Is this study abroad program website be trusted?

Question

www.intraxstudyabroad.com

my dad says its not but i want to know what you think

because i really do want to study abroad

and if you can please tell me if

its a study abroad website is good to trust it

and can you tell me how is it that it is trusted

thank you very much!

Answer 1

Feisty,  Good answer!  I looked at the website, and it is slick, and looks professional, and up to standards.  I would have guessed that it was a good program, assuming the former clients were for real, and all.  

I checked down your list, and recognized the programs I am familiar with, but with one exception...Where is the Sister Cities program?  (or does that fall under YFU, also?)

Answer 2

yes, you could trust it. i checked it  Internet Explorer 7. it tells you if it's safe or not.

Answer 3

Go to your counselor's office and ask them for recommendations.  Have fun!

Answer 4

Your dad is correct. It is NOT to be trusted.

I checked with the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (http://www.csiet.org) and Intrax is NOT on their approved list! CSIET is the umbrella organization that "certifies" exchange student programs. Most schools in the U.S. will not accept students who come from programs NOT on this list -- and for good reason! (In addition, if you are going with a non-CSIET program, your school may not accept any credits for you either!) There are hundreds of programs out there -- a CSIET listing helps narrow it down somewhat. While a CSIET listing doesn't guarantee a great experience it DOES provide some oversight to the program. There are a lot of things organizations must do to become CSIET listed. Do NOT consider a program not on the list!

In addition to CSIET listing, you should check with your school counselor. A program is only as good as its local representatives! Generally, AFS, Aspect, Rotary and YFU are reputable everywhere.

Good luck and good for you for asking this question! It's one many other students SHOULD ask before selecting a program.

P.S. If you are looking for information in general on being an exchange student, check out this site: http://www.exchangestudentworld.com/

It's an on-line community for past and present exchange students!