Cap d'Ail
Summary Info:
Ages: 13-17
Location: Cap d'Ail, along the French Riviera and just minutes away from Monaco
Accommodation: Residential in shared dormitories
Duration: 2, 3 or 4 weeks
Availability: mid-June through August only
Supervision: 24 hour supervision
Cap d'Ail is located in the South of France, at the heart of the French Riviera, in between Nice and Monaco. This Summer Language Camp is an international language school for young teenagers. The camp is set in a beautiful wooded floral park nestling on the hillside overlooking the Mediterranean at 100 meters above sea level. It is the perfect safe location for young people to learn French. Its cultural commitment and pedagogical experience attracts approximately 4,000 youths and 200 teachers each year. The Centre is located 1 kilometre from the border of the Principality of Monaco, 15 kilometres from Nice and 20 kilometres from the Italian border. Cap d'Ail is a safe, fun environment for teens to meet new friends, practice French and experience the beauty of the South of France.
To read what students and parents had to say about their Cap d'Ail experience click here
School
Since 1988, the Centre has welcomed over 9,000 teenagers during the summer period, aged between 13 and 17 years old and coming from around the world. Between mid-June and the end of August, the Centre accommodates about 500 teenagers - a limited number which allows special attention to each and every student. The programme favours intercultural exchanges between young people, as the international context of this summer camp provides the opportunity for teenagers to meet other international students, encourages open-mindedness and prepares adolescents for the future.
All French lessons are compulsory, as is Saturday's weekly excursion. However, all evening and afternoon activities are optional in order for students to hone their independence skills and participate in activities that most interest them. Nevertheless, the team leader's role is to encourage the students to take part in a maximum number of activities. Qualified staff are on site 24 hours a day and they handle all transfers to and from the centre. They also organise cultural and sports activities in the evenings and supervise the dormitories, ensuring the well-being of the students. All teachers are qualified to teach French as a foreign language, and their lessons are not only beneficial but also enjoyable for teenagers.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided with full board. Students stay in rooms with 2 to 5 beds per room, and dorms are spread among three buildings. Catering is self-service, offering balanced meals cooked in kitchens on-site. The cafeteria stays open in the evenings so students can meet up in a friendly, festive environment. Various forms of entertainment take place several times a week: cinema, magic displays, dances, tasting of new foods, etc. There is a team of housekeepers who look after the practical side of the campus; they manage the cafeteria and meal preparation, clean the bedrooms and maintain the overall cleanliness of the centre, not forgetting the upkeep of the fabulous 3-hectare garden. Each week on Sunday morning laundry is collected and it is returned on Wednesday afternoon. All students' laundry must be clearly labeled. Do not give delicate clothes to launder.
The Centre is a secure area, and access to it is supervised 24 hours a day. Students can move around freely and safely, and there are guardians who control the authorized outings in the afternoons.
Courses
15 French lessons per week are provided as standard.
A priority is placed on oral expression, with teaching based on simulations, role playing, etc. with the aim to encourage spontaneous oral expression and aid listening skills. The lessons are also aimed at helping the students prepare for the French DELF examination, Advanced Placement exam (AP College Board) or International Baccalaureate (IBO) in "French Language". The course can cater to beginners all the way up to advanced students. The "Attestation Européenne d'Etudes Françaises" (European Council Portfolio) is awarded to students who have attended classes regularly at the end of their stay.
The teaching staff is experienced and well-trained. All have graduated from Nice University with qualifications to teach French as a Foreign Language. Introduced in 2001, the Centre thus adopted the CECRL (the European referencing for languages), allowing them to establish a teaching syllabus to ensure progress is being made. At the end of each course students' levels are assessed and given a European certificate of French studies, which has been drawn up by the school and is based on the criteria of the CECRL.
Schedule
There is a maximum of 15 students per class, with 15 compulsory lessons per week provided. All students take a placement test on the first day to ensure they are placed in the appropriate level.
Classes are held Monday through Friday. Excursions are on Saturdays.
- 08:45 to 10:15 - Basic French, work on writing and, most importantly, speaking skills.
- 10:45 to 12:15 - Creative expression workshops (theatre, newspapers and media, poems, French music, etc.).
- The afternoon is filled with various activities to suit every interest, and swimming is offered every day (weather permitting).
Activities
Standard activities and excursions are included in the programme fees.
In the afternoons, students are free to enroll with their team leaders using their personal ID card in order to take part in the activities.
There are many supervised sports activities in Cap d'Ail and Monaco (catamaran and windsurfing, snorkelling, kayak, tennis, swimming, etc.) . Swimming takes place on the nicest beaches between Nice and Monaco and are always supervised by our appointed swimming instructors and team leaders.
There are several optional activities available for students that cost a supplemental fee. Afternoon sport training in sailing and tennis (2 days per week) and a NEW "Adventure Sports" incliding scuba diving, rock climbing, tree climbing, and canyoning). Please ask EIL for more details and prices if you are interested in booking.
