Popular Study Abroad Questions

Part 2 – By Alexa Boyce
Back by popular demand, I've decided to answer a few more frequently asked questions here!

How much money should I bring with me?
This depends on several factors, including which country you are visiting, if your lodging includes meals and how many, how many excursions you plan to participate in and what kinds of extra souvenirs you plan to purchase. Countries in Central America such as Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama should be fairly inexpensive. The cost of living in the southern part of South America, however, is probably more comparable with the US or Europe.
If you are staying with a homestay, generally between 1 and 3 meals per day is included. Please check the individual location pages on our website for details.
Excursions can cost between $30 USD and $200 USD, depending on the distance and time you plan to travel. Check with the school upon your arrival for a schedule of upcoming trips
Please note that we recommend a combination of cash (you can exchange dollars at the airport upon your arrival or at a travel agency ahead of time), credit and traveler's checks. While traveler's checks are waning in popularity, they are still recommended in case your wallet is lost or stolen or you visit a remote area that does not offer ATMs.

What is the difference between the Spanish taught in Latin America vs. the Spanish taught in Spain?
Grammatically, the biggest difference is the use of the 'vosotros' subject in verb conjugation in Spain. The accents also differ as well as colloquialisms and slang terms. These differences I would equate to the difference between British English and American English. The two dialects are mutually intelligible and won't pose a problem. Please keep in mind that the same differences exist between countries in Latin America, similar to regional dialects in the US.
Program-Specific FAQ Lists can be found at the following links:
* Volunteer/Intern
* Teenager Summer Abroad
* SALUD Medical Spanish
* Business Language Immersion
* MAESTRO Programs for Educators