Category: Language Camp – Canada

Ready to Learn a Language This Summer? What You Need to Know About COVID-19 and Our Teen Language Camps

Yes, 2020 has been a year. So just like you, we can’t wait for a great Summer 2021. And as much as you’re ready to jump on a plane now and experience a Japanese tea ceremony in Fukuoka or watch gelato melt from your cone in Florence, we bet you and your parents have lots of questions before you apply for our Teen Language Camp programs. (Wondering what a Teen Language Camp is? Here’s a brief explainer.)

You can always find the latest COVID-19 programming information here.

So, here’s what you need to know about applying for a Teen Language Camp and traveling abroad in Summer 2021.

We’re still planning to run Summer 2021 Teen Language Camp programs.

Currently, with the exception of Costa Rica, U.S. tourists are not yet permitted to enter our Teen Language Camp destinations. (Our Teen Language Camp students don’t apply for student visas and are granted 90-day tourist permissions upon arrival – this won’t be a piece of paper. It’s just a stamp in your passport!) At the time of this writing, we’re hopeful that entry restrictions will change soon. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way.

Our applications will open on November 15, 2020, and the final deadline to secure your spot for Summer 2021 is on March 15, 2021. Ready to apply? Hit this button to receive a link to the application.

But like the rest of the world, we sadly can’t predict the future, and we don’t know what 2021 will hold. If we’re unable to run your program due to health and safety or entry restrictions or requirements like mandatory government quarantines, we’ll cancel your start date six weeks prior. You’d then have options to defer, switch to a new program, or request a partial refund. Read the full COVID-19 Cancellation and Refund Policy here.

We’ll keep you updated with any and all COVID-19-related health and safety guidelines for your destination.

Closer to your start date, you will participate in an online pre-departure training with a Greenheart Travel staff member. The details will be provided to you upon acceptance onto the program. During this online training, the Greenheart Travel staff member will provide any specific COVID-19 guidelines or entry requirements (such as getting a COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to departure). All students will be required to adhere to any local or federal government guidelines while on program, such as wearing a mask and maintaining six feet of distance with anyone outside of this program. These will be discussed with students during the online pre-departure as well as upon arrival. Guidelines, requirements, and restrictions change frequently, so we will give you the most accurate information as possible as close to your start date as possible.

If you get COVID-19 while abroad, we have protocols in place.

The protocols will vary by country, but we’ll give you the most up-to-date information during your online pre-departure training. (For example, if you get COVID-19, you’d be expected to quarantine with your host family until you’re COVID-19 free.) And remember, all students have 24/7 emergency number to call in case of any concerns, and you’ll be counting on support from both the local in-country staff and long-distance from our Chicago offices, as well as your host family. Another great piece of news? Part of your program fee goes towards comprehensive medical and accident insurance that covers COVID-19.

At Greenheart Travel, we’re committed to safely running Summer 2021 Teen Language Camps. The world has brought many twists and turns this year, but you can always count on our support of your cultural exchange experience.

Are you more interested in high school abroad? Here’s what you need to know about being an exchange student during the COVID-19 pandemic.

November 4, 2020

Next Step After Teen Summer Language Camp: High School Abroad

So you just finished your Teen Summer Language Camp. You’ve embraced life with a host family, sampled your new favorite foods, accelerated your language skills and met other teens from all over the world. But the summer is coming to a close, and you wish you could do it all over again, or at least stay abroad a little longer.

And you can! By being an exchange student on a High School Abroad program!

Now, let’s not get confused. Teen Summer Language Camp is NOT just a short version of High School Abroad. The two programs are totally different but go hand in hand.

Here are some of the similarities and differences broken down:

	High School Abroad	Teen Summer Language Camp
School	Local high school	Language school
Accommodation	Host family	Host family or residence hall
Length	Summer (1-2 months), trimester, semester, or academic year	2-6 weeks
When	Summer, Fall, Spring	Summer

Both Teen Summer Language Camp and High School abroad offer full language and cultural immersion, but the lengths and experiences are vastly different.

