For over 45 years, the NRCSA (National Registration Center for Study Abroad) has been setting standards in international education, mostly with their outstanding programs in many countries around the world. This year, they have posted on their Web site (www.nrcsa.com), a slew of fascinating study programs, of which I can mention just a few by way of example:
You can get free Brazilian martial art lessons when you enroll for a Fast Forward Portuguese language program, costs starting from $727. For the price, you get two weeks of instruction (20 hours per week), a house stay (with a local family), two meals daily, transfers and insurance. If you want to stay on an extra week for study, the cost is $275. Note that airfare is not included (nor in any other examples below), though the Center helps arrange that for you, with a link on its Web site to begin with. As to martial arts (capoeira, said to be ancient and unique), it's optional (in case you don't like that kind of vigorous exercise). Classes at Maceio in Brazil take place in April, May or June this year.
Another interesting class is at Sosua in the Dominican Republic, where you study Spanish in a Traveling Classroom Program, which lets you visit the country, the better to discover its diversity and beauty. The cost of this 2-week program starts at $1,190, and includes tuition, the travel around the country, and breakfast daily. Classes take place on a flexible schedule this spring and summer.
You can attend the Sorbonne (the University of Paris) to learn French. There is still time to register for the summer of 2002, but you may also apply for the 2002/2003 academic year's spring session. Costs start from $1,991.
Down in Milan, you can learn Italiano at Linguadue, which has an Internship Program, the costs starting at $2,084.
Finally, join a Japanese language and culture summer study tour this summer and receive credit from Miracosta College (California). You'll spend most of your time in lovely Kanazawa, a mountain town with a well-preserved historic section. You will visit several other cities, including Tokyo, too. Costs start at $1,512.
There are more courses in Morelia (Mexico), Bamberg (Germany), Quito (Ecuador), Cuernavaca (Mexico), Cusco (Peru) and Madrid (Spain), as well as others.
For more information, go to the NRCSA Web site, www.nrcsa.com, e-mail them at study@nrcsa.com, phone them at 414/278-0631 or fax them at 414/271-8884.