Practical information

Our programmes are designed for young people between 8 and 17 years. The structure of the teaching and supervision of our partner schools is especially designed for children and teenagers. As you will see by reading our website, options appropriate to every age bracket are proposed for various destinations and for the duration of your choice. We like to emphasise that a language study stay abroad, even if short, allows you to quickly improve your understanding, vocabulary and, above all, your ease in expressing yourself orally. In addition to guaranteed progress, it is a great human experience and the opportunity to discover a new approach to foreign languages. In short, ESL juniors programmes a chance to have great holidays, to participate in an exciting activities programme, to meet new friends from across the world and to make real progress in languages!

• Our selection of schools

We have selected quality schools for you which have longstanding experience in teaching languages to young people from across the world. All of our schools are accredited by official organisations. In addition, we have chosen schools which are situated in safe and attractive locations. The schools with whom we work, and have been for several years already, are regularly visited by our team members.


• Teaching and supervision

The standard teaching generally takes place in the mornings, from Monday to Friday, You are integrated into a small group of your level, after having sat an evaluation test on the first day of classes. The teachers always teach in their mother tongue and they devote themselves to creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere, with an emphasis on communication. They are especially trained for teaching languages to an audience of teenagers. Outside of classes, experienced activities coordinators, linked to the school, supervise your leisure activities and oversee that your stay is a success. In the case of any problems, the school's group leaders are available on a 24/7 basis thanks to an emergency telephone line.


• Journey and transfer

ESL is happy to take care of booking your flight for all of the destinations and at very competitive prices. Once you arrive, you are personally taken care of by a transfer service which will bring your to your accommodation and upon your return, will bring you to the airport. Most airline companies propose an escort service for young people who are not used to travelling on their own (check-in at the desk, going to the departure gate). This service, which is called «UM» (unaccompanied minors), is generally payable to the airline companies and the partner schools in charge of this full accompaniment. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information on prices and terms and conditions.
In view of the short distance to travel to get to Freiburg im Breisgau, Les Paccots, Zug or Ascona from Swiss towns and cities or from France, we encourage parents to bring their child themselves by car, which allows you to visit superb regions. If you are using other types of transport, you will also be taken car of by the school as soon as you arrive and will be brought to your place of accommodation.


• Accommodation

Depending on your destination and your age, you can opt to stay with a host family or in a residence. In both cases, you are in a situation where you can practise the local language. With a host family, you will discover the daily life of a second home whilst in the residence, you will be able to socialise with numerous young people and learn to live in a group in a festive and friendly atmosphere. With a host family, you will generally share your bedroom with another participant. On request, a friend may be able to share your room. In a residence, the bedroooms are to be shared by several students. Both options offer full board.


• Leisure

All of our partner schools propose a rich programme of sports, games and cultural activities as well as a wide range of excursions which allow students to discover the region in which they are staying. All of these activities are organised and supervised by qualified and committed activities coordinators. They are of undeniable importance because they allow, outside of class, for the creation of a welcoming and relaxed group atmosphere. It is the opportunity to practise your favourite sport, to visit an unknown place and to make new friends.


• Teaching by levels and certificates

The first day of classes is very important as students carry out a test to evaluate their language level. Afterwards, each student is placed in a class made up of international students of the same language level. At the end of your stay, you will receive a study certificate presented issued by the school attesting the length of the programme taken and the language level you have reached.


• Prices

Our overall prices include the courses, accommodation with full board and activities and excursion programmes mentioned in the description of leisure activities. In addition to the standard programme, some schools additionally propose intensive courses, sports activities (tennis, surfing, diving, sailing, horse riding, football and more...) and cultural outings/excursions. For further information, consult the 'options, supplements' for each school. Some programmes also offer a wider choice of additional optional activities which are to be paid for on-site. Sometimes, the airport transfer is included in the price, otherwise it is also indicated in the 'options, supplements' column.