The Case for Summer School Abroad
We’re in the thick of summer right now, but it’s never too early to be thinking about your summer plans for next year. Might I make a recommendation? Signing your kids up for summer school in a foreign country.
I’m going to assume some flexibility here — you’re able to work remotely, are off during the summer, or pool your vacation days together to take a few weeks away. If any of these sound like your situation, then let’s dive into why (and what it takes) for your kids to experience a summer (school) abroad.
It’s not just about spending the summer abroad, it’s about embarking on a transformative journey. Experiencing a different culture and language can bring families closer together and for many, it’s a life-changing experience.
Enrolling your child in a local school abroad is not just about learning a language or making friends, it’s about broadening their global outlook. It’s like a cultural exchange program on steroids, offering a unique and valuable educational experience.
This past summer, we decided to do just that with our seven-year-old.
Each summer, we trek abroad to visit my husband’s family in Germany but this year, we enrolled our son in a school near my husband’s hometown. Like many Northern European schools, their summer vacation starts mid-July, so the timing is perfect. Our primary reason for enrolling him in school was a chance for him to deepen his language. My mother-in-law helped us enroll and shared what to expect.
Four weeks into this experience, my son’s language has improved incredibly well. He speaks more confidently and easily navigates between English and German. Plus, he’s had fun experiencing the differences between German and American schools. His favorite difference so far is getting to go home for lunch!
The logistics of enrolling your child into a school abroad might seem daunting, but there are resources out there that can help. First, start with your own school. Many New Orleans schools have “sister school” programs in France. If France isn’t your cup of tea, contact your school’s foreign language department. Parents have found success in partnering with a foreign language teacher to help identify a school and navigate paperwork. I’ve found that teachers are often happy to help and share their bit of home.
Once you’ve identified a town and school, prepare your kid by creating a slideshow of their life. They will likely be the talk of their class, and giving their new classmates a window into their American world will help make the transition easier.
Remember, flexibility is key. Summer school abroad is about enhancing your child’s worldview, but it’s still school, which can be daunting. If your child wants to attend only some days or if they want you to shadow a class, be open and flexible to accommodate their needs.
Above all, be open to trying a very different way of spending your summer. Sure, the logistics take some work, but is it any harder than navigating who knows how many camps in various locations through New Orleans? Hardly.
I’d love to hear from you if you’re considering summer school abroad!
