| Having dealt with study abroad for my son thru outside institutions, as well as looked at various LAC, I'm not surpised. At least some of the state schools are very open in terms of programs students can use. The LAC seem quite narrow, and require those of us with financial aid to use their programs only, or financial aid doesn't apply. On one hand, it can be a way to ensure quality of programming, on the other hand, it is quite restrictive, and I think limits the immersion potential, as they are with other students from their home school, and spend too much time with other Americans, rather than the target culture. And after reading this, I'm aware they have other, economic incentives. |