After successfully completing a Teen Summer Language Camp, you’re ready for the new experiences, joys and challenges that come with studying abroad in a local high school for a longer period.

Greenheart Traveler Alexander Obenchain always knew he wanted to study abroad in high school in Japan. In Summer 2018, a Teen Summer Language Camp in Tokyo was the first step to help him prepare for his academic year high school study abroad in 2019. Easing into the language and culture of Japan in Summer 2018 allowed Alexander to hit the ground running when he landed in Japan for his high school program.

“Coming for a smaller amount of time helped me prepare for the difference in atmosphere between here and the states,” he explains. “It was certainly a good thing to have studied the language a little bit more in-depth beforehand. I can also compare my skills from now to then.”

And navigating the Japanese train system? He figured that out a long time ago!

But you don’t have to return to the same country you went to for your Language Camp. Maybe you went to Salamanca, Spain in the summer, and now that you know you can handle being far from home, want to explore Sweden!

So is studying abroad in a local high school right for you? With improved language skills, you’ll be ready to learn subjects like math, science, and drama in another language. After living with a host family for a few weeks, you can anticipate how much you can learn about a country and its culture through observing (and living) day-to-day life abroad. You’ve proven to your parents that you’re independent, capable and problem-solving.

You’ve gotten a taste, now it’s time to thrive.

August 9, 2019

8 Ways to Support Your Child While Abroad

When you’re a parent sending your child abroad, you know there’s a lot they must prepare for: culture shock, homesickness, and language barriers. But your children aren’t the only ones experiencing a life change.

“This was definitely a learning experience for the parents as well!” says Lisa Hall, mother of high school in Sweden alum Matilda. “It was very hard to not be there to help when things were tough.”

So what can you do? Miles away from your children, how can you still support them? We asked parents of Greenheart Travel alumni share their insight on how you can best support your child while they’re abroad. Here are their tips.

Before they go abroad, talk about life when they return

“Prior to him leaving for the 6 months, we did discuss what he wanted to do at his school in the US during his junior year. He decided he would try to run for student council office while he was overseas. And unbeknownst to his dad and I – he did run, campaigned via Instagram and won the vice president spot for the upcoming junior class here in the US. The lesson to learn…. make goals with your child and then let your child be the captain of that ship while he is away.” -Bonnie Green, mother of high school in New Zealand alum Graham.

Agree on a weekly time to talk – and stick with it

Schedule a time and way to communicate in advance, that way you are both on the same page. For example, decide that they need to check-in on Sundays around 7:00 pm their time via WhatsApp. This way, you don’t need to send them texts throughout the day because you’ll already have a set time to catch up.

Mary Scott, mother of language camp in Spain alum Emmy, explains why it’s so important to give space. “While she was abroad, we made sure we weren’t constantly bombarding her with texts and skype calls which at first was difficult. However, we knew she would have a more enriching experience if she wasn’t having to think about us back in Michigan the whole time. We wanted her to be able to completely devote herself to speaking Spanish and learning about her new environment.”

For Hall, being far from her daughter was “hard in a different way when she was having so much fun, there was hardly any contact! But that was the best kind of growth for us all.”

Olivia McCollum at her high school while studying abroad in Japan

Recognize that YOUR life is going to change

Your life at home is undoubtedly going to change. For Bonnie Green, she and her husband experienced being empty nesters for the first time.

Her advice? Take this opportunity and focus on you.

“Make a list of things YOU want to do while your child is away. My husband and I took dance lessons, had adult only (no children) dinner parties, accomplished house updates, traveled to visit our children who were away at college, visited aging parents, put in extra time at work and started hiking more.”

And that leads us to our next point…

Don’t say how much you miss them or how much you want them home

Your child will most likely be homesick at some point, and it can be really hard to go through that while hearing pleads to come home. Being asked to come back and hearing about what they are missing at home can make a hard day so much worse.

Instead, tell them that you are so excited to hear about their adventures when they are back.

