An Overview of Language Camps as a Global Industry

An Overview of Language Camps as a Global Industry

By Lara Ravitch

Growth in Language Camps

In recent years, the number of language summer camps has grown in many countries. China, which did not have a culture of youth summer camps, is creating one at a rapid pace. Many of these camps have a language focus. South Korea has created a number of English Villages. These are model towns that allow campers to practice interacting in the language (Jeon, 2012). The United States has little need for English camps for its residents. However, the government has funded foreign language camps to make up for minimal offerings in schools (Startalk, 2019). At the same time, English-speaking countries have created camps for international campers who visit for a short time to boost their language skills (Jingyi and Mengfeng, 2017). Russia is not an exception to this trend. There was a strong culture of youth camping built in the Soviet era. This culture meant that families quickly became interested in camps as a place for learning English. A quick look at any camp search web page shows that these number in the hundreds, if not thousands.

Why Learn Language at Camp?

There are many reasons for the popularity of language learning camps. Some of these have to do with the general benefits of the camp experience, while others are specific to language learning.

Benefits of Camp

According to the American Camp Association (ACA, 2019), there are many benefits to attending camp. This is true for any kind of camp, not only language camps. In particular, camp can help children in the areas of self-identity, self-worth, leadership, and self-respect. Camp can provide a safe environment that nurtures children and youth. It allows them to improve their social skills with support from caring adults. Campers also have the opportunity to meet peers who may be different from their classmates in their school or local neighborhood. It also inspires a respect and love for the natural world. Children can leave their screens and relax in nature. Finally, camp helps students to stay healthy by providing them with physical activity and outdoor experiences.

For families who also want their children to study language, being able to combine these experiences is quite valuable. They appreciate a different choice than keeping their child at home to attend extra language classes in the city.

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