Teachers
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does L&F offer programs abroad for individual students?A. Yes. See Individual Students link to the left.Q. Is it possible to travel separately from the group?A. All participants are required to depart the U.S. with their group. It is possible, however, to request a return at a later date. Alternate return requests require a fee as well as a release of responsibility. Let your teacher know if you plan to return later than your group. Alternate Return Policy/Form Q. Can I use frequent flyer miles or an airline pass?A. It is very difficult and often impossible to get confirmed frequent flier space during the peak travel times when our spring and summer groups travel. It's essential that all participants depart the U.S. with their group. While we understand the desire to use airline perks, we must avoid having a participant end up without a seat, or not arrive with the group, causing unnecessary stress to all concerned. Any participant wishing to use frequent flier mileage or an airline pass must submit their intent in writing (by mail, e-mail or fax) to L&F. The participant must then provide written proof of confirmed space on the same flights as the group. Such proof must be provided to L&F no later than December 1 for spring groups and no later than January 31 for summer groups. Frequent Flyer/Airline Pass PolicyQ. How are host families found?A. Carefully selected local coordinators, who are friends or teachers through personal connections of Language & Friendship, promote hosting in their communities. They talk to students, other teachers, and school administrators to locate and screen families, and each family is personally contacted to discuss the placement of a student. Families volunteer to receive a student into their homes, welcoming them as another family member in recognition of the educational benefit that hosting affords the whole family. For more details, see Family Stay link on the left. Q. Can special meals be requested?A. Travelers may indicate special dietary needs and restrictions on L&F's application form. L&F notifies airlines, restaurants, and family-stay coordinators of special needs, but travelers with dietary restrictions are expected to eat what they can and take responsibility for managing their needs while abroad.Q. What type of hotels do L&F groups stay in?A. L&F uses hotels that are centrally located and often family-owned. All rooms have private bathrooms and accommodate 3-4 students or 1-2 teachers. It's important to be prepared for smaller rooms than one finds in many American hotels. Participants are encouraged to pack lightly, with limited space in mind.Q. What type of insurance is included in the programs?A. L&F programs include accident medical and sickness coverage in the price of the program. See the Insurance link to the left for more details.Q. What is "early-bird" status?A. Students who apply in the spring of the year prior to travel are considered "early birds". Early birds must submit complete applications including deposit and one photo. Early birds are eligible for a discount which is subtracted from the final balance payment.Q. How are payments made to L&F?A. Payments are to be turned in to the teacher/leader who will send them as a group to Language & Friendship. See Payment link on the left for schedules.Q. Does L&F accept payment by credit card?A. Yes. Credit card payments are accepted by request and will incur a convenience fee. Request formQ. Does Language & Friendship offer scholarships?A. The Naomi Thomsen Scholarship Fund, created in memory of L&F's founder, awards a limited number of scholarships each year to enrolled students who are highly motivated and qualified, but have significant financial need due to difficult circumstances. The Naomi Thomsen Scholarship Application can be requested from the organizing teacher or from the L&F office.Q. What is the cancellation policy?A. See the Cancellation link on left for details. Limited Cancellation Protection is provided for fully paid travelers in case of medical emergencies or unforeseen world events. See Insurance link on the left for details.Q. What is L&F's travel safety policy?A. Language & Friendship is committed to providing a safe, educational experience for each participant. We believe that creating international friendships and increasing our understanding of other cultures is an invaluable contribution to world peace. Sharing the belief that it is essential to proceed thoughtfully as we organize our programs, we regularly monitor the travel information issued by the U.S. Department of State, which issues information regarding travel abroad. We are in frequent communication with our extensive network of teachers overseas who inform us of each region's political climate firsthand. These long-standing relationships abroad provide a strong network of support. Following are the types of notices issued by the U.S. Department of State:
*The highest alert from the U.S. Department of State is a Travel Warning issued to recommend avoiding travel to a certain country. This was not issued for any of our destination countries during past years. However, our Limited Trip Cancellation coverage provides protection for this issuance.
*The U.S. Department of State issues Travel Alerts to disseminate information about short-term conditions in a particular country or region. Examples of these conditions could be natural disasters, anniversaries of terrorist events, election-related demonstrations, or other high-profile events such as international conferences or regional sports events. Our programs continue to operate successfully in these circumstances. Cancellations in this case follow our regular cancellation policy.
*A Worldwide Caution is a general issuance which advises travelers to exercise caution and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. Cancellations in this case follow our regular cancellation policy. In the year of the first Gulf War, the year following 9/11, and during the war with Iraq, our participants have traveled safely and were warmly welcomed in the countries where we organize programs.Q. Can adults join an L&F program?A. L&F's school group programs are designed to provide an immersion experience for students. Due to the strong language focus and the goals of the programs, non-teacher adults are not usually accepted on L&F school group programs.