Jacob Dane Chilton with host family in Spain

Encourage them to reach out to local staff and take initiative

Part of why going abroad builds confidence and leadership skills is because travelers are expected to speak up and handle themselves. Instead of telling your teen what to do, or doing things on their behalf, allow them the opportunity to be independent. This is especially important when handling the pre-departure logistics so that they don’t feel totally lost when stepping foot in the airport. “When a problem comes up, discuss the different ways it can be solved instead of jumping in and telling them what to do.” says Scott.

The best thing you can do for your teen is to let them practice communicating with adults and learning how to manage themselves. It can be hard to trust your child to do everything right but giving them that space to grow will make them better prepared for their program (and life).

“I think it is vital that while your child is aboard that he/she become a part of their new community,” says Green. “While he did stay in touch with friends in the states, he made friends in NZ. The small town even had a send-off for him and took him to the airport.”

Read about their country and take interest when they share new knowledge

A great way to get involved in their experience is by learning more about the culture in the country in which they’re going. As you learn about your child’s new home, take note of what your child is excited about. “I was sure to listen to all the positive details, no matter how small!” says Hall.

You could practice making a tortilla española or start listening to the music of traditional Austrian brass band and surprise them with your newfound knowledge.

Greenheart staff member Allison Yates’s mom started learning Spanish when she studied abroad in Argentina. “She knew that Spanish was a huge part of my life, so it meant so much that she wanted to learn it too! It helped her feel like she understood my experience more,” says Yates.

Students attending high school abroad in the Netherlands

Educate yourself on what they might be feeling – and how you can help from afar

A great way to get a sense of the mental and emotional experience of studying abroad is by completing the Greenheart Travel Atlas along with your child. This is tool for before, during, and after the cultural exchange experience that includes personal and professional development, cultural understanding and environmental awareness.

For example, if your normally independent child calls you multiple times a day when they first arrive in the country, you’ll remember it’s likely initial culture shock. You can remind them to follow the Greenheart Travel Atlas tools to overcome this stage and focus on meeting new people and spending time with their host family.

Halls says she supported Matilda by “making sure she knew I was there to talk about things, whether they were positive or negative. I tried to give her as much time as I could, but not to have it be open-ended or all the time.”

While your first instinct might be to check in more frequently, increased contact with friends and family back home only exacerbates culture shock.

Rest easy – they’re in good hands

“We had to give up our control and trust in the goodness and professionalism of others. We did our research, chose a great partner in Greenheart, and raised a strong daughter,” s ays Laura Foster, mother of high school abroad Costa Rica alum, Eleanor.

As parents and former exchange students, Greenheart and our in-country partners know what it’s like to be far from your family, and we work to equip students with the tools they need to succeed.

July 25, 2019
4 Ways Studying Abroad in High School Can Impact Getting Into College

At Greenheart Travel, we’re huge fans of studying abroad as a teen. Studying abroad in high school has enormous benefits for your confidence, language skills and personal growth.

But the truth is, high school study abroad isn’t only about emotional and personal growth. It also positively impacts your college applications, including how you explain why you’re choosing your major, applying for specialized scholarships, and proving you’re the right candidate for the school.

Snorkeling in Ningaloo Marine Park, Australia.

I know what you’re thinking: but what about the gaps on my transcript, or if I don’t get credit for the classes I take abroad?! (pro-tip: read this blog post if you’re worried about transferring credits!) Well I’ve got news for you! It’s okay. And those gaps are easily explained in essays and open-ended questions on the application.

Here are the top 4 ways studying abroad in high school positively impacts your college application.

1. You’ll Make Your College Application Stand Out

When I spoke to Kyle, an admissions officer at the University of Chicago, he said, “Anything that makes your application stand out is a good thing.”

Student surfing the Australian coast.

Study abroad in high school takes guts – and that’s a good thing. We’re not afraid to tell you it’s going to be hard sometimes, especially when it comes to facing language barriers, making new friends, and navigating a whole new culture and host family. But what do struggles mean? Growth.

