This unique Spanish Language Program immerses children and young adults, ages 5 to 18 years old, in Spanish language and culture. The program combines language classes, sports and leisure activities, and guided excursions, allowing participants to rapidly improve their Spanish while enjoying their summer holidays. More than 60% of the participants are Spanish, while 40% come from 30 different countries. This offers an international atmosphere and a perfect environment for language development and culture exchange. The summer camp program is designed to provide the most comprehensive and balanced curriculum for young learners.
This Summer Camp program is held in Marbella, one of southern Europe's most exclusive summer resorts famous for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, luxury hotels, vibrant life, and rich culture. Marbella is situated on the Costa del Sol, Spain's region of Andalusia, and boasts 27 kilometers (17 miles) of beachfront and a total of 24 different beaches. Other Summer Camp programs are held in Madrid and Salamanca.
- Immersion in the Spanish language - Intensive Language classes supplemented by leisure and sports activities
- Learn with other Spanish children and young adults
- All proficiency levels from Beginner to Advanced are available
- Different age groups from 5 - 9; 10 - 14; 15 - 18 years old
- The curriculum is tailored for young learners and includes a program of leisure and sporting activities
- Accelerated learning in small classes - maximum 12 students per class
- The summer camp includes accommodation on site and during weekends
- Flexible study durations 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks
The summer residential camp program started in 1989. There are 4 camps held in Marbella's leading prestigious schools. The summer camp is designed for stays of 2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks. The program is located in one of the most beautiful towns on the Costa del Sol, Marbella, where good weather is almost always guaranteed.
Junior Camp: 5 to 14 years
The Junior Summer Camp is located on the top of a hill 12km from the center of Marbella and situated in front of Marbella 's well-known luxurious five-star beach and golf resort, Don Carlos Hotel . The camp is held in a private school with amazing views with one side overlooking the coastline of Marbella , and the other, the coastline of Estepona. Situated in one of the best residential areas of Marbella , the school has a total area of 30.000 m2. It is just 15 minutes from the beach and has a range of facilities including an indoor/outdoor sports facility, soccer field, 2 volleyball courts, basketball court, handball court, swimming pool, conference room, computer room, infirmary, and beautiful gardens.
Teenage Camp: 14 to 18 years
The Teenage Summer Camp is situated just 8km from the center of Marbella and 15 minutes from the beach, near Marbella 's well-known luxurious five-star beach and golf resort, Don Carlos Hotel , and close to Marbella 's General Hospital . The camp is held in a private school complex approximately 38.000 m 2 completely surrounded by nature. Its main building has a dining room, classrooms, dormitories, and library. Facilities include a large swimming pool, a sports complex with a paddle court, two soccer fields, basketball court, handball court, and a large farmhouse . The school also has its own horse-riding facilities.
Young Adult Camp: 15 to 18 years
Designed for more mature, independent students, the Young Adult Summer Camp is positioned in an area just 5 minutes from Marbella 's old quarter, characterized by small streets, white-washed buildings, and beautiful plazas. The camp is held in a large, fenced-in complex in a peaceful neighborhood just 10 minutes from the beach. The main building includes a 24-hour reception desk, vending machines, public phone, dining room, multimedia room, and conference room. Students also enjoy the outdoor facilities including a large swimming pool, 3 multipurpose sports fields, tennis courts, gardens, and an open-air terrace.
Home Stay Program: 14 to 18 years
Participants stay with Spanish host families situated near the school. Spanish language classes, cultural classes and workshops are held at the summer campus with the rest of the summer camp students. Students choosing this option participate at the camp from 9:15am until 8pm. Weekend activities and excursions are not included. Instead, students spend time with their host families. Students stay in double rooms. Full Board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) is provided.
- To learn Spanish in a friendly environment having the opportunity to spend time with Spanish students
- To enhance the student's ability to handle daily tasks without the support and protection of their families.
