<h1>Language Immersion: Camps for summer</h1><div id="sharingtools">
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<span class="author vcard"><span class="fn">By Jenny Wolkowitz
CORRESPONDENT</span></span>
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Posted: <span class="updated" title="2012-03-22T16:15:00Z">Thursday, March 22, 2012 4:15 pm</span>
<a href="http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/relationships-and-special-occasions/parenting/language-immersion-camps-for-summer/article_453e2d84-7464-11e1-b295-001a4bcf6878.html?mode=comments"><span>| </span> (<span class="fb_comments_count">0</span><span></span>) comments.</a>
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<p>Students benefit from learning a second language. Let me count a few of the ways. It gives them more flexible thinking and a better ear for
listening. Doors to other cultures open so a child understands and
appreciates differences. Children score higher on tests. It increases
opportunity in future careers.</p>
<p>Much research points to benefits of starting this
learning process at an early age. However, most schools unfortunately do
not offer language study until middle-school years. At any age,
however, summer options in St. Louis and in places far, far away allow
children to acquire those skills.</p>
<p>If you want second language as a gift for your child, these are some options.</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><strong>Local St. Louis Day Camps</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center">Ages: preschool to middle school</p>
<p><strong>St. Louis Language Immersion Schools</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline">Languages:</span> Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline">Information:</span> 314-533-0975, <a href="http://www.sllis.org/">www.sllis.org</a></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline">Details:</span> 1- and 2-week sessions</p>
<p><strong>“Colonie de Vacances” French Immersion Camp</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline">Information:</span> 314-432-0734, <a href="http://www.alliancestl.org/">www.alliancestl.org</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center"><strong>Overnight Language Camps in the U.S.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Concordia Language Programs</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline">Location:</span> Bemidji, Minn.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline">Information:</span> (800) 222-4750, <a href="http://www.concordialanguagevillages.org/">www.concordialanguagevillages.org</a></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline">Languages:</span> Arabic, Chinese, Danish, Finnish, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline">Details:</span>
ages 7 to 18, 1- to 4-week sessions; no previous knowledge of language
required; live in villages resembling native country; language acquired
through sports and games, arts and outdoor experiences</p>
<p><strong>Rassias – Kimball Union Academy</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline">Location:</span> Meriden, N.H.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline">Information:</span> (603) 469-2000, <a href="http://www.kua.org/summerprograms">www.kua.org/summerprograms</a></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline">Languages:</span> Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline">Details:</span> ages 11 to 17, language learning classes, outdoor adventure, interaction with foreign ESL students</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><strong>Teen Language Programs Abroad (8th grade and up)</strong></p>
<p>Immersion programs with firsthand knowledge of second
language and culture promote immense growth. Programs usually begin with
orientation, followed by home stay and group touring. In the home stay,
students pick up the rhythm of daily life and practice the language —
but this does not suit everyone.</p>
<p>A cross-cultural experience involves commitment by both
child and parent. Most exchange organizations require applicants to
write essays, get teacher recommendations and a representative
interviews the child.</p>
<p>Students do not need to be academic superstars. A grade
point of 2.5 to 3.0 usually suffices. However, they do need to
demonstrate intellectual curiosity and be open to learning about the
world. Successful cross-cultural sojourners tend to share a strong sense
of self, empathy and respect for others, adapt to challenges and
difficulties, yet speak for themselves.</p>
<p>Contrary to popular belief, mastery of a language is not
usually necessary before applying. Often only one or two years of study
is required and orientation usually includes intense language training.
Youths quickly become fluent by hearing and using the language daily.</p>
<p>Parents will want to know about supervision. Is an
administrator/counselor available to the student with a problem? How
many students live in a host family? Are host families paid or
volunteer? What is the free time schedule? Is it spent with the host
family or the group (American or international)? Is there a curfew? What
is the program’s policy on use of alcohol and drugs?</p>
<p>Before applying, always ask the child’s school whether
credit is given for language study and what homework, tests and reports
are required.</p>
<p>Every parent will want to know the group’s make-up: age,
grade, geographical distribution. Activity or travel for the group and
its transportation should be defined. Is a leader along who speaks the
local language? Group meals and their cost should be outlined.</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><strong>Language Programs Abroad Without Home Stay</strong></p>
<p>These are samples:</p>
<p>• International camp in Europe or Canada with kids (ages 8 to 19).</p>
<p>• A high school or college-based program in Europe with
no home stay (with greatest supervision, appropriate for students
finishing 7th to 12th grade).</p>
<p>• Community service program in a developing country or
Europe. Language is taught with no – or a shorter – home stay, as well
as cultural, recreational and service activities (students finishing 8th
to 12th grade).</p>
<p><em>For information about language programs and other
summer opportunities, contact St. Louis consultant Jenny Wolkowitz
at 314-432-8642, e-mail <a href="mailto:jenny@TipsonTripsandCamps.com">jenny@TipsonTripsandCamps.com</a> or consult <a href="http://www.tipsontripsandcamps.com/">www.TipsonTripsandCamps.com</a>.
Jenny is the mother of three daughters, one of whom is studying abroad
during this high school semester. In her earlier years, the author was a
day camper, overnight camper, counselor, teen tour participant and teen
tour leader. She studied abroad in college and has traveled extensively
throughout the world.</em></p></div></div><br>Read more: <a style="color:#003399" href="http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/relationships-and-special-occasions/parenting/language-immersion-camps-for-summer/article_453e2d84-7464-11e1-b295-001a4bcf6878.html#ixzz1pxYL1cBG">http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/relationships-and-special-occasions/parenting/language-immersion-camps-for-summer/article_453e2d84-7464-11e1-b295-001a4bcf6878.html#ixzz1pxYL1cBG</a><br clear="all">
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