a day
Pre-planned day trips (including transport, tickets, meals, and supervision)
Cultural and recreational activities
The fees do not include:
Airfare
Optional Travel Extension
Student Insurance
For specific program fees, please refer to the Application and Fees section of this web site. Please note that dramatic changes in currency exchange rates may force us to introduce a currency correction fee at any point prior to the beginning of the program.
Do you offer any scholarships, financial aid or special discounts?
Yes! We are currently offering a Green Ticket Scholarship. For details, click here:
Scholarship Page
Do I have to submit a deposit with the application?
Yes, in order to apply, please submit a $500 application deposit with the first part of your application. Your application will not be reviewed until we have received the $500 application deposit and a copy of your transcript. The application deposit is refundable except for a $100 processing fee.
Upon acceptance, you must submit an additional $1,000 enrollment deposit in order to secure your spot on the program. Both deposits are credited toward the program fee.
Do I have to pay the entire fee at once? Is there a payment plan option?
As described above, the $500 application deposit and $1,000 payment are both credited toward the program fee. The remaining balance of the program fee is due by April 1; final invoices will be sent by March 1. For students enrolling after April 1, full payment is due within 15 days of acceptance to the program.
If you would like to request a special payment plan, please contact us via phone or email.
What if I decide to withdraw from the program? Is the fee refundable?
If a student withdraws from a program for any reason prior to departure, a refund will be calculated by the following schedule:
Before March 1, all but $100 is refundable
Before April 1, all but $250 is refundable
Before May 1, all but $750 is refundable
Before June 1, all but $1,500 is refundable
On or after June 1, the fee is 100% non-refundable
Withdrawal from a program is effective on the date that written notification is received by Abbey Road.
The cancellation and refund policy is in effect from the initial receipt of a student's application and deposit, even before he or she is formally accepted and enrolled.
If a student is asked to leave the program for a violation of program rules, he or she is not eligible for any refunds or reimbursements, and parents are responsible for the cost of dismissed students' travel home.
What payment methods are acceptable?
We gladly accept checks or money orders. To send us a wire please contact us for more information. We also accept Visa or Mastercard.
May I travel on different dates (arrive or leave earlier or later) or on a different itinerary? May I make my own travel arrangements? May I travel from/to a third country? How will this change my fee?
If you prefer to travel on dates or itineraries that are different from the group ones (i.e. meet the group abroad, fly from a different airport or a different country, or stay behind after the program ends, etc.) you will need to make your own travel arrangements and purchase your own tickets. The group tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable, and they are only for those students who travel on the entire group itinerary, without any changes or special requests. If you travel on the group ticket, you cannot choose your own airline, flight, seat, or people you travel with. We work with major European and U.S. carriers, such as Air France, Air Iberia, Alitalia, and others.
If you travel independently, we will be glad to assist you to the extent possible and refer you to several travel agencies with which we work. In general, however, we discourage independent travel on account of many possible risks and complications (delays, missed connections, getting stranded alone at airports or train stations without supervision or accommodation, etc.)
For specific itineraries and dates of each program please refer to the Programs page of this web site.
What will a typical day be like?
In brief, every week day morning you will take classes approximately between 9 and 12 noon (most programs offer an additional elective class in the afternoon). In the afternoons and evenings you will have many options to choose from: the optional elective course, excursions to local sites and museums, concerts and performances, the beach, water sports or other athletics, shopping, outdoor cafés and restaurants, occasional dance parties, and others.
For more specific information on each program please refer to the Programs page of this web site.
Will I have free time? Can I spend time in smaller groups?
In addition to planned activities with the Abbey Road group and with the host families, students will have plenty of free time to pursue personal interests, spend time with friends and explore the host community. We strive to maintain a balance between structured activities and free time. While we give our students this privilege, we expect them to adhere to the program rules and safety guidelines, especially the policies on alcohol and curfew, and generally to uphold our standards of responsibility, maturity, and good judgment.
Who will be teaching the language classes? Will be there be tutoring available? Is there a required proficiency level?
The language classes will be taught by Abbey Road faculty or the instructors at the local language schools. Our foreign and American faculty come from the best American and European schools, speak the language fluently, and have strong experience in teaching foreign languages and other subjects to high school students.
Will there be tutoring available?
