Program / Programa

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are all the camps that are available this summer listed on the website?

No. Not all of the camp sites are named. There is brief information about some of them, as a sample, so you get a brief idea of what kind of camps exist on the Camp Description Section.

  • What is the role I will be performing?

As an Language Coach, you have to create and run your own program for a few hours every day to teach english to kids; through games, group dynamics, sports, creative activities, etc.
The weekly stipend you receive is determined by your expertise level and responsibilities.
After your teaching sessions, you will become a regular camp support staff.

  • I really wanted to know about the different options of working with this camp. Is there a list of the different locations and the focus of each camp- the web site said that not all the camps were listed online. I am very interested in some of the camps mentioned on the site, but wanted to know the full list.

The rest of camps, are English Teaching camps, mainly in Central-South Germany, and because they are private camps, they do not allow us to give their contact info and further description, until a pre agreement has been made with each successful applicant.
At the moment of being offered a placement, in one of these camps, you will get an information package with all details.

They are all basically summer schools for local children, adapted at guest houses, hostels, or the sort in small countryside German towns.

I hope you fin this information useful.

  • This leads to my next question, do I need ESL training of any sort?

You do not need the ESL course, but experience working with kids will get you a higher weekly stipend.
Full knowledge of English is necessary.

  • What is the Weekly Stipend policy?

From 75 euros/ week up to 250 Euros / week + 70 Euros for transfer money. 

  • In which cities are the training programs held at?

- For ALL placements, the training sessions for summer 2012 will be held in Germany.
There are other camps that require a more specific training, according to the nature of each summer camp
(i.e. Horseback Riding Camp, ESA camp (European Space Agency, Rock Climbing Camp, etc)
If you are assigned to one of these camps, you still have to attend the General Mandatory Camp,
and then the corresponding to your placement, which are normally 2 or 3 days before the start of the program.

Training session (June 22nd - June 25th, 2012) will be held in Neuburg (near Munich).

(during training your room & board are covered,  but you do not receive a stipend).

NOTE: Whether a placement begins right after a training session will depend on the country/camp where your placement is.

  • When I am working at the camps, will I be working 7 days a week?  Would I get weekends off?

Normally, the weekly season of camp is: Starts opn a Sunday Evening, it finishes on a Saturday morning. So, between Saturday non (after clean up) you have time to either relax or go out with other staff.
During the working week, you get one night off, that means that after dinner and until breakfast the next day, you get time off, as well.
That is something you will discuss with your camp director.

  • Does Camp Europe provide transportation to the small town where I am working…?

You will get picked up at the airport, or there is a good chance it could be at the train station too. From there, you will be driven to the training site. After the 4 day training session, you will have time to travel around, either by yourself or with people you meet at the training, and you must show up in time for your placement. For this reason, you will get a pocket money stipend of 70 euros, to help you soften the economic impact on this journey.

  • Will I be compensated during training?

Room & Board is provided during the training.  No weekly stipend, though.

  • Is bringing a laptop feasible?

You will get a packing list later on through the process.  A Laptop is OK to bring.

  • Can you provide me with the e-mail addresses of some of my fellow counsellors before the summer so we can get in contact and perhaps plan some traveling together?

Every year, we create a pool of emails with all participants that accept to share their emails in order to get in contact with other participants.
The email for participants to get in contact with each other will be sent in May.

  • Are there any additional expenses I should be prepared for?

Depending on your plans, but basically: Your plane ticket, any hostels you might need to sleep and meals while not at camp, other transportation, souvenirs & any personals.

  • What is the Official Certificate of International Internship Participation?

The Certificate is for Canadians that use the program as their Internship articipation towards getting credits at their university.

  • What are the deadlines?

There is a PDF document where you can get a calendar for deadlines. However, the placements normally are assigned to people long before the deadlines. we recommend applying as soon as possible or there might be no more placements available for 2012.

  • I was introduced to Camp Europe by a friend who had an amazing time with the program two years ago.  However, she has
    told me that she was paid a stipend of 300 euros per week, while the current website of Camp Europe states that the stipend is 50 euros per week for    counselors who have no previous experience. So I wish to clarify with you which information is correct.  Thank you very much for your help,

I would gladly answer completely to your concern. However, since I do not know which friend and which camp did she attended, I can not confirm nor deny your statement.

You see, the stipend depends on many factors, such as previous experience, the amount of time (weeks) that you commit for, the position ranted, travel expenses, and the season that each individual gets to work during their internship. (spring and fall placements are better paid; 250 euros per week for Language Trainers.

After reviewing your application and the interview, you get assigned a category.

During SUMMER season, You would be getting a stipend of 50, 100 or 150 EUROS, accordingly.  By the way, for the transportation, IF you need to change from placement to placement, you get 70 EUROS, each time.

This is a total of 220 EUROS, roughly $300 Canadian, per week, plus full room & Board while in your internship placements in Europe.

  • Do I need to sign a contract?

Prior to departure you will sign a Memorandum of Understanding, which may have minor changes according to your assigned camp, and country of placement; however the main elements and terms and conditions will remain unchanged. During the on-site training session, any final contract particulars can be discussed with coordinators.

  • Do I need a visa?

Visas are generally not needed; however if you wish to be granted an internship permit from the Consulate / Embassy of your host country, we can provide you with a letter of invitation upon request stating your participation in the program as an intern. In order to receive this letter, you must be a student, and provide the Consulate / Embassy a letter from your university stating your full-time enrolment, so your participation can be granted as an Internship. Non-EU counselors can intern in Germany and or Austria for up to 3 months provided they are students. All counselors must bring 3 copies of their passports and 3 copies of their proof of university enrolment. Coordinators are required to view these documents prior to contract signing.

  • Is it mandatory to get the medical insurance, even if I have international coverage?

Yes. We are able to offer these placements thanks to a special package that Camp Europe in Germany has for ALL its participants.
This insurance covers medical expenses for participants while they are on site at any of the camps; it is NOT travel insurance.

  • Is it possible to prolong the number of placement weeks?

Yes; however, contract extension decisions are to be agreed upon directly with the Camp Europe representatives in your host country in Europe.
Every year we have a few spots available to teach English during the Spring and the Fall.  If you are interested, make sure to let us know on your application and during the interview.

  • How old are the other counselors and where do they come from?

They come from everywhere: USA, UK, India, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Canada, of course.
The counselors are generally between 20 and 35 years old. Working always in mixed age groups, tolerance and respect for diversity is found in the training groups as well as in our camp groups.

  • Do I have to be a Language Coach? What activities will I be leading?

No; however you will be running all camp programs in English, creating a full English language immersion experience for campers.
General counsellor activities include: drama, sports, group games, arts & crafts.

  • Am I required to follow an exact program?

There are main goals within the programs with the content set out in a carefully outlined program; however, the specific activities which are used to reach these goals can vary according to your skills and interests.  This will all be discussed in detail during the training program.

  • Do I have to be able to speak the hosting country’s language?

No, but be prepared to get immersed in the local language, and be open to the idea of exploring the culture and trying your hand at a foreign language.

  • Does Camp Europe provide the flight to Europe?

No, we are not a travel agency. However, we can provide tips and offer suggestions, based on our experience.

Airfare reservations and purchases are the responsibility of each participant.

  • Is travelling mandatory?

Backpacking before or after your placement is not mandatory of course, but most students wish to take advantage of their stay in Europe to do some sightseeing! Depending on the training session, and your placement dates, you may have an opportunity to travel before your training session, between your training session and placement, and/or after your placement.