- To study and play in direct contact with nature.
- To build social relationships and make new friends.
- To instill the basis of teamwork and individual responsibility.
- To offer, through sports and cultural activities, a wide range of opportunities to enrich their personal characteristics.
- To experience a new adventure every day.
The philosophy of the program lies in the promotion of values such as respect, tolerance, friendship and fellowship in an atmosphere that strives for a memorable learning experience by combining sports, fun, work, culture and language.
The Directors of the camps, along with the Head Coordinator of the Summer Camp, holds the ultimate responsibility for the programs. They are assisted by a team of professionals that consist of group coordinators, teachers and monitors. There will be a monitor available for every group of 10/12 students. The monitor remains with the group on a 24 hour a day basis and takes care of any need the students might have. Each monitor is supervised by a head monitor. Together, they coordinate the sports and activities in which each group will participate during the stay. Nationalities: 95% of the monitors are Spanish and most of them have an advanced level in English. In all Summer Camp programs - Madrid, Marbella and Salamanca - there are English speakers who will be able to answer all the parents' questions.
This program consists of language classes, excursions, sports, and cultural activities. Combined, these are designed to allow students to progress rapidly in the language and gain fluency. Valuable information about modern-day Spanish culture and society is taught along with linguistic and communicative skills.
Language Classes
a. Level and Content
On the first day, a placement test is held in order to determine the students' level of Spanish. The students are divided both according to their age and current level of Spanish. There are six different languages levels: from complete beginner to proficient. There will be a maximum of twelve students in each group to ensure individualized attention. Classes are designed specifically for each level and age group. The following skills and subjects are taught at all levels: Speaking, Writing, Listening, Grammar, Reading, Spanish Culture and Spanish History. Materials are provided and are included in the program fee.
b. Our Teachers
Classes are taught by native Spanish teachers holding five year college degrees in Spanish linguistics and teaching Spanish as a foreign language, plus the C.A.P. (Certificate of Teaching Ability). Some of them have Master’s Degrees and Doctorates in Spanish. The teachers use the communicative method of teaching, which combines all aspects, and skills of language such as grammar, conversation, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, listening and writing, in an interactive way that makes language learning interesting and meaningful. This is attained with the help of teaching materials that have been specially designed and developed for each age group.
c. Course Load
The students will receive a total of 20 Spanish lessons per week divided into four lessons per day from Monday to Friday. Each lesson lasts 45 minutes. If there is an excursion or special activity planned on a weekday, classes for that day will be given on the weekend. At the end of the program, and upon its successful completion, students will receive a certificate and a progress report.
Sports Activities
A wide range of sporting activities are offered. Students may choose to participate individually or in a group. The following activities are available: Swimming, archery, golf, tennis, basketball, soccer, handball, volleyball, aerobics, and baseball. Optional sports including horseback riding, golf and tennis are also available.
Excursions
Half day and full day guided excursions are organized weekly to allow students to experience nearby Spanish attractions and cities. The places vary and may include the following: Nerja caves, Seville, Mijas, Granada, and Gibraltar.
Cultural Activities
Participants learn about Spanish culture and traditions through a range of culturally focused workshops. These workshops include handicraft, drama, cooking, flamenco and dance, and press. Workshops vary, and are available depending on the school and the age of the student.
- Outdoors Workshop: With this workshop, participants will be able to understand different aspects of nature and learn how to respect and value the environment in which they live.
- Handicrafts Workshop: The first thing to take into account before starting with this fascinating world is to be in a relaxed state of mind to create and to be convinced of the endless possibilities that this field offers. Participants may create handicrafts in clay, leather, Bristol board, sticks and recyclable material. In a relaxing atmosphere students will have a chance to develop their creativity and make the best of it.
- Theater Workshop: This is where the students can take their first steps in their acting career. This workshop helps to develop the students' personality and the knowledge of their body. Participants will be encouraged to choose the play and role they wish to perform, the makeup they wish to wear, and stage design they wish to set up.
