Information for parents

At home, do you discuss the importance of knowing several languages? Are you looking at language trips in order to give your child the chance to learn a foreign language in the country where it is spoken all the time? Great! That is one of the best ways to get really good at speaking a new language. Plus, your child will become more independent and get a head start in building their international network.

STS Education has been giving students the chance to learn foreign languages through language trips since 1958. We know this is a big step for you as a parent, and for your child. With our knowledge and dedication, we will help you the entire way and we are here to answer any and all questions you might have.

So much more than learning a language

A language trip is not just about new words and expressions; there are also new favorite foods, fun history and fantastic memories. It’s about living somewhere else, even for a short period of time. And it’s about developing an understanding of another culture and having the chance to learn more of a foreign language. This is exciting and also leads to personal growth. Your child will broaden their views and gain new perspectives, which leads to personal insight and self-confidence. In addition, they will make new friends on the trip from lots of different countries and learn how to manage a bit more on their own at a young age. That is truly something that your child will find useful for the rest of their life!

Your journey as a parent

Sending your child on a language trip means you have to let your child face and handle new situations and challenges on their own. That may feel scary and different, because at home, you are always nearby. Seeing this kind of growth will be an incredible experience for you, and you will be so proud. See yourself as a coach; that is what being the parent of a language trip student is all about.

5 tips for you as a parent:

1. Be involved but let your child take the lead. By letting you child take responsibility on the planning and practical things he/she will be better prepared.
2. Support and show that you trust your child. It’s important that you believe this is something your teen can handle and that will lead to personal growth.
3. Already before departure, discuss your planned budget for pocket money and any extra excursions. Can you anticipate any extra costs that may pop up that you can plan for already now?
4. Do not try to be too involved in your child’s day-to-day when they are on their language trip; let them grow on their own instead of relying on you.
5. Having too much contact with their home country, friends and family will make it harder for your child to adapt and get to know the other students. So try to limit your contact during the short period of time that your child is away.