Greenheart Travel

Tag: Teen Language Camp

  • Exploring Fukuoka as a First-Time Traveler in Japan

    Exploring Fukuoka as a First-Time Traveler in Japan

    Alana is a First Time Traveler Scholarship winner who attended Teen Summer Language Camp Japan in the summer of 2024. She told us about exploring her temporary home in Fukuoka.

    By Alana, Teen Summer Language Camp Japan-Fukuoka Summer 2024

    One of the expectations I had for Japan before I arrived was that I would be able to see many sights and do a lot of things, but I thought I would only be able to do those things with the school. I imagined everything would be too hard to get to by myself, but I quickly learned that that was not the case. I realized that there was always something new to try out and that places were relatively easy to get to even if they were far away. In Fukuoka, I was never bored and I always found something to do whether it was with friends or by myself.White Torii gate seen on Teen Summer Language Camp Japan

    I saw so many beautiful places including the white Torii gate at Sakurai Futamigaura, the five story pagoda at Tochoji Temple, and the Shinto Shrine in Dazaifu along with all the Torii gates located in it. With friends however, we visited more of the shops in the city and many restaurants where we tried many different dishes. We went to many Jump Shops, and different pop-up stores in the mall at Hakata Station. Canal City Mall was also a good place to go as there were many restaurants, clothing stores, and arcades. Hanging out with friends from school was also a lot of fun, as we all came from different parts of the world and therefore thought about things differently. We all were able to go together to places we each wanted to explore and show each other the things we liked and enjoyed.

    For this reason my biggest take away from this experience was to come out of my shell and truly experience everything to its fullest. To talk to new people and make new friends, to learn about a different culture than mine, to go to places with people or alone to which I usually would not go to. I tried to not let my shyness stop me from trying new things and overall, I was able to experience so much and I am so grateful for this trip as I think it allowed me to grow as a person and let me see the world in a new light than I did before.

    Learn more or apply for Greenheart’s Teen Summer Language Camp Japan.

  • From Sailing to Crepe Making: A Month of Fun in France

    From Sailing to Crepe Making: A Month of Fun in France

    By Jade, Teen Summer Language Camp France: Saint-Malo, Summer 24

    One of the most unique and rewarding experiences of my life was my time spent in Saint-Malo, France this past summer. I was not only immersed in French culture but was also surrounded by a melting pot of international students who all shared my sense of adventure and curiosity about the French language. The program I attended brought together people from all over the world, and what I thought would be a purely French cultural exchange turned out to be much more. I wasn’t just learning French and living with a host family – this experience introduced me to various cultures and languages that I had never anticipated.

    Language Camp France with Greenheart Travel

    When I first arrived, I expected to learn about French customs, language, and lifestyle. But soon I realized that my days were filled with meaningful connections with students from different parts of the globe. It was fascinating and heartwarming to witness people from such diverse backgrounds coming together, bonding over shared experiences, and learning about France together. From the very start, my classmates and I exchanged stories about our respective cultures, and I walked away with not only a deeper understanding of France and French culture but also newfound knowledge about countries and traditions far beyond its borders.

     

    My host family was a key aspect to my learning. They were kind, caring, and treated me like one of their own. Every day, I was immersed in French—whether it was during meals, conversations, or when they recommended places for me to explore. They even showed me how certain foods were meant to be eaten the traditional French way! Because they only spoke French at home, my language skills improved tremendously, and I began to feel more confident using the language. I cannot imagine a better way to experience France and to really learn the language from locals. 

    At school, I had two teachers, each with their unique teaching style, yet both equally efficient in making learning fun and interactive. I remember one memorable activity where we went to a French supermarket to find various items, helping us practice vocabulary in a real-world setting. Every day was filled with opportunities to learn, not just from textbooks, but from experiences. 

    Language Camp France and french culture with Greenheart Travel

    We also had an instructor who took us on exciting trips and activities after school. From mini-golf to crepe-making, there was always something new to look forward to. Saturdays were reserved for bigger adventures, like visiting the stunning Saint Mont-Michel or exploring the walled city of Saint Malo. One of the highlights was sailing, something I had never done before, but with the support and guidance of the staff, I felt safe and ended up loving it! 