Our staff and faculty can easily provide additional tutoring outside of class upon your request. Most of our language programs also offer an optional conversation class which would help your proficiency and level of comfort in speaking the language. The overall best way to improve your skills, however, would be to take advantage of the language pledge that we offer in each language program and do your best to speak the language at all times.
Is there a required proficiency level?
Our language programs in Spain, France, and Canada have language prerequisites depending on the program. Our Italian programs and programs covering other academic subjects do not require a prerequisite proficiency level.
For more specific information on each program please refer to the Programs page of this web site.
Will my language proficiency improve?
The answer to this question is very much in your hands. If you make an effort to speak the language, interact with locals, take your classes seriously, participate in the cultural activities and other program offerings, you will make great progress. Our immersion programs provide the perfect opportunity to improve your proficiency in French, Spanish or Italian. According to our students, each summer they make significant progress in these languages. Furthermore, many of the most motivated students "skip" a level in their language course after returning home. An effective immersion experience will allow you to build on what you have learned in your home school during the year, developing active usage and communication skills. But again, the crucial factor for your success in studying a foreign language is your own motivation and dedication.
How will my class placement be determined?
There will be a placement assessment conducted on the first day of class to determine your placement. Placements can be changed should a student and/or teacher feel that a different level would be more advantageous to the learning process.
What about other subjects?
Many of our programs offer other academic subjects from studio art to environmental studies. The curriculum for each program varies. Please refer to our program pages for more information.
What is the size of a typical class? Who are the students?
Typically, there are 8-14 students in a group for a language course. The size of the classes is kept under 14 to allow for better interaction and more effective learning. In some programs Abbey Road students will be mixed with international students. Small group workshops and individual tutoring may also be offered.
For non-language courses (e.g. Art History in Florence), the number of students vary.
Are the classes mandatory? What is the typical workload?
Yes, they are. Students are expected to be on time and prepared for each class.
The typical workload (for language classes) is 3-4 hours a day, five days a week, for 3-4 weeks, i.e. 45-80 hours. The workload for other academic courses varies. Optional elective courses run from 2-2.5 hours three days a week. For more specific information on each program please refer to the Programs page of this web site.
Is there homework? Are there tests and grades?
The amount of homework varies by program. For most courses, there is some homework, although it is not too burdensome. In designing our courses we maximize the use of local communities and resources, making home assignments both fun and educational.
Most classes have a final exam or assessment. You will receive a grade for each of your courses. You will also receive a grade for the program. Your participation in program workshops and events as well as your desire to get as much out of the program as possible is an important part of a study abroad experience.
Will I receive a graduation document or credit?
Our students will receive a grade for each course taken, as well as an overall grade for the entire program, on an official Abbey Road transcript. The transcript indicates the course load, hours completed, and grades earned. In programs where we partner with a local school, students will also receive a graduation certificate from that institution.
Credit is received on an individual basis depending on the policies of your high school. Many students are successful in receiving credit for their Abbey Road classes. We highly recommend that you discuss the issue of academic credit with your school before your summer trip.
What about the weekends?
In most programs, the students go on regional day trips and excursions. Day trips are mandatory for all students.
For specific information on each program and its weekend excursions, please refer to the program pages.
Free Time & Curfew
Will I have free time?
Yes, you can expect 2-4 hours of free time per day. The program will strive to offer a diverse and exciting program of activities, sports and excursions based in large part on the interests and suggestions of our students. We will try to balance structured activities with the appropriate amount of free time, and we will always try to offer several options to students.
In addition to planned activities our students will have free time to pursue personal interests, spend time with friends and explore the host community. We strive to maintain a perfect balance between structured activities and free time. While we give our students this privilege, we expect them to adhere to the program rules and safety guidelines, especially the policies on alcohol and curfew, and to uphold our standards of responsibility, maturity, and good judgment.
Will I go out every night?
On homestay programs, you will spend 3-4 evenings a week with your homestay family. On other evenings, you may go out with your friends and Abbey Road students. On residential and pre-college programs you will spend most of your evenings on group activities or in a smaller circle of friends. Once a week, the group will have a residence night to take advantage of cultural offerings such as cooking workshops, foreign films, games, and more. Remember that you are expected to strictly abide by the program safety rules at all times.
Is there a curfew?
The curfew time varies by program and by the day of the week, but a typical weekday curfew is 12 am whereas a weekend curfew may be 12:30 or 1 am. Please be advised that the Program reserves the right to change the curfew times at its discretion as deemed necessary for safety and organizational purposes.
