Kids camps in Ireland for international students

Ireland is a unique country with beautiful nature, mild climate, rich history and culture, unique music and cuisine. In addition, Irish version of English is considered one of the most correct, literate and beautiful. SMAPSE offers TOP-20 language camps in Ireland that offer high-quality and advanced courses for international students. Summer holidays in Ireland will allow foreign students to combine wonderful rest with effective studies and communication in English with native speakers.

Having all language skills, a foreign student will be able to successfully pass an international language exam, namely IELTS, TOEFL, a certificate for which is required for admission to top universities in different countries.

International summer camps in Ireland offer a host of compelling advantages for young learners. Ireland, known for its remarkable academic and educational standards, provides a safe and welcoming environment for international students. This ensures that parents can entrust their children's well-being during their stay in Ireland. As the youngest country within the European Union, Ireland boasts a population where 40% of its residents are under the age of 25. One in every five Irish citizens is yet to reach 15 years of age. This emphasis on youth is a significant hallmark of the nation's policies.

Today, Irish language camps and schools welcome students from all corners of the globe. Many of these camps are nestled in majestic campuses adorned with historical buildings, creating an inspiring and comfortable learning atmosphere.

The educational system in Ireland is regulated by the Ministry of Education, guaranteeing the quality of the programs and courses offered.

When it comes to accommodation, students have the choice of residing in shared residences or with host families. Irish locals are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality, ensuring that your child's safety and comfort are well taken care of. Living with a host family also offers round-the-clock language practice.

Irish language camps typically provide moderately intense courses, featuring around 15 academic sessions per week (equivalent to 3 lessons per day). This schedule strikes a balance between intensive language learning and ample leisure time.

Moreover, Irish language camps offer a wide array of activities such as sports games, quizzes, competitions, music shows, and cultural excursions. Summer in Ireland is punctuated with numerous national festivals, including those dedicated to music, cuisine, folklore, and dance, ensuring there's never a dull moment.

Sports enthusiasts will find a variety of options, including traditional Irish sports like horse riding, cricket, golf, rowing, and rugby, as well as global favorites such as swimming, football, basketball, volleyball, and tennis.

During free time, students can explore new sports or engage in their favorite hobbies, enhancing their athletic abilities. Most language schools that offer summer programs boast well-equipped facilities, from sports fields to studios, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

Sarah Rimini

Head of International Student Recruitment at Inspired Education Group

How are the progress and performance of the campers assessed during the program?

We conduct regular assessments, including language proficiency tests, class participation evaluations, and feedback sessions with instructors. This helps track each camper's progress and identify areas for improvement.

The choice of a specific language program determines the living conditions for foreign students during their study period. International students can stay on the premises of comfortable school or university hostels, with room occupancy ranging from 1 to 8 students. Bathrooms may be located within the room itself or on the same floor. Alternatively, students can opt for apartments or stay with host families. If students live in residence halls on school premises, they typically receive three balanced meals a day. Those staying with host families enjoy breakfast and dinner at home, along with a packed lunch or a hot lunch at the school cafeteria.

Summer camps in Ireland cater to foreign students aged 10 to 17. For children as young as 5 years old, there's an individualized language program called Home Language International, where students live with a teacher's family. Regardless of their initial English proficiency level, international students are welcome to enroll.

1. StarCamp

Location: Multiple locations across Ireland.

Activities: StarCamp is primarily a performing arts camp where kids aged 4-12 can participate in acting, singing, and dancing activities. Besides performance arts, they also offer games, team challenges, and news and weather reporting.

Highlights: It's been featured on several Irish TV shows and comes highly recommended for children with a flair for the arts.

2. Let's Go! Summer Camps

Location: Various locations throughout Ireland.

Activities: Catering to children aged 5-13, this camp offers a variety of activities including sports, games, inflatable cities, and some innovative fun challenges.

