When it comes to selecting an exemplary study abroad program in high school, the decision is far from trivial or easy. With a sea of options at one's disposal, discerning the "best" becomes an exercise in understanding the unique educational value, cultural immersion, safety standards, and personal growth opportunities each program offers. In this guide, we delve into the characteristics that distinguish a superior study abroad program. Then I share some other programs that you might choose if a Baserria Institute in the Basque Country isn’t for you,

Best program characteristic #1: Strong and relevant academics.

It’s not enough to just sit in classrooms on the other side of the world, but study abroad, even short-term study abroad, still needs to be focused on learning. At Baserria institute we center our programming around the wealth of resources we have in the Basque Country to study the intersection of various languages and cultures and cultural and environmental sustainability. It is challenging, but students are given the support that they need to succeed. 

When selecting a study abroad program, the depth and substance of the academic experience should be central to the mission. All too often I have seen students return home talking about everything BUT the academics. The ideal curriculum invites students to engage actively with topics that matter. For us that means a deliberate approach to language and culture that focuses on skill development, especially development of intercultural competence. 

Best program characteristic #2: Cultural Immersion and Local Engagement

When students study abroad, the goal is to engage with the culture, not just see it. It's about living the life of the place they're in, not just being a visitor. At Baserria Institute, we believe in diving deep into the culture, but in a way that's guided and meaningful. It's not about jumping in the deep end without a plan; it's about a structured journey into the heart of the Basque Country.

Our approach is based on solid research in experiential education. We know that just being surrounded by a new language and culture doesn't automatically lead to learning. That's why we don't just drop students into a full immersion situation and hope for the best. Instead, we guide them through a series of structured experiences that are proven to help them learn and grow. We call this process “targeted Immersion.”

For example, we match students with local activities and projects that align with their interests and studies. This isn't random; it's an approach that connects each student with the part of the culture that can teach them the most. They might work on a local farm, join a traditional dance group, or intern with a local business. It's about finding the right fit for each student, so they can learn by doing. And it´s a mandatory part of the educational program.

We also emphasize the importance of reflection. After a day spent engaging with the local community, students have structured time to think about what they've experienced, talk about it, and really understand it. This reflection turns experiences into lessons that stick with students long after they return home. This strategy also appears in our English curriculum, which is custom-designed for students to become better readers and writers while supporting their study abroad experience.

At Baserria Institute, we're proud of our targeted immersion approach. It's structured, it's research-based, and it's effective. We believe it's the best way to ensure that students don't just visit the Basque Country but become a part of it and take a piece of it back home with them in their hearts and minds.

Best program characteristic #3: Safety and Support

Embarking on a study abroad journey is an adventure, but it's one that comes with its own set of challenges and uncertainties. That's why at Baserria Institute, we place an unwavering emphasis on safety and support, ensuring that these two pillars are at the core of every program we offer.

Safety isn't just a checklist for us; it's a comprehensive framework designed to protect and reassure both students and their families. From the moment students join our program, they're covered by a safety net that includes thorough pre-departure briefings, comprehensive health insurance, and a clear set of protocols for any unforeseen situations. We understand that a safe student is a student who can fully engage with the learning and cultural opportunities around them.

But our commitment to well-being goes beyond physical safety. We recognize that studying abroad can be an emotional rollercoaster. New environments, cultures, and academic pressures can be overwhelming. That's why we have a robust support system in place. Our local faculty are more than just teachers; they're mentors, guides, and a friendly face in a new country. 

We also ensure that students have access to mental health resources. Whether it's dealing with homesickness or the stress of adapting to a new culture, we provide avenues for students to seek help and talk about their experiences. Regular check-ins are part of our routine, ensuring that every student feels heard and supported.

At Baserria Institute, we believe that a well-supported student is one who can confidently explore and grow. Our safety and support structures are not just about preventing problems; they're about creating an environment where students can thrive, both personally and academically.

Best program characteristic #4: Skill Development

In the realm of global education, the development of skills extends far beyond the confines of traditional classroom learning. Study abroad programs are uniquely positioned to cultivate a suite of competencies that are increasingly recognized as indispensable in our interconnected world. It's not merely about acquiring knowledge; it's about honing abilities that will serve students in a multitude of contexts throughout their lives.

The most effective study abroad programs are those that articulate clear, measurable competencies as their learning outcomes. These competencies can include things like:

• Intercultural Communication: We believe that the ability to navigate and communicate across cultural divides should be a cornerstone of study abroad experiences. Students learn to decode and understand diverse cultural signals and norms, which is crucial in a world where cross-cultural interactions are commonplace.

• Adaptability and Resilience: Living and studying in a new country inevitably presents challenges. Students learn to adapt to unfamiliar environments, to be resilient in the face of difficulties, and to emerge from these experiences as more flexible and robust individuals.

• Problem-Solving: Encountering and resolving real-world problems in a context different from one's own fosters a type of critical thinking that is both creative and pragmatic. This skill is invaluable, as it applies to virtually every domain of personal and professional life.

