The summer vacation is certainly a critical time for building English language skills, and if timing allows, we would certainly recommend a summer course as part of an overall education plan. Obviously, English skills need to be retained and reinforced once back in Russia, and we can also recommend ways of achieving this.
But remember, plan well in advance – the courses and homestays mentioned above have a limited number of spaces and often a limit to the proportion of Russian speakers attending. Many courses are full by the end of January.
However, it is easy to waste money on a camp which advertises itself as a language learning opportunity but does not have the structure and staff expertise to deliver any language breakthrough. One of the reasons for this is that outside lesson time, children team up with their compatriots and speak only their native language.
For the youngest
We offer rare summer programs for children from the age of 3. The child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian can also study English nearby. Learning is through play. Apart from English and maths, there are also music, art and sport activities. Excursions are conducted all together.
For extra practice, you can stay with an English family.
| Location: | | Central London |
| Dates: | | 22 June – 14 August 2015 |
| Age: | | 3-10 |
| | |
| Timetable: | | 9.00 – 12.15 studies |
| | 12.15 – 13.10 lunch |
| | 13.30 – 15.30 activities |
For children aged 6+
For children of this age there is a good choice:
1) Daytime courses (with a parent or guardian)
The child must be taken there. You can stay with an English family for extra practice.
2) Programs with accommodation at a boarding school (without a parent or guardian)
Studies in the morning, with activities after lunch – including horse riding, swimming and tennis. There are programs that specialise in sport, art, performing arts etc. Excursions at weekend.
3) Homestay in the family of a teacher (with or without a parent or guardian)
An effective option. On the plus side, personal tuition and 24/7 communication with native speakers. On the minus side, no communication with peers or organised activities – but still excursions with the family.
For schoolchildren with some English
Some boarding schools take foreign students for the second half of Summer term (June – beginning of July). Unlike the usual summer programs, the student lives amongst native speakers, not foreigners.
