Plan Your Program
Use our online Travel Planning Form to determine what kind of program you would like to offer. This worksheet will help you decide on a program and itinerary that best suits your needs and priorities. Things to think about:
Airfare and Travel Dates: Our prices take into account airfares from most major airports. Departures from smaller airports are sometimes higher. February/March/April airfare is considerably less than May/June/July. This is why spring program prices are more advantageous, though flights over Easter week are slightly higher.
Student to leader ratio: This refers to how many students are covering the costs of a leader. If you plan a program for 24 students and 3 teachers, the ratio is 8:1. Adding a 4th leader makes the ratio to 6:1. We are glad to adjust the price to the ratio you prefer.
Size of the travel group: The total size of the group determines the land cost. Bus travel allows for the greatest flexibility but is more cost-effective for groups of 20 or more. Train travel, where feasible, is more cost-effective for smaller groups. You may choose to combine bus and train to offer the students both experiences. L&F can help you plan an itinerary that best suits the size of your group.
Itinerary: Is there a particular area that you definitely want to visit? Is there more than one area that is a “must-see” for you? Concentrating on one or two areas that are easily accessible to each other will make your trip less hectic and more cost-effective.
Family Stay: We can organize programs without a family-stay. However, choosing a family-stay and fewer hotel nights is an excellent way to lower the price and increase the language-acquisition impact of the program. Most student evaluations say the family stay is the best part!
Leader family-stay arrangements: Choosing a family stay allows you the opportunity to make new friendships and refresh your own language skills. Some teachers prefer to stay in a hotel during the family stay. Either way, the cost is factored into the student price. The cost of a family stay is less, of course (6 nights with a volunteer host family vs. 6 nights hotel cost).
Meals: L&F programs include all breakfasts. Fixed and guided programs include a specific number of pre-arranged dinners, and more can be included if you prefer. Most programs do not include lunches as it is less expensive to buy sandwiches and picnic items during a busy day. Ordering meals and buying supplies are excellent linguistic opportunities for students to interact with locals. Some teachers request a meal allowance in the program price. This money is then used by teachers to pay for a dinner(s) they arrange themselves or give to students to order as they wish. During a family stay, all family meals are included.
Entrance/Activity Allowance and Leader monies: Our prices include the following (amounts vary depending on the length of the program and your requests):
- Kitty (to cover onsite entrances/incidentals)
- Leader Stipend (to cover leader expenses, most notably meals)
Museum Reservations/Guides: L&F is glad to arrange for reservations at museums and other major sites. L&F also arranges for guides where you wish.
Fixed itineraries are a good choice for groups who want to enjoy the convenience of a pre-set itinerary. You can lead your own students or you can choose a fixed itinerary led by an experienced L&F teacher/guide. In either case, L&F makes reservations for any sites and guided visits you request.
With custom-designed programs, you have the flexibility to plan what places you would like to include in your itinerary, how many days you would like in each place, what guided visits and other site reservations you want, how many pre-arranged dinners you would like, and whether to include a family stay (which we believe is the best part!). You can have your own custom program, or you can request to travel with another group that shares your itinerary preferences.
See Destinations for sample itineraries.
Contact us to request a Travel Planning Worksheet.
I am really impressed with your pre-trip mailings and communication. I have worked with other companies, and L&F is taking care of so much more, in such an organized way! As a teacher, I am busy enough, and having everything laid out so nicely is refreshing.
I really appreciated the one-on-one attention the L&F staff provided.
All our questions, requests and needs are taken care of quickly and efficiently. We always receive personal service and attention.
We are truly carrying out the mission of intercultural and language learning together! I simply would not travel with any organization but Language & Friendship!
I am very grateful for the thorough, supportive, accurate and up-to-date information and suggestions provided frequently by L&F.
The people at L&F are fabulous to work with – they are very thorough, well organized and always willing to help/answer your questions. They have great materials available for teachers to use. We are so pleased!
Everyone at L&F is always available and helpful. Thank you for your regular communication.
Language & Friendship has a major advantage over other companies: incredible experience, 24/7 contact, attention to details never imagined by even the most seasoned traveler, and expert guidance provided for teachers, students, and parents.
The trip was so well-organized and the parents were kept so well-informed. It made us feel confident that [our daughter] would be in good hands.
All support & information was excellent. The personal attention and help is second to none.