For partners 
The cost of sending a child to a language camp, say, in the United Kingdom rarely matches the total trip cost: usually the price listed is for one or two weeks, and it may seem that adding the cost of flights is enough to get a complete picture of the upcoming expenses. In reality, this is not the case — the final budget is usually significantly higher: the package price includes classes, accommodation, meals, activities, excursions, and supervision. Flights, visa, insurance, document processing, airport transfer, and personal expenses will need to be paid separately.
What is usually included in the camp cost
The base price of a language camp in the United Kingdom usually includes all the essential elements: English lessons, accommodation, meals, daytime and evening activities. Educational materials and constant staff supervision are often included in the price.
If the child is accommodated in a residence, meals are typically provided on school grounds and include three meals a day. When staying with a host family, the conditions may differ: most commonly the child receives breakfast and dinner at home, and lunch at school or as a packed lunch.
The list of included services may vary from camp to camp. Some programs include all excursions, insurance, laundry, and airport transfer in the price, while others cover only basic services, with additional options paid separately (for example, airport transfer may only be available on specific days and at specific times).
Residence or host family?
The choice between a residence and a host family affects not only the child's comfort but also the total trip budget.
- A residence is usually more expensive, but offers more predictability: the child lives next to or on the school grounds, the schedule is clear, and meals are centrally organized. This reduces the risk of additional costs and suits those who want their child to be supervised 24/7.
- A host family may seem like a cheaper option, but it is important to carefully look into the details. For example, find out in advance whether lunch is included, how the child will get to school, whether transportation is paid for, how long the journey takes, and who is responsible for the child's return after evening activities. Often, the lower accommodation price ends up being entirely offset by transportation costs, meals outside the home, and everyday expenses, so the actual savings may turn out to be small.
Flights
Flights are almost never included in the package price. In summer, tickets to the United Kingdom become more expensive, and convenient flights on arrival dates fill up quickly, so it is better to book them in advance, right after confirming a place at the camp. It is important to consider not only the ticket price, but also the airline's policies for unaccompanied minors. Below is a brief overview of popular carriers on routes to the United Kingdom with their key conditions:
- British Airways
Unaccompanied travel: from age 14 without an escort; ages 5–13 — mandatory Unaccompanied Minor service. Escort cost: approximately £90–£150 per segment. Restrictions: complex connections are not permitted; night flights are only possible with an escort.
- Lufthansa
Unaccompanied travel: from age 12; ages 5–11 — mandatory escort. Cost: approximately €85–€150 per segment (flight). Restrictions: connections are only permitted within the Lufthansa Group network; night flights for young children are prohibited.
- Air France
Unaccompanied travel: from age 15; ages 4–14 — mandatory Kids Solo service. Cost: €50–€120 per segment in Europe, higher on long-haul flights. Restrictions: connections are only permitted in Paris; night flights are prohibited.
- KLM
Unaccompanied travel: from age 15; ages 5–14 — mandatory escort. Cost: €100–€150 per segment. Restrictions: connections are only possible in Amsterdam; night flights are restricted for children under 14.
- Turkish Airlines
Unaccompanied travel: from age 12; ages 7–11 — escort is mandatory. Cost: approximately $50–$150 per segment. Restrictions: connections in Istanbul are permitted; night flights for children under 12 are restricted.
- Emirates
Unaccompanied travel: from age 12; children aged 5–11 — mandatory escort. Cost: approximately $50–$150 per segment. Restrictions: connections via Dubai are possible, but long and overnight connections for younger passengers may be prohibited.
It is important to check the current rules on the airline's website in advance: conditions may change and often depend on the route and ticket type.
Visa and consular fee
For short language programs in the United Kingdom, the Standard Visitor visa is typically used: it allows studying for up to 6 months at an accredited educational institution, including English courses. In 2026, the British fee for a short-term Standard Visitor visa of up to six months is £135.
Other mandatory expenses are added to the visa fee: visa centre services, photographs, document translations, certificates, notarised parental consent, and passport delivery. If an agency handles the application, its services will also increase the total amount. Individually these costs may seem minor, but together they can significantly affect the overall trip budget.
Insurance
Medical insurance is mandatory, even if the child is going for just two weeks. In England, visitors from abroad may pay for some medical care, and secondary care under the NHS for foreign visitors can cost up to 150% of the standard rate, so medical or travel insurance for the full duration is required before the trip.
But even if the camp brochure states that insurance is included, it is too early to dismiss the question — you need to check the coverage: medical, accidents, sports, lost luggage, trip cancellation, early return, and personal liability. Active activities such as football, horse riding, hiking, or water sports are best verified separately.
Transfer
Airport transfer is one of the most common additional costs. Camp descriptions often state that a pick-up is included, but in practice this only applies under specific conditions: arrival at a particular airport (usually Heathrow or Gatwick), on the designated arrival day, within a limited time window.
If the child arrives at a different time, at a different airport, or a day earlier or later, the transfer is paid separately. Additionally, extra charges may apply for waiting during a flight delay, urgent changes to arrival information, transport of oversized luggage, or an individual transfer instead of a group one.
To avoid unnecessary costs, clarify all the details in advance: which airports offer a pick-up, on which days and at what times it is included, how much the transfer costs outside standard conditions, and what rules apply if the flight changes.
Pocket money: how much should you give the child?
Even if the child is going on an all-inclusive program, they will still need personal spending money: for souvenirs, snacks, drinks, mobile communications (roaming, by the way, is expensive — consider getting a local/international SIM card), small purchases, postcards, trips during free time, and additional entertainment. On average, you can budget around £50 per week — provided the main expenses are already covered. However, teenagers, especially in London or on programs with frequent outings, will of course need more.
It is not advisable to give the entire amount in cash. It is better to split the money: keep some in cash and the rest on a bank card that parents can monitor. It is important to explain to the child in advance that these funds are not intended to pay for medical services, purchase new tickets, or cover emergency trips.
