<p>haha. Which parts did of L'Auberge made you uncomfortable? Don't make me worry about you Xiggi.....</p>
<p>Self-directed, independent abroad programs are possible, but you must do heaps of leg work in advance to ensure your university will give you credit toward graduation. Even back in the day, <em>adjusts her bifocals</em>, I did an unauthorized, unacreddited semester. By pre-arrangement, my university gave me full credit (even though they did not make a dime from that semester).</p>
<p>Sometimes the abroad programs have hidden bargains. For example, the 8 week CET immersive mandarin program in Beijing counts as an entire year's worth of university mandarin. Basically, a student gets two semesters credit for the price of one semester. </p>
<p>As far as being surrounded by other Americans, there are comforts and discomforts in that arrangement.</p>
<p>If you do decide to go abroad, let me know. Akin to your SAT tips, I have a few Minimize Culture Shock tips that might serve you well. :)</p>