    Reflecting on this month-long journey, I can truly say that it shaped me in more ways than one. I became more independent, learned not only about French culture but also about the cultures of my fellow students, and gained a newfound appreciation for different ways of life. This trip will forever remain a cherished memory, and I am incredibly grateful for the friendships, experiences, and lessons I gained along the way.

     Language Camp France and French culture with Greenheart Travel

     

    Learn more about Greenheart’s Teen Summer Language Camp France in Saint-Malo or Arcachon

  • Unlocking Independence: The Transformative Power of Sending your Teen Abroad

    Unlocking Independence: The Transformative Power of Sending your Teen Abroad

    by Ana Mirzashvili

    “Cultural exchange programs help build bridges between people and nations!” If you’ve spent any time in this industry, you’ve probably heard that phrase a thousand times. And for good reason—it’s the heartbeat of what we do. Every day, we dedicate ourselves to creating these connections, fostering citizen diplomacy, and opening doors for countless life-changing experiences. We believe in the power of cultural exchange to unlock independence when you send your teen abroad.

    There are so many ways to be a part of this magical journey. You could study abroad, work abroad, enroll in a short-term language course, or even host an international student in your home. No matter which path you choose, you’ll witness firsthand the beauty of two different cultures meeting and learning from each other.

    The Long-Term Impact of Cultural Exchange Programs

    Cultural exchange isn’t just about the short-term benefits, though those are pretty amazing—like rapidly improving language skills. The real magic often shows up in the long run. As time goes by, participants reflect on the subtle ways these experiences shape who they are—their resilience, independence, and empathy for others. It’s the kind of personal growth that sticks with you for a lifetime.

    Take it from me—I was just twelve when my parents sent me on my first cultural exchange. I spent three months in Freiburg, Germany, attending a teen language camp and living with a host family we’d never even met. Family friends were shocked: “Germany? Alone? At 12 years old?” But there I was, navigating school, exploring an unfamiliar town, and adjusting to life in a new home.

    Was it smooth sailing? Absolutely not. I remember calling my parents in tears, complaining about the food, or how small the house felt compared to what I was used to. That’s the thing: when teens arrive in a new culture, their first instinct is to compare everything to home, and at first, all they see are the differences. But eventually, we stop resisting and start absorbing. Slowly, we embrace the beauty of what’s new and different.

    That’s the real magic of cultural exchange—the lessons unfold over time, often long after the program ends. And those lessons? They last a lifetime.

    Take a Leap of Faith

    Fast forward, and I’ve now worked in the cultural exchange industry for almost six years, proudly running programs as a Director of Greenheart Travel. These programs are close to my heart because I’ve been on both sides—as a student and as someone helping today’s teens take that same leap.

    Sending your teen abroad is a huge leap of faith—not just for the student but also for the parents. Trusting your child’s ability to navigate their independence can be hard, even when you know they’re ready. But here’s the thing: by holding back, you risk standing in the way of their chance to grow, explore, and discover their inner confidence.

    For parents about to send their teen abroad, I want to offer a bit of advice: don’t accompany them to their destination. As tempting as it may be to see where they’ll be living, this is often more for your peace of mind than theirs. Instead, say your goodbyes at home and let them make the journey solo. That first solo step—arriving in a new country, meeting their host family, knowing they did it all on their own—that’s a powerful moment. It’s their first win, and it sets the stage for an unforgettable experience.

    Let them fly. You’ll be amazed at how high they soar.

    Ana Mirzashvili

    Thank you Ana for sharing your story! 

    Ready to learn more about Greenheart Travel’s cultural exchange programs for teens? 

  • A First Time Traveler goes to Tokyo

    A First Time Traveler goes to Tokyo

    Traveling is such an amazing thing, especially for a first time traveler!  Here is a report from one of our First Time Traveler winners, Christopher, who spent a few weeks in Teen Summer Language Camp in Tokyo, Japan!

    My trip to Tokyo, Japan

    I recently returned from a trip to Tokyo, Japan as part of the Greenheart travel teen language camp. I enjoyed my time abroad and would like to share it with you.

    I left in the early morning from the Orlando airport. I had an early flight to catch, so I was up and on the way to the airport at 3:30 a.m. I checked my bag, got through security, and had some time to get breakfast before I had to board my flight at 5:30. I got on the plane, and fell asleep for most of the flight. I landed in Minneapolis around 8:30 a.m. local time, and had to wait around for about an hour until my flight to Tokyo boarded. After a long thirteen-hour flight, I had finally landed in Tokyo.

