[flowermom]

What questions did you ask your agency? I have a list that are important to me but I am curious to hear what type of other questions made the final decisions for you or helped narrow down your list. I just want to make sure I am not missing something!

Also, what was most important to you in choosing yoru placement and home study agency?

[skingspan]

Our agency sends an American doctor to China with all of their travel groups. This was not something we really thought about when we were researching agencies but having just traveled I can say it was invaluable.

We traveled with a fairly large group (14 families) and some of the babies were sick, nothing serious but it is nice to have a doctor there that you can trust to set your mind at ease if something does come up.

[richard p.]

We have used two differnet agencies and there were differences between them. One was a small local regional multi country/domestic agency the other a large out of state China only agency.
1) Do they offer a dossier sevice? My wife and I work so having most of the dossier "stuff" handled (for a fee of course)was key.
2) How large are their travel groups? Our first had trip 14 families, our second only 4. We found a smaller group much eaiser. However some people find larger groups more comforting.
3) Can children travel with the group? Our first did not allow children, our second did.
4) Can they arrange an orphanage visit? If this is important to you, find out.
5) What is their primary mode of communicationg with you? We found email to be fast and efficiant, phone calls and mail were not. Send the agency an email and see how quickly they respond.
6) Do they have support goups, either live or internet.
7) Can you arrive early or stay later? We arrived two days early and our agency arranged the hotel for us. They also arranged a side trip. Some will accomodate special requests.
Also, if you choose to use a non local agency you will have to find a Home Study agency on your own. Not a big deal, but that is one extra thing you will need to do.