During the evenings prior to the curfew, the students will either attend program activities, or be on "free time." In the latter case, they must be in groups of at least three, strictly abide by program safety rules, and keep the staff informed of their whereabouts. Face-to-face curfew check-ins are done on a nightly basis with no exceptions.
What about the optional travel extension? What are we going to see? Where are we going to stay?
Those choosing to participate will travel to a major city in their host country (Paris, Rome, Venice, Valencia, Seville, or Montreal). The optional travel extension is not included in the program fee. All transport, meals, lodging (three-star hotels), supervision, activities, excursions, and entrance fees are included in an additional travel extension fee.
For specific information on each program and its travel extension, please refer to the Programs page of this web site.
How are the homestays selected? Have they received foreign students before?
The vast majority of the homestays have a close, long-term relationship with our program and have received many foreign students in the past (on the average, for 4-5 years). When new hosts join the program, they undergo the same selection process as others, including an interview and a home visit. All homestay hosts, old and new, are regularly visited by our local representative who inspects the homestay residence and the accommodations arranged for the foreign students.
How and when will my host be selected? Will my preferences be considered?
First, we will ask you to tell us about yourself and your homestay preferences, as a part of your application. We will then summarize this information and send it to our partners. They will begin the selection process.
Approximately 3-4 weeks before the beginning of the program, your host parent/s will be identified. We will receive the homestay profile, including the names of your parent/s (and any children), their occupation, address, phone number, description of their residence, and other information. We will relay this information to you. Normally, we will able to accommodate at least your essential preferences and needs (such as dietary needs). Please remember, however, that in order for you to have a good homestay experience, you will need to be open-minded and willing to adapt to a new way of living (that's the whole point!) If you have rigid requirements as regards food or housing, and if you have difficulty adapting to a different living environment, you may want to choose a residential or pre-college program rather than a homestay.
What are the homestay residences like? Where are they located?
Our hosts come from diverse backgrounds. Usually the residence is an apartment or a house where you will share your room with another Abbey Road student. We strive to find homestays within a 20-25 minute walk from the school. Some hosts may live in nearby neighborhoods or communities, in which case we will make sure you have access to public transport or arrange rides in the program van. Normally, there will be no air conditioning, but laundry facilities will be available. Your hosts will share their daily meals with you, based on their traditional menus and culinary habits.
May I be placed in the same homestay as my friend? What if I am a vegetarian?
Normally, it will not be a problem to place you in the same homestay as your friend. As for your dietary needs (such as vegetarianism) your homestay will accommodate them. Please note, however, that vegetarian students may need to make an extra effort to help the family understand their dietary needs or find special stores that sell vegetarian foods. Our staff will make every effort to help.
Will I have a chance to communicate with my homestay host before I arrive?
Yes, we will encourage and help you to do that. We will provide you with guidelines for writing an introductory letter to your host and ask you to mail it directly to the homestay residence. This way your homestay parent/s will know about you by the time you meet them in person.
Do the host parents speak English?
Typically, the host parents do not, hence the purpose of your presence there to speak the local language for true "immersion."
Will I have a roommate?
Typically you will room with another Abbey Road student. In larger homestays you may be with 1-3 other Abbey Road students.
How much time will I be spending with my homestay?
As much as you would like! At the very least, you will typically have breakfasts and dinners with your family. Ideally, you will spend some time with them and learn about their lives, make friends with their friends and relatives, go on trips and attend family events. As mentioned above, you will spend 3-4 evenings a week with your family. A close relationship with your host family will make a world of difference in your summer experience.
How far from classes will the homestay residence be located? How will I get to classes and return home?
We strive to find families who live within a 20-25 minute walk from the school. Some families may live in nearby neighborhoods or communities, in which case we will make sure you have access to public transport or arrange rides in the program van.
Usually, several other students from the Program will live in your neighborhood which will make the daily walks or rides far more pleasant. On some occasions the family will drive you.
What are the residences like?
Usually, these are private apartments or college dormitories. Please note that housing standards in foreign countries, especially as regards college dormitories, may significantly vary from those in the United States and fall short of American standards. Laundry facilities will be available, but air conditioning will usually not be. We will make every effort to select centrally located residences, but in all cases students should expect to walk for at least 20-25 minutes at a time to get around the host community (bear in mind that most historical European cities are oriented toward pedestrians and that on average Europeans walk much more than Americans). If you have rigid requirements as to housing conditions and standards of comfort, or if you have difficulty walking 20-25 minutes at a time, a student summer program in Europe may not be the best option for you. For more details, please refer to the web page of the specific program you are interested in.
