Why Choose SOL?

Price:

• Please search around! We offer one of the most affordable, if not the most affordable, quality high school study abroad programs in the industry! Over the years we have rarely raised our prices and only do so when absolutely necessary.
• No hidden fees ever! Unlike most programs, we do not have any application fees ($300+ nonrefundable fees for most programs)
• Scholarships. We have our own scholarships available to all students. We also update our public scholarships database regularly.
• All of our programs include full weekend excursion and cultural activities, with overnight hotel stays, meals, transportation and fees covered! Feedback from students and parents is that we include more activities and excursions than other programs.

Health & Safety:

• We understand how great of a responsibility it is to take teenagers abroad. We take this responsibility very seriously and analyze each program aspect from the standpoint of safety.
• We offer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week support to both our students onsite and to their families back home.
• We provide comprehensive International Medical Insurance.
• Host families and program directors are trained to keep an eye on the students and take them to the doctor should they not feel well.
• During the program orientation, the directors provide you with everything you need to start your adventure; city maps, housing lists, and full safety information about the location.
• Cell phones! To make sure you are up and running the day you arrive, we provide the option to rent a local cell phone.

Maturity & Confidence:

• Our program is designed to prepare the traveler, not the road.
• Through being outside of your comfort zone, you will build greater confidence and maturity.
• You will learn to become more independent once away from your friends and family.
• You will learn so much more about yourself and this will assist you greatly on your life path.

Academics:

• We provide you with interactive Spanish classes every weekday morning.
• Spanish classes are taught be trained faculty, many of whom possess Master’s degrees.
• Classes are at top-notch language institutions all of which provide a transcript or certificate.
• Our goal is that each student return to their school performing better in the classroom and with a deeper understanding of the Spanish language and culture.

Directors:

• All of our directors have experience working with teenagers and leading groups.
• They are bilingual, bicultural and have extensive travel experience.
• Most Sol Abroad directors have graduate degrees.
• Our directors have a reputation for going above-and-beyond.
• Our directors actually care about your well-being and daily experience and are always doing their very best to make your experience a unique and special one. You are not just a number with Sol Abroad but part of a family!

Host Families:

• Our host families are carefully selected through an interview and vetting process.
• We consider our host families members of our family and treat them as such.
• The best way to get a true Spanish immersion experience is through a program with a homestay component.
• In most of our locations our families provide three full meals per day and laundry when needed.

Excursion & Cultural Activities:

• We take students off the beaten path, to make sure our organized activities and excursions are a life-changing experience.
• We are dynamic! Our directors plan different activities based on the personality of the group. We listen to our students.
• Our excursions include everything on the trip; many other programs have hidden fees and costs. With Sol you get more than you imagined!

Our former students and their parents are happy to share their Sol Abroad experience with you. If you would like to contact alumni via email & phone, please visit our Contact Alumni page.