last update: 3/17/05

Home Page

In this section:

Harvard-Westlake Programs

Summer Programs

School Year Abroad

Interim Programs

Hosting Opportunities

HW home > academics > usforlang

Foreign Languages Department

Catalog of Foreign Language

Travel and Study Programs

If you were growing up in France, England, Germany, or a number of other European countries, you would enter the Upper School with 4-5 years of language study of more than one foreign language behind you. During your secondary schooling, you would spend at least one school vacation in a foreign country, living with a family with a student your age and your family would have occasionally hosted foreign students for a couple of weeks. To their great disadvantage, few young Americans get to know this much about cultures that are not their own, but you do not have to suffer their fate.

Why go abroad on a language study experience?

Many students go abroad so that they can get better grades in language. Although the experience generally does produce that result, this is probably the least important of all possible reasons. Most young Americans in the 21st century do not realize it, but they need desperately to get outside of their own culture, to realize that not everyone thinks the way they do nor has the same privileged lifestyle. Even more than their parents' generation, they need to become citizens of the world; acquiring the perspective that foreign study provides is becoming a necessity rather than a luxury. A challenging summer can be a highly maturing and broadening experience, with students returning home with a new understanding of the world and a new sense of focus in their lives.

What is the best age to go abroad?

Any age can be a good one, depending on the individual. Younger students generally take shorter trips. Older students are apt to be more fluent in the language through more years of study and less vulnerable to homesickness. On the other hand, younger students generally adapt and learn more quickly and host families may take a stronger and more inclusive role with them. Some think that there is some pedagogical reason why the junior year of college is best, but this common practice simply comes from the fact that European universities will only allow American students to attend when they have attained the equivalent of an entry-level two year junior college degree.

What is the best type of program?

We feel strongly that the best way to learn a language and to undrestand a foreign culture is in an immersion situation, where one must function in the foreign language and where one is exposed to the real culture that tourists do not see. The best way to do this is by living with a host family. Some of the non-profit organizations in this guide never reimburse families, but most pay a stipend that covers expenses. Host families tend to be joyful, active people who love having foreign students, yet the idea of living with a host family tends to frighten students: What if I can't communicate? What if I don't like my family? What if I don't like the food? It may take a few days to start to feel comfortable, but students who work up the courage to take a risk almost invariably return sure that they made the right decision and with tremendous gains in their language fluency and their self-confidence.

The programs that we recommend all have people in the field ready to offer support, and that can even extend to finding a new family in those rare cases where things do not work out. Of course, living with a host family may not be as comfortable as hanging out with Americans, but "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." Of course, there are some fairly good "academic" programs around, but if the group lives together in a dormitory, how much are they really getting out of it?

How do you choose a good program?

First, figure out what your budget allows and what your goals are. How much you are willing to be on your own? Do you want to study some? Many programs have morning classes that can be interesting. Do you want to travel? Many programs have an optional group travel segment. Look for a reputable program that has a good track record of family placements, such as those listed here. Remember that the cost of a program does not always result in a better experience. Apply early, since many of the smaller programs fill up rapidly.Your parents should not hesitate, once you are accepted, to let the program know of any special needs, such as the need for a particularly supportive, close family.

Can I get financial aid?

Some of the programs listed on this site have their own financial aid programs. School Year Abroad, for example, has considerable scholarship resources. Every year there are two scholarships awarded at the school for the Cambridge Tradition program. See Mr. Coombs for details. A limited amount of financial aid is available for students participating in selected Harvard-Westlake travel-study programs. For more information on this possibility, contact the trip organizer for information on how to proceed.