What does a summer school actually offer?
A summer school fills the holiday with a balance of language lessons, sport and cultural trips. The lasting gain is often not the language itself, but the child realising they can manage something on their own.
- Ages
- 6–16
- Length
- 2–6 weeks
- Includes
- Lessons, activities, trips
- Season
- June – August
In the package
Summer school programs offer daily language classes, cultural excursions, sports activities.
Supervision and safety
Summer schools run in supervised, age-separated groups. Staff are on campus around the clock and each excursion group has a set number of adults. Before enrolment we go through the school’s supervision ratio, campus security and emergency procedure with you.
Staying in touch
You do not lose contact while your child is away. We set the communication plan before departure: the school’s contact person, suitable calling hours, who to reach in an emergency, and our own line. Throughout the programme you have a single point of contact.
Who is a summer school for?
No two children take the same thing from the same programme. Whichever of these sounds closest to your situation, we shape the choice around it.
This is my child’s first trip alone.
Short, closely supervised, group-based programmes suit this profile. Two weeks is a realistic first step for both child and parent.
They study English but cannot speak it.
For children who cannot use what they learn in class, a summer school is a natural practice setting. The hours of play and activity count as much as the lessons.
They are into football or art.
Some programmes add football, art, science or drama modules to the language classes. The child uses the language in the background while doing something they enjoy.
We are considering high school abroad later.
A summer school is a low-risk trial before committing to a longer stay. How well the child adapts, and whether they want it, becomes clear here.
Featured schools
A snapshot from our partner network — each card links to the school page with its programmes and details.
Cape Town, South AfricaLAL
Dublin, IrelandInternational House Dublin
Brighton, United KingdomThe English Language Centre
Quebec, CanadaLSI | HLI
St Julian's, MaltaClubclass English Language School
Alicante, SpainEnforex Spanish SchoolsWhat the service covers
Included in our consultancy
- Programme selection by age, interest and budget
- Reviewing the school’s supervision ratio and safety procedure
- Handling enrolment and all correspondence with the school
- Choosing accommodation: residential campus or homestay
- Arranging airport meet-and-greet and escort
- Preparing the visa file and tracking appointments
- Setting up the airline’s unaccompanied minor procedure
- A pre-departure briefing for the family
- Regular updates to parents during the programme
- A review conversation after the return
Not included
We state these up front so you can plan your budget properly. We advise on each item, but payment goes directly to the relevant institution.
- Programme and accommodation fees themselves
- Flights and the unaccompanied minor service fee
- Visa fees and consular service charges
- The travel health insurance premium itself
- Passport issue or renewal costs
- Optional excursions outside the programme
- The child’s personal spending
Programme types
Even within one age group, the focus of the programme changes the experience. Lesson load, activity type and accommodation all follow from it.
Classic summer school
Language class in the morning, sport and workshops in the afternoon, a full-day trip once a week. The most common and best-balanced format, and a sound first choice.
Sport-focused
Regular coaching alongside language classes, often with a club structure. Where the motivation comes from the pitch rather than the classroom, language use follows naturally.
Arts and creativity
Workshop-based, with presentation and group work at its centre. Frequently chosen for shy children because it builds the confidence to speak.
Academic summer programme
Held on a university campus with elective academic modules. An early look at campus life for students considering studying abroad after school.
With homestay
The child stays with a host family rather than on campus, so language use spreads across the whole day. For younger children and first trips, a family setting often works better.
Escorted group
The group travels together from Türkiye with an accompanying adult throughout. A middle option for families hesitant about sending a child alone.
How the process works
- Conversation with the family
We talk through the child’s age, language level, interests and whether they have been away alone before. This conversation is free and ends with a realistic framework.
- Choosing programme and school
We put forward a few suitable programmes and review each one’s supervision ratio, group age range and activity content with you.
- Enrolment and accommodation
Enrolment is completed, accommodation type is chosen, and any special needs (allergies, medication, diet) are given to the school in writing.
- Visa and flights
The visa file is prepared and appointments tracked. Where an unaccompanied minor flight is needed, the airline procedure is arranged separately.
- Pre-departure briefing
We speak to the family and the child separately: what to expect, who to contact, and what to do if something goes wrong.
- During the programme and after
Parents receive regular updates. On return we hold a short review and discuss the next step together.
Documents and prerequisites
For participants under 18 the document list differs from adult programmes. The exact set depends on the country and the length of the programme; you receive a list specific to you once your file is opened.
- The child’s passport, valid at least six months beyond the return date
- Biometric photograph
- Notarised parental consent from both parents
- Birth certificate or civil registry extract
- Proof of school enrolment
- Enrolment and acceptance letter from the programme
- Bank statement showing the parent’s sufficient funds
- Travel health insurance
- Medical report, allergy and medication details where applicable
Parental consent and escort rules for minors vary by country, and the airline’s own unaccompanied minor procedure applies on top. The conditions for your application are confirmed with your advisor.
When should you start?
Summer school places fill early and visa appointments cluster in spring. Applications starting after March face a noticeably narrower set of options.
- January – FebruaryDecision and programme choice
Age, budget and interests become clear and a shortlist is drawn. Availability is at its widest.
- MarchEnrolment and deposit
The programme is confirmed, enrolment completed and the accommodation request sent to the school.
- AprilVisa file
Parental consent is notarised, documents gathered and the visa appointment booked.
- MayFlights and confirmations
Tickets are booked, the unaccompanied minor service arranged and the airport meet confirmed.
- Week of departureBriefing
The family and child are briefed; the contact and emergency plan is shared.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can my child go?
Most programmes accept participants from age 6, with separate age groups. For younger children the supervision ratio is higher and the programme shorter and more activity-led.
I am hesitant about sending my child alone — are there options?
Yes. Escorted group programmes departing from Türkiye keep a responsible adult with the group in transit and on campus. They are a frequent choice for a first trip.
How is supervision handled?
Staff are on campus around the clock and each excursion group has a set number of adults. The ratio differs between schools; we review it with you before enrolment.
How will I stay in touch with my child?
We set the plan before departure: the school’s contact person, suitable calling hours and emergency numbers. Our own line stays open throughout the programme.
My child has allergies or takes regular medication — is that a problem?
We notify the school in writing at enrolment. Dietary restrictions, allergies and medication are shared with the school’s health team in advance.
Is parental consent required for the visa?
For participants under 18, notarised consent from both parents is generally required. The detail varies by country and is confirmed once your file is opened.
Will a low language level be a problem?
Summer schools open classes from beginner level. A placement check on arrival puts the child in the right group, and activities are mixed-level anyway.
What makes prices vary?
Country and city, programme length, accommodation type (campus or homestay) and optional modules set the total. July is generally the busiest and most expensive period.
Let’s clarify the right path for you
Tell us your child’s age, language level and interests, and we will come back within 24 hours with suitable programmes.