general questions
Egida International is an international education consultancy agency with offices in Europe and the U.S., with more than 30 years of experience. We represent a large number of prominent language schools and leading organizations that provide summer programs and camps all around the world.
Our goal is to help students match their personal preferences and abilities with the best possible educational institutions. Our mission is to add to the educational and cultural experience of our students, and to inspire them for greatness in their future studies and careers. We will provide our students with the best resources to pursue their dreams.
Our camps offer a unique life experience because your child will:
- Stay in professionally organized camps run by experienced teachers ready to listen and support your child at every moment
- Develop his/her talents through academic courses, sports, artistic activities, and outdoor excursions
- Meet and spend time with friends from around the world, exchanging knowledge, culture, and experience
- Prepare for taking the first steps towards responsibility and independence away from home
- Discover different environments, enjoying the unique natural and cultural beauty of different countries
- Enjoy the high-quality daily lifestyle of European countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, and Spain
- Benefit greatly through sports and activities in a clean and protected natural environment
We believe that a summer adventure can change anyone’s life! Travel is a crucial first step down the path of maturity. Traveling abroad, meeting new friends, taking part in adventurous activities and learning a new language brings not only great memories but also an immeasurable experience. We are sure that you, as parents, see the value in such an experience. Spending time far away from home in a safe environment can begin to instill independence, which is extremely important in today’s world.
Every school must fulfill certain criteria to ensure that its credibility will meet the students’ expectations. We only accept schools and camps accredited by well-known associations, or that have a solid, experienced educational background that guarantees an excellent travel experience.
Contact our team of independent language travel experts at https://egida.us/contact.php.
Groups vs. Individual
All of our camps offer the choice between individual and group travel.
One of the first decisions you will have to make is whether to choose to travel individually or with a group. Both offer multiple and different benefits to students.
Students enrolled in group programs travel to, from, and around the campus with other campers from the same school or place. They are accompanied by an Egida group leader (chaperone) who will serve students 24/7. The group chaperone is usually a student teacher, an educational professional with experience in taking care of children who travel with group. The chaperone accompanies students for all excursions. Group chaperones are a service provided by Egida in addition to the destination program’s supervision staff. Students’ parents may communicate with the chaperone at any time.
Students enrolled in individual programs travel to and from the programs alone and are placed into expedition groups through the destination program. These students receive supervision from staff members at the program of their choice.
You should consider Group programs if:
- You are traveling on a long trip for the first time alone or feel some insecurity traveling alone
- You like to travel to, from, and around camp with friends/peers from the U.S.
- You want 24/7 Group Leader supervision. Parents can also call the group leaders at any time
You should consider individual programs if:
- You/your parents are confident with you traveling alone
- Your primary focus is your academic progress
- You are independent comfortable traveling alone
- You prefer flexibility on programs, including starting dates and length
- You want to save money by not paying for group leader service
It should be noted that the programs with a group leader are often slightly more expensive, due to the extra cost of group travel and group leader expenses. Group programs also have date limitations.
Types of programs
There are four types of summer camps: 1. Language courses summer camps 2. Academic summer camps 3. Sport summer camps and 4. Outdoor and adventure summer camps.
In the language and academic camps, students enjoy studying one of the foreign languages, preparing their SAT or focusing on their specific area of interest. In our sports camps, campers intensively practice one of the sports they have chosen while in adventure camps, campers spend their time doing creative activities, with the goal of making an unforgettable summer adventure.
By using a foreign language in an unknown yet supportive environment such as a summer language camp, you will achieve communication skills and break the ice when making new friendships. At school, you will have an extraordinary opportunity to study a new language, its grammar structure, as well as to expand the vocabulary in a non-traditional and exciting school setting. You will practice a language with classroom peers and native speakers outside of the classroom while afternoons will be filled with sports and specially designed activities. You will also develop your confidence and self-esteem.
Academic summer programs are designed to get students into the creative process of learning, as well as being entertained during the summertime. Students can focus on their specific interest of study, learning and doing practical activities in this area. Another academic summer option is preparing for the following year’s SAT test.
Academic programs have a multifunctional purpose. All of them are designed to give students the opportunity to either focus on subjects they are already interested in, or to learn something completely new. The important function of these programs is to introduce students with their future studies as well as student life at prestigious universities.
