Every summer, parents face a familiar question: what to do with their child during the holidays? More and more families are choosing a useful and interesting option - summer educational and entertainment programs, including abroad. Such trips allow you to combine rest and study, not forgetting about the development of the child. Even a short trip, for 2-3 weeks, can significantly expand the horizons, help the child become self-confident, and in terms of language will help to make significant progress. Sometimes it is also the first step towards future admission abroad to study!
So, where can you send your children to a summer camp so that they will remember the holidays for a long time?
Benefits of Summer Programs Abroad
Summer holidays abroad are not just a camp, it is a full-fledged investment in the development of a child and an opportunity to make the vacation not only fun, but also useful.
Language Skills Development
Even without perfect knowledge of the language, the child finds himself in a natural environment where he communicates, plays and learns with native speakers. This format is the best way to talk and overcome the language barrier. After a couple of weeks in the summer English-language camp, many children have confidence and motivation to continue learning the language.
New knowledge and skills
Many camps include modules in STEM disciplines, arts, leadership, sports. The program can include creating projects, presentations, teamwork — everything that is often lacking in a standard school.
Broad-minded and independent
Life in an international team, acquaintance with the culture of another country, new friends from all over the world - all this makes teenagers more mature, open and independent.
Preparation for admission abroad
If you plan to study in another country, summer is a great time to get acquainted with the education system. Many top schools and universities conduct summer programs for schoolchildren: on campus, with attending lectures and excursions.
Reboot and motivation
An informal atmosphere, vivid impressions, freedom from the school routine - all this, on the one hand, helps the child to relax, and on the other hand, keeps him in good shape. Send your child to the camp for the summer holidays, and you will help him recharge his energy, bring up confidence before the new school year!
Features and possible disadvantages
Having talked about the advantages, it would be dishonest not to mention in passing about the possible difficulties that you should be aware of if you have begun to think about where to send your child to the camp.
For younger children (7-10 years old), the first days can be emotionally difficult: a new country, a different language, unusual food, strangers. Then language: even if the camp accepts children with different levels, it is still desirable that the child understands basic phrases in English, because a complete lack of knowledge can cause a feeling of isolation. 
Finally, the financial issue plays an important role, because sending a child on summer vacation abroad is not a cheap pleasure. The cost can reach up to 4000-5000 euros for two weeks (depending on the country and the level of the camp). Visa fees, air tickets, insurance, and pocket money should be added to this. However, there are more affordable options in Eastern Europe or Malta, which can really fit into the budget of an average family.
Sending a child on summer vacation: how to prepare for a trip?
In order for the trip to go smoothly, it is important for parents to prepare all the documents in advance and agree on the details. Most camps accept children from 7 to 18 years old; Conditions may vary depending on the country and format of the program, but the basic requirements are similar.
The foreign students are required to provide:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of return;
- Visa (Schengen, British, Canadian or other – depending on the destination);
- Medical certificate, health questionnaire, vaccination card;
- In some cases, a certificate from the school;
- Power of attorney for the accompanying person (if the child is not flying with parents).
Additionally the following documents may be required:
- Medical insurance with coverage abroad (often included in the cost of the program);
- Consent forms and camp questionnaires signed by parents;
- Payment documents (sometimes the camp requires an advance payment of 30-50%, but more often - the entire amount before arrival).
How much does a summer program abroad cost and what does the price depend on?
The cost of the summer program can vary very widely - from $ 900 to $ 5000 and more for 2 weeks. It all depends on the country, format, level of comfort, duration and what is included in the price. What does the cost consist of?
- Accommodation and meals (on campus, in a hotel or with a host family),
- Language or academic classes (including study materials and testing),
- Excursion and cultural program (trips, museums, master classes),
- Transfer and escort (often for group arrivals),
- Insurance, visa fees, administrative costs.
The cost of sending a child on summer vacation also depends on the country. In Europe, the range of prices is even greater: for example, a ticket to an elite summer camp in the UK or Switzerland will cost 4-5 thousand USD, more budget and democratic Malta or the Czech Republic and Croatia - 900-1800 USD for two weeks. A vacation in South Africa will "pull" 2-3 thousand USD, and overseas, in Canada or the United States, you will have to fork out 4-5 thousand USD.
