<p>binx,</p>
<p>By seeking credit, your daughter will be limited to formal programs endorsed by her university. You can bet that the only programs that the U endorses will be expensive, because most of these programs kick back funds to the home U. </p>
<p>There has been quite a bit written about this aspect of study abroad programs recently, especially how the cost far exceeds the quality of either the ed experience or the accomodations and infrastructure. In other words, they can be a bad value, as you are observing. </p>
<p>Interestingly, my sense is that kids who pursue programs on their own, while they forgo credits, have a more meaningful experience. For example, all to many of the credit granting programs have decent class experiences, but the “peer” group is largely fellow yank students. So much for informal cultural experiences. </p>
<p>One young woman I know flew to Bolivia on her own last summer to perfect her spanish and learn more about S. American culture. Here’s a sample entry from her blog:
</p>
<p>How likely are you to have such an experience on a “packaged” program?</p>
<p>DIY is not for every student, of course, but it does have huge benefits, IMHO, for the right kid, one who is self confident, has good judgement and is curious.</p>