In summer sports camps, players choose a specific sport, in which they then intensively train with professionals. In our sports camps, each player will receive in-depth preparation for future sports challenges. Players also have after-sport activities, including adventurous excursions around the area of each camp. It is our goal that players create a long list of memories that proliferate warm thoughts during winter for many years to come!
Joining a camp in another country with a lot of other like-minded young people is a great opportunity to get involved in social interaction, cultivate teamwork and relationships, and mature self-reflection, responsibility, and independence.
Every minute of summer adventure camp is planned and organized for yours’ enjoyment, where laughter, excitement, challenges, and surprises can be seen at every corner. Here, every camper can find a new passion and make best friends for life.
Our adventure camps offer you the opportunity to spend summer internationally with peers from all over the world, playing and having fun while expanding knowledge and acquiring new skills. It gives you a chance to try something entirely new! There are plenty of the activities you can do: abseiling, aero ball, archery, buggy building, camping skills, challenge course, canoeing, climbing, fencing, giant swing, hiking, Jacob’s ladder, living with nature and orienteering, outdoor climbing, problem solving, raft building, rifle shooting, sensory trails, team games, trapeze, tunnel trail, zip wire and many more. You can also choose to play various sports like basketball, football, volleyball, lacrosse, or swimming. In adventure camp you may also be able to attend some educational programs or summer language courses.
Registration
For individual programs, we generally advise clients to book as early as possible, since the best accommodation options are normally allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. Due to limited availability, we recommend the latest booking be 8 weeks prior to the start of each program. For group programs, the deadline is usually 10 to 12 weeks prior. However, we will do our best to accept last-minute bookings if there is availability in the desired program.
For most of our schools and camps, the starting dates are indicated below each program. Specific starting dates may apply for complete beginners (students without any previous knowledge). Specific starting dates may also apply for special courses, such as exam preparation courses. Generally, individual programs have more flexibility in the starting dates.
Yes. Schools will issue a certificate on the last day of your course, but regular attendance to the course is required.
In order to guarantee your booking, a prepayment of approximately 20-30% is charged upon enrollment. The remaining fees need to be paid 4 weeks before the program starts. For late enrollment, the fees will need to be paid in full along with the application.
Yes, we do accept this type of registration. Please enter your name along with the name of your company in the registration form, as well as the VAT number. We will issue an invoice accordingly.
Yes. You may modify your booking once it has been confirmed. Please note that some schools may apply additional fees for changes, and that the changes are always subject to availability. We will do our best to accommodate your desired changes. However, changes that lower the course price by more than 30% are considered as partial cancellations and a cancellation fee will be applied.
Yes. It is possible to make changes once you have completed the registration form. It usually takes about two business days for us to receive the confirmation and invoice, so you can easily modify your booking in the meantime.
In this case, you need to tell us as soon as possible so that we can minimize any possible cancellation fees. Most schools allow clients to postpone the course and therefore might not charge cancellation fees. Booking a program through Egida means you enter into a contract directly with the school. Please refer to our Terms and conditions.
Accomodatioin
For the group programs, this is not possible – these are always considered all-inclusive. However, some individual programs may allow you to book a course separate from accommodation that you provide on your own.
Generally, schools will try not to place students of the same native language in the same accommodation. Some schools can even guarantee this! However, should you prefer to stay with a student of your same native language, just mention this in your application form, and the school will try to find appropriate accommodation for you. For group programs, students will more likely stay together with other group participants.
Yes, several schools offer shared apartments for families.
Insurance
Booking insurance is optional. However, it is advisable to book insurance that covers your child for any medical emergency they may encounter during the program.
To book the insurance, you will need to provide credit card details upon registration, as it is the only payment method accepted by the insurance company.
We offer two different packages. The more basic package covers you for any medical emergency, as well as your luggage. The second option is full package which also covers you for any cancellation fee charged by the language school. Please refer to the terms and conditions for more details.
You will receive your insurance card by email, usually within seven days after you receive the confirmation for your course.
You may change the dates, should you need to, as long as the insurance coverage has not yet started.
No. Once you choose a package, it cannot be changed.
I had to visit a doctor abroad, how can I claim a refund of the medical expenses from the insurance?
You need to fill in the claim form and send it to the insurance company directly.