Summer camp in Europe: how Kaplan's English program for teenagers works

Kaplan International's summer camp is one of the most sought after language programs for young people in the world. In destinations such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Switzerland and Malta, teenagers from 13 to 17 years old study English, French or German during the European summer, with classes in the morning and sports and cultural activities in the afternoon.

In this article, you will understand how the program works in practice: what destinations are available, what is the routine within the camp, what is included, who can participate, and how to access the program from Brazil.

‍

What is a language summer camp?

A language summer camp is a short-term intensive program aimed at young people. Unlike a traditional school exchange, the camp takes place during summer vacation in the Northern Hemisphere, between June and August.

The model matches Language classes with extracurricular activities, all in a supervised environment. Students stay on their own campus, live with classmates from dozens of countries and practice the language all day long, not just in the classroom.

Kaplan has offered this format for decades and operates camps in six European countries, in addition to the United States. The school has recognized accreditations in each country where it operates, which guarantees a consistent teaching standard in all destinations.

‍

Who is Kaplan's summer camp for?

The program is aimed at young people between 13 and 17 years old. An advanced level of English is not required to participate. Kaplan applies a placement test before classes start and organizes classes by age group and proficiency level.

This means that a student with a basic level can participate and be assigned to a class appropriate to their level, without losing pace or hindering the progress of those who are already more fluent.

If you still have questions about what level of English is required for an exchange, this article answers directly: Do I need to know English to do an exchange?

‍

What languages does Kaplan's camp offer?

Most of the camps are aimed at learning Englishman. But Kaplan also offers camps focused on:

• French: available in France and Switzerland.
• deutsch: available in Germany and Switzerland.
• English in non-Anglophone countries: such as Malta, France and Switzerland, where the environment is English-speaking within the camp even if the country has another official language.

Switzerland is the only destination where all three languages are available in the same country, depending on the chosen campus.

‍

What European destinations are available?

UK

The United Kingdom has the largest number of Kaplan camp options. For those who want to learn English in full immersion, being in a native-speaking country makes a difference in everyday life outside of classes.

Available cities and campuses:

• London: three campus options, London Central, London City, and London Woldingham.
• Bath: historic city in the south-west of England.
• Brighton: by the sea, with a relaxed atmosphere and a lot of cultural life.
• Torquay: quiet and safe coastal city in the south of England.
• Ardingly: campus in a rural area, with a traditional boarding school structure.

If you're still comparing European destinations for learning English, this article provides a complete analysis: Malta vs. England: what is the best European destination to learn English.

France

Camps in France offer both English and French, depending on the campus.

Available destinations:

• Paris Passy: available in English and French.
• Paris Igny: focused on French.
• Biarritz: French, on the edge of the Atlantic, excellent for those who want to combine language with beaches in European summer.
• Nice: on the French Riviera, with a Mediterranean climate and rich cultural life.

Germany

German camps are focused on learning the local language. Good option for young people who already have plans to study or work in Germany in the future.

Available destinations:

• Berlin Wannsee: in the German capital, with access to history and contemporary culture.
• Frankfurt Lahntal: quieter environment, close to Frankfurt.
• Freiburg: university city near the Black Forest.
• Heidelberg: one of the most classic cities in Germany, famous for its medieval university.

Switzerland

Switzerland is the most versatile destination in the Kaplan portfolio for camps. Depending on the campus, the student learns English, French, or German, all within one of the countries with the best quality of life in Europe.

Available destinations:

• Engelberg: in the Swiss mountains, available in English and German.
• Leysin: high altitude, view of the Alps, available in English and French.
• Montreux Riviera: on the shores of Lake Geneva, focusing on French.

For those who are thinking of making the most of the European summer, this guide provides practical tips: summer in Europe: unmissable tips for exchange students.

Malta

Malta is one of the most sought after destinations for English courses in the Mediterranean. The warm climate, the blue sea and the relaxed atmosphere create a very different context from the camps in Northern Europe.

Available campus:

• St. Paul's Bay: coastal city in the north of Malta, in an exclusive environment for young people.

The camp in Malta is conducted in English, as the language is official in the country alongside Maltese.

‍

What is the routine like inside the camp?

