2016/17
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGE
STUDY TRIPS ABROAD for
GROUPS
French in
French in
Spanish in Spanish in
Spanish in
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Spanish in Spanish in
LYON MONTPELLIER DENIA BARCELONA DENIA VALENCIA VALENCIA
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
Spanish in
Russian in
Italian in
COLOGNE
German in
Arabic in
RIGA COSTA RICA MARRAKECH FLORENCE German in
BERLIN
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Hello. Welcome to Starling Study Trips! Thank you for taking the time to pick up our brochure. We are absolutely delighted to introduce you to our company – Starling Study Trips – which we have created for modern foreign language teachers in the U.K. who are looking for the best possible educational study trip abroad for a group of students. We are very proud to be working exclusively for modern foreign language teachers, and even prouder to introduce you to our highly selective portfolio of private language schools worldwide, who you can get to know for yourselves on the following pages. The thing we love the most about these schools is that they are all independent businesses, like us, and we believe that the exceptional packages and personal touch that they can offer you and your students not only represent the best combination of value and quality available, but will also serve to help ignite a genuine passion for foreign language learning in your students, and inspire them to confidently pursue their language studies into further and higher education. And who are we? We are a couple from Sussex, experienced in the study trip industry, who absolutely love to travel and discover new languages and cultures - and we have established Starling Study Trips because we want to offer teachers and students in the U.K. an independent, personalised and fully-protected study abroad service that they can truly rely on to give their students a boost, as well as comprehensive administrative support to make the experience both easy and enjoyable. There is a lot more information about who we are and what we do on the following pages. Please, take a look, and if you have any comments or questions feel free to contact either of us directly. We look forward to hearing from you! Best Wishes,
Ollie & Natasha
contact@starlingstudytrips.co.uk
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with us?
1. Comprehensive Support
We provide a personalised consultancy and co-ordination service – as well as administrative support – before, during and after your study trip abroad
2. UK-Based We are based in the U.K. meaning we can provide a face-to-face service and pre-departure presentations for parents, and you can avoid expensive international phone calls and international payments
3. Fully Protected We are a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (ABTOT), meaning your students’ payments are fully protected in the event that anything goes wrong
4. Quality Guarantee All of our partner schools abroad are fully accredited by national or international awarding bodies, in recognition of the quality of their language teaching and other services
5. Supporting Independent Business All of our partners abroad are small, independent schools that offer effective tailor-made programmes for specific student needs, all delivered in a highly personalised way
6. Fair Price Promise All of our study trip package prices are inclusive of a one-off service fee of £49 per student, and if you find an identical package offered cheaper anywhere else, we promise to match it
STUDY TRIPS
For those of you who may never have attended or taken a group of students abroad for a study trip before, let us answer the question – what exactly is a modern foreign language study trip abroad? Study trips abroad for modern foreign language students tend to last between four and ten days, depending on the group’s objectives and their time available. Programmes will often consist of a language learning component in the form of classes or workshops, alongside a programme of cultural activities and excursions, as well as flights, airport transfers, accommodation and meals. Some tour operators string together a chain of otherwise unconnected suppliers to provide each component of the study trip. What we do differently here at Starling Study Trips is we work with a selective portfolio of accredited language schools abroad that we know personally, visit regularly, and who we know are able to not only provide an academically exceptional programme of classes and workshops as the core of your study trip, but also work with us to provide every other element of your trip themselves. This means that even before you travel to your destination you are in contact with the person who will look after you while you are there, and you know exactly where the school is, as your ‘base’ and meeting point every day for the duration of your trip. We think this is a much safer way of working, and we know that this method provides a much less stressful experience for group leaders and parents because with fewer people involved in the delivery there is naturally much less that could go wrong.
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Not sure about how to get started? Here you can see the process of arranging a group study trip abroad with Starling Study Trips, broken down into six simple steps…
1.Contact
OUR PROCESS
Firstly, get in touch! We prefer it if you can contact us by e-mail in the first instance (via contact@starlingstudytrips.co.uk) to say hello, and then we will arrange a time to either call you or visit your school so we can tell you all about us and talk about what you would like to do and how we can help.
