How to choose a high school abroad agency: the 10 questions you must ask before hiring

Choosing the right agency for your child's high school year abroad is the most crucial step in the process, making it essential to know how to spot the perfect fit. We are going to review a list of 10 questions: a quick, practical guide to keep in mind when evaluating a travel agency.

1. What is included in the price and what is not?

A key question, if ever there was one. Knowing exactly what is included in the quoted price is essential, as unexpected expenses once the trip has started can put anyone in a difficult spot. This refers to any costs that might be incurred during the journey, whether big or small.

At MLQ, we have a direct pricing policy, so from day one you will have a complete overview of the price and everything it includes, avoiding any unpleasant surprises.

2. Who chooses the school, the agency or the family?

The school the student will attend is one of the key pillars of the program. Knowing the environment where they will spend a great deal of their time and meet the people who will share in their journey throughout the entire experience is no small matter.

That is why we give this matter the importance it deserves at MLQ. Depending on the selected program, there are two modalities: the agency selects the school, or the family chooses it. In either case, every school we partner with guarantees the highest standards of academic quality, safety, and student support.

That being said, families who book early always have an edge: more time, more options, and a smoother, more stress-free process.

3. Is the credit validation process included?

Imagine returning from an incredible year abroad, having achieved all kinds of academic success, only to find out that the credit validation process is entirely on your own. This is often something that might seem naturally included, but surprises can happen, which is why it’s always important to ask.

The experience of a trip like this goes far beyond grades, but passing courses is highly valuable, and ensuring they can be validated is no small matter. My Language Quest programs include handling the entire validation process, gathering the relevant documentation, and guiding you through every single step.

4. Is there on-site support at the destination?

Whether it's Ireland, just a short flight away, or the United States across the Atlantic, knowing that our loved ones might be left without support is something that robs families of their peace of mind.

This is one of the most fundamental questions because when support is included, it saves families countless moments of anxiety that can easily be avoided. For this very reason, we have local coordinators at our destinations, specialists who are there to provide complete peace of mind to both the student and their family.

5. Is there 24/7 family support?

When it comes to family peace of mind, knowing what kind of support you will receive throughout the process is clearly essential. At MLQ, we offer continuous support to families so they can rest assured. Our lines of communication are always open.

6. Are the school and host family placements guaranteed before booking?

Not all agencies offer a placement guarantee: it can happen that a student arrives in the country without an assigned school or host family, which creates immense uncertainty.

It’s important to ask if the contract includes this guarantee in writing before making any payment. Naturally, with MLQ, students head to their destination with their spot in both the school and host family completely secured. The only thing they need to worry about is enjoying the flight.

7. What is the selection and screening process for host families?

Reputable agencies run criminal background checks, review each family's financial stability, and request references to verify the accuracy of the information provided. Our screening process is rigorous, ensuring we work with reliable, fully vetted families so that this journey is the best possible experience for your child.

8. What exactly does the included insurance cover, and what is excluded?

Many companies do not include insurance in their upfront price, which makes a significant financial difference in the end. It is always wise to request the full policy and review the exclusions before signing.

Insurance is a great thing when you don't need to use it, and even better when you do need it and it's right there. At MLQ, we provide you with all the details so there are no unexpected surprises at the worst possible time.

9. What protocol is in place if the student doesn’t adapt to the host family, and is it possible to change families?

The student's comfort is an essential part of this process, and knowing what options are available when that comfort is lacking is crucial. Before booking, you must ask if this commitment is stated in writing in the contract, and what the maximum timeframe is for executing the change.

At MLQ, if significant issues with living together or integration are detected after a reasonable adjustment period, a monitoring protocol is activated, and, if necessary, we proceed with a host family change.

10. How many years has the agency been operating, and how many students have you placed in that specific destination?

Trust is essential in a process as important as sending your child to another country. Families look for a team that understands the emotions behind this decision, and that only comes with a proven track record.

In this field, at My Language Quest, we bring over 18 years of experience. And for us, that is exactly what matters most: the number of families we have supported throughout this journey, across all the destinations we offer, who can vouch for our professionalism and the quality of our service.

Do you have a question that isn't on this list?

If you feel ready to start evaluating agencies for a cultural immersion program, we invite you to book a free consultation call here. During this session, you can ask our experts any questions you may have.

At My Language Quest, we want you to make the most informed decision possible and ensure your experience is unforgettable for all the right reasons.