- Press Workshop: Participants will help to create the school newspaper, which is produced biweekly. This workshop encourages students’ creativity and writing skills. Content includes camp news and opinions.
- Lifesaving Workshop: In this workshop students will learn the fundamental lifesaving techniques.
- Ballroom Dancing Workshop: The students will develop a sense of rhythm through the music and coordinated movements. Among other dances, the students will be able to learn salsa, merengue, twist, tango...
- Flamenco and Sevillanas Workshop: For those who wish to experience this feature of the Spanish culture it is a good opportunity to enjoy our music and have great fun. The students will learn how to dance gracefully using their hands and legs while dancing sevillanas and rumbitas.
- Juggling Workshop: The aim of this activity is that students have a better sense of balance and are able to work with objects such as balls, Chinese plates, devil sticks, etc.
- Cooking Workshop: The students will have the opportunity to learn more about other cultures through their typical cuisine and to prepare some delicious dishes: Chinese chicken, Mississippi Mud Pie, Russian stew and of course our famous Paella!!
- Music and Percussion Workshop: In this workshop students are able to explore the world of music and rhythm. They will be introduced to the bongos, the Flamenco cajon or tambourine, the guitar, maracas and various other instruments.
The following optional sports are available to those who wish to enroll in the separate classes. These sports are not included in the Total Program Fee. Student can choose only ONE optional sport every two weeks.
Horse Back Riding
Students will receive 5 hours a week of horseback riding lessons (a total of 10 hours every two-week program). The Teenage Camp has two riding areas: beginners and advanced. Students will learn not only how to ride a horse but also how to care for it. Students attending the Junior Camp will be transported to the Teenage Camp for classes.
Golf
Learn how to play golf or improve your skills (a total of 12 hours every two-week program). Classes are held at the popular Marbella golf sports club located just 5 minutes from the camp. It consists of 6 hours of lessons every week. All necessary equipment will be provided.
Tennis
Students will receive 6 hours a week of tennis lessons (a total of 12 hours every two-week program). Lessons are held at a leading Tennis Club in Marbella, located 700 meters from the Residential Camp.
| Optional Sports Classes |
Duration |
Price for 2 weeks
(in USD) |
| Horse back riding |
5 hours a week. Total of 10 hours for 2 weeks. |
$ 240
|
| Golf |
6 hours a week. Total of 12 hours for 2 weeks. |
$ 320 |
| Tennis |
$ 225
|
Orientation is held on the first day of camp, Sunday. Students will be allocated their rooms and group divisions; and will be introduced to the camp facilities, personnel, staff and other students.
One day sample timetable:
| 08:00 - 08:30 |
Wake up call and get ready for the day!! |
| 08:30 - 09:00 |
Breakfast |
| 09:00 - 10:30 |
Spanish lessons: vocabulary, speaking and writing |
| 10:30 - 10:45 |
Break |
| 10:45 - 11:30 |
Spanish Lessons: listening and grammar |
| 11:30 -12:15 |
Cultural Lessons: Spanish History |
| 12:25 - 14:15 |
Sports, cultural activities and swimming |
| 14:15 - 15:15 |
Lunch |
| 15:15 - 17:45 |
Workshops |
| 17:45 - 18:00 |
Afternoon snack Sports |
| 18:00 - 20:30 |
Sports and games |
| 20:30 - 21:30 |
Dinner |
| 21:30 - 22:30 |
Social gathering and activities |
| 22:30 - 22:45 |
To bed |
Students live in the school's dormitory. On-site staff takes into consideration the student's age and nationality when allocating accommodation. They try to place students with same gender and age together. They also try to make each group nationally varied.
- Camp for 5 to 14 years old: Each room accommodates 5 to 10 persons and has a private bathroom.
- Camp for 14 to 18 years old: Each room accommodates 12 students. Toilets and showers are shared.