2.Proposal
Once we have had a good chat, we can then go away and start tailoring a few study trip proposals for you. This usually takes us 2-3 days to do properly, and once we have everything together, we will e-mail you with our suggestions and wait to hear from you.
3.Tuning
We know that it takes a lot of chopping and changing to make the right programme for a specific group of students, so at this stage we will spend some time going back and forth until the itinerary and price is absolutely perfect for you. Once everybody is happy, we can then help you to promote the trip to your students.
4.Booking
Hopefully lots of your students will be interested in joining the trip and will already be getting excited about it, so in order to secure everything we will need to make sure we get your flights booked up with our travel agent and take a deposit of 20% from each student so we can confirm your booking with our colleagues overseas.
5.Information
It’s exceptionally important that we get all of the information we need about each member of your group before they depart, such as their passport numbers, pairings for accommodation, and any important notes about allergies or medication – but don’t worry, we will provide you with a few simple forms to ensure nothing important is missed, as well as an organised calendar so we can get all of the information together in good time.
6.Departure
About ten days before your group departs for your trip, one of us will come to your school and give a presentation to all of the parents, and answer any questions that they may have. We’ll also give you a hard copy of your info pack, and an electronic copy for all the parents. By this time you will also have an emergency phone number for us, so if there is any last-minute panic, you can give us a shout 24/7. And then, there is nothing left to do but for you and your group to go and enjoy your study trip, wherever that might be! We’ll call you when you get there to remind you to send us a postcard – and we’ll call again when you get back to find out how everything went.
Here at Starling Study Trips, we love the concept of host family accommodation and would always choose this option when travelling ourselves. Although we fully understand that many travellers can be apprehensive about this, we highly recommend this option for all of our groups for a number of reasons:
Rapid Learning By far the most effective way to learn about a new language and culture is by completely immersing yourself in it, and by putting yourself in a situation where you have to keep communicating in the native language on a day-to-day basis as well as eating traditional dishes at mealtimes and observing local customs.
Safety Host families treat their younger students as if they were their own children, and will make sure they are keeping safe, eating well and feeling healthy and happy during their trip, allowing group leaders to spend their evenings relaxing and preparing for the next day. Host families are all routinely checked for suitability by the schools’ Accommodation Officers and phone numbers and e-mail addresses are all passed on so personal contact can be made prior to arrival, and maintained throughout the trip, offering additional peace of mind.
Experience Please be assured that host families are very experienced! They usually host different students every week, so whatever the specific needs are of each individual, dietary or otherwise, rest assured that the host family will have seen it all before and will be able to react accordingly.
Friends for Life The majority of students who stay with a host family tend to grow very attached to them while they are living in their home, and many go on to become regular pen-pals. It’s great to have a friend in a foreign country, and even better to get in those opportunities for extra language practice. However, this doesn’t mean that with Starling Study Trips host families are the only option – if you prefer for your group to stay in a student residence or perhaps in a hotel, of course we can arrange this for you as well! In every destination we offer, we can provide some alternative suggestions – please just let us know exactly what you would like for you and your group, and we’ll go out and find it for you.
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The quality accommodation, safe transportation, nutritious meals and exciting activity programmes that make up our study trips all serve to provide a relaxed and inspirational environment for the most important aspect of the study abroad experience – the classes! At least half of every weekday on a Starling Study Trips programme abroad is usually made up of tailored language lessons with native teachers, and we work hard with the academic staff at each school to make sure that the classes they provide not only meet the specific learning objectives of your students, but also serve to motivate them, ignite their passion for learning, and facilitate the establishment of a highly positive relationship with the new language and culture they are discovering. From the very beginning of our process, we want to find out as much as we can from you about your students, and about their motivations for attending a study trip abroad, whether it be preparing for a specific exam, for an exchange, or perhaps for work experience. Whatever the objectives of your group are, we will help you find the right school with the right teachers to devise and execute an engaging programme of immersive and challenging learning to give your students a huge boost in confidence and ability.
If you need our help booking flights, please just let us know! We work with a handful of high-quality ATOL-licensed travel agents in the U.K. who can provide affordable air travel for our groups with any airline. Here at Starling Study Trips we take care of absolutely everything, from obtaining quotations to deciding together which flights are the best option for your group, and then we’ll even get you booked in, checked in, and ready to go with your boarding passes in hand!
