1 . When can I start my classes?
At most locations, new students may start any Monday. Some schools have specific start dates, which you can find by going to our Start Dates & Holidays page.

2. What level of classes should I take?
Before beginning your classes, you will be tested in the language to determine your proficiency, and placed in class accordingly. Please see our Language Levels page for descriptions of each level. If you are interested in studying Spanish or Portuguese, you can also test yourself before you go abroad with our free Online Spanish Test or our free Online Portuguese Test.

3. Is a minimum language level required before arrival?
No, in fact we encourage beginners to join our program, since being surrounded by a language is a great way to be introduced to it and allows a student to learn much faster!

4. How long should I study?
The answer to this question depends on a number of variables including the type and intensity of the course you choose, your innate ability to learn a language, your knowledge of other languages, and your personal goals. We recommend contacting one of our study abroad program advisors to discuss your particular circumstances.

5. I want to learn a language but I do not have much time to spend abroad. Which program is best for me?
For motivated students with limited time, we recommend our Immersion Program. This one-on-one all day course will propel you to a higher language proficiency level much more quickly than any other course, and gives you the specialized attention you require to focus on your personal learning needs.

6. Do you offer programs specializing in language for certain professions (business, health care, legal, etc.)?
Yes, we can customize your course to cover areas and language that you specifically need. If you are interested in studying specialized terminology, we would recommend that you take a Private Course in order to focus on your area, or take a Group+ course that supplements your group classes with private classes in the afternoon.

In some locations, we also offer Special Courses focused on a specific profession (such as medicine or business) or a particular interest (such as dance or history). Please be sure to check out the Special Courses page of the location in which you are interested in studying.

7. What qualifications do the teachers have?
Our teachers are native speakers, have college degrees, and have experience teaching their languages to foreigners. In addition to their professional credentials, they are selected for their abilities to keep students interested, motivated and entertained during class.

8. Where can I find discount airfare?
BridgeAbroad has joined with Exito and STA Travel to provide you with customized, affordable travel options. Please visit our Discount Airfare page for more information.

9. Can I get college credit for my classes?
College credit is available for BridgeAbroad language study programs. We have worked with several universities that grant credit for our courses, and we can provide your school with any documents needed for you to receive credit. You may also receive college credit through our university affiliate, New Mexico State University, which can then be transferred to your school. How much credit you can earn depends on your level and how many weeks you study with us. For more information, please see our College Credit page.

10. How will my language skills be evaluated?
The teachers and coordinators at our schools are constantly evaluating your progress to assure that you are not only learning as productively as possible, but that you are enjoying your stay. As proof of your efforts, you will also receive a certificate at the end of your course. This states the language you studied, your level, the date, the school you attended and its location.

In some locations, you can also take a formal language examination such as the BULATS in Chile, the DELE in Spain, or the CELU in Argentina. Please see the Special Courses page for the location in which you are interested in studying for more information about these examinations.

11. Is it possible to study abroad in more than one location?
Absolutely. Spending time in more than one country can expose you to different accents, environments, and cultures. For example, you could start by taking two weeks of Spanish in Chile, followed by another two in Argentina. This option would allow you to not only enjoy the natural wonders of Chile, but also the excitement and culture of Buenos Aires.

12. How should I pay for my courses?
Full payment can be paid by credit card, check, or bank transfer. If you decide to extend your program, payment for that can be done from your study site any time before the extension begins. For program prices, please visit our Price List.

We can also offer suggestions for fundraising. Previous students have paid for their courses with us through community donations, Americorps and Rotary grants, and family graduation presents. We'll be happy to give you some ideas – just send us a request!

13. Will I have an opportunity to get to know the city and see surrounding areas and attractions?
Absolutely! BridgeAbroad schools offer many after excursions to introduce you to the local culture and expose you to the beauty of the country in which you are studying. Our friendly staff will also be more than happy to help you plan weekend or after school trips on your own.

14. What is the average day like?
This depends somewhat on the school and the type of course you choose, but in general the morning will be spent in class. Because of our conversational methodology, classes usually involve a lot of conversation. After class students usually will go to lunch together at a nearby restaurant perhaps followed by a trip into the city center to explore all it has to offer.

Several afternoons a week, most schools offer excursions guided by a teacher or another type of school activity. The excursions are a great opportunity to practice the language you are learning, learn more about the city and culture, and to visit areas of the city that you may not discover on your own. The evenings are shared with your host family or discovering the city's nightlife with fellow students. The school staff is also available to help you plan weekend or after school trips on your own.

15. Where will I live while I'm studying?
Students may choose between a homestay (living with a local family), a hotel, an apart-hotel, a student residence, or a shared apartment, depending on the location in which you study. For more specific descriptions of your housing options, please see our Accommodations section. For premium language practice and cultural experience, we highly recommend homestays whenever possible.

16. How far in advance should I register?
To guarantee a spot in our schools, you should register at least four weeks in advance. For registrations less than four weeks before the start date, we cannot guarantee a place in a group class or in a home stay, and late fees will apply. To register, please visit our Enroll Online page.

17. Do you have a maximum or minimum age requirement at your schools?
Adults from all ages can participate in our programs. Whether you are a college student, a company executive, or a retiree, we are proud to provide first-rate services to people diverse in age, race and nationality. Many of our schools do have a minimum age requirement, so please check with one of our Study Abroad Advisors for programs that accept children and teens. You can also visit our Families and Teens pages for more information about these programs.

18. Will I need a visa, or will a passport be sufficient?
We offer language programs in nine countries, and each country has its own visa policies which vary according to the nationality of the student. We recommend checking on-line, or with the nearest consulate of the country where you wish to study for their visa requirements.

19. What are the current safety and health conditions in the location where I want to study?
For destination information, updated travel alerts, potential health hazards, and other related issues, please consult Travel Health Online.

20. What makes BridgeAbroad different?

	Experience—With over 25 years of experience, BridgeAbroad makes it easy to study a language overseas. Our team of travel advisors will consider your interests, budget, language level, goals, and travel plans to select a program that is just right for you.
	Flexibility—From students to executives, children to seniors, individuals to large groups, our flexible course offerings allow us to meet your needs.
	Quality—We are dedicated to providing a quality study abroad experience to each of our students. For that reason, we select only high-quality schools in the best locations.
	Guarantee—We are so sure that you'll enjoy your experience with us, that we guarantee it with the BridgeAbroad 1-2-3 Guarantee.