    I arrived in Japan some time before my program started, so I had some time to do sightseeing around Japan. I ended up seeing Mount Fuji and visiting Kyoto, and then on Sunday, my program began. I took the train from the hotel I was staying at to meet my homestay family. I got settled in to my accommodation, had dinner, and then went to bed. On the first night I was exhausted and fell asleep quickly. The room I stayed in had a futon, which is common in most of Japan. I woke up early the next morning, since the sun rises at 4:30 a.m. in Japan. I had breakfast, and then had to figure out how to make it to my school in downtown Tokyo. I had to take a bus to the train station, and then a train from Kawasaki to Shinjuku.

    I arrived at my school and had orientation for the first day. In the orientation, we received our books and learned the school procedures. I only had 1 class that morning, and then I went to get lunch. The other students in the school and in my class I attended were mostly adults, which was a little disappointing as I only ended up connecting with a couple people close to my age. After I had gotten lunch, I headed back to my homestay and had some time before dinner to start my homework.

    The rest of the week was mostly the same, I went to class, had lunch, and then did some shopping or exploring the local area before heading back to my homestay. On the weekend, I went to karate with the children in my homestay, and then went to see a movie in Kawasaki.

    The second week was mostly the same routine as the first week. At the end of the week, I attended the graduation ceremony at the school since it was my last day. I had evening classes that day, so after the graduation ceremony I went to my last classes before I left Japan. That weekend, I explored downtown Tokyo with a friend I met at the school. I went to Tsukiji market and Harajuku. On my last day in Japan, I packed my things, cleaned my room, and was on the way to the airport. The flight home was uneventful, and I eventually landed in Orlando where my family was there to welcome me home at the baggage claim.

    I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Japan. I got to experience an entirely different culture and learn a new language. Japan is a beautiful country and I would definitely go back.

    ***

    Thank you Christopher for sharing your experience!  Learn more about Greenheart Travel’s Teen Summer Language program in Japan, and about the First Time Traveler scholarship program. 

  • I had the most wonderful week in Spain – A First Time Traveler at Teen Language Camp

    I had the most wonderful week in Spain – A First Time Traveler at Teen Language Camp

    Travel challenges us and helps us understand more about the world and the people in it.  That’s why, every year, Greenheart Travel offers First Time Traveler scholarships so that more people have the opportunity to travel. We recently heard from Caleb who won a scholarship to Greenheart Travel’s Teen Summer Language Camp in Spain.  Here’s a little bit about his trip!

    ***

    I had the most wonderful week in Salamanca, Spain.

    My journey started on Saturday June 11th, 2023. After a week of last minute packing and mini-panic attacks it was all finally happening!

    I took SFO (San Francisco airport) to Madrid Airport. The flight was almost 14 hours long, but my airline was surprisingly really awesome. I flew Iberia and they gave everyone on the plane a pillow and a blanket, and their utensils were all recyclable! It was a very comfortable flying experience and being able to see all the time differences we flew through was so cool. After watching 3 different movies and taking too many naps to count I finally landed in Madrid. I brought only carry-ons so I did not have to go through much airport hassle. This was a monumental moment for me as travel is a huge passion of mine, so the fact that I made it, and everything is going smoothly was a big deal for me.

    After a 6-hour wait for the rest of the students to land and get their luggage we finally boarded the bus which took us from Madrid, Spain to Salamanca, Spain. It was an almost 3-hour drive but it was well worth the wait. The bus drive allowed all of the students to get to know each other and make first impressions. I met 3 students each from a different area: Phoebe (who I later found out was to be one of my roommates), Axle (another one of my roomies), and Lucy (a very nice French girl who was staying at an apartment). Having already made bonds with my roommates it was a very easy transition from the bus to my home for the week.

    My host family was a wonderful woman named Manuella, and in no time at all we were calling each other familia. This is one of the more important aspects of my trip. As me and my host and my roommates became a real family in under 7 days (I feel like that should be a social experiment)! This level of human connection and pure love is something so beautiful to me, and I feel that it highlights my biggest reasons for wanting to travel the world and meet new people.