Are you and your group protected financially? If you are intending to take a group of students abroad, we think it is absolutely essential that you check that your payments for your package are fully protected, regardless of who you decide to book your study trip with. Tour operators in the U.K. who provide package tours for school groups are obliged to provide financial protection for their clients by law – and this means that in the event of their failure, or the failure of any of their partners abroad, your payments are fully protected. This protection is often provided by ATOL, ABTOT or ABTA. We are proud to offer full financial protection to each and every one of our students via our membership with ABTOT – we are member number 5325 and you can find us on their website at www.abtot.com The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 for Starling Study Trips, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following: 1. non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK; 2. non-flight packages commencing and returning to a country other than the UK; and 3. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the UK, which are sold to customers outside of the UK. 1, 2 and 3 provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled. 1 and 3 provides for repatriation. Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Starling Study Trips.
The health and safety of you and your students is of the utmost importance to us here at Starling Study Trips, and we are here to support you throughout the process, from assisting with the completion of risk assessments by providing any due information, to providing comprehensive personal liability insurance for you and your group on request. We understand that with so many different combinations of accommodation options, modes of transport and activities available with each study trip, the administrative process of ensuring compliance and safety during a study trip abroad is a highly personal one, so as a matter of course we provide a highly personalised service to take the sting out of the admin.
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All of the sample itineraries we have provided for you in this brochure are for one-week study trips, which is the trip length that we usually recommend in order for a group of students to have enough time to settle into their surroundings properly and get to know their teachers and host families well enough to get the most social, cultural and academic benefit possible from their experience. However, if the cost of a one-week trip is a concern, or if your students have specific time constraints for other reasons, then please just let us know and we can put together a proposal for a shorter and less costly study trip abroad. Additionally, there are many other small ways in which we can work to reduce the cost for you and your group wherever necessary – for example, on arrival we can often arrange for an escorted transfer to the school via public metro rather than arranging a private bus service, or we can arrange a programme with more school-based activities and games rather than visits to museums and events, where tickets can sometimes be expensive. Whatever your budget, we can put together a trip for you – please feel free to contact us for a chat if you would like to talk it through.
When we reach the stage of providing you with a proposal and a quotation, the price we quote you is made up simply of the cost of your trip to us, plus a one-off service fee of £49 per student. This service fee covers our consultancy and co-ordination service before, during and after your trip, and also includes ABTOT–bonded financial protection for every student as well as the provision of an on-site pre-departure presentation and Q&A session with parents at a time to suit you. As a company we do not believe in hidden mark-ups and fees, and unlike many travel agents and tour operators, we don’t work on commission – this means that the profit we make is identical for every student, and this means that unlike some travel agents, we would never try to sell you and your students anything extra that you don’t need or want. The transparency of our pricing policy is very important to us – so please be assured that with Starling Study Trips you and your payments are in safe hands.
VALENCIA Taronja
Vibrant, arty, and overflowing with exciting and quirky things to see and do, the beach city of Valencia is a real gem for those looking for an alternative to the sprawling and tourist-trodden cities of Madrid and Barcelona. This is an ideal destination for those that prefer to explore a new city without having to rely on public transport, or battle with the bustle of the crowds. The city presents plenty of opportunities for visitors to indulge in local history by providing a home to eclectic architecture, museums and gardens, sitting contently alongside breathtaking contemporary additions such as the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, or the impressive Jardines del Turia, a 9-km-long green stretch of gardens and sports facilities along the bed of what was once the River Turia. Above all, Valencia boasts an enriched quality of life for its inhabitants, with an innovative arts and cultural scene, a liberal and free-thinking population, and a serious commitment to good eating – with colourful and absorbing food markets, and tapas bars on every corner that make some of the best paella you can find, as you would expect in the birthplace of the Spanish national dish.
