Teach at a Language Camp This Summer
Work as a Teacher and Counselor at an Educational Camp Abroad
Jun 20, 2009
Sometimes a fantastic place to learn a language is...the great outdoors? Language camps exist around the world and are a place for teachers and students alike to enjoy a unique summer experience.
What is a Language Camp?
Language camps are like most summer camps in that they are typically not day camps, are somewhere rural, and offer outdoor activities. Language camps, however, offer language instruction in addition to the other activities common to most other types of summer camps.
Duration of Language Camps
While some last the entire summer, others may only last one to two weeks. It may be possible, if working at a week-long camp, to participate in more than one session. Teachers should check with the director or coordinator at camps they are interested in for more details about teaching at multiple sessions.
Basic Requirements for Working at a Language Camp
Teaching experience is often either required or at least recommended, but being a native speaker of the language is usually a basic qualification. Other beneficial characteristics include:
- an interest in working with children and/or young adults
- the ability to handle unpredictable situations
- strong leadership skills and an ease with managing large groups
- comfort with public speaking
- willingness to supervise groups of children both in the classroom and for other camp activities
While these qualifications are important, an enthusiasm for teaching and for the subject to be taught are essential.
How to Find Opportunities Online to Teach at a Language Camp
Positions as a teacher and/or counselor at a language camp can be found through international job boards such as the one available on the website Dave's ESL Cafe, or in a database like jobsabroad.com. The site KidsCamps has an advanced search feature, where it's possible to search by country for language camps.
Additional Ways to Find Teaching Jobs at a Summer Language Camp
For teachers currently working overseas (or even for teachers or potential teachers still in their home country), consider consulting fellow teachers in a language department to try and network. Often at least one teacher, or a friend or colleague of a teacher, may have some sort of connection to a language camp. Making contacts is often one of the easiest ways to find a fun opportunity like teaching English or another subject at a summer camp.
When looking for a unique summer job abroad, consider work as a teacher and/or counselor at a language camp. It's a great opportunity to meet new people, gain more teaching experience, and spend time enjoying the outdoors in another country.
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