<p>My daughter is interested in the different study abroad programs offered by CCCS the Center for Cross Cultural Studies. One of her advisers recommended their programs but one of her professors has discouraged her from considering them. Apparently, CCCS is a privately owned company that runs courses in other countries for American college students. They are not an actual school or university, and their bottom line is profit. I know my daughter's school offers many different options for students to spend a semester in another country, including some exchanges at foreign universities. All things considered, I'm hesitant to send her to study with a private company in another country when there are so many real universities offering accredited classes. </p>
<p>What are your thoughts? I would appreciate input from any parents or students who have experience with this type of company.</p>
<p>I would recommend that you do some information gathering like you are currently doing. Treat this like buying a car the more information that you can gather the better you can assess the difference, strengths and weaknesses of their programs and others. When calling around to other programs ask for references from other people who have attended their program. These are usually the best way to assess a program.</p>
<p>Ask them straight up what makes your program better then your daughters school or other study abroad companies. Also ask them how is your program funded, being able to follow the money will always lead you to where their best interest lies. </p>
<p>Just because they are privately funded does not mean they are not a well run company with their customers best interest at heart, they may operate better then many public or non profit organization. </p>
<p>On another note it is great to go into a conversation with a recruiter knowing what you want that way you can make sure you align your daughters needs and want with the correct program. </p>
<p>Hope this information was helpful and gives you a good jump off point for the information gathering process.</p>