When life gets hard and we learn to solve problems and overcome challenges, we reap the benefits across the board, but we also have a great story to tell – a story that is sure to help you write a heartfelt, powerful admissions essay.

Student on a bridge in Malmo, Sweden.

Plus, your high school study abroad shows you have the maturity, independence and adaptability to hit the ground running when you get to college, and there’s nothing that pleases an admissions officer more than feeling confident you’ll make their school shine.

“A lot of schools are looking for a diverse perspective, and international experiences lend themselves to that,” Kyle said.

2. Scholarship Applications and Interviews Will be A Breeze

After studying abroad, you’ll have some specialized and specific knowledge – and probably language skills – that will allow you to find specific scholarships for what you’re looking to study.

Two students in Salzburg, Austria.

For example, Sierra Winters, a current full-ride Robertson Scholar at Duke University, found her passion for food systems and refugees while studying abroad with Greenheart Travel in Austria, and came back to the U.S. to fundraise for the Syrian Refugee Crisis efforts. “It was a challenging experience, and it was one that I was passionate about, and it lent me the genuineness for which colleges and scholarship programs are looking,” she says.

Plus, after you’ve spent a semester studying abroad in a high school where you don’t know the language and have had to make presentations in front of tons of students…. Speaking about your experience to an interviewer will be a breeze!

Student with homestay parents in Spain.

3. You’ll Know What You Want to Study

Studying abroad in high school opens you to a world of possibilities that you’ve probably never thought of. Seeing what’s out there will help you hone in your skills and passions before you start college. The average college student changes their major several times before graduation and, while we love exploration, it’s better for your pocket and time to already have a clear sense of what you want to study.

Students in the mountains in Argentina.

Greenheart Travel High School Abroad in Argentina alum Erin Clark went to Argentina in 2013 thinking she wanted to study business. Once she got to Argentina, she realized she was far more interested in the travel industry. She decided she wanted to study hospitality and tourism, and “that changed what universities I was looking at, and that’s how I found Niagara University,” she explains.

Imagine how different her life would be now if she hadn’t studied abroad!

4. You’ll Have the Confidence to Say Yes to New Opportunities

You might have already heard the phrase “travel bug.” It means that once you get a taste, you want to eat the whole cake! All of us at Greenheart Travel have the travel bug, and we see that as a good thing.

Latern festival on a street in Japan.

Once you see the life-changing experience of studying abroad in high school, you’ll be inspired to seek out more new and different experiences, like volunteer trips, internships, discovering new places and meeting new people.

Climbing the waterfalls in New Zealand.

“[Study Abroad] put my foot in the door for any job I want – I’m always the first to apply for jobs and I’m very driven, and I go out and get things done,” says Clark.

That’s an attitude that will positively affect every aspect of your life!

March 6, 2019
Can You Get High School or College Credit for Teen Summer Language Camp?

Our Teen Summer Language Camps are perfect for students driven to improve their language skills (and change their lives in the process). Many alumni continue to study the language long after the program ends, often choosing it as a major in college.

After putting in the 15-20 hours of full classroom immersion, plus activities and dinners with your host family, you might be wondering, will I get high school language credit from this?

Well, that all depends. Similar to getting credit for our high school abroad programs, neither Greenheart Travel nor the language school you’ll be attending abroad will not give you credit. Your U.S. high school can only give you credit.

To determine if you’ll get high school credit, you should talk to your guidance counselor.

Explain what the teen summer language camp program is. Remind them that Greenheart Travel is approved by CSIET, the governing body of cultural exchange. Our Teen Summer Language Camp courses are intensive, full immersion programs taught by native speakers. We consider a two-week program to be on par with one college semester. They may also ask for a curriculum, which we will be happy to provide.

For college credit, our Teen Summer Language Camp in Japan has agreements with certain universities that will accept the teen summer language camp for college credit. However, you will have to be accepted and enrolled in these universities to receive the credit. These include Carnegie Mellon University, James Madison University, University of Arizona, Trinity University, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and others. Please contact your program manager for a complete list of U.S. universities.

