1 best summer courses in Geneva - 3 yo

Geneva offers a diverse range of summer camps for kids, each with its unique focus. Some camps emphasize academic education with intensive programs of 18-22 lessons per week, prioritizing academic achievement over leisure. Others balance studies with sports and recreation, providing around 15 hours of study per week plus additional hours for sports. Evenings at these schools are often filled with entertainment activities.

Geneva's holiday camps for kids are popular throughout the year, with summer being the peak season. However, camps also operate during winter, spring, and autumn, offering varied programs. In Geneva, language schools typically run on a five-day schedule, with weekends reserved for excursions and sports. Winter camps are popular for skiing, while summer courses focus on active outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and cycling.

These camps utilize innovative teaching methods to enhance communication skills and are equipped for a range of sports, from swimming to snowboarding. Seasonal language programs include Italian, French, and German, with some offering Spanish and Chinese courses. The educational staff, usually native speakers, help students rapidly improve their language skills.

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.

The cost for Geneva’s best summer schools generally includes:

• The educational program.
• Study materials.
• Accommodation.
• Meals.
• Regular excursions.
• Activities and outdoor team games.
• Sports activities.
• Round-trip transfers.
• Insurance.

Prices vary based on the school's prestige, location, and accommodation, ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 Swiss francs per week.

Most language camps offer private boarding facilities, with 1-2 person or 3-4 person residence rooms. Dining is usually provided on campus, with a mix of traditional European and national dishes reflecting the language of study.

Geneva's summer camps are set in picturesque locations near lakes and foothills, offering excellent environmental conditions. Age groups at these courses typically include:

• The youngest (3-6 years old).
• Older children (7-9 years old).
• Schoolchildren (10-13 years old).
• Teenagers (14-18 years old).

Additional activities enhance the camp experience, with events like theme parties, picnics, sports events, concerts, and more. The excursion program allows kids to explore Swiss history, culture, and nature, with trips to Geneva, Zurich, Bern, ancient castles, and the Alps.

Choosing a summer camp in Geneva means selecting an environment that balances education, recreation, and cultural immersion, ensuring a memorable and enriching holiday experience for kids.

In the multilingual city of Switzerland, summer learning in Geneva offers the opportunity to study English, German, French, and Spanish. Some camps even offer lessons in two languages simultaneously. The languages taught at an institution largely depend on its location; for instance, camps in the French-speaking cantons of Geneva offer courses in both French and English.

Both foreigners and Swiss citizens participate in summer programs in Geneva, which often require proficiency in the official languages of the country (German, French, Italian) as well as English, aiming to improve their language skills.

Entry into Geneva is regulated by its own set of rules. The main difference between citizens of European Union (EU)/European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and citizens of other countries lies in the competent authority, which is the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

- Staying in Switzerland for up to 90 days within a 180-day period: This applies to tourism, visiting relatives or friends, short-term language courses, attending conferences, sports or cultural events, and more.
- Staying in Switzerland for more than 90 days within a 180-day period: This type of visa requires approval from the competent cantonal migration office, depending on your place of residence. It is required for long-term studies, family reunification, marriage with extended stay in Switzerland, and more.
- Citizens of certain countries must obtain a transit visa to stay in the international transit zone of the airport, even if they do not leave the transit area or enter the Schengen area.

For students attending language courses and summer camps, a short-term Schengen visa is required.