<p>Based on my experience, here’s what I can say on the matter.
First of all, you have to think about what you want to get out of it.<br>
I am so thankful that I ended up staying for a year abroad because once I finally really got settled in I then had a few months to really enjoy myself and do more instead of just having to go home again. I’m in a single apartment-style room in a dorm which actually has not provided me with that much student contact, but I’ve heard that this is more of an exception. One problem about it is that my room is still like my own little American world, so I might recommend a family if you want to be forced to always speak the language and really get a chance to learn about the culture. But it is also nice to have your own space when everything gets too stressful. My abroad uni has many international students, who I’ve enjoyed meeting. I think that it’s great having them there because they provide new insights but they’re also people who understand what I’m going through. At the same time, it is nice to have some other Americans around. I think having a program where you’re basically just kept with the other Americans wouldn’t be the greatest. As the only person from my exchange program here, I sort of have to navigate things by myself and try more to make friends with others which encourages you to really “grow up”. I ended up making friends mostly with some Americans anyway, which is a nice break when you’re speaking a foreign language the rest of the day truthfully, but I also know some regular students. I’d recommend getting involved in some activities, if nothing else, just for getting a chance to practice the language more and maybe meet some new people.
But that’s my experience. Your’s will probably be different. I would definitely recommend spending time in a non-English speaking country. Yes, it will be extremely frustrating, but you also learn so much from the experience. Your language skills will definitely improve! I had the advantage that I, while also far from fluent, could manage myself with the foreign language pretty well once I arrived and therefore had the opportunity to be a bit more independent. If your language really is an issue, then it might be better to find something more structured.</p>