Why taking a family language course is a great Easter or summer holiday alternative
Monday, 1st February 2010
If you would like to take your children on holiday but would prefer something more interesting than a week or two on the beach, a family language course is worth considering.
Family language courses combine language lessons with other activities and are a good way to learn a language and about a local culture, and also give you a chance to get to know a particular area.
In the mornings there are language lessons geared to the language levels and interests of parents and children. Usually children under 16 years old will have separate lessons, while those 16 and over may choose to have the same lessons as their parents if the school thinks they will benefit from them.
In the afternoons, evenings and at weekends there are activities organised by the school, or people may do their own thing if they prefer. Some schools also offer individual lessons in the afternoons to complement the group classes in the mornings for those who wish to work on areas they need extra help with, or have a particular interest in.
Activities might include visits to local museums, theatres, cinemas, pubs and restaurants; excursions to nearby places of interest; tasting local products, such as wine, cheese or chocolate; parties; discos, and sports such as surfing, canoeing, tennis, skating, rafting, golf and horse riding. Some may be of interest mainly to the adults, while others may appeal more to the children, but there is usually something suitable for everyone.
The schools can arrange accommodation for families. This may be in self-catering apartments, with host families or in local hotels. Staying with a host family gives you the chance to experience family life and to use the language you’re learning outside the classroom. Families might also be keen to introduce you to their area and culture. In apartments cooking facilities are available, so you can cook in, or eat out.
Family courses are offered by language schools in many different countries. In Europe, for example family courses are available in Barcelona, Madrid, Marbella, Nerja and San Sebastian, and in France they are run in Aix-en-Provence, Biarritz, Montpellier and various other places. Each location has something different to offer – some, such as Barcelona and Madrid, are large, lively cities with much to see and do; others are smaller, quieter historic towns or relaxed seaside resorts.
More about Cactus’ family language courses abroad
More about tailor-made options for family language training
Tags: surfing, children, language course, language, course, location, cactus, spain, france, learning, french, spanish
Posted by Simon Ager 2010-02 under Attitudes to Language Learning, Types of Courses,
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