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<p>I disagree with that to some degree. A college’s own GOOD programs can be a part of a good overall study abroad package. However, many colleges operate crappy programs. And, some colleges rely exclusively on their own programs – which can be very limiting. The best options I’ve seen are schools that operate a few really outstanding programs PLUS a wide range of pre-approved excellent programs from other schools and independent programs.</p>
<p>For example, if a college’s own programs consist of packing up 35 kids and moving them en masse to Rome where they take classes in English, that’s not much of a study abroad program.</p>
<p>The way to research the topic is to log on to each school’s study abroad website. See how finances are handled. Do you pay your own school? Pay the study abroad program? What about financial aid? Then, look at the list of pre-approved programs.</p>