For Parents

We understand that the idea of sending your child overseas, whatever their age, can be overwhelming. 

It may be the first time they have travelled by themselves so it's a big step! If you're seriously considering an overseas program for your son or daughter you likely have many questions.

We encourage you to go through our web site or contact us by email for basic information but, most importantly, we recommend you give us a call toll-free on 1 888 386 1411 so you can tell us about the unique needs of your son or daughter. We will help you determine if an immersion program is the right choice for your son or daughter. 

You can also read through the following Q & A where you may find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions:

1. Is my son or daughter ready to attend an overseas language immersion program?

This is definitely not something you can measure based on age or the fact that your son's/daughter's best friend is planning on attending an overseas immersion program this summer.  So, how do you know if they (and you) are ready?  According to Carol Dalton Sebilia, a teacher at Diablo College in California, there are at least 7 questions you should ask yourself about your child to determe if they are ready to travel solo.  Read the article here for helpful advise.

2. What days should my daughter/son travel to and from their program?

Unless otherwise specified on the program page, the start day of our summer immersion programs is Sunday.  You should make arrangements for your daughter/son to arrive on Sunday, ideally between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.  The last day of our summer immersion programs is Saturday. You should make arrangements for your daughter/son to leave on Saturday, ideally between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. 

Please note: If you are not able to make travel arrangements for these days, please contact us on 1 888 386 1411 before you commit to any flight bookings.

3. How will I be able to contact my son or daughter?

a. The easiest way is to provide them with a compatible cell/mobile phone. There are several rental services available through the internet. Ask us for more info. Remember time zone changes and school rules which require phones to be turned off during class time.

b. Phone card. It's best for them to buy one when they arrive as cards purchased in North America sometimes do not work overseas.

c. Of course there will also be course center phone numbers provided before departure

d. We are always available to assist you

4. Where will the other students be from?

It depends on the program. However, Learning Traveller promotes programs that generally have a good nationality mix. Ask us which program you are interested in and we will tell you which nationalities attended the programs last year!

5. How much of the target language will they learn?

It depends how long they go for. Naturally, the longer the better. Secondly, it depends how much they are willing to speak in the target language. If they are hanging out with friends who speak English all the time, then they will come back having made limited progress. All our partner schools strongly encourage students to speak only in the target language during class, on excursions, and in free time.

This is just the beginning! Be sure to contact us with any other questions you may have on 1 888 386 1411.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Jodi Hosking and Cam Harvey