    My days in Salamanca were very different from my days back at home (I loved this)!  I had to adapt to a brand new schedule. Wake up at 7am, class from 9-12pm, “siesta” (nap time) and lunch 3-5pm, activity 5:45-7pm, free time 7pm-10pm, dinner 10:30pm, night activities 11-12:30am. I quite enjoyed this schedule and liked how late everything was. I was very worn out by the end of the day but slept amazing!

    My week in Salamanca was a life I would commit to again, possibly to study or to write a book. The overall environment of the town is very collegiate, and historical. So it was a perfect place to learn an entirely new language and experience an entirely new culture.

    ***

    Thank you Caleb for sharing how your week in Spain went!  If you are interested in the First Time Traveler scholarship, please read more here and follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get early warnings for the next application period!

  • A First Time Traveler goes to France for Teen Summer Language Camp

    A First Time Traveler goes to France for Teen Summer Language Camp

    Greenheart Travel knows the power of travel. That is why we’re committed to helping people who haven’t had the chance to be fully immersed in a new culture, travel, and live abroad for the first time. Every year, Greenheart Travel offers First Time Traveler scholarships to help new travelers get out and meet others around the world.  Recently Sophia won a First Time Traveler scholarship to attend Greenheart Travel’s Teen Language Camp in France.  Here is a little bit about her first independent travel experience!

    First Impressions

    When “young me” dreamed of exploring a new country, I never considered that my favorite moments would be spent with a family whom I had only learned of their existence a week beforehand. Even when I knew I would be staying with a host family, I thought I would prefer spending time with my classmates doing excursions led by the school. Instead, I ended up feeling like a part of their family and being taken on exciting adventures from the beautiful west coast to the Pyrenees mountains.

     

    My host family and I spent the first week adventuring after school. The first and second night they made me an amazing dinner and asked me lots of questions that I was happy to answer. They seemed so interested in learning about my culture and becoming more fluent in English. And I thought I was there to learn! They shared with me their food and their lifestyle in exchange for my input on how it compared to my own. I never realised how little I thought about the world around me, but as I tried to answer their questions, I became increasingly aware of how little I really knew the answers. I think that’s when I decided to pay even more attention to my life there. I wanted to retain every detail.

    Excursions

    The third night, after I returned from our school’s excursion to Bordeaux, my family took me to the Dune du Pilat. After the long hike up to the top, we ran down! The two children I was staying with both took my hands and we dashed down, sliding most of the way on the loose sand. The hike up was worth it each time just to feel the wind rush by. After we had our fill of the dune, my family took me to a beachside park, and we watched the sunset and played on the playground. The kids were so crucial in my French education. They didn’t speak any English but wanted to learn and were always happy to tell me what things were in French with the childlike wonder that made it stick in my mind. All my thanks go to the children for teaching me so much.

    On the fourth night, my host family took me to a surprise location. They had told me the name but hadn’t told me much about the place, and I was willing to be surprised. It was live music! There was a beautiful park near where they lived with a skate park area and a concert place. I had the most wonderful time listening to the musicians.

    That weekend my host family awoke me very early. We had been planning this trip for the whole week, and it was finally time! We piled in the car, all drowsy… and went to the Pyrenees mountains! The drive up was long but beautiful. It was amazing to drive the same amount of time it would take me to reach the mountains in my state and be in a whole other part of the country. After our long journey, we hiked a gorgeous mountain trail. I had never been hiking in the mountains before, so for my first time, this was perfect. I was in awe the entire time. We returned to a small cottage hotel that we spent the night in. The next day we hiked two different trails! While it was hard, I was so proud of myself for making it through. And the payoff was wonderful — we had reached the top of a mountain and could see the whole range all around us. It was beautiful. On the way up we had seen cows and horses galore and even gotten to pet them! Both nights there we went to the family’s favorite Italian restaurant. When they suggested it I thought I wouldn’t be too surprised by the food. Of course, it would be better, but my best friend’s family are Italians who own an Italian restaurant. How different could this be? The answer was: very different! The pizza was light and crunchy with cheese that didn’t feel entirely like grease. I was baffled, and I enjoyed every moment of it. They had the most delicious raspberry cake and spectacular ice cream. Couldn’t be better!

    At home…in France!

    The next Monday I was back to school, but afterward, my host family and I curled up on the couch and watched Harry Potter. Mildly disappointed that the lips weren’t synced up and it made it very difficult to watch. But I certainly enjoyed hearing all the lines I knew so well in a different language.