The structure of the day is divided into two main blocks:

Morning: language classes

Classes take place in classes organized by level and age group. The number of hours varies depending on the program chosen, but in general there are between 4 and 5 hours of classes per day, with active methodology and focus on real communication.

Afternoon and evening: supervised activities

The period outside the classroom is structured, not free. Young people participate in activities such as:

• Team and individual sports.
• Excursions to tourist and cultural sites close to the campus.
• Creative workshops (art, music, theater, cooking).
• Supervised evening activities on campus.

All of this programming takes place in English, which means that language learning is not limited to formal classes. Students practice the language in real situations throughout the day.

‍

How is accommodation at Kaplan camps?

Students are staying on the campus itself or in residences linked to the school. Accommodation is in shared rooms, usually with colleagues of other nationalities, which reinforces cultural immersion.

All campuses have 24-hour adult supervision. The safety and well-being of young people are a priority in the program structure.

Meals are also included. Students eat meals collectively in the campus cafeteria.

‍

Is summer camp a good preparation for High School?

This is one of the most common questions asked by parents considering long-term exchanges for their children.

The practical answer is: yes. A summer camp is an excellent first step for young people who have never studied abroad. The short, supervised format allows students to gain confidence in the language, learn to live with people from other cultures, and develop independence before a longer exchange.

For those considering whether High School is the next step, this article helps with the decision: exchange for teenagers: Is High School always the best option?

And for those who have questions about the level of English required for High School, it's worth reading: High school abroad without being fluent in English: is it possible?

The program of High School da Be Easy accepts students from 14 to 18 years old and has options ranging from 3 months to 3 years. Kaplan's camp works very well as preparation for those who are going to make this transition.

‍

How long does the program last?

Kaplan camps are short-term programs. The most common options are between 2 and 4 weeks, but depending on the destination it is possible to extend the stay.

The operating period runs from June to August, in line with summer vacations in the Northern Hemisphere.

For students coming from the Southern Hemisphere, this period coincides with the local winter, which makes the camp an interesting option to enjoy school holidays without standing still.

‍

What is included in the program?

Overall, Kaplan's camp package includes:

• Language classes according to the chosen program.
• Campus accommodation with shared rooms.
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
• Sports and cultural activities in the afternoon.
• Scheduled excursions.
• 24-hour adult supervision.
• Basic health insurance.

Airfare and airport transfer can be booked separately, depending on the package configuration.

Be Easy takes care of all the hiring details, from choosing the destination and campus to the documentation needed to travel. Learn more about how the program works Learn a language abroad by Be Easy.

‍

Does Kaplan's camp work well for young people who have never traveled alone?

Yes. The camp format is precisely designed for this profile.

The closed campus structure, with constant supervision and full schedule, greatly reduces the anxiety of the first exchange. The young person does not have to make decisions alone about where to go or what to do. Everything is organized, but he still has the experience of communicating in another language with colleagues from all over the world.

For those who want to take another step after the camp, the content about How to master English for High School provides practical preparation tips.

‍

FAQ: Kaplan summer camp in Europe

At what age can my child participate in Kaplan's camp? From 13 years old for junior language camps. The program lasts up to 17 years, with classes separated by age group.

Is it necessary to have advanced English to participate? No. Kaplan performs a placement test before classes start and forms classes according to the level of each student. There are classes for all levels, including the basics.

Are young people supervised all the time? Yes. All campuses have adult supervision 24 hours a day, both during activities and during the night shift.

Is it possible to choose the country and city of the camp? Yes. There are options in six European countries and the United States, with different destination profiles: Anglophone, Mediterranean, Alpine and European capitals. The choice depends on the language the young person wants to learn and the preferred environment.

How does communication with parents work during the camp? Students keep in touch with their families by cell phone. Campuses have their own rules regarding the use of devices, but access is generally allowed outside of class hours and activities. Be Easy is also available as a point of contact throughout your stay.

‍

Be Easy

Be Easy is the official representative of Kaplan International and takes care of the entire registration process for junior language camps in Europe and the United States. From the first service to boarding, our team advises families on the destination, documentation, accommodation, and everything that involves preparing the young person for the trip. If you want to know which camp makes the most sense for your child's profile, contact us.