Business Details
28 Years
experience
Trusted High School Study Abroad Programs in Spain & France
Edu-Culture has been dedicated to providing high-quality summer study abroad programs for high school students since 1998. Founded by former educators Phyllis ONeill and Marie Harris, our mission is to enhance language fluency, foster cultural understanding, and build international friendships through immersive experiences. Our programs uniquely combine structured learning with authentic family stays, ensuring students engage deeply with local cultures. With over 25 years of experience, we specialize in individual and group immersions in Spain, France, and beyond, prioritizing safety, personalized service, and meaningful cultural exchange.Our team of dedicated professionals and on-call coordinators ensures seamless program execution, from application to post-trip support. We partner with accredited language institutions and carefully vet volunteer host families to guarantee a transformative educational experience. Our alumni consistently report significant language improvement, increased independence, and lifelong connections, reflecting our commitment to delivering measurable, life-changing outcomes.
Services
Study Abroad Programs
Host Family Immersion
Language Immersion
Cultural Exchange
Individual Programs
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of expertise in high school study abroad programs.
- Our volunteer host families provide authentic cultural and language immersion.
- Host Family Coordinators are available 24/7 for student support.
- We prioritize personalized service with tailored program dates and durations.
- Our programs are designed to maximize language fluency and cultural understanding.
What people say
Life-changing experience
Improved language skills
Welcoming host families
Unforgettable cultural immersion
Lifelong friendships
Services
Host Family Immersion
Live with volunteer host families in Spain or France for full cultural and linguistic immersion. Families with teenagers provide authentic daily experiences, meals, and local insights. This unique approach ensures constant language practice and genuine cultural exchange beyond typical tourist interactions.
Language Immersion Programs
Accelerate language fluency through daily interactions in target-language environments. Programs include structured activities and peer conversations with local college students. Focus areas include conversational skills, cultural nuances, and real-world application in academic and social settings.
Cultural Exchange Initiatives
Engage in curated cultural activities like museum visits, local festivals, and community events. Students participate in traditional practices, regional cuisine, and historical explorations. These experiences deepen cultural appreciation and foster global citizenship through hands-on learning.
Individual Study Abroad
Tailor your immersion experience with flexible dates and durations (2-6 weeks). Choose destinations like Granada, San Sebastian, or Paris for personalized language and cultural development. Programs include airport transfers, accommodation, and 24/7 support for a seamless experience.
Group Educational Tours
Organize school group trips with structured language courses and cultural activities. Partner with accredited institutions for curriculum-aligned experiences. Includes guided tours, language partner sessions, and immersive homestays for collaborative learning and team-building.
People
Phyllis ONeill
Co-Founder
Co-founded ECI in 1998 after a career as a US high school teacher. Focused on creating programs that improve language fluency and cultural understanding through immersive experiences.
Marie Harris
Co-Founder
Co-founded ECI in 1998 with teaching experience in the UK. Designed programs to foster transatlantic friendships and practical language skills. Oversees host family recruitment and program quality assurance.
Questions
What destinations do ECI programs offer?
ECI provides immersion programs in Spain, France, Costa Rica, Germany, Austria, Ireland, and the US, focusing on language learning and cultural exchange.
How long are the immersion programs?
Programs range from 2 to 6 weeks, with flexible dates available for individual immersions in Spain and France.
Are host families vetted?
Yes, all host families undergo thorough screening and are volunteers committed to providing authentic cultural experiences for students.
What’s included in program fees?
Fees cover accommodation, meals, local transportation, and 24/7 coordinator support. Airfare, insurance, and personal expenses are excluded.
How do I apply for a program?
Applications are available online. Start by selecting your preferred destination and dates, then complete the enrollment form with required documentation.
Is travel insurance required?
While not mandatory, we strongly recommend purchasing travel and medical insurance for all participants to cover unexpected events.
