There are three distinct categories that Summer Language Programs seem to fall into: Domestic programs; International Language Immersion Programs without a home stay; and International Language Programs with a home stay. All language programs tend to have longer dates since it is unlikely that your child will learn enough in a week or two.
The domestic language programs tend to be geared toward a slightly younger crowd, who aren’t quite ready to venture internationally. They have structured classes in a dorm setting at a boarding school or college campus. A few traditional camps have language (ex. Canadian camps that include French).
Most of the international programs combine language learning with wilderness, adventure and/or community service and provide lots of opportunities for kids to practice their language skills with locals. A few language programs combine sports like soccer with language and cultural exposure. Some have more structured classroom time than others. If they don’t include a home stay, students often live together in hotels, hostels, tents or community centers. A few international boarding schools run language programs in the summer that have classroom time and camp activities in a boarding school setting.
The Immersion programs that include a home stay are for teenagers who are typically independent and willing to go outside their comfort zones to really experience immersion. These programs are very careful to find good families for the children to live with. Sometimes a child is in a host home by himself with his host family and other times with a friend from the program. Often these children learn the most during their summers.
To figure out which language program is the right fit for your child, you should discuss it with a camp advisor from Tips on Trips and Camps who can help you compare the various summer programs and answer questions about the differences between them.