Remember, it’s not guaranteed you will receive high school or college credit from the courses you take abroad. You must speak to your school or university’s study abroad office once enrolled.

Also, keep in mind that a Teen Summer Language Camp is an intensive language program; even if you don’t receive direct college credit for your program, you could be able to test out of some language levels at university, thus putting you way ahead of the game!

Ready to go abroad? Here’s how.

October 30, 2018
Alumni Spotlight on Kyra Hymons: Experiencing Canada’s Beauty and Diversity

We took the opportunity to catch up with Greenheart Travel alumna, Kyra Hymons, to learn more about her experience learning French in Quebec City as part of our Teen Summer Language Camp program in Canada. Kyra spent four weeks living with a host family, immersing in the stunning culture of Quebec, and learning more about herself in the process! Read on for a glimpse of what life what like for Kyra in Quebec!

It’s fantastic that you took the time to travel to Canada to study French in Quebec City. What inspired you to travel to this country, study French, and live with a host family?

I started taking French in eighth grade and fell in love with the language! Then when I got into ninth grade I took it again, but wasn’t very good at learning it. In my classes we had learned about French speaking countries like Quebec, and in eighth grade I got the opportunity to go to Canada for five days. This was such a great experience. I feel in love with Quebec, so I went online and looked at summer programs there and found Greenheart Travel!

What’s it like to live with a Francophone host family? Can you share a bit about your experience and any advice for future Teen Summer Language Campers?

The first week with my family was hard. I had to get into a routine for school, but also spend time with my new family. My host mother was very nice; she knew I didn’t speak French very well and helped me a lot! I was very lucky to get a family that also spoke English, so if I ever got confused they would help. My family really appreciated when I tried to speak in French to them even if what I was saying was wrong. It is always better to try!

What part of Quebec City did you live, and did you do much traveling outside of your host community? If yes, where did you travel?

I lived in a more rural part of Quebec City. It was about 30 minutes by car to get to the inner parts. I traveled to Montreal with my school for a weekend with was very fun. We watched a soccer game and shopped, and went to La Ronde (an amusement park).

Beautiful landscape in Quebec, Canada.

What are a few of your favorite experiences from your time in Canada?

My host family loved pasta and pesto so much! I remember grocery shopping with my host mother one time, and she asked me if there was any meal I wanted in particular. I told her that I really wanted “pigs in a blanket”. She had no idea what that was, so I made it for my host family one day and they loved it. It was so strange to me that they had never even heard of something I grew up eating!

Another one of my favorite experiences in Canada was being in such a diverse environment. I met people from around the world at my school, and I still keep in very close touch with a lot of them. Lastly, just the atmosphere of Quebec. EVERYONE there was so friendly and helpful!

Friends of Kyra Hymons in Quebec, Canada.

Has this experience changed any of your personal and professional priorities or goals since your program? If so, how?

Canada opened my eyes a lot to how people from other countries view people from America. Even though we are so close they have very different values which has helped me a lot with finding who I am.

Kyra Hymons eating lunch near water in Quebec, Canada.

What were the biggest cultural differences you noticed, and do you have any advice for proper cultural etiquette new travelers should be aware of before they arrive in Quebec?

One of the biggest cultural differences I saw was the friendship and family differences. My host family did everything together all the time from bike ride to just reading. They are very close there, so it was strange at first for me to be spending so much time with everyone.

If you were talking with someone that wasn’t sure about studying French in Canada because they were worried about living with a host family, or living abroad in general, what would you tell them?

I would tell them to calm down. These people obviously want to be host families if they are taking you in. Just get to know them and be open to new experiences.

Classmates studying French in Quebec City, Canada.

Do you have a favorite mantra or quote that inspires you to get out of your comfort zone that helped you during your travels?

A new mantra for me would be get up and get going. We have such a big world and you’ll never understand someone until you actually take a walk in their shoes.

