The Importance of Soft Landing for Your School Year in the USA

Crossing the Atlantic to study abroad for a year is a significant change. The contrast between the familiarity of home and everything there is to discover in a country like the USA deserves a period of transition.

At My Language Quest, we understand that this short intermediate phase, dedicated to socializing and preparing for what’s ahead, makes the difference between a smooth experience and an abrupt one.

 This is why we offer this advantage to our families; our priority is the student's success, both academically and socially. Every detail of the soft landing is designed to ensure students arrive at their host families feeling confident, adapted, and ready to make the most of their school year.

In the following sections, we will take a detailed look at what a soft landing entails and how it can become the key to a one-of-a-kind experience during your school year in the USA.

What does the soft landing include?

• Accommodation: Tres noches de hotel en la zona de Nueva York. Las habitaciones se distribuyen por género, con capacidad para cuatro estudiantes por habitación (dos por cama).
  *For those who prefer extra comfort, single beds or single rooms are available at an additional cost.
• Meals: The program covers three breakfasts and three dinners at the hotel.
• Training: Two interactive workshops featuring essential program information.
• Transportation: Private bus transfers throughout the entire tour, including airport-hotel-airport transfers.
• Chaperoning: Throughout the experience, students are accompanied by a Belo USA coordinator, organizational staff, and monitors.

Discovering your next adventure

Next, let’s take a look at each day of the program.

Day 1

The soft landing begins with your arrival at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and check-in at the Hilton Newark Airport hotel. Once you're settled in, we will move on to dinner and an orientation session hosted by Belo USA.

This talk marks the end of the first day and offers a first look at everything the camp has to offer.

Day 2

Day two kicks off with the morning workshop. This session is essential, as it provides key insights on how to navigate daily life during your stay.

If you’re visiting New York City, the Statue of Liberty is an absolute must-see. That’s why, following the workshop, students will take a ferry ride to see this iconic monument up close.

In the afternoon, the itinerary continues with a visit to the 9/11 Memorial. The day winds down with free time in DUMBO, Brooklyn, an ideal spot to explore and grab dinner in the area.

Day 3

Day three begins with a morning workshop. At 11:00 AM, the group departs for Grand Central Station and the legendary 5th Avenue.

The day ends at Times Square, with free time to grab dinner and explore the heart of Manhattan.

Day 4

Finally, after so many activities and shared memories, each student departs for their chosen destination. They leave with a level of preparation that can be life-changing for what lies ahead, taking with them friendships and connections that will last a lifetime.

🇺🇸 Want to discover more about what a school year in the USA has to offer? We invite you to check out our Complete Guide to the High School Year in the USA. 🇺🇸

The program that best supports this experience

The J-1 program is the ideal choice for students aged 15 to 18 who want to experience a full school year in the United States at the lowest possible cost.

As a subsidized cultural exchange, it is the most affordable alternative available: students are assigned to a public school and live with a volunteer host family, guaranteeing a genuine cultural immersion from day one.

Want to see if your child is eligible for the J-1 visa? Book a free call with our advisors, and we’ll walk you through all the details.