This July, Chester College International School celebrates a very special anniversary: the 40th edition of its language immersion summer camps. Since 1985, our school located on the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela has offered children and teenagers from 3 to 17 years of age the opportunity to live a unique experience of intensive learning in English, and more recently - as of 2010 - also in Spanish, in a natural, safe and familiar environment.
What began as a pioneering initiative in Galicia has become, over the years, a national benchmark in the field of language and muti-activity summer camps and summer schools. The personalised approach, the attention to detail and the constant commitment to pedagogical quality have been key to consolidate this educational project that has accompanied thousands of children and young people during their summer holidays.
Every July (although in the first years, the camps also took place in August), Chester College welcomes students from Santiago de Compostela, and also from different parts of Galicia, Spain and abroad, creating a truly international community. The coexistence between students from different cultures, together with a very low ratio (1 teacher for every 8 students), allows not only to improve linguistic competence in English or Spanish, but also to develop social skills, autonomy and self-confidence.
The programmes combine dynamic language classes, taught by experienced native teachers, with a wide variety of sporting, artistic, musical and leisure activities, all within the school campus, surrounded by nature. The aim is for learning to take place in a natural and fun way, through communication and active participation.
Over the last 40 years, the walls of the school have also witnessed castings and enthusiastic rehearsals to stage two annual Musicals in style, and also witnessed more subtle or striking personal evolutions of the children and teens involved.
As the many testimonials collected over the years emphasise, Chester College has been much more than a school or a camp: it has been for some an oasis of learning and fun; a place to learn, to grow, to spread one's wings and to build lifelong friendships. This summer, more than ever, there is reason to celebrate.
Mote information at: https://www.chestercollege.org/en/camps/