2027 summer camps in 10+ countries around the world with chaperones from Smapse

What age are summer camps designed for?

Summer schools generally accept children from 10-12 to 17 years old, but there are quite a few options for younger children as well — from 5-6 years old. Our experts will help you find a camp that matches your criteria.

How many weeks is it best to send a child to camp for?

All programs run for a minimum of 2 weeks. On average, parents send their children for 4 weeks.

What level of foreign language is required for admission to a summer program?

For a language camp, any level of proficiency is fine: on the first day the school runs a placement test and assigns the child to the appropriate group based on the results. For an academic camp, the minimum level of English is B2.

If my child has allergies, will the host organization take their dietary needs into account?

Yes, of course. We will select camps that meet this requirement and make sure to specify all details related to your child's health, so that the host organization can arrange meals that exclude any foods your child is allergic to.

Who will look after my child during the camp?

Children are supervised by the school's staff 24/7.

Will you help with payment and transferring money to the camp?

Yes, of course — we help our clients with international transfers.

Do you help with visas?

Yes, we offer a visa support service.

Is it possible to call my child while they are at camp?

Of course — every day, during designated hours, children are free to use their phones and call their parents.

Can a child fly alone?

If your child is independent and can manage a layover on their own, we will arrange a transfer, and a school representative will meet them at the airport on arrival. If the child cannot manage a layover independently, we recommend choosing a group program with a SMAPSE chaperone accompanying your child to and from the camp.

Which program is better to choose?

If the child is independent, an individual program is a good option. For children under 13, we recommend a program with a SMAPSE chaperone accompanying your child to and from the camp, since our staff will be with the children during layovers, if needed.

How do I choose a camp if my child is traveling abroad for the first time?

Our specialists will help you choose a camp that best suits a child traveling abroad for the first time. We know which schools offer a more comfortable adjustment period and a welcoming environment for newcomers. For a first trip, we also recommend considering a trip with one of our chaperones — it is not only safer, but also significantly reduces stress for the child and the parents.

What accommodation options are there for individual participants? Can I choose a homestay?

Participants in individual programs can stay either in a student residence or with a host family.
- Residence: usually located on the school or campus grounds. Here children live together, socialize more, and take part in joint activities.
- Host family: children are usually placed in pairs, but it is not possible to choose a specific family in advance — placement is decided by the organizers. This option allows for deeper immersion in the language environment and a chance to get to know the country's culture.

How can I stay in touch with my child if they don't have an international phone plan?

We recommend getting an eSIM — a digital SIM card that can be activated directly through an app on the phone. The setup process is very simple, and our managers will help you get it configured. Payment can be made with Russian bank cards. You can also buy a physical SIM card on arrival at the airport — the staff member meeting your child will help with this.

Can parents come to the camp for a few days and visit their child?

Yes, parents can visit their child at the camp, but this needs to be arranged with the organizers in advance. Usually it is enough to send an email specifying the date and time of the visit, along with the details of the accompanying adult. In most cases, camps accommodate such requests and allow the child to be taken out for a short time.

If my child travels with a group, will classes only be with children from that group?

No — at the camp, all children are placed into different international groups by age, and into lessons by language level. They will also room with children from other countries to practice their English.

Does SMAPSE run the group summer programs?

All summer programs are run by the educational institutions themselves! SMAPSE staff only accompany children to and from the camp, provide support during the children's stay at the camp, and stay in touch with parents. The schedule of activities and the academic program are put together by the host institution.

Can classes at the camp be skipped?

Classes cannot be skipped without a valid reason (a valid reason may include the child feeling unwell, etc.). Only by attending all lessons will children be guaranteed to receive a certificate of completion. Excursions are also mandatory.

What is the difference between group and individual trips?

The main difference is that a group trip is accompanied by SMAPSE representatives from start to finish. Our staff are also present at the camp throughout the program. Parents receive a daily photo report in a group chat, and children can always reach out to our Russian-speaking coordinators. Visa support is also already included in the group trip package.

How is the flight organized for children traveling in a group?

The group departs from Moscow together with our chaperones on the same flight. At the airport we meet parents and children, run a briefing, organize a check before boarding, and accompany younger children (under 14) through passport control, while older children go through it on their own. On arrival in the country of study, a camp representative meets the children and arranges the transfer to the school. All tickets are booked in advance, and parents receive information about the flight for which they need to purchase a ticket.

Who exactly accompanies the group during the trip?

The group is accompanied by our international education specialists — professional, energetic, and experienced young people who have previously worked as group leaders and have accompanied children to overseas camps many times. All our chaperones are fluent in English, well versed in camp programs, and ready to support the children at every stage of the trip.

What additional expenses might come up during a group trip?

Everything essential is already included in the program price, but children may need pocket money for personal expenses.
This may include:
- Buying souvenirs or items during excursions
- Additional excursions not included in the main program (subject to agreement with parents)
- Personal spending on cafes, entertainment, or transport in free time

Can I choose a specific camp or accommodation for a group trip?

We do not organize group trips to every existing camp, but we carefully select countries and programs so that parents and children have a wide range of choices. Our specialists will be happy to send you a brochure with the available options, explain each program in detail, and help you find the best fit.

How is medical care provided at the camp?

Every camp always has medical staff on site, most often a nurse, as well as personnel trained in first aid. There are also always first-aid kits with the necessary supplies at the camp. In case of more serious injuries or illness, our chaperones will help arrange a visit to a medical facility, explain the situation to the staff there, and stay with the child for as long as needed.

Can I extend my child's stay at the camp after the group program ends?

Technically this is possible, but it's best to arrange it in advance, as camp spots may run out. Keep in mind that in this case the child will travel home independently, without the group's chaperones, since the main group departs on the scheduled date. If you are considering this option, let us know in advance, and we will help arrange a safe flight home.