Study Abroad experience? I may need advice!

LBHmom
Fri, 13 Sep 2013 19:31:00 +0000

Thanks for your replies. I’m glad to find so many other parents on this forum.
The way this program works is that tuition is paid to Home U which pays Destination U for the courses. I suspect both make a tidy profit. The student applies for U housing directly through Destination U after paying a fee to do so. Once housing is assigned he pays rent. Housing availability is supposedly not a problem if you apply early but as I mentioned previously, it’s not guaranteed.
I’ve explored other programs online. It seems my S waited too late and needs advanced courses that few programs provide, in fact it’s this program or nothing.
As far as a facilitator or advocate, the Destination U has an office for study abroad students (of which there seem to be many). Contact with Home U is by phone.
I’m not impressed with this setup, but it could be a good experience if all goes well. But it shouldn’t be such a gamble.
Thanks again - lots of good information here.