French summer camp in Cap d'Ai
This French summer camp is set in a beautiful wooded floral park nestled on a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean and offers the perfect safe location for teenagers to take summer courses to learn French. The camp's cultural commitment and teaching experience attracts approximately 4,000 young people and 200 teachers each year, and can cater to a range of abilities, from beginners to advanced students. The French summer camp is located in the heart of the French Riviera at Cap d'Al, 1 km from the border of the Principality of Monaco, 15 km from Nice and 20 km from the Italian border. Cap d'Ail is a safe, fun environment for teens to meet new friends, practice their French and expand their vocabulary, and experience the beauty of the South of France.
Summary Information
Ages: 13-17
Location: Cap d'Ail, Cote d'Azur, very close to Monaco
Accommodation: Shared residential dormitories
Duration: 2, 3 or 4 weeks
Availability: Mid-June through August only
Supervision: 24-hour supervision
To read what students and parents had to say about their Cap d'Ail experiences, please click here.
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School
French summer camp for teenagers
Since 1988, the French summer camp specifically designed for teenage summer courses has welcomed over 9,000 teenagers, 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 for summer school- 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 while encouraging French to be spoken as the common language.
All French classes, taught in French, 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 leaders' roles are 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
Onsite secure dorms
With this French summer programme, accommodation is provided with full board. Students stay in rooms with 3 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 and speak French 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 mornings, laundry is collected and it is returned on Wednesday afternoons. 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 authorised outings in the afternoons.
Courses
From beginners to advanced French students
15 French lessons per week are provided as standard, which can be upgraded to 21 for an additional fee.
Priority is placed on oral expression; teaching is based on simulations, role playing, etc., with the aim of encouraging spontaneous oral expression and aid listening skills. While there is no specific Leaving Certificate preparation course here, the focus on French grammar and oral expression will certainly help students with their exams, as there are lessons that are aimed at helping 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
French classes in the morning, activities in French in the afternoon
Classes are held Monday through Friday and 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).
There is a maximum of 15 students per class, with 15 compulsory lessons per week provided as standard. All students take a placement test on the first day to ensure they are placed in the appropriate level.
Activities
Supervised sports, cultural and social activities in French
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, snorkeling, kayaking, tennis, swimming, etc.). Swimming takes place on the nicest beaches between Nice and Monaco and are always supervised by appointed swimming instructors and team leaders.
There are several optional activities vailable for students that cost a supplemental fee. Afternoon sport training in sailing and tennis (4 days per week for 2 hours per day) and a new "Adventure Sports" activity, including scuba diving, rock climbing, tree climbing, and canyoning. Please contact EIL for more details and prices.
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 passports?
- 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 immediate dismissal without a refund.
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 currently flies to Nice during the summer exiting Cork and Dublin. Ryanair flies to Nice exiting Dublin as well. Please note that flights are not included in any EIL programme fee and must be arranged by the parents/participants.
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 will be called in to intervene. The nearest hospital is only 1 kilometre away and is located in Monaco.
N.B. The medical form that you will 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 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 passports?
Students are asked upon check-in to put their money and passports 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
Secure supervision
This centre for kids and teenagers is loated on an enclosed and secure 3 hectare camp, guarded 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. 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 before arrival, and even then only when given permission by camp staff.
Dates/Prices
2012 French Camp prices
| Length | Cost |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | €1786 |
| 3 weeks | €2297 |
| 4 weeks | €2819 |
Additional French lessons per week (DELF Preparation): €95 for 6 additional lessons per week; 3 hours x 2 afternoons
- One week of Adventure Sports: €195 (one week only allowed per student)
Please ask for dates available for each additional activity.
Arrival Dates 2012
- 17 June
- 24 June
- 1 July
- 8 July
- 15 July
- 22 July
- 29 July (for 2 or 3 weeks only)
- 5 August (for 2 weeks only)
Departures are on Saturdays.
Included in the fee
- Accommodation with full board
- 15 language lessons per week
- Cultural activities
- Afternoon sports activities
- Evening entertainment
- Insurance with CareMed
- Excursions
- Return transfers from NICE Airport
Not included in the fee
- Flights
- Pocket money
Apply
Apply for your French summer abroad programme today!
In order to apply to the camp, please post the following back to our office:
- Application Form completed in full.
- €350 non-refundable deposit. Cheque, bank draft or postal order is to be made out to "EIL Intercultural Learning".
- 1 passport photo
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 present. Incomplete applications will delay your booking and can result in not obtaining a place on your desired course or dates.