Highlights: It has been operating for over 35 years, making it one of the most established summer camps in the country.

3. Surf 'n' Turf Surf School

Location: Bundoran, Co. Donegal.

Activities: This camp is for those interested in water activities. Kids and adults can learn to surf or improve their skills, and they also offer stand-up paddleboarding.

Highlights: Bundoran is a premier surfing location in Ireland, known for its great waves.

4. Whizzkids Discover IT

Location: Campuses in Dublin, Limerick, and Cork.

Activities: Aimed at children aged 8-15, this camp merges fun and technology. Activities include web design, video game programming, and digital media production.

Highlights: A great camp for tech-savvy kids, it offers a blend of indoor and outdoor activities.

5. The Adventure Islands

Location: Westport, Co. Mayo.

Activities: Perfect for adventure seekers, this camp offers activities like archery, combat games, zorbing, and water sports.

Highlights: Located in the beautiful Westport House, it's both an adventure and a nature camp in one.

Ireland's language camps usually follow an all-inclusive fee structure, covering everything from accommodation and meals to excursions and optional classes. On average, a week of summer courses costs between €700 and €1100, depending on the camp and the chosen program. Standard language courses tend to be more affordable than those offering various sports and cultural events. Additionally, language courses that provide accommodation with a teacher's family tend to have higher tuition fees.

The cost of studying depends on factors like the geographical location of the educational institution and the quality of food and accommodation provided. It's important to note that tuition fees for summer language programs are significantly higher compared to winter courses. The high season begins in May and June. While language programs for children are pricier compared to adult courses, parents can rest assured that international students receive constant monitoring and support from educators and teachers.

Living within the school's premises, which includes meals, is typically more budget-friendly compared to staying with a host family. If students opt for separate apartments designed for 3-4 students, tuition fees will be higher. In such cases, students have the option of self-catering, which is more suitable for adult foreign students.

One of the key benefits of summer courses in Ireland is the rapid improvement in English language proficiency, achieved through full immersion in a new language environment. These programs emphasize a communicative approach, helping students expand their vocabulary, overcome language barriers, and develop conversational skills on a variety of topics.

Informative excursions are an integral part of educational and summer language programs in Ireland. Typically, one full-day trip and two half-day excursions are organized each week, allowing foreign students to explore Irish culture, history, and providing intensive language practice.

Beyond studying, international students can relax and make new friends from different countries. They can participate in various fun games, competitions, and sports events, creating lasting memories.

• Standard English: This program focuses on General English, helping foreign students improve their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. It also includes various creative events such as quizzes, games, and teamwork. The program consists of 15 hours of lessons per week, equivalent to 20 classes. Lessons are conducted in small groups, typically with 13 to 15 students.

• English + Multi Activity: In addition to 20 lessons of General English, this program offers sports or arts classes that last 45 minutes per week. Experienced coaches and teachers lead these extracurricular activities. Students can also learn to play sports like football, rugby, golf, or explore their creative side in theatrical arts. The intensity of additional classes ranges from 4 to 25 academic hours per week.

• Individual Study in Teacher's Family: This learning format offers personalized classes tailored to the student's abilities. Lessons are conducted in a homely and cozy atmosphere, providing comfort and saving time needed to commute to a traditional language school. The academic intensity can reach 30 hours of English classes per week, with 50% of the study time allocated to educational excursions conducted jointly with the teacher. Alternatively, students can opt for a language course coupled with sports activities.

Staying with a teacher's family is an option in three major Irish cities: Dublin, Cork, and Limerick. For those interested in studying along the Atlantic Ocean coast, elite schools in County Galway offer a captivating experience. Prestigious language summer camps in Ireland often operate on the premises of esteemed schools and universities, including Dublin, Cork, and Maynooth University campuses.

Top 35 best UK camps and summer schools 2024

Top 20 best camps and summer schools in USA 2024

Top 9 best camps and summer schools in Scotland 2024