Most other schools have small classes, typically from four to ten students grouped according to ability. Students on the first day of instruction will typically take an oral or written exam to determine class placement. The facilities in lower-cost schools may offer little more than a room and desks for teachers and students, and instructors may not have much education beyond the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma. Students who have attended such schools have found that the quality of instruction varies enormously, not only among schools but among teachers in a particular school. In more expensive schools, teachers are likelier to have a college degree, and the latest in educational technology will be available to supplement classroom learning.
Instructional time varies from three to seven hours per day, depending on the school and program.
Many schools also schedule additional classes in local culture and history, and some even provide instruction in local dance and cooking. Home stays vary depending on country and cost. In places such as Guatemala and Honduras, meals can be simple, consisting primarily of rice and beans, and accommodations can seem cramped. In more expensive places, food, and accommodations may not be much different than what you enjoy at home. I have only a week or two.