Spending the Summer at Boarding School or Camp in North America

A summer stay in the United States or Canada at a so-called ESL (English as a Second Language) program offers an excellent opportunity for German students to combine the work of learning a language with pleasure and fun of activities together with other young people of the same age. The motto for such a stay could be – Learn English, the interesting and easy way!

Renowned boarding schools that have worked together with ssb for years offer such summer programs during the months of June, July and August. (The term “Camp might be misleading here, as one often associates forest, tents, etc. However, this cannot be compared to that!).
The boarding schools – all situated in beautiful locations – utilize their facilities during the summer months for offering classes and activities for young people. The educational concept of these language programs often varies in character.

If brushing up your language skills is the main reason for a stay abroad – then English grammar, geography and some other subjects will be on the agenda. Classes are taught by experienced teachers, and both written and speaking skills are practices in small classes. Participants come from all over the world. Laptops are used to open up possibilities, and there are discussions for increasing listening comprehension and vocabulary as well as practicing speaking skills. Time for applying the newly learned concepts in grammar is provided. Students with advanced language skills have the opportunity of taking the TOEFL test. Academics are reserved for the morning and the afternoons are filled with sports activities, games and trips to nearby historical sights or other highlights in the area.

There are also camps, where the emphasis is placed on adventure and fun activities. The advantage here is that students are together with American and Canadian youths. Athletic or artistic skills are often in focus here, including things like dancing, painting or acting.

All stays offer the unique opportunity to come into contact with a foreign culture. They are ideally suited as a language and cultural preparation for a longer-term stay in the U.S.A. or Canada. Positive effects for a student’s personal development such as increased independence and growing self-confidence are often the result of such a year, which students continue to benefit from during the rest of their time in school in Germany and beyond.

We at ssb Nottebohm would gladly answer any questions you have, and are happy to provide recommendations for the right summer school or camp for your child.