<p>
[quote]
That can get a bit dicey in terms of credit transfer
[/quote]
No kidding. I am a big fan of direct exchange programs, but the credit issue is one that you really have to keep an eye on. I participated in the initial year of my school's foreign exchange program with a UK university -- wonderful experience, but some kinks had yet to be worked out, including transfer credits. Ultimately, I simply got pass/fail credit for the whole year. That may not sound like a big deal, but when it came to explaining 30 HOURS of Pass/Fail credit on my transcript when trying to apply to law school . . .</p>
<p>Still, direct exchange is my favorite type of program, and the best way to fully become integrated into a different culture. A lot of the other programs just look like an extended vacation.</p>