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Choose the language :
This may seem to you the most obvious choice… and yet… Keep in mind that it is a committing choice. You just don’t learn a language in 2 weeks! As a matter of fact, it actually takes several weeks to progress from one level to the next in any language. So, be mentally and financially prepared to either stay long enough during your first trip or to repeat the experience several times before you reach a good level of practice. Also, prefer a language the student will have an opportunity to practice outside of his language trips, and if possible a language he or she will have a chance to practice when coming back home…
Choose according to the age of the student:
A 10 year old child does not have the same needs, the same interests, the same rhythms and the same ways of learning as a 15 or 18 year old student. So select a program which is designed for a specific age group (i.e.: 8/12 y.o. or 13/17 y.o.) in preference to broad spectrum programs (i.e.: age 12+). This is particularly true for younger students. It becomes less critical when the student is 15 or over.
Choose the country:
Students always learn better when placed in situations where they are forced to practice all the time. Full or partial immersion in a country where the chosen foreign language is spoken is always more efficient than learning that same language in your home country. And if you can choose between several countries for a given language, bear in mind each country has its pros and cons:
♦ For English :
Great-Britain or Ireland are closer to Europe than the US or Australia. The language is also closer to the original English…. But going to the US or Canada will allow to get a good grasp of the American Way of Life, which can be very different from what we imagine seen from the outside. Australia or New Zealand will be to many a complete change of scenery, while Malta will allow you to learn English at a reasonable price under the Mediterranean sun.
♦ For Spanish :
Spain is of course closer to Europe – and often to North America - than most countries in Latin America. And the Spanish spoken in Spain is generally closer to the original Castilian Spanish. Latin American countries will offer more colorful experiences to the language traveler, often at more affordable prices. And contrary to popular belief, the Spanish taught and spoken in several Latin American cities is often of comparable quality to the Spanish spoken in Madrid…
♦ For German :
Choosing Germany, Austria or even Switzerland is a matter of personal preference. The basic language taught and the prices are about the same. The differences will be found more in the local accents and in the setting…
♦ For French :
For Europeans, the most obvious choice will be France, Switzerland or Belgium. As for learning German, the final choice is a matter of personal preference. Choosing the French Canadian provinces will appear a more economical choice to Northern Americans. Be aware though that there are significant differences between Canadian French and European French. More than there are between American English and British English.
Choose the formula:
Language trips come in a great variety of formulas. Each has its pros and cons. Seen from the outside, it may seem a bit complicated… here are some tips to help you make a decision:
♦ Lessons or no lessons?
If the goal is to learn a language, we advise you to book a language trip which includes formal lessons. It will always lead to more significant progress and better quality. Full immersion without lessons can also work for students having already reached a good level of proficiency. Definitely avoid this type of formula for beginners …
♦ Individual (« one to one ») or group lessons ?
« One to one » formulas will lead to faster progress through a 100% tailor-made approach. The less expensive group lessons allow a group dynamic to be created and push the student to confront his or her language skills with other students who have different mentalities and accents. They also allow students to make friends more easily. Pay close attention to the group sizes. Over 14 students, the teaching becomes less vibrant, less personalized and less participative… therefore less productive.
♦ With or without side activities?
The main interest of packages including activities is that they create several additional opportunities for practice outside of the classroom, and in controlled situations and contexts. They also allow making sure that students, particularly the younger ones, are not left unattended for the most part of the day. The cheaper “no side activity” packages will work well for mature, extraverted and independent students. We do not advise parents to enroll students below 15 in “no side activity” packages, simply because we feel it is generally unwise to leave such young people unattended in a country unknown to them...
♦ Accommodation in a host family or in a residence?
Both have in common the benefit of getting the student to use the language even in the evening. Host family accommodation will allow getting a deeper insight in the habits and culture of the host country. It also allows the student to be once a day in an often more relaxing and cozier context than when in a residence. The main benefit of in-residence accommodation is to keep the student in contact with a great number different cultures and nationalities… but not necessarily with the local culture and habits. It is a more exciting environment, but with definitely less room for privacy and intimacy.
♦ What about « all inclusive » formulas?
These formulas include language classes and a complete activity program, including in the evening. They are most of the time in « closed environment », meaning that classes, meals and activities are conducted with the same group of students. One major benefit of this formula, particularly for younger students, is that the students remain under qualified adult supervision 24 hours a day during their entire stay on the school’s premises. Another key benefit in this formula is that the students get to share their life 24/7 with students their age but coming from very different horizons and backgrounds. It often is a very mind opening experience…
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