Each program includes a number of similar components. Our educators use these as a base for group cohesion, and the point of departure for individual learning. Within this structure, students shape their own experiences by deciding what and how they would like to learn.

Orientation
Upon arrival in the host country, students undergo a comprehensive orientation that provides important information about the hosts and their customs, the area's history and culture, health and safety, and cross-cultural adjustment. Orientation is also a time for the group to get to know each other. Program educators meet with each student to explore his or her interests and explain internship possibilities. Above all, orientation focuses on preparing students for new experiences by learning how to approach each new situation with patience, humor, and an open mind.

Home Stay
Once the program begins, students move in with a home stay family. These households come from different socioeconomic and religious backgrounds. There is at least one family member who is conversant in English. While in the cities many families have acquired telephones and similar modern conveniences, others, especially in rural areas, do not have these luxuries. In the application process, students give general preferences as to the type of family with whom they would like to live. It is common for students to create relationships with their host families that last a lifetime making home stay one of the most popular aspects of our programs.

Internships
Determined by each student's interests, internships usually range from professional work to community and humanitarian projects to arts, music or philosophical understudy. The extensive variety of internships available allows students to explore new interests and to pursue academic or career resources. The internships are developed around specific projects that our students can complete by the end of the term. Students find that the daily routine and responsibilities that accompany an internship help them integrate quickly into their surroundings.

Language Study
Situational and conversational language is taught by experienced teachers in small groups. Learning to communicate with the people around you provides an important entre into the host community. Students find that people appreciate their effort to learn the local language and are eager to practice with them.

Seminars
We provide a series of discussions led by guest speakers who are local experts, professionals, and scholars. The discussions, determined by each group's interests, cover topics such as history, politics, religion, ethnic groups, gender issues, the environment and the impact of development.

Village Stay
To understand the rural ways of life, many of our programs include a second shorter home stay in a remote village. Students become involved with daily chores such as agriculture, fetching water, cooking and helping to care for younger siblings. This offers a glimpse of rural life in a peaceful and scenic setting.

Trek
Many of our programs culminate with a trek, which is more of a cultural experience than a wilderness one. Camping in tents or local village lodges and accompanied by guides and trained personnel, we travel through areas frequented by foreign trekkers as well as more remote countryside.

Exploration
There are other organized activities, such as trips to temples, monasteries and festivals, short overnight stays at scenic spots and visits to other significant sites. The interests of the group will play a role in determining the content of these activities.

The combination of the extensive opportunities that we have developed, our dedicated and experienced educators, and the individually tailored programs of study we provide make Passage programs the ideal experience for students looking for a rich, cross-cultural journey.