<p>While I agree with the comments about grading scales and especially cupcake’s comments about cultural immersion, another factor that should not be underestimated is safety, and logistical support in case something unexpectedly goes very wrong. One of my children is currently at Georgetown. The temptation for us to arrange his study abroad courses on our own is very enticing as we would save a bundle. However, having seen how Georgetown quickly repatriated all students on “its” study abroad programs in Egypt and Japan this spring made me realize that part of the high cost of these programs is the extra service students and their parents can count on in cases like these.</p>