12 best summer courses in Barcelona

Choosing the right time for a child's first trip to an organized camp depends on their individual physical and emotional maturity, rather than a specific age. While some children might be ready for their first organized group trip around 8-9 years old, others may require more time. It's essential for parents to assess their child's readiness for increased independence and to approach this transition gradually.

In Barcelona, children's camps cater to various age groups, each offering tailored experiences:

• Children from 4 to 5 Years Old: Urban camps in Barcelona welcome children as young as 4-5 years old, typically starting their activities at the end of the school year on June 22. These camps, often based in schools, provide an environment similar to pre-school, focusing on play, creativity, and movement.

• Children 5 to 7 Years Old: For this age group, urban or day camps are recommended. They follow a familiar school-day schedule, allowing children to return home in the evenings.

• Children between 8 and 14 Years Old: At this stage, children can benefit from more immersive camp experiences where they live and interact with other children around the clock, sleeping away from home and gaining valuable social experiences. These camps often include activities like foreign language learning, sports, adventure tasks, dance, cooking, surfing, and scouting courses.

• Teenagers from 13 to 18 Years Old: For teenagers, foreign summer camps are an excellent option, particularly for learning and improving foreign languages. These camps typically include language classes, cultural performances, sports tournaments, and other activities that encourage independence and multicultural experiences.

When packing for camp, the specific items needed will depend on the camp's theme, dates, and requirements. However, here is a general checklist:

• Documents: Necessary identification and medical forms.

• Clothing and Footwear: Suitable for various activities and weather conditions.

• Sleeping Accessories: If required, like sleeping bags or pillows.

• Beach and Pool Accessories: If swimming or beach activities are included.

• Personal Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.

• Practical Items: Flashlights, cameras, metal flasks, etc.

• Money: For small purchases or emergencies.

• Regular Medication: If applicable.

Each camp will have its own specific requirements and suggestions, so it's best to check with the camp organizers for a detailed list. This preparation ensures that children have everything they need for a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable camp experience.

Sarah Rimini

Head of International Student Recruitment at Inspired Education Group

How do you handle homesickness or emotional well-being of the campers?

Our staff members are trained to provide emotional support and create a supportive environment for campers. We have procedures in place to address homesickness and offer activities to help campers feel connected and engaged.

Attending a two-week language course at a Spanish summer camp, complete with accommodation and full board, typically ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 euros. However, opting for a camp with a sports focus can increase the cost to about 1,500 to 2,000 euros for the same duration.

Included in the course fee are various components essential to the learning and living experience:

• Spanish Lessons: Comprehensive language instruction tailored to the students' levels.

• Teaching Materials: All necessary materials for effective language learning.

• Language Assessment: A test upon arrival to gauge the student's language proficiency.

• Completion Certificate: A certificate awarded at the end of the course, acknowledging the student's participation and progress.

• Accommodation: Options typically include staying on campus or with a host family.

• Full Board: This covers all meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Cultural and Recreational Activities: These programs often include sports events, discos, and quizzes, enriching the overall camp experience.

• Additional Services: For an extra charge, some camps offer additional services like guided tours and airport transfers.

It's important to note that prices can vary based on the camp's location, the quality of the facilities, and the range of activities offered. Therefore, it's advisable to research and compare different camps to find one that suits your budget and meets your educational and recreational preferences.

Summer vacation for a child can be exciting and educational, if it is a vacation in a children's language camp in Barcelona! Here you can enjoy the sun, sea, learn about history visually, participate in entertainment, make new friends from around the world and gain language skills.

All summer camps in Barcelona can be divided into 4 groups:

• language (learning Spanish or English),
• sports (more often - soccer and tennis),
• children's (5-13 years old) or teenage (13-17 years old) programs,
• seasonal courses - summer, fall, winter and spring.

In addition to Spanish, in summer camps children can also learn English, which is the most popular language among locals (about 60%). Since in many European countries and in Spain itself schooling does not end until the middle of June, the summer language camps in Barcelona start their work at the end of June.

Description of the summer language camp:

• intensity of the training sessions - 20 hours per week (4 hours per day), Monday through Friday,
• duration - from 2 to 8 weeks, from July to August,
• group sizes - from 8 to 15 children from different countries,
• ages from 11 to 17 years old,
• teachers are certified specialists, native speakers,
• rich extracurricular program (sports, excursions, creative activities, shows and other entertainment),
• ideal for children with an elementary level of knowledge.

The advantage of summer camps in Barcelona is that you do not have to worry about the safety and leisure of your child: round-the-clock supervision by adults, daily entertainment program, there is no need to look for housing for the child. Usually children are accommodated in rooms of 2 or 4 people, each room has an individual bathroom. But there are camps where children live in large rooms of 5-14 people, and amenities can be shared and located on the floor.

Studying languages in Barcelona is possible not only at summer camps—language schools are also very popular among international students. These educational institutions provide an opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a student at a private school and help students determine their future choice of institution and country for their education.

As in summer camps, children in language schools not only acquire knowledge but also have fun and stay active. The child spends the entire day here, studying, playing, eating, and fully immersing themselves in the language environment.

Summer schools typically do not include accommodation, meaning that parents need to organize this aspect themselves (although sometimes there is an option to stay with host families). The most convenient and economical option is to rent an apartment, which can be arranged in any part of the city. Based on this, summer schools can offer several options for attendance:

- Day Programs – lessons + leisure activities
- Language Courses Only – parents pick up the child after lunch

Most often, the latter option is chosen by parents of teenagers who need to prepare for university admission, as they are primarily interested in the knowledge gained.

• European University Barcelona School of Business,
• Private School Barcelona,
• GBSB Global Business School,
• Don Quijote Language School in Barcelona,
• Enforex Summer Camp Barcelona.

By immersing themselves in a language environment during their stay at a summer camp, children not only improve their proficiency in Spanish and English but also expand their knowledge of the languages. Communicating in everyday situations in a foreign language yields results comparable to subject lessons.

When sending a child to a Spanish camp, it is essential to carefully consider several factors:

- An appropriate curriculum based on their knowledge level
- A rich and diverse extracurricular program, including excursions and trips
- A well-chosen educational institution (you can find information online and read reviews from those who have already attended the chosen camp)
- Additional trip details, such as transfer availability, accommodation, and meal conditions

To take a child abroad, the following documents are required:

- A passport issued by the parents
- A birth certificate or passport (from age 14)
- Medical insurance
- A notarized permission for travel
- A visa

Summer education in Spain is available for children from 3 years old if they attend classes with their parents. Children aged 12-14 can travel abroad without their parents when accompanied by adults or in a group, while adult students have the right to organize their own travel.

It is recommended to submit enrollment documents 3-4 months before the course begins. This requires preparing the necessary documents, contacting a school representative, awaiting the application review, and obtaining a visa if needed. The list of mandatory documents includes:

- Application form
- Passport or birth certificate
- Certificates confirming financial guarantees
- A certificate of foreign language proficiency (for admission to an advanced course)

Summer language courses in Barcelona provide an excellent opportunity not only to improve or start learning foreign languages but also to enjoy unforgettable vacations, make international friends, and experience the culture of another country.