LANGUAGEANDFRIENDSHIP.COM
Programs Abroad QuestionsHosting Questions
Frequently Asked Questions

Programs Abroad
Hosting

Does L&F offer programs abroad for individual students? [ top ]
No, Language & Friendship arranges programs only for teacher-led groups.

Is it possible to travel separately from the group? [ top ]
All participants are required to depart with their group. It is possible, however, to request a return at a later date. Alternate return requests must be submitted by January 31 and require a fee as well as a release of responsibility. To obtain a request form, ask your teacher or contact the Language & Friendship office.

How are host families found? [ top ]
Carefully selected local coordinators, who are friends or teachers through personal connections of Language & Friendship, promote hosting in their communities. They talk to students, other teachers and school administrators to locate and screen families, and each family is personally contacted to discuss the placement of a student. Families volunteer to receive a student into their homes, welcoming them as another family member in recognition of the educational benefit that hosting affords the whole family.

Is insurance included in the programs? [ top ]
All programs include the following insurance coverage in the price of the program:

Accident & Illness Protection:
All participants are covered under an accident and illness insurance policy for the duration of the program. The policy includes medical expenses up to $2500 and emergency evacuation up to $10,000. Further information is provided to each traveler upon application.

Limited Trip Cancellation Protection:
In the case of a medical emergency:
L&F makes every effort to recover as much of the participant's money as possible. In addition to recoverable costs, L&F will refund up to $750 of costs we are unable to recover. A claim may be made in the case of a medical emergency which precludes a fully-paid participant from traveling; i.e. a serious illness (not including pre-existing conditions) or death of the participant or an immediate family member (parent, sibling, or grandparent). A physician's statement and signature is required.

In the case of unforeseen world events:
Upon written request, L&F participants would receive a full refund less $400 to cover non-refundable deposits and administrative costs if both of the following occur:
a) The U.S. Department of State declares an Act of Terrorism against U.S. interests in: the U.S.; international airspace; or the destination country
and
b) A U.S. Department of State official Travel Warning to the destination country is issued or in effect within 90 days of departure.

Participants may independently purchase additional travel insurance. For more information go to www.insuremytrip.com.


What is early-bird status? [ top ]
Students who apply by June 1 in the year prior to travel are considered early birds. Early birds must submit complete applications including deposit, host family letter and three photos. Early birds are eligible for a $100 discount which is subtracted from the final balance payment.

What is the payment schedule? [ top ]
Payments are to be turned in to the teacher/leader who will send them as a group to Language & Friendship. We are unable to accept payment by credit card.

Winter Programs (January/February)
June 1: $300 deposit due with early-bird application
September 15: $1000 ($1300 new applicants)
October 15: $800
November 15: Balance Due

Spring programs (March/April)
June 1: $300 deposit due with early-bird application
September 30: $500 ($800 new applicants)
November 15: $800
January 15: Balance Due

Summer programs (May/June)
June 1: $300 deposit due with early-bird application
October 15: $500 ($800 new applicants)
November 30: $800
January 15: $800
March 15: $800
April 15: Balance Due


What is the cancellation policy? [ top ]
A participant who wishes to cancel must notify the Language & Friendship office in writing. Date of postmark, e-mail or fax applies. Cancel fees are as follows:

Winter Programs (January/February)
Before Sept 30: $200 cancel fee
Sept 30 - Oct 15: $300 cancel fee
After Oct 15: To be determined*

Spring programs (March/April)
Before Sept 30: $100 cancel fee
Sept 30-Oct 15: $200 cancel fee
Oct 16-Nov 15: $300 cancel fee
After Nov 16: To be determined*

Summer programs (May/June)
Before Oct 16: $100 cancel fee
Oct 16-Nov 15: $200 cancel fee
Nov 16-Dec 15: $300 cancel fee
Dec 16-Jan 15: $400 cancel fee
After Jan 15: To be determined*

*Limited Trip Cancellation Protection is provided for fully paid travelers in case of medical emergencies or unforeseen world events. See insurance information for details.