The most popular formats and destinations for children's summer holidays
Every year, families are becoming more and more demanding: few people agree to send their child abroad just anywhere. And just learning the language is no longer enough – you want the child to relax and develop.
Language Camps
Located in countries such as England, Ireland, Malta, Canada, USA; offer academic programs with a rich entertainment component, designed for children from 9 to 16 years old. Sports, science and art modules are not uncommon.
As a rule, they are organized on the basis of universities or private schools, such as the Brighton College Summer Camp (the campus of the camp is located on the territory of the prestigious Brighton School, founded in the middle of the XIX century; in addition, Brighton is the best British seaside resort) or the Box Hill Summer School camp. In their free from intensive English classes, children do not get bored here: a variety of events, competitions, sports for every taste, parties and excursions are organized for them. This can also include Toronto University Summer camp or Dubai ES Dubai (By the way! Smapse Education organizes group trips there, the next one is in October, but it is better to start preparing for it today).
Outside the UK, the format changes slightly. For example, in Italy, Spain, or France, there is usually no connection to schools — most often, camps work all year round or use the infrastructure of universities or studying centers. There is no such strict academic approach as in British and American language camps in Southern Europe. Here the balance is shifted towards entertainment and games, although, of course, there will be time for languages. A good example of this is the Enforex Summer Camp in the vicinity of Barcelona, which is the perfect choice for an active and exciting summer: children and teenagers here not only learn Spanish, English or both at once in an international environment, but also immerse themselves in a rich sports and entertainment program every day. Football, tennis, swimming, dancing, creative workshops, evening shows and quests - every day is filled with new impressions. This is a camp for those who want to learn through movement, have fun non-stop and make friends from all over the world under the bright sun of Catalonia.
Sports Camps
A separate article is about sports camps. Some, like language clubs, are organized at schools or universities, others are "daughters" of large football (hockey, yacht, basketball – underline the necessary) clubs and training centers. The focus here is on physical development.
In Italy, the Juventus Academy Summer Camp is popular, where training is held according to the methodology of one of the most famous clubs in Europe. Children develop technique, tactics and game thinking under the guidance of licensed coaches, and classes take place in picturesque regions of the country, by the sea or in the mountains.
Another example is the British Chelsea FC Foundation Soccer School. The camp operates on the basis of prestigious schools with excellent infrastructure, and training is conducted by specialists who have been trained in the club's system. In addition to football, children participate in team games, evening activities and improve their English in an international environment.
Academic and pre-university programs
An older child can be sent to a preparatory camp for the summer - this is a great option for teenagers 14-18 years old. They are usually held at well-known universities (UCL, Cambridge, IE Madrid), have a pronounced subject specialization (mathematics, languages, exact sciences or humanities, etc.), seriously help in the development of academic skills - critical thinking, writing essays, presentations, conducting discussions in English. In addition to studying, the camps include cultural excursions, sports and social activities, creating a rich and inspiring environment.
Creative camps
A great choice for children and teenagers who are passionate about art, fashion, music, theater or design. This is not just a vacation, but an opportunity to discover your talent and try yourself in a creative profession.
For example, at the UCA Creative Summer Camp in the UK, students study animation, architecture, illustration, interior design or fashion under the guidance of teachers from the University for the Creative Arts. Classes take place on the university campus, and at the end of the shift, each participant presents their own project, whether it is a collection of clothes, an architectural model or an art book.
In Italy, in a camp based on the IED (Istituto Europeo di Design) School of Fashion and Design, teenagers study fashion illustration, storytelling, visual merchandising and the basics of fashion photography. Everything is in English and in an atmosphere of real Italian creativity.
How to start preparing for the trip?
If it's your first time sending your child abroad, things can seem complicated. We understand how important trust and reliable support are, so let's start with a simple one – what you can do today:
- Write to us, indicating the age of the child and your goals: we will offer 3-5 optimal programs (if you wish, and more).
- Get detailed advice on visas, costs and all conditions.
- Book a place in a camp or school.
We are ready to make sure that this summer, wherever you send your child on vacation, it would be not just a vacation, but a whole sea of opportunities!