WITH STARLING STUDY TRIPS, YOU ARE FULLY PROTECTED. We are fully bonded with ABTOT – find out more on P8
CONCERNED ABOUT THE COST? Find out more on P9
NEED HELP BOOKING FLIGHTS? We can arrange affordable ATOL-protected flights for you and your group – see P7
10 | F I N D O U T M O R E A B O U T T H E C I T Y , T H E S C H O O L A N D A V A I L A B L E A C T I V I T I E S O N O U R W E B S I T E
Taronja is a school like no other you will come across, all thanks to the creativity, flair and commitment to academic excellence of the incredible people that run it – Eva, Fernando, Maxi and Marta. The experience here is about having fun whilst improving your Spanish, with each classroom colourfully themed and lovingly decorated by local artists, and Fernando hosting cooking classes every week under the guise of ‘The Great Chef Nando’ – not to be missed! The school also provides a perfect destination for young students looking for a diverse city experience in safe and spacious surroundings, located on the edge of the historic centre with easy walking access to everything Valencia has to offer, and a member of the Taronja team on-hand 24/7. Host families are close to the school, usually within walking distance of each other, so students can experience authentic home and family life in Spain’s third-largest city.
FOUNDED: 2004 | DIRECTORS: EVA BATALLA, FERNANDO BATALLA, MAXI VILLARROYA & MARTA VILLARROYA CALLE CONVENTO SANTA CLARA 10, 46002 VALENCIA
SPANISH lessons tailored to your groups’ academic needs Course materials, certificates, and free access to school wi-fi Friendly host family accommodation within safe walking distance of the school (twin rooms for students; private single rooms for group leaders) Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by host families daily Private airport transfers on arrival and departure A full programme of cultural activities and excursions
Unsure about host families? Find out more on P6
SAMPLE ITINERARY 7 nights (8 Days), Sunday to Sunday 21-30 students plus 2 group leaders = £352 per student (approx) 15-20 students plus 1 group leader = £374 per student (approx) SUN • Arrival in Valencia MON TUE
WED • La Lonja Capitania General •
• Central Market • Sant Marti Museo Nacional de Ceramica Gonzalez Marti •
Jardines del Turia
• Colegio del Patriarca
• Universitat • San Juan de la Cruz
THU FRI
• Palacio de Jusicia
SAT • Main Square & City Hall
Taronja Historic Train Station •
• Plaza de Toros
ACCREDITATIONS Taronja Valencia is fully accredited by Instituto Cervantes, in recognition of their academic excellence and commitment to providing quality tuition and an enriching cultural experience. The school is also proud to be affiliated with FEDELE, an independent commission who conduct regular and rigorous inspections of Spanish schools to provide quality assurance.
SUN
• Airport transfer to Valencia city centre and meeting with host families • 4 Spanish lessons • Guided walking tour of Valencia’s Old Town, and cultural games • 4 Spanish lessons • A visit to the Central Market to buy fresh produce, and return to school for a Spanish cooking class with Chef Nando! • In the evening, a Paella Party with all the students and staff from the school • 4 Spanish lessons • A visit to the Maritime Promenade and an afternoon of beach games! • 4 Spanish lessons • A guided tour of Valencia’s New Town, plus a visit to the Fallas Museum • 4 Spanish lessons • A free afternoon for shopping, sightseeing, or time with host families • A full-day guided cycling excursion for all students and teachers to Albufera Nature Park and the Albuhesa of El Saler – a beautiful forest and public beach just 8 kilometeres away from the centre of Valencia • Airport transfer from the school to the airport • Departure from Valencia
Our study trips are tailor-made to suit individuals, and at Taronja there are many alternative cultural activities and excursions available besides those in the sample programmes! For example, students visiting Valencia can choose to attend urban art graffiti workshops or La Liga football matches at the Valencia city stadium; or tapas tours, salsa classes, and karaoke nights in the city… There are also many beautiful towns in the surrounding area worth visiting, such as Gandia and the Roman city of Sagunto, as alternatives for a weekend day trip.
Study Spanish in
DENIA
with
TLC
The astonishingly beautiful town of Dénia provides a cherished home to a Mediterranean coastal community of 40,000 people, just one hour away from the bigger cities of Valencia and Alicante. Framed by imposing mountains on one side, and a simmering ocean on the other (which both certainly provide ample opportunities for activity in themselves), a visit to Dénia provides a reposing and culturally authentic escape for visitors, easily attained by air and road. Providing an excellent alternative to study trips in busy cities, Dénia is an ideal choice for younger groups or those who prefer to supplement their Spanish classes with sailing, games on the beach or hiking in the mountains, instead of visiting museums and indulging in the hubbub of the city. The town has an enchanting simplicity to it – fresh seafood, sandy beaches and friendly people are plentiful, and more than enough to yield a relaxing and vastly enriching experience for visiting students.