How are the roommates chosen?
The Abbey Road office makes roommate placements by evaluating student applications. We consider student interests and personalities, as well as student requests. Students will only be placed with roommates and/or apartment-mates of the same gender and approximately the same grade level.
Our programs attract students with a very diverse set of backgrounds and interests. An important component of a pre-college residential experience is to meet new people, learn from each other's differences, and hopefully to make many new friends. Almost every student enrolling in our programs indicates an interest in meeting new people and making new friends. It will be up to you to keep an open mind and a positive attitude in order to benefit from this type of experience.
Generally about 80% of our students participate in the program without knowing anyone else prior to the trip. For those students who do participate with a friend or a sibling, you can request to room with a specific person (or persons) -- both for homestay and residence programs. However, we cannot guarantee that all requests will be fulfilled. Most of the time, roommate requests can be fulfilled, but sometimes there are special circumstances that do now allow this. Specifically, we cannot promise to put two (or more) students together as roommates unless they each request, in writing, to room with each other -- these requests are made on each student's program application.
All students should remember that one of the greatest benefits with Abbey Road Programs is the opportunity to make new friends. While all of your preferences may not be fulfilled, you will definitely be among a group of peers all of whom are excited and eager to make new friends. We have seen over many years that the students who have the best experience are those who come with an open mind and an intention to meet new people!
Safety
Supervision
How safe are the programs?
This is by far the most important question for us, and the answer has several parts. First of all, the Program has developed a very clear set of Safety Rules and Guidelines that will be meticulously enforced. Abiding by these rules and guidelines will greatly enhance your safety and protect you from many dangers. For example, there are very strict rules against hitch-hiking or accepting a ride from unauthorized persons, swimming unsupervised by a lifeguard, consuming alcohol, leaving your residence after hours, etc. The safety guidelines urge you to be extremely careful with regard to traffic, to carefully choose your acquaintances and avoid situations where you can provoke unwanted interest, etc. The Program forbids participation in what it considers particularly hazardous activities, such as sky diving, bungee jumping, hang gliding, scuba diving, and rock climbing. A detailed description of the Program Safety Rules and Guidelines is in the Full Program Application.
Secondly, our staff will provide supervision during most activities and be available to assist you at any time, day or night: all you have to do is call the staff mobile phone number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The staff will always come to your aid in any difficult situation and help resolve any problems you might have walk or drive you home when necessary, arrange for a doctor's visit, help you communicate with your host family, etc.
But all of the above will not matter if we do not have your support in ensuring your own safety. The staff will not be able to supervise you around-the-clock, and it will ultimately be up to you to respect the rules and exercise caution and good judgment in order to stay out of trouble.
What happens if I break the safety rules?
It means that you have put yourself in a dangerous situation in which we can no longer ensure your safety. In the event in which you have broken a cardinal safety rule, we reserve the right to send you home without refund.
What is the staff to student ratio?
Typically we have one staff member for every eight students at a minimum.
Will I be supervised at all times? What about free time?
The staff will supervise you during most group activities and excursions, but not during time with your family or free time. However, the staff will be reachable at any time at the staff mobile phone number.
Should I get vaccinations before I go?
To make a well-informed decision, we recommend that you consult the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. You can call the CDC hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); send a fax to 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or view CDC's Internet home page at http://www.cdc.gov.
What if I have a medical problem while on the trip?
Our staff will immediately arrange for a doctor's visit, take you to a hospital, help you fill your prescription and otherwise assist you in accessing qualified medical help. You are required to purchase medical insurance prior to coming on our programs. Be sure to get detailed information about your insurance policy, coverage terms and limits, the claim procedure and other details.
What if I am regularly taking medication or have other medical needs?
Be sure to bring an adequate supply of the medication with you, along with a copy of the original prescription and your doctor's contact information. It is also essential that you accurately fill out the medical form and otherwise keep our staff well-informed about your needs to help us better provide for your health and safety.
Do I need to provide proof of insurance for the program?
Yes, you must be able to provide proof of medical and accident insurance before starting your program with Abbey Road. You may use your own insurance or we can refer you to several insurance providers. Please contact us for more information.