Note: Language & Friendship reserves the right to cancel a student's participation should there be unresolved academic, behavioral or medical issues.

What is L&F's travel safety policy? [ top ]
Language & Friendship is committed to providing a safe, educational experience for each participant. We believe that creating international friendships and increasing our understanding of other cultures is an invaluable contribution to world peace.

Sharing the belief that it is essential to proceed thoughtfully as we organize our programs, we regularly monitor the travel information issued by the U.S. Department of State, which issues information regarding travel abroad. We are in frequent communication with our extensive network of teachers overseas who inform us of each region?s political climate firsthand. These longstanding relationships abroad provide a strong network of support.

Following are the types of notices issued by the U.S. Department of State:

The highest alert from the U.S. Department of State is a Travel Warning issued to recommend avoiding travel to a certain country. This was not issued for any of our destination countries during past years. However, our Limited Trip Cancellation coverage provides protection for this issuance.

The U.S. Department of State issues Public Announcements to disseminate information about perceived threats and shorter-term notice of possible unrest. An example of this is a Worldwide Caution, a general issuance which advises travelers to exercise caution. Our programs continue to operate successfully in these circumstances. Cancellations in this case follow our regular cancellation policy.

In the year of the first Gulf War, the year following 9/11, and during the war with Iraq, our participants have traveled safely and were warmly welcomed in the countries where we organize programs.

Can I use frequent flier miles or an airline pass? [ top ]
It is very difficult and often impossible to get confirmed frequent flier space during the peak travel times when our spring and summer groups travel. It is necessary that all participants travel with the group. While we understand the desire to use such perks, we are simply trying to avoid having a participant end up without a seat, or not arrive with the group, causing unnecessary stress to all concerned.

Any participant wishing to use frequent flier mileage or an airline pass must submit their intent in writing (by mail, e-mail or fax) to L&F. The participant must then provide written proof of confirmed space on the same flights as the group. Such proof must be provided to L&F no later than December 1 for spring groups and no later than January 31 for summer groups.


What if the host child works? [ top ]
Most American teenagers work and may not be home all the time. With prior planning, your child may be able to take some time off. Otherwise you can make arrangements for someone else to be around: another sibling, a friend, an adult. While host families are not expected to entertain the student daily, their companionship is essential to the success of the experience.

Are there group activities? [ top ]
It is usually better to have none in order to encourage students to concentrate on adapting to their host family and making American friends. For 2-week spring programs while school is in session, a couple of activities are organized to take the students out of the classroom.

What does hosting cost? [ top ]
Hosting costs only room and board. The student is treated as a member of the family, participating in the responsibilities as well as the fun of family life. Each student comes with personal spending money to cover normal teenage activities: movies, soda pop, gifts, phone calls, ice cream shops...

What about medical insurance? [ top ]
All students are covered by insurance. If a medical problem arises, the expenses will be covered.

May we take our student out of town? [ top ]
Yes, certainly. L&F simply requests knowing where to contact you in case of emergency.

What if a problem arises? [ top ]
Based on past experience, L&F is pleased to note that problems are rare. However, should one develop, the host family should contact the local coordinator or L&F to discuss the situation which may simply be a cultural difference. If necessary, the student will be moved.

Is a separate bedroom required? [ top ]
No. A bedroom may be shared with the host brother or sister. It is necessary, however, for the student to have a separate bed. A separate bedroom would only be necessary if the host family's children are very young.

Must the host family speak a language other than English? [ top ]
Not at all. Because the students are here to improve their English through total immersion, English is the primary language to be used. All students have had some English study.

What information will be provided? [ top ]
Once you have been accepted as a host family, and we have matched you with a student, you will receive the student's application, picture, and letter. You will be asked to write a letter of introduction in English to the student. You will also receive a host family guidebook with helpful information and ideas.

Who supervises the program? [ top ]
Group leaders, experienced L&F staff, and local coordinators will be in contact with you to provide support as needed. Our goal is a meaningful and rewarding experience for each host and student.

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