When choosing a language camp for your child, try to strike a balance between the quality of the training program and a comfortable stay. Westerners have a different attitude to comfort: their children spend their holidays abroad only when there is a need to learn the language, so they choose camps that provide for living with families for the sake of full immersion in the environment, or those in which mostly locals rest guys.
Truly effective camps
There are many different summer schools abroad for children of different ages. Regardless of how international the camp will be, the efficiency depends primarily on the selected program.
Day camps are suitable for young children under 8 years old, as they do not yet have the necessary readiness to live independently. For those who are older, you can choose an international summer school or a camp for local children. For teenagers aged 15 and older, not only the above is suitable, but also living in a family - an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the language environment! Adults should look at international student camps, as well as family living.
There are universal camps that offer a large list of activities - sports, creativity, entertainment, excursions. There is a minus: doing everything a little bit, the vacationer will not be able to delve into one thing.
Advantages and Disadvantages of International Summer Schools
The pros are as follows:
- The stay of children is organized around the clock: they are supervised by the staff, the children are always busy with something, observe the internal schedule. Especially true for children 9-12 years old
- The opportunity to go in for sports and choose interesting entertainment, attend excursions
- Organization of comfort at a high level.
Cons of the international camp:
- High price
- It may be difficult for a child to learn a language surrounded by a large number of children from Arab countries and China.
- There is no opportunity to go in for sports professionally
- Most often, there are no tests for obtaining an international certificate.
Summer Homestay Courses
For children from 12 years old, such a training format is also provided, since not everyone is suitable for camp residences.
Benefits:
- More affordable cost
- Full immersion in the environment: the child learns not only in the classroom, but all the rest of the time
- The intensity of the program - from 25 hours per week
- You can take a test to obtain an international certificate
- Immersion in a new cultural environment, obtaining new experiences and knowledge.
Disadvantages:
- The cost is still quite high
- You should carefully select a family, because all people are different.
- It is difficult to organize sports and leisure activities.
Camp for local children
Since such places are not designed for foreigners, there will be no language lessons here. The comfort of living is lower than in international ones. But there will be no foreigners, so you will have to use and develop all your language skills.
Camps for locals are often highly specialized, so they are suitable for those who would like to do something specific in an in-depth format.
The advantages of such camps include:
- Relatively low cost
- The stay of children is organized 24/7
- Since most of the children are local, immersion in the language environment is guaranteed
- A wide range of sports activities (including professional level) and various leisure activities.
Among the disadvantages are:
- Lower comfort level
- No tests for obtaining an international certificate
- There is no excursion program (or minimum)
Day camps
They are intended for toddlers from 5 to 8 years old who are leaving home for the first time. Language lessons are usually not held here, but they are not particularly needed at such a young age: the guys learn the language easier while playing. And in the evening the parent takes the baby.
Advantages of the day camp:
- Mom is calm for her child and can control him
- The child does not feel discomfort because his parents are nearby.
Minus:
- The child may start to act up or withdraw from games in anticipation of mom.
Summer schools and international camps for students
For those who are from 12 to 18 years old, there will be interesting summer schools, and an international student camp is suitable for those who have reached the age of majority. Ideal for those who expect to seriously study the language and take the test to obtain an international certificate!
Pros:
- Serious, intensive learning process
- You can choose items
- There is an opportunity to take an exam and get a certificate
- The stay is organized around the clock.
Minus:
- Less opportunities for active activities, sports due to the density of the program.