• Global Awareness: Study abroad programs expand a student's understanding of global issues and perspectives. This awareness is essential for responsible citizenship and ethical leadership in today's global society.

• Language Proficiency: While for us it is not a singular focus, language skills are a significant benefit of study abroad programs. Achieving proficiency in a foreign language can open doors to new opportunities and deepen cultural understanding.

• Reflective Practice: The ability to reflect on one's experiences, to extract lessons, and to apply them to future situations is a meta-skill that amplifies the value of all other competencies gained.

To truly capitalize on these competencies, programs must be designed with intentionality. They should incorporate activities that explicitly target these skills, provide students with opportunities to practice and refine them, and offer feedback that helps students recognize their growth.

By focusing on clearly defined competencies, study abroad programs can offer students a transformative educational experience that equips them with the skills they need to navigate a diverse and complex world. These competencies become the lenses through which students view their experiences, the tools they use to engage with the world, and the assets they carry into their future educational and career endeavors.

Best program characteristic #5: Ethical and Responsible Practices

Ethical practices in study abroad programs begin with the recognition of the host community as more than a just a backdrop for personal growth. It involves seeing the community as a partner, a teacher, and a beneficiary in its own right. This perspective shifts the focus from what students can "get" from the experience to what they can also "give," fostering a sense of global stewardship and mutual respect.

Responsible study abroad programs take great care to avoid the trappings of "voluntourism," where short-term interventions can sometimes do more harm than good. Instead, they engage students in sustainable, community-led projects that prioritize the needs and wishes of the local population. This approach ensures that any contribution made is ethical, meaningful, and in line with the community's long-term goals.

Furthermore, responsible programs emphasize the importance of cultural humility. Students are encouraged to approach their host culture with an attitude of openness and a willingness to learn, rather than with the presumption of understanding. This mindset is crucial for meaningful cultural exchanges and helps prevent the inadvertent perpetuation of stereotypes or cultural insensitivity.

At Baserria Institute, we embody these ethical and responsible practices in every facet of our programming. Our initiatives are designed with the dual purpose of enriching the student's learning while also contributing positively to the host community. We engage in ongoing dialogue with local partners to ensure our programs are aligned with local needs and that they operate within an ethical framework that respects the host culture's integrity and sovereignty.

We also recognize that ethical engagement is not a static concept but a dynamic process that requires continuous reflection and adaptation. As such, we are committed to regularly reviewing and refining our practices to ensure they remain responsible and responsive to the evolving landscapes of global education and community development.

By prioritizing ethical and responsible practices, study abroad programs like those offered by Baserria Institute not only enhance the student's learning experience but also contribute to the cultivation of a more just, equitable, and interconnected world. These practices are not just the right thing to do; they are the very foundation upon which the most rewarding and impactful global education experiences are built.

Other Noteworthy Programs

While we think you should consider studying with us in the Basque Country, we know that our programs aren’t for everyone. So here is a list of other programs that you might consider and why.

SYA (School Year Abroad)
SYA is renowned for offering students a semester or full academic year abroad, complete with homestays and classes alongside SYA peers. They have campuses in Spain, France, and Italy, Full disclosure: I was the Head of Schools and Programs at SYA before founding the institute. SYA’s program in Spain is based in Zaragoza.

AFS-USA (AFS Intercultural Programs)
AFS is celebrated for its diverse program offerings, allowing students to study in various nations. They boast a robust volunteer network and a substantial support system for students. Their research on intercultural growth during high school study abroad is among the few studies (other than ours) available on this topic.

Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
CIEE is distinguished by its focus on cultural immersion. They offer an array of language courses, global discovery programs, and maintain a significant presence in many countries, facilitating a comprehensive cultural experience.

Rotary Youth Exchange
Sponsored by Rotary International, this program is lauded for its community engagement, affordability, and emphasis on service. Students experience direct cultural exchange through stays with multiple host families, fostering a genuine understanding of the host culture. As a side note, when I was growing up, we regularly had Rotary students living at our house in Michigan.

Experiment in International Living
This organization is known for its hands-on cultural experiences, offering unique programs that include homestays, community service projects, and thematic educational trips, all designed to provide an immersive cultural education. I really like their design process and have had great conversations with some of their leadership.

Wrapping up

Identifying the "best" study abroad program is a complex endeavor. It transcends the prestige of the program, focusing instead on its congruence with the student's academic and personal aspirations, the program’s dedication to cultural immersion, and the robustness of safety and support mechanisms. The ethical framework of the program and its dedication to responsible, reciprocal cultural exchanges are also critical considerations.

Baserria Institute tries to embody these aspects with every new program that we design. When it is time to choose, opting for a program that values education, personal growth, cultural exchange, and ethical engagement,students and educators can assure a fulfilling and impactful study abroad experience.

For educators seeking professional development opportunities, whether on your school campus or in the Basque Country, the Baserria Institute offers extensive learning experiences. Our programs include strategies for developing intercultural competence, ensuring that educators are equipped to foster a global mindset in their students. We invite you to contact us or explore our global education consulting services for more information.