Any other additional thoughts or tips you have for someone wanting to travel and attend a language camp in Canada?

This was one of the best experiences of my life. I will hold onto these memories forever!

Now it’s YOUR turn to have a life-changing cultural adventure in Quebec, Canada!

October 11, 2017
Reflecting on the Highlights and What I’ve Learned After Two Weeks in Quebec

I can’t believe that I’ve been away from my French language camp in Canada for two weeks now! When I returned to the U.S., I was still in Quebecois mode, and I kept speaking French as an instinct to others like “desole” (sorry) or “merci” (thank you). I definitely do not say “excuse me” anymore but “s’excuse” instead when I pass by someone and accidentally bump into him or her. As the saying goes “you can take the girl out of Quebec, but you can’t take the Quebec out of the girl” remains evident in my experience back home.

Life in the States was just so vastly different from the time that I spent in Quebec City. I have learned so many new words, dialogue, and slang in French, and grew more comfortable speaking French with my host mom and strangers throughout my language program.

Whale watching in Canada was one of my favorite experiences during the language program.

Highlights of My Language Camp Experience in Canada

My favorite memories from my two weeks in Quebec include whale watching, rock climbing, and going to concerts late in the evening. Whale watching was especially fun, because we got to go to the coast where many of the beluga whales and seals lived. We took a small boat out and observed these animals in their natural habitat, and they would come up to the surface of the ocean to get oxygen from out of the water. They were very graceful creatures, and my entire group enjoyed watching them very much.

I also had the opportunity to go rock climbing on a cliff near a real waterfall. This experience was especially great because it was thrilling yet very safe. All of the students really enjoyed it and it was special to students who live in areas without easy access to rocks or waterfalls.

Just one of the many concerts I experienced during the festival in Quebec.

Attending the concerts of over 8 different artists during the night time was another favorite memory. There was a large festival happening called the Festival d’Ete de Quebec. I saw popular artists like Kendrick Lamar, Metallica, Fetty Wap, Flume, P!NK, Migos, Nick Jonas, and Backstreet Boys live.

Reflecting on All I’ve Learned in Quebec

I have truly grown from my time abroad. Since my return, I’ve had a chance to reflect on what I have learned and I have become more independent and also open to learning about new cultures or ideas. I took the bus to school and back every day and became familiar with the bus schedule.

Because the group of students who I was with were from different places around the world, I also learned about the cultural differences between mine and theirs. I also learned how to not stereotype people without actually knowing their history and background and to disregard what I hear or see on media.

Spending time with new friends I have met at the language camp has helped me grow as a person.

From this program, I now know how to adjust to a different country’s culture more quickly. I also learned from the Quebecois people the way that they portray their lifestyles. They are a lot more relaxed than Americans are and they also are a lot more healthy and family-oriented on many of their ideas.

I want to keep pursuing French in the future and go on more exchange programs. I am so glad that I went, and now I have a home in a foreign land and friends from around the world.

About the Author:

Ruiwen (Rachel) Shen, is 18 years old and our 2017 Greenheart Travel Correspondent scholarship winner from Houston, Texas. Rachel is traveling abroad as a Teen Summer Language Camp student in Quebec, and one of her goals during her travels is to connect with new people and build new relationships even in a new language and culture. Follow her adventures here!

August 2, 2017
Know Before You Go: Packing Tips and French Phrases for a Successful Program in Quebec City
I am finished with the French language camp program in Quebec City! It has been a great and truly memorable two weeks for me living with a host family and going around Quebec City with the school. For future students who want to attend the program, I would highly recommend to make sure that they go in with an open mindset, because there is a large cultural difference even between cities. I came into the program thinking that it was just like the United States and that homesickness would be something that I would never experience.

However, that was not the case at all. Before your trip, I would highly advise you to look into the resources that are provided by Greenheart Travel, because it was very insightful and prepared me even through my doubts.

Rachel enjoys whale watching, one of the many activities outside of the French language class in Canada.

