Camp Blog

Learning a Language in the Mountains

26th March 2014

Switzerland – one of the most multi-lingual countries in Europe. Where better for your child to learn a language than in a country with four national languages!
Learning a language at a summer camp in Europe is a great way to learn whilst also having fun. At Camp Suisse we offer language classes as part of all our holiday packages and your child can also choose from one of four languages: Spanish, French, German or English.
Language Lessons
All of our lessons focus on building up our learners’ confidence to speak freely. We provide an extra emphasis on practical conversation, because we feel that this is the best way to internalise the meaning of a language.
We use a variety of modern teaching techniques, because we want to engage children in active learning. When we are just listening for long periods it’s hard to learn how to speak. We’ve developed some very interesting audio and visual aids, which we think are fantastic at holding our learners’ attention – we get them learning without even realising it!
A two-week programme includes 15 hours of language lessons and 9 hours for a one-week programme. We cater for all abilities and classes are available at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
Learn whilst having fun
French is widely spoken at Camp Suisse, so our campers get real-life exposure in this language. Our language teachers are involved in the outdoor activities and cultural trips and this gives the children a great opportunity to keep practicing.
We find this is important when learning a new language, because using a new word naturally in conversation gives the word a context and is therefore easier to remember.
International Camp
Although the main language at Camp Suisse is English, we cater for campers from all over the world. This offers a wonderful opportunity for the children to keep practicing a language with their peers. It gives children an added incentive to learn languages – in order to make friends!
It can sometimes be difficult for children to find reason behind learning languages in a classroom, which can make motivation difficult. Children often keep in touch with international friends they make at Camp Suisse, meaning that they keep on practicing their languages even after they leave us for another year!
For more information on the activities we offer and the dates and prices available, please take a look at our website campsuisse.com. Or if you’d rather talk to somebody, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on +44 845 5191 031.