    We spent the next two days resting at the house after school, as I was feeling a little exhausted from sports and Aqualand. But I did spend a fair amount of time playing with the kids in and out of the pool. We got to play lots of Uno. My host father even made waffles! I never considered waffles as a dessert, but I’ll definitely be implementing that into my life at home.

    That Thursday was Bastille Day. It was amazing getting to celebrate it in France. My host family hosted a party for their friends, so I was able to listen to them converse as we had ice cream and melon. We listened to music, a lot of which was music I greatly enjoyed. I now have a much larger playlist!

    As Friday was my last full day with them, my host mother wanted it to be very special. We took a walk through their town and to the park we had been to the previous week. There were new musicians this day, and therefore new music. As the musicians played music, I drew with the children. I struggled to focus on drawing as I was so enraptured by the music. The lady singing had a beautiful voice and the guitarists and drummer matched her so well. I got closer to listen to and watch the performance and even recorded a few songs so that I could relive such an amazing moment later. I truly loved every moment of that night. We stayed for a good hour before walking home under the light of the stars.

    Lasting Impressions

    Finally, it was Saturday. Before I had to take my train, we went for a final walk around Arcachon. My host mother took us into possibly one of my favorite libraries that I’ve ever been to. Not only did it have so many sections and different books, but it also had a huge game room for the little kids. There were shelves upon shelves of board and card games, as well as play areas and toys. I was taught how to play a few games in French, particularly ones that would help my vocabulary be quicker. Unfortunately, after only a couple of hours, I had to leave for the airport. My host family took me to the station, and we said our very tearful goodbyes. I felt like such a part of their family and being separated hurt more than I had expected. I still miss them so much, and we talk often.

    I am so, so glad that I got to spend my time in France with a host family. I believe that it was crucial to my experience, and it was amazing to get to live life as if I was a true part of this family. As well, I’ve made lifetime friendships with these people, and I have every intention of returning to visit them whenever I can.

     

    Thanks for sharing your story Sophia!

    You can read more about Teen Summer Language Camps on our website.  And stay tuned for the next First Time Traveler scholarship contest in December.

  • What is Teen Summer Language Camp in Costa Rica like?

    What is Teen Summer Language Camp in Costa Rica like?

    Going abroad is always exciting — experiencing new sights, new foods, new ways of looking at things.  And while the surprises of travel are exhilarating, we all appreciate a little “what are my days really going to be like” kind of reality.  Here are some journal emails to parents from this summer’s camp in Costa Rica:


    MONDAY – Hello Parents!

    I trust everyone had a nice start to the week 🙂  Today, the complete group for the last week is with us, and we are now ready to enjoy the last week in tropical paradise!

    Today in the morning we picked up the group early for their surf class, we went to Manuel Antonio Beach, but the tide was really strong, so we had to relocate to our trusted location in Quepos. There was a good amount of rain during classes, but Elsa, Adelyn, Austin, Christian, and Nicolae got to catch a few nice waves. The rest of the campers opted against surfing in the rain.

    At noon, we went for lunch at a local restaurant, everyone got settled in their new groups and with their new teachers. In the last hour of class, the entire group got together again, for a game of forming sentences.

    After class, we took everyone to the host families for dinner and a good night’s rest.

    TUESDAY – Hello Parents!

    Today, here was sunny and we got to go to the beach for a couple of hours. The group got to spend some time together in a safe and beautiful place and they played ball, body surfed, and swam for a few hours in the morning.

    After the beach, we took the people doing Scuba for a quick lunch and the pool day, and the rest of the group went for a longer more relaxed lunch at my favorite burger place (Santa Plancha) before Spanish classes.

    At the end of the Spanish Class, they played charades with verbs in Spanish, where someone had to guess the word they had behind them.

    After Spanish Classes, we went for dinner at a food truck by the ocean, they went in for a quick splash, they got to see a baby sloth with its mom, and then we had a delicious dinner.

    WEDNESDAY – Hello Parents! Saludos from Tropical Paradise!

    Today we picked up everyone in the morning to go on the Catamaran Tour. We went to the Marina to register and board our boat and spent the next couple of hours dancing, sailing through the coast of Manuel Antonio, and then swimming and jumping off the boat’s platforms and slides.