Laundry: Clothes and bed linen are collected and washed at a laundry service once a fortnight. Students are requested to bring a laundry bag with them.
Day Camp is offered to students who will be living with their family and do not require accommodation.
The day camp program is designed for students who are accompanying their parents or relatives to Marbella or have special arrangements made and will not need housing. Students will participate fully in both the classes and activities during the day and return to their housing arrangements by evening. The program takes place from 9:15am to 20:00pm from Monday to Friday and does not include weekends. A bus service is available (at an additional cost) from Monday to Friday for all students whose parents cannot drive them to camp. Please ask for the routes and bus stops. This service costs $150 for 2 weeks.
All students are on a full board pension basis every day of the week. The meal plan includes breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack and dinner. On days that the students leave the premises to participate in special activities or trips, they will be provided with a lunch and snack bag. Meals are included in program fees.
For an example of one week's menu, click here
For free airport pickup and return, details must be given at least 10 days before arrival. State clearly: Flight number, airline, departure airport; arrival airport, arrival time, departure time and date. For arrivals, the student will be greeted at the arrival gate. Look out for a sign with the name of the student.
For important details on airport pickup and departure, click here
WLE's all-inclusive total program is designed to make your experience in Spain rewarding and memorable. The following is included in the total program fees:
- Information, Advice & Assistance
Information and advice provided pre-departure and during the program by WLE's international program consultants.
- Tuition Fees
- Guided Excursions
- Cultural Activities and Workshops
- Sports
Note: Optional Sports classes not included.
- Accommodation
- Uniform
- Meals
Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon snack and Dinner).
- Laundry
Bed linen and clothing are washed at the laundry fortnightly.
- Emergency Medical and Travel Insurance
Language Insurance covering loss of personal property, illness or accidents is provided. Terms and Conditions apply.
- Airport Pick-up and Return Transfer
- Welcome Pack
Practical information about the school, Map of the program location, Guidebook and other relevant information are provided prior to departure.
- Certificate
- Visa Documentation
Students are provided with documents for application of a visa where needed.
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PROGRAM FEES Junior and Teenage Summer Camp Program
Start Dates 2008:
Marbella Junior Camp: Jul 6, Jul 20, Aug 3, Aug 17
Marbella Teenage Camp: Jun 29*, Jul 6, Jul 20, Aug 3, Aug 17
Marbella Young Adult Camp: Jun 29*, Jul 6, Jul 20
Ages: 5-18 years. 20 classes per week
Fees in USD. |
|
Location |
Summer Camp
Total Program Fee - includes all of the features listed above |
Day Camp
Does not include accommodation |
|
2 weeks |
4 weeks |
6 weeks |
8 weeks |
2 weeks |
4 weeks |
6 weeks |
8 weeks |
|
Marbella |
2440 |
4460 |
6140 |
8000 |
1500 |
2580 |
3710 |
4760 |
| What should students bring? |
| Passport |
Bathing suit / Swimmers |
Soap |
| Notebook, pen, pencil, eraser |
Sport bag/backpack |
Deodorant |
| Spanish/English dictionary |
Sun screen |
Shampoo |
| Sports shoes |
Anti-mosquito bite cream |
Tooth brush and paste |
| Sandals |
Socks |
Nail cutter |
| A light sweater |
Bathroom and beach towels |
Pajamas |
| A jacket |
Pocket money ( 50 to 70 euros a week ) |
Comb |
| IMPORTANT: All items must be clearly marked with the student's name. |
Citizens of countries belonging to the European Union do not need Visas to enter Spain. Students coming from other countries should inform themselves of the requirements for obtaining a VISADO (VISA) at their nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate.
There are no special requirements. The program is open to participants from all over the world who are 5 to 18 years old. The last day for application is 6 weeks before the first day of the program. If deadlines cannot be met, please contact WLE. Application Form and How to Apply Guide are available from the Admissions Section.
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