When we’re out and about talking to universities and colleges we often are asked how we are different than the larger study abroad program providors. Since we hear this question a lot, we thought we’d write down our response in case other have the same question but haven’t asked.
Flexibility
Because of our size, our structure and a few other factors, we’re able to be very flexible when it comes to program foci, timelines, and all types of other needs. And we like being creative with you to meet what is best for your students and institution.
For example, in some of our programs students continue with the curriculum and the books they use at their home campus in their Spanish classes - this is important to their Spanish department. For others, it is a good fit to adapt the curriculums we’ve developed.
University of Northern Colorado Education students and faculty member pose with their school's pennant.
Academic considerations
Because we a an independent language school and study abroad program providor, we are able to adapt our programming to fit the credit considerations of your institution. For example, some schools are able to count in-country excursions or even homestay family time towards credit. Others must only count the hours students are physically in class. We can adjust to these needs because we are not bound by any other institution’s structure or regulations.
A fun group marks ACLAS's 25th anniversary in Seattle, Washington.
Limited fixed costs
Because we are now part of our founder’s sons’ business (Grupo Macro) we are able to keep our fixed costs down because we share so many administrative needs with many other projects. For example, the accounting department for Grupo Macro takes care of ACLAS’s accounts. This saves us time and resources and allows us to have specialized professionals taking care of important aspects of our organization.
Relationships
There are really only a few of us who work at ACLAS, so, you’ll get to know us well and we will have a chance to get to know you and your students. To us, this is the most rewarding part of our work.
We hope that gives you a good idea of the differences. Have more questions? Never hesitate to contact us.