2_1_DiscoverGermany_March2014_Issue12:Scan Magazine 1
14/2/14
16:37
Page 46
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Active Learning Switzerland
The fun school Most teenagers wouldn’t choose to spend their summer holiday in another dull classroom. Yet summer camps somehow enjoy huge popularity. Luckily, fRilingue manages to combine language learning and exciting summer camps into one great experience. TEXT: SONJA IRANI | PHOTOS: FRILINGUE
Could your child do with brushing up their French, German or English skills? If so, you may want to consider a Swiss summer camp in Estavayer, Schwarzsee or Fribourg organised by fRilingue. From 9 am to 12.30 pm (plus 4 or 6 extra lessons if they opt for the intensive course), students are taught grammar, vocabulary and practical conversation in French, German or English.“What makes fRilingue so special is that our students are taught in groups of only six,”says Philipp Alexander Weber, founder and director of fRilingue, about his innovative concept. “This environment is particularly conducive for students to improve their spoken language skills.” At fRilingue, learning is playful yet productive.“All our teachers are young; sometimes they are still studying or they have just finished university,” continues Weber.“In any case, we have trained them – not in terms of performance, but in humour! This is why they will fascinate you, surprise you, make you laugh… because a language is best learned with joy! We ensure that we employ
46 | Issue 12 | March 2014
cheerful and kind-hearted guides, who bring a positive vibe to the camp.” When the school part of the day is done, there are tons of activities to keep the kids entertained, make new friends and uncover hidden talents. “We offer workshops centred around themes like theatre, media, sport, photography or spraying,” adds Weber. “We also undertake trips to historic towns or sites, beaches, lakes etc. In the evening, we organise discos, karaoke, campfires or sport tournaments.” fRilingue also offers language holidays in England and France, as well as special Swiss summer camps for slightly younger children. At the Indian Camp (7-14 years) and the Adventure Camp (10-15 years), the kids will encounter people from all over the world – an experience that in many cases awakens an interest in foreign languages. While fun for now, this could prove useful in the future. www.frilingue.ch/en
Main image: A big team adventure Left, from top to bottom: Getting to grips with nature. Celebrating diversity. Absorbing local ambience. Learning new skills. Multiple group activities.