Opportunities for Individual Students
Language & Friendship offers individual programs as an opportunity for cultural and linguistic exploration for students whose school does not have a group large enough to travel on their own, students whose school travel dates don’t fit their schedule, or students who want to challenge themselves with a more immersive language experience.
These programs are designed for open-minded, adventurous students who are ready to practice their language learning in a real world environment. Students must be in good health, in good academic standing, willing to speak the target language, and agree to the L&F Program Expectations.
Program Types
TRAVEL + FAMILY STAY This type of program is good for students who are looking for a group travel experience that combines some time with a host family and some time traveling as a group. 10-day programs offer one region (usually the capital city area) and a family stay. 13-day programs offer two regions and a family stay. Participants will join the program as individuals from all over the U.S. An experienced L&F teacher will lead the group and support students throughout the program.
REQUIREMENTS:
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- Minimum of 2 years of language study
- Written recommendation by the local language teacher
- Participation in all pre-trip preparation meetings (virtual)
- Ability to travel independently to central airport meeting location
EXTENDED FAMILY STAY This type of program is great for students who want to maximize their time to be fully immersed in the everyday life of their host family. During this 3-week program, students will get to know each of their new family members, learn about their daily routines and family traditions, meet some of their extended family and/or community members, and most importantly, practice their language skills.
REQUIREMENTS:
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- Minimum of 3 years of language study is required for this 3-week stay.
- Written recommendation by the local language teacher
- Ability to travel independently through airports, train stations, as needed to/from host family community
- Virtual interview in the target-language with the Program Coordinator to determine eligibility
2022 Programs
Click links below for full program details (itinerary, inclusions, exclusions, and pricing)
France
- 10 days – June 18 – June 27, 2022
- 13 days – June 30 – July 12, 2022
- 3 weeks – June 18 – July 12, 2022
Spain
Being in a household that spoke only Spanish helped me take the next step in fluency, something I would not be able to do in a classroom.
Some of my language learning moments mainly happened over mealtimes, since there is a lot of talking done when people are eating.
[My favorite thing was:] The activities that I did with my family like going on bike, swimming, trying out other sports, etc. I liked it because those are activities that I like to do in my everyday life and I got to do it with a family from another country.
My host parents were from two different regions of Spain, so I also got to see the contrast in accents, culture, and family background.
I saw huge improvements in my French during my time there. The speaking aspect of it improved but what improved even more was the understanding. I can now understand French so much more than I used to! And it makes me want to practice my French all the time!
My favorite part of the program was just experiencing the family life and finally feeling incorporated into the family. This took a little time to actually feel comfortable - around a week - but after, I loved learning about the culture and almost feeling French.
... having spent every day and night listening to the language all around me, I adjusted well enough that I was able to turn my English brain off and fully dive into the complexities that was the French language.
I just feel extremely grateful and lucky that I had this wonderful experience. I'm also grateful for all the people I got to meet, all the activities I did, and a totally different culture that I got to learn from. Trips like this are just unforgettable and help people view the world from a different perspective.