    We had lunch and plenty of fruit juices on the boat, and then they drove us to Maximo Nivel For Spanish Classes. The teachers started their Spanish classes with a few games, to help everyone get active in the class, and after Spanish Classes, we went to the Marina for a nice group dinner before going back home.

    Hello Parents! – I hope everyone is having a great THURSDAY!

    Today we divided the group in two for the last time… Five people went to Ocean Day for Scuba, we took a boat from the Marina with all the gear, and went for a 20-minute dive. There was a second Dive Scheduled after a break, but the group decided not to join it, so we picked up the rest of the divers on our group and returned to the Marina.

    The rest of the 10 people in the group, went surfing with our chaperone Kembly to Manuel Antonio Beach. A couple of people preferred to just hang out at the beach, and the rest of them got to try their hand at surfing again!

    After a busy morning, we went back to the Maximo Nivel Institute, while everyone was changing into dry clothes for class, they had lunch and then they were ready for class. The first couple of hours of the class they watched the movie Soul in Spanish, with some popcorn to keep them awake 🙂

    After class, we took them to their last dinner with the host family in the house.

    Greenheart Travel has a variety of Teen Summer Language Camps in many great places. 

    If you’d like to be part of a future Costa Rica program, you can read more about this Teen Language Camp here, or High School Abroad in Costa Rica here.

    Or if you are an adult looking for an adventure, check out Greenheart Travel’s Teach Abroad program in Costa Rica.   

     

  • Travel for a Change This Summer on the Teen Leadership & Language Costa Rica Program

    Travel for a Change This Summer on the Teen Leadership & Language Costa Rica Program

    With so many great program options for teens in Costa Rica, how do you know which is right for you? Well, the facilitators of the Teen Language & Leadership Camp in Costa Rica, Laura and Amy, might be biased, but they want you to know they believe this one of the best options you’ll encounter!

    Here’s why they say this program is so impactful. 

    There are a lot of challenges you’ll face when doing experiential learning abroad – and they require a very open mind and desire to experience (and we mean truly experience!) a new culture. This means getting used to different standards of living and forgoing many of the luxuries you might be used to at home.

    Of course, like any developing nation, Costa Rica has its fair share of growing pains, but it is also has an amazingly welcoming and safe culture, plus one of the world’s top environmental protection structures. Its eco-friendly tour opportunities combined with its small size and accessible infrastructure mean that in just two weeks, students will experience lowland jungle, rainforest, a volcano, the beach, an island, enormous waterfalls, indigenous communities and a tropical wildlife rescue center.

    All of this in addition to studying Spanish and completing our Positive Leadership Workshop series, which includes the following:

    • Opening circle to meet participants, share reflections, examine expectations & perceptions, and contemplate personal goals for intercultural understanding and social action
    • Practices in Empathy: Participants will be asked to share and actively participate in a series of learning exercises designed to provoke awareness of “the other”, and develop strategies for how to engage constructively through the practice of empathy.
    • Social Responsibility: This is a common theme in many academic and professional circles, and we believe all global citizens have a duty to participate in and lead initiatives conceived with the objective of ensuring sustainable development, fair labor practices and environmental protection.
    • Mindfulness Sharing Circle: reflections on the courses of the first week; reflecting on changes in perception of culture and people, individual experience and more.
    • Empowered communication: direct, constructive and respectful communication is vital to every part of our lives, personal, professional and academic. In this workshop we learn to identify patterns, techniques for enhanced communication skills and how to effectively and positively communicate our message.
    • Social Media for Social Change: Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, Snapchat… these and many more platforms are how a huge part of our populations gets its news and communicates about people, products, ideas and more. Students will learn how to effectively craft their message, prioritize objectivity and start to think about WHAT they can do to make a difference and HOW they want the world to hear about it.
    • Global Citizen Closing Workshop: Teens will reflect on their whole experience and share stories of things that inspired, changed and challenged them. We will all set further goals for personal development and to implement some of our new skills into socially responsible projects. We recognize that though our contributions may be small, they are all part of a global tapestry, and that working together we really can change the world!

    “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito”
    – African proverb quoted by the Dalai Lama

    In short, this camp will boost your language skills, intercultural intelligence AND give you the confidence and skills you need to positively influence and navigate the quickly changing culture of our world.

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

    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.