Social studies educators frequently receive publicity about programs of academic travel abroad. The sponsoring organizations and institutions claim that these programs will improve foreign language ability, create greater international understanding, and help students grow personally. The question is whether or not these claims are supported by…

A student exchange program in which Italian secondary students of French visited Lyon is described, including the impetus for the trip (a European Community initiative to promote international exchange), the search for an exchange partner institution, program design and planning, the trip itself, and evaluation of the effort. (MSE)