Packing for Quebec

For packing, I would recommend bringing:
- At least a change of clothes for different activities that last at least a week.
- There were many water activities that I participated in, so a swimsuit is a necessity to bring!
- I brought 3 pairs of shoes on my trip for the beach, water sports and walking in the city.
- A rain jacket that was often put to good use.
- Variety of clothes for the large differences in the weather in Quebec City– shorts, nice shirts, pants, etc.
- Host family gift.
Coming from Texas, I am used to very hot summers–wearing only shorts and a t-shirt. However, Quebec City was a lot cooler for me, and I am glad that I decided to check the weather before packing. The weather here is very off and on with the sun and the rain, so I brought a light rain jacket with me everywhere in my backpack.

Having clothes for sporting activities is important during the language camp in Canada.

It’s important to leave extra clothes at home as well and only bring what you need. It’s for a short time, and Canada has many great and cheap stores to buy clothes. I definitely had fun shopping in Canada because the exchange rate is great for Americans!

Bringing a little bit of everything is very important so that you will always have something to wear for each day and activity. Packing comfortable sneakers and shoes that can get wet (my Chacos) was very important. This came in handy so that I had sneakers when we went rock climbing, and I had chacos when I went to the beach so that I didn’t get sand in my sneakers.

Rachel enjoys sampling fresh maple syrup in Quebec.

Aside from clothes, bringing a gift for your host family is also very important in showing true appreciation. I am glad that I was able to bring my family some gifts, because they really took good care of me.

French Phrases to Practice Before You Arrive

Some French phrases that I learned included Quebecois phrases and differences between French in France and French in Quebec.

In Quebec, they say:
- “dejeuner” for breakfast
- “diner” for lunch
- “souper” for dinner
In France, they say:
- “petit-dejeuner” for breakfast
- “dejeuner” for lunch
- “diner” for dinner
This was super confusing to me until I finally figured out the difference.

Quebecois slang for a kiss on the cheek is “un bec”, girlfriend is “ma blonde”, and boyfriend is “mon chomp”. These slang terms are so much fun to learn and try to use in a sentence when communicating with others.

Before you go on the trip, make sure to know French basics–even if you’re a beginner. “Bonne jouree” means have a good day and “bonne soiree” means to have a good night. “Salut” means hello and goodbye. “Merci” means thank you. Knowing these key basic terms help show appreciation and effort in learning the language around you.

At first, it was hard for me to get used to the Quebecois accent, because it sounds a lot more “er” than the French that I learned at school. However, with practice and conversation, I was able to understand it a lot better and have greater appreciation for it over time. I really did learn a lot from this camp, and I hope that you do too!
July 19, 2017
My First Week in Quebec City: Immersed in the French Language and Daily Cultural Outings

Bonjour! I have been studying French in Quebec City for a week now, and it has so far been quite an experience. Coming as a Texan, I had no idea what to expect—the culture, the food, the weather, and the people here are so different from that at home. In my program at school, I am probably the oldest person as an 18-year-old, but it has been alright because most of the other students are in high school.

A public bus in Quebec City, Canada.

My Typical Day in Quebec City

My typical day begins with me waking up around 5:30 am (the sunrise in Quebec is very early—almost at 4:30 am). I greet my host mom and go on a short run if the weather permits before eating breakfast. For breakfast, my host mom usually makes crepes or muffins, or I find something to eat in the pantry. After breakfast, I pack my lunch and go to the bus stop to go to school. I ride on the bus with my host mom everyday because her workplace is nearby.

In Quebec, the bus system is very good and a lot of people take the bus for its efficiency. After about an hour, I arrive at the bus stop near my school, and walk to the campus before classes begin at 8:30 am.

French writing on a whiteboard in a French class in Quebec City.

French Classes

We are placed in our classes by our knowledge of French, and there are numerous classes for students of different levels. The other students at the school are from around the USA and other parts of the world. Many are from the Northeastern portion of the States, and there is a large population from Mexico and other countries in Latin America. There are also a few students from Canada and Kenya who attend the camp.