Evening entertainment is organised as either a large group activity or a small workshop. Students take part in the activities according to their preference (sporting tournaments, cooking, plastic art, bilingual clubs, etc.).
A supervised outing to Monaco "by night" is organised regularly, as well as jazz or classical concerts at the amphitheatre.
FAQ
Questions
Can I allow my child to smoke?
How do I get to Cap d'Ail?
What happens if my child gets hurt while at camp?
How much money will my child need?
Is there a safe place they can keep their passport?
What do I need to bring?
What is the staff to student ratio?
Do the camp staff have training?
What is the supervision during excursions?
Answers
-
Can I allow my child to smoke?
No. For the protection of young minors (health and safety and risk of fire) smoking is strictly forbidden in schools in accordance with French law. This rule is authorised by the Youth and Sports Ministry. Even with parental permission, smoking or any alcohol consumption is not allowed and is grounds for dismissal.
-
How do I get to Cap d'Ail?
Transfers on both arrival and departure are included from Nice Airport, as well as Monaco Railway station. Students are met by members of staff. Aer Lingus flies to Nice during the summer exiting Cork and Dublin. Ryanair flies to Nice exiting Dublin as well.
-
What happens if my child gets hurt while at camp?
First Aid is on hand at reception where the members of staff who are certified in First Aid (AFPS) take care of all minor injuries under the supervision by the management at the Centre. In cases of illness or a more serious injury, a doctor from Monaco would be called in to intervene. The nearest hospital is only 1 kilometre away and is situated in Monaco.
Nota Bene: The medical form which you receive on enrolment must be carefully completed and returned to the centre before your child's stay. Medication details should be given extra attention and be clearly legible.
-
How much money will my child need?
The only money students will need, aside from a €50 refundable deposit, is pocket money for snacks, souvenirs or personal items. It is up to the parents' discretion to decide on an appropriate figure. All entrance fees and activities are inclusive. To be safe, pocket money is given out 3 times a week in the afternoon: Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
-
Is there a safe place they can keep their passport?
Students are asked upon check-in to put their money and passport in the school safe for the duration of their stay. They may also put their return flight information/tickets in the safe as well. We do not recommend students bringing excessive expensive items such as jewelry or electronics. Mobiles are permitted, but not during class or activities.
-
What do I need to bring?
The weather will be very warm, so light clothes are recommended. Bring a sweatshirt at night to cover up if it gets cool. Suncream is essential. For sports, bring sport shoes, t-shirts and shorts. For swimming, bring 2 swimsuits and towels. Bed linen is provided; bath towels are not.
-
What is the staff to student ratio?
The staff to student ratio is 1 member of staff per 12 students. This includes during all activities and excursions.
-
Do the camp staff have training?
Camp staff are all fully trained in the care of minors and all hold a specific diploma. In France, this is called a BAFA (Brevet d’Aptitude aux Fonctions d’Animateur). The average age of most of the camp counselors is 22-23 years of age.
-
What is the supervision during excursions?
Supervision is still 1 staff member per 12 students during excursions. Only those students with parental permission to be unsupervised before 7pm are allowed to leave the group to explore without a leader present. Those without this permission must stay with the leader at all times.
Supervision
The Centre is an enclosed and secure 3 hectare camp, guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The students can move around safely and freely. Teenagers who wish to go out alone until 7:00pm may only do so if they have signed authorisation from their parents or legal guardian.
Dates/Prices
Summer 2010 - Dates and prices
2 weeks: €1719, 3 weeks: €2205, 4 weeks: €2702
One week of additional Intensive Tennis: €120
One week of additional Intensive Sailing : €120
Additional French lessons per week (DELF Preparation): €90 for 6 hours a week 3h x 2 afternoons
Adventure Sports, max one week allowed (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday): €190
Please ask for dates available for each additional activity.
Arrival Dates 2010:
20th June Few spaces left, 2 week course only
27th June Fully Booked
4th July Fully Booked
11th July Fully Booked
18th July
25th July
1st August (2 or 3 weeks) Adventure sport option fully booked
8th August (2 weeks)
Departures are on Saturdays.
Fee Includes: Accommodation, all meals, language lessons, cultural activities, afternoon sports activities, evening entertainment, insurance with Caremed, excursions and return transfers from NICE airport. NOT INCLUDED: Flights and pocket money.
Apply
In order to apply, please post the following back to our office:
- Application Form completed in full.
- Deposit of €350 to secure a place on a course. Cheque, bank draft or postal order is to be made out to "EIL Intercultural Learning".
- 2 passport photos
Please do NOT book flights until you receive written notification from EIL that your course and dates are confirmed.
N/B: All signatures by parents and student must be complete. Incomplete application will delay your booking and can result in not obtaining a place on your desired course or dates.
Get involved with EIL on: 
EIL Intercultural Learning, 1 Empress Place, Summerhill North, Cork, County Cork, Republic of Ireland.
email: info@eilireland.org telephone: +353 (0)21 4551535 lowcall: 1850 292939 fax: +353 (0)21 4551587
cc by-sa 2010 EIL Intercultural Learning