Frequently Asked Questions

For Parents

Q: How do I know my child is ready for a Language Village experience?

A: You know your child better than anyone. So while there are individual needs to consider, a young person should be able to: provide their own personal care (dressing, showering, selecting clothes); move independently from place to place; live cooperatively with others in a cabin setting. See A Typical Day.

• For month-long villagers, a young person should have the emotional resilience to handle the demands of a rigorous academic program.
• For Voyageur villagers, both physical and emotional resilience is necessary to be able to live in tents and enjoy a wilderness experience.

Q: How do I decide which session my child attends?

A: Consider the age and interest of your child. One-week sessions are called “exploratory sessions,” giving the villager an introduction to language learning. Two-week sessions, our most popular program, are for both first time and returning villagers. They are designed to provide a more in-depth immersion experience and new activities are offered every summer. All language speakers, from beginning to advanced (immersion school students and fluent speakers included), are challenged at their appropriate level. Four-week credit sessions earn the villager high school or college credit, and are intensive and innovative programs for older students.

Q: What language should my child choose?

A: With 14 languages to choose from, this can be a tough decision!

 Talk with your child about what interests he or she might have in learning another language or about another culture. Some children choose a language to learn more about their family’s heritage. Others base their choice on what language is offered at their school; in this way the Village experience can serve as an extension to classroom learning. Still other children opt for trying a second or third language, often supplementing what their school curriculum provides.

Q: How does my child learn the language when counselors don’t explain words in English?

A: Speaking the language to villagers, without using English, is a hallmark of immersion language learning. We use many learning techniques to help comprehension: gestures, pictures, pointing, facial expressions, actual objects, mime, repetition, examples and demonstrations, just to name a few. “Context” is important, meaning everything is grounded in daily life at the Villages to help language learners understand. We make deliberate use of routines and normal activity. But the staff will use English with villagers for health and safety reasons, and also at times in the cabin to make sure that everyone is feeling comfortable in the Village no matter what their language level. If your child is a beginner, you can rest assured that we will make it fun and understandable! See A Typical Day.

For Villagers

Q: What if I don’t understand what’s going on?

A: Good question. Our counselors understand that it’s new for you. It gets a lot easier after the first day or so. Whether it’s music, skits, meals or sports, they will be right there to help you get the hang of things.

Q: Do I choose a new name at the Villages?

A: Yes! In fact, just bring yourself and leave your real name behind! When you arrive at the Villages, you’ll choose a “new” name that connects with the language you're learning. For your Village experience you'll wear a nametag so others will know who you are (and just in case you forget your new name!)

Q: Can I write to my family back home?

A: Sure! They’ll want to know what you’ve been up to! You’ll have time every day to write letters; your Village store has stamps in case you run out. Your family can write to you, fax you a note, and send you care packages, too.

Q: What should I bring?

A: Think comfort here because this is the Villages! Be prepared for all kinds of weather: shorts, t-shirts, jeans, swimwear, rain jacket. Bring clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty during outdoor activities and one nicer outfit for banquets, festivals and dances. Pack your toothbrush, shampoo and sunscreen, too.

Q: Do I need to bring money?

A: It’s not necessary, but a little spending money for the stores is a good way to also practice the language! A Village bank will exchange your money for the currency used in your Village, such as Euros at Waldsee or Yuan at Sen Lin Hu. Each Village has a store for snacks, soda, Village t-shirts and cultural souvenirs.

Q: Will I like the food?

A: Our cooks are experts in this area – from breakfast to four-course dinners! You will be asked to try some foods you’ve never had before. Some might look a little weird, but once you give them a try, you’ll be surprised at how much you like them. Every Village has the basics that you’re sure to like (and desserts, too). They also serve vegetarian meals and other meals for villagers who have special dietary needs.

Q: What if I don’t feel well?

A: When you arrive at the Villages, you will meet with the Village nurse to review any medication you might be taking. If you feel sick, or even if you just need a band-aid, your counselors will take you to see your Village nurse. And it’s also normal to miss home if you’re away for the first time. Your counselors want to make sure you’re having a good time; they’ll be there for you.