Language trips for children and teens (ages 8-17): choosing well

A language trip is one of the best ways for a child or teenager to improve their English: a few weeks are enough to gain fluency in speaking, independence and confidence. But for parents, the choice is tricky: which destination, which programme, which accommodation, what level of supervision? Here is our guide to choosing a language trip for children or teens aged 8 to 17.

From what age?

• 8-11 years: short trips (1 to 2 weeks), closely supervised, in a residence with group leaders, with lots of fun activities. Ideal for a first experience, possibly with a brother, sister or friend.

• 12-14 years: trips of 2 to 3 weeks, lessons in the morning and activities in the afternoon, in a residence or with a host family.

• 15-17 years: more independence, more intensive lessons, exam preparation (IELTS, Cambridge), sometimes themed projects (leadership, science, business, sport).

Which destination?

For a first experience, Malta is often the ideal choice: one hour's flight from Tunis, with English as an official language and a familiar Mediterranean culture. See our article Studying or learning English in Malta.

Which programme?

• Lessons + activities: the classic option, with 15 to 20 lessons per week, activities in the afternoon and excursions at the weekend.

• Intensive courses: more teaching hours, for motivated teens or those preparing for an exam.

• Summer camp: the focus is on activities (sport, arts, adventure) in an English-speaking environment.

• Themed programmes: English + football, horse riding, robotics, drama, leadership…

Which accommodation?

In a residence (campus)

• 24/7 supervision by a team of group leaders.

• International atmosphere, plenty of activities.

• Recommended for younger children and for a first trip.

With a host family

• Full immersion in the language and culture.

• More independence: travelling to school by public transport or with other students.

• Better suited to teens aged 13-14 and over.

In all cases, check the number of students per room, whether there are other students with the same mother tongue and the rules for going out.

Safety criteria to check

This is the most important point for parents:

1. Accreditation of the school by a recognised body in the country.

2. Supervision ratio: number of adults per child.

3. Child protection policy (safeguarding): staff checks, rules for going out, curfew.

4. Escort on departure from Tunis and welcome at the airport.

5. Insurance covering illness, accidents and repatriation.

6. Emergency contact available 24/7 during the trip.

7. Handling of specific needs: diet (halal), allergies, medical treatment.

Visa and formalities

• Malta, Ireland, United Kingdom, Canada, United States: a visa is generally required for Tunisian minors. Allow several weeks for processing, more before the summer.

• Travel authorisation for minors: check the documents required for a minor travelling without their parents or with only one parent.

• Passport valid for several months after return.

Our advice: book at least 2 to 3 months before departure for the summer, ideally from the spring.

What budget should you plan?

The price depends on the destination, the length, the season and the programme. It usually includes lessons, full-board accommodation, activities and excursions, insurance and transfers. Add the plane ticket, the visa and pocket money. Malta is generally one of the most affordable destinations for a supervised trip.

Preparing your child for departure

• Talk with them about the programme, the rules and the activities.

• Prepare a small notebook with the important contacts.

• Plan a phone or another means of communication, with agreed call times.

• Encourage them to speak English, even with mistakes: that is how you improve.

Typical timeline for a summer trip

1. January – March: choice of destination, programme and dates; booking (the best places go quickly).

2. March – April: preparation of documents (passport, authorisations), visa application.

3. May – June: receipt of the visa, plane ticket, packing and practical information.

4. July – August: the trip.

5. On return: level assessment and a plan to keep practising.

For spring or winter holidays, allow at least two months in advance.

Questions to ask the organiser

• Who accompanies the children during the journey from Tunis?

• What is the supervision ratio by day and by night?

• How are host families selected?

• What happens in case of illness or an emergency?

• What are the rules for going out, phone use and curfew?

• How are dietary requirements (halal, allergies) handled?

• Is the level assessed at the start and end of the trip?

How long before you see progress?

From two weeks, most children gain fluency in speaking and confidence. For measurable progress in writing and grammar, allow three to four weeks or repeated trips year after year. The ideal is to combine an annual trip with regular practice in Tunisia.

Our support

Worldwide Studies organises supervised junior trips for 8-17 year olds, with selected schools, follow-up before, during and after the trip, and help with the visa. Discover our page Junior programmes.

👉 Places go quickly for the summer: talk to an adviser to choose the trip suited to your child's age and level.