Learning a second language is a gateway to new cultures, ideas, and opportunities. For children, mastering another language can improve cognitive development, enhance problem-solving abilities, and even boost future career prospects. While classroom learning is important, real-world exposure is key to truly grasping a new language. That’s where travel comes in.

When children are immersed in another culture, they don’t just learn vocabulary—they pick up accents, intonations, and everyday phrases that aren’t taught in textbooks. Plus it gives them the cultural and social context for the language, making learning more than just a verbal exercise. Travel also offers them the chance to engage with native speakers in authentic settings, from ordering food in a local café to chatting with new friends at a park. It turns language learning into a living, breathing experience.

From summer camps to family-friendly immersion programs, travel-based language learning is the perfect way to complement traditional study.

Language-learning travel apps

Language-learning travel apps are an increasingly popular way for families to develop language skills before or during their travels. Companies like Babbel and Duolingo offer travel-focused language courses that help users master essential phrases and vocabulary tailored to real-world situations. These apps provide a flexible, convenient way for families to start learning a language before heading off to their destination, but their true value often comes when combined with actual travel experiences.

For example, children might use their language skills to order food in local markets, ask for directions at a museum, or interact with native speakers they meet along the way. This combination of digital learning and real-world practice makes the language more relevant and easier to retain. Additionally, some apps offer features like Duolingo Events, where users can meet up with fellow learners in cities like Berlin or Mexico City, creating an opportunity to practice the language in social settings.

Language immersion programs

Language immersion travel programs offer various ways for children to engage with a new language, combining practical use with cultural exposure in real-world settings. These programs go beyond traditional classroom learning, immersing children in everyday conversations and activities that encourage natural language acquisition.

One highly regarded option is Concordia Language Villages, which offers immersive language programs for families and children in 18 different languages. The camps are in-person in Minnesota, although some are also available online. The in-person camps provide an authentic cultural setting where participants “live” the language through activities like cooking, arts and crafts, games, and community events, all while learning languages such as Spanish, French, and German.

Homestay programs also provide immersive experiences by placing children with host families in countries like Germany, Japan, Ghana, or Italy. Organizations like the Experiment in International Living offer opportunities for children to live with local families and practice their language skills in daily life, from family meals to social gatherings. These interactions create a natural setting in which children can absorb the language through real-world experiences.

In addition to longer-term programs, WorldStrides offers language immersion tours to destinations like Italy, Spain, and Japan. These family-friendly tours combine sightseeing with daily language lessons, allowing families to learn together while exploring historical sites and interacting with locals.

For those seeking immersion opportunities closer to home, the FLAP (Foreign Language Adventure Program) in Montreal and Quebec offers English and French immersion camps that mix language learning with adventure activities. These programs provide a fun and engaging environment for both children and families.

International schools

International schools with dual-language curriculums offer a structured, long-term solution for families looking to immerse their children in a bilingual environment. These schools provide a balanced education in which children learn subjects in both the local language and a second language, often English. For families who travel frequently or live abroad, enrolling their children in such schools can be a great way to ensure consistent language development alongside their regular education.

For example, the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle in London offers a French-English bilingual program, allowing children to develop fluency in both languages while receiving a high-quality education. Similarly, in Asia, the International School of Beijing has a dual-language immersion program in which students are taught in both Mandarin and English. This approach allows children to master one of the world’s most spoken languages while still receiving instruction in English. In South America, schools like Colegio Internacional SEK in Quito, Ecuador, offer Spanish-English immersion, helping children gain proficiency in both languages while exploring the local culture.

Cultural exchange programs

Cultural exchange programs offer a fantastic way for older children and teens to immerse themselves in another language while experiencing a new culture firsthand. These programs often focus on fostering mutual understanding between cultures, but they also provide an excellent environment in which participants can naturally develop language skills through daily interactions and immersion. Programs such as Rotary Youth Exchange and AFS Intercultural Programs are well-known for their extensive networks, offering opportunities to live abroad for a semester or even a full year.

In these exchanges, students live with host families and attend local schools, in which they are fully immersed in the language and daily life of their host country. Rotary Youth Exchange, for instance, operates in over 100 countries, giving teens the chance to live in places such as Brazil, Germany, or Japan, where they attend school and participate in community activities. AFS Intercultural Programs follows a similar model, offering exchanges in countries like Italy and Thailand.

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Study abroad programs for families

Study abroad programs for families provide an engaging opportunity for both parents and children to learn together in an immersive environment. These programs are designed to offer structured language learning while allowing families to experience a new culture as a unit. Through a combination of language classes, cultural activities, and guided tours, families can enjoy a well-rounded educational adventure in which everyone is engaged.

Globe Aware offers family-friendly programs in destinations like Peru, India, and Kenya, where families can combine language lessons with volunteer work, creating an immersive learning environment for both kids and adults. The language aspect is reinforced by interacting with locals while participating in meaningful projects that teach about the local culture. Another great option is Language Vacation, which provides family language learning trips to destinations like France and Costa Rica. These programs blend formal lessons with cultural experiences, including cooking classes and guided tours, allowing families to practice their language skills in real-world settings.

FAQs: 

Q: What age is appropriate for children to start language immersion travel programs?
A: Most programs are designed for children as young as 7 or 8, but some family-oriented programs accommodate younger children. It’s important to check the specific age requirements for each program to ensure a good fit.

Q: How long do language immersion programs typically last?
A: Programs vary in length, ranging from one-week immersion tours to month-long camps or even year-long exchanges. The duration depends on the type of program and the level of immersion desired.

Q: Do these programs require fluency before participating?
A: No, most programs are designed for beginners and intermediate learners. They offer language classes tailored to different skill levels, ensuring children can start learning or improve their existing skills while traveling.

Q: What are the typical costs for language immersion travel programs?
A: Costs can range widely based on location, duration, and type of program. Shorter tours might start around $1,500, while summer camps and longer homestays can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 or more, including travel expenses.

Q: Do these programs provide supervision for younger children?
A: Yes, programs for children and teens often provide structured supervision. Camps and homestay programs ensure that participants are monitored by trained staff or host families to ensure safety and support.

Q: Can families with dietary restrictions participate in these programs?
A: Many programs accommodate dietary needs, especially family-focused or international school options. It’s important to communicate any restrictions in advance so that proper arrangements can be made for meals during the trip.

Do you have any experience with any of these programs? Tell us about it in the comments below!