When class begins, the teacher takes attendance. There is a French speaking only rule, so we are supposed to only talk in French to each other during class and lunchtime.

In French class, we learn about different tenses of verbs and also expressions in Quebecois. We frequently do group activities on worksheets, and we all have a break around 10 am before continuing the rest of the class.

Traditional poutine in Quebec City.

11:45 am to 12:30 pm is our lunchtime. As a homestay student, I eat outside in the front lawn with other students. We are only allowed and highly encouraged to speak French during lunch with everyone around us. If we speak well in French, we will receive a raffle ticket for the end of the week. If we speak in English and are caught, we will receive a “carton rouge” or a red card as a warning infraction. If a student collects more than a certain number of red cards, he or she might be expelled from the program.

Attending a baseball game in Quebec City.

Daily Outings

After lunch, we go on our daily outing. It is different everyday, and each day has new and interesting surprises. I have visited the citadel, the beach, the mall, a baseball game, and the movies. On Saturdays, we take longer outings and I have seen the waterfall and rock climbed.

Rock climbing during a day excursion in Quebec.

After we come back from our daily outing, I take the bus home with my host mom or I go out with my friends. This week and the next, there is a large summer festival in Quebec called “Festival d’Ete”. There are many world famous musical artists that come and perform. So far I have seen Kendrick Lamar and P!nk perform at the concert with my new friends.

My friends and I at the concert.

A beach in Quebec, Canada.

My Suggestions for Staying with a Host Family

My suggestion for future students staying with a host family is to try to have conversations with them while you can in the language that you are learning. They are willing to help you improve in that language, and they truly want you to get better and improve. Good communication is also important, because it’s necessary to keep them updated while they are currently in charge of taking care of you. Try to do favors, but also don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Rachel and a friend in Quebec City.

About the Author:

Ruiwen (Rachel) Shen, is 18 years old and our 2017 Greenheart Travel Correspondent scholarship winner from Houston, Texas. Rachel is traveling abroad as a Teen Summer Language Camp student in Quebec, and one of her goals during her travels is to connect with new people and build new relationships even in a new language and culture. Follow her adventures here!

Can you imagine what your typical day in Quebec City might look like?

July 11, 2017
Foodie Photo Essay: France Meets Canada in the Unique Cuisine of Quebec

There’s much more to Quebec, Canada, than gallons upon gallons of maple syrup. Food in Quebec is exquisite. Wineries and orchards dot the countryside. Local artisan cheeses and imports from France are everywhere. Meaty dishes are enjoyed at traditional “Sugar Shacks.” And fare from all over the world can be found in Quebec City.

You’re in for a real treat if you attend Greenheart Travel’s Teen Summer Language Camp or high school abroad in Quebec City, Canada! Québécois take pride not only in their unique culture and language, but also in their cuisine—a tasty blend of Canadian favorites and American classics fused with French authenticity.

Are you ready to indulge in a plate of poutine, savor a bite of freshly made apple butter, or sink your teeth into a hearty homemade quiche?

Then join us for this culinary adventure in Quebec City, Canada:

Breakfast Spread

A common breakfast spread in Quebec City, Canada.

Homemade quiche for breakfast in Quebec City, Canada.

Orchards and Wineries

Bottles of wine at an orchard on the Île d’Orléans, Quebec.

Sampling tasty bites of apple products on top of pâté on the Île d’Orléans, Quebec.

Traditional “Sugar Shack” Eats

A traditional meal at a Sugar Shack in Quebec.

Meat pie served at a Sugar Shack on the Île d’Orléans, Quebec.

Fancy Lunch and Dinner

A fancy lunch at Merci College in Quebec City.

Anytime is Poutine Time

Poutine with sausages and cheese from Ashton in Quebec City.

Dessert

Raspberry dessert in Quebec City, Canada.

Dig in to the culture, language and menu Quebec City is serving up:

June 30, 2017