How Can Your Child Learn a Second Language?

Families often want their older children to spend the summer doing something that would boost their resumes and broaden their horizons. One such experience that serves both of these goals is a language immersion program. Although language acquisition and travel are strong components of any language immersion, perhaps the most meaningful experience for most participants is the home stay with a foreign host family.

Immersion programs give teens firsthand knowledge of a second language and culture. Exchange programs usually begin with an orientation period, followed by the home stay and time spent touring as a group. The home stay encourages participants to pick up the rhythm of daily life and to consistently practice the language. While this exchange can be an extraordinary growth experience, it is not for everyone.

Is my teen ready for this program?
A cross-cultural experience involves a commitment on the part of the child and the parent. Most exchange organizations require applicants to write essays, get recommendations from their teachers and have an interview with a representative of the organization.

Students do not need to be academic superstars (usually a 2.5 – 3.0 grade point will do), but they do need to demonstrate intellectual curiosity and an openness to learning about the world. Other qualities that successful cross-cultural sojourners seem to share: a strong sense of self, empathy, respect for others, the ability to adapt to challenges and difficulties and the ability to speak for oneself.

Contrary to popular belief, participants do not need to show mastery of a language before they apply for a language immersion program. Often only one or two year’s study is required. Intensive language training is usually offered as part of the orientation, and exchangers usually become fluent soon enough by just hearing and using the language daily.

Questions parents need to ask
Parents will want to check the level of supervision of the home stay experience. Is there an administrator/counselor to whom the student has recourse if there is a problem? How many students live in a host family? Are host families paid or do they volunteer? What is the schedule for free time? Is it spent with the host family or with the group (whether Americans or international)? Is there a curfew? What is the program’s policy on the use of alcohol and drugs?

How is progress in the language monitored? What is expected from the students as far as homework, tests, or reports? Is it possible to receive credit for language study? Always check this with the student’s school before applying for the course.

Is activity or travel for the group planned and structured? What is the general makeup of the group — age, grade, geographical distribution? How do they travel from spot to spot? Do they have a leader who speaks the language of the land? Are all meals taken as a group and included in the cost of the trip?

Lastly, always check at least two references before deciding on a program!

Alternatives to home-stays
If you decide your child wants to acquire second-language skills without the intensity of a home stay, other types of language programs do exist:
· An international camp in Europe or Canada with kids from many different countries. This program is suitable for children between the ages of 8-19.
· A high school or college-based program in Europe with no home stay, providing the greatest supervision. This program is suitable for 7th–12th graders.
· A community service program in a developing country or Europe where language is taught with no - or a shorter - home stay, as well as cultural, recreational and service activities. This program is suitable for 8th - 12th graders.

Jenny Wolkowitz is the St. Louis consultant for Tips on Trips and Camps. Now the mother of three children, in her earlier years she was a day camper, an overnight camper, a counselor, a teen tour participant and a teen tour leader. She studied abroad in college and has traveled extensively throughout the world.
For free consultations on camps, please call Jenny Wolkowitz at (314) 432-8642 or e-mail her at jenny@tipsontripsandcamps.com
Tips on Trips and Camps can be found on the Web at www.tipsontripsandcamps.com