CONCERNED ABOUT THE COST? Find out more on P9
WITH STARLING STUDY TRIPS, YOU ARE FULLY PROTECTED. We are fully bonded with ABTOT – find out more on P8
12 | F I N D O U T M O R E A B O U T T H E T O W N , T H E S C H O O L A N D A V A I L A B L E A C T I V I T I E S O N O U R W E B S I T E
TLCdénia is a small, family-run school, headed by the hugely respected Mari Carmen Timor and a squad of talented teachers and staff who are dedicated to the proliferation of Spanish language skills and are able to provide challenging programmes to suit any objective. They are also true ambassadors for the town of Dénia, staunchly proud of their hometown and everything it has to offer – they know every corner of their town, inside and out, so they certainly make excellent guides! Located amongst the cobbled streets of the town centre, the school has two buildings so is able to provide a dedicated space for younger students to take classes, and a member of the school team is available to contact 24/7. Additionally, in Dénia many of the experienced host families are not only within close walking distance of the school, but are also family homes with teenage children, providing an excellent opportunity for students from the U.K. to make new friends for life.
FOUNDED: 1984 | DIRECTOR: MARI CARMEN TIMOR CARRER DE LA BARBACANA 15, 03700 DÉNIA
spanish lessons tailored to your groups’ academic needs Course materials, certificates, and free access to school wi-fi Friendly host family accommodation within safe walking distance of the school (twin rooms for students; private single rooms for group leaders) Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by host families daily Private airport transfers on arrival and departure (from Valencia or Alicante) A full programme of cultural activities and excursions
Unsure about host families? Find out more on P6
SAMPLE ITINERARY 7 nights (8 Days), Sunday to Sunday 30 students plus 3 group leaders = £299 per student (approx) 20 students plus 2 group leaders = £323 per student (approx) 10 students plus 1 group leader = £355 per student (approx) SUN • Arrival in Alicante or Valencia MON TUE WED THU FRI
• Archeological Museum
• Castell de Dénia
SAT
• Les Drassanes Shipyards
• Iglesia San Antonio de Padua • Plaça la Constitució
Town Hall •
• Mercado Municipal • Ethnology Museum • L’Estacio Art Centre
TLC
Dénia Marina •
SUN
• Airport transfer to TLC Dénia for orientation and to meet host families • 4 Spanish lessons • Cooking workshop – preparing and tasting a traditional Paella! • 4 Spanish lessons • A guided visit to Dénia’s castle and grounds • 4 Spanish lessons • An afternoon of hiking in the mountains surrounding the town • 4 Spanish lessons • Kayaking, sailing, or a light painting workshop • 4 Spanish lessons • Beach games • A free day in Dénia for gift shopping, sightseeing, relaxing on the beach, or spending time with host families • Airport transfer from TLC Dénia to airport • Departure from Alicante or Valencia
Our study trips are tailor-made to suit individuals, and in Dénia there are many cultural activities and excursions available other than those listed in the sample itineraries! Students can choose from cycling tours, paddle surfing classes or photography workshops – or opt for a full-day excursion to attractions such as the Aquilandia waterpark or Terra Mitica theme park, or take a boat trip to Jávea during the summer months, and enjoy the rocky coastline and cliffs of the Cape of San Antonio.
ACCREDITATIONS TLC Dénia is fully accredited by Instituto Cervantes, in recognition of their academic excellence and commitment to providing quality tuition and an enriching cultural experience. The school is also proud to be affiliated with FEDELE, an independent commission who conduct regular and rigorous inspections of Spanish schools to provide quality assurance.
NEED HELP BOOKING FLIGHTS? We can arrange affordable ATOL-protected flights for you and your group – see P7
BARCELONA
International House
World-class in many respects, from architecture to art, sport, food and drink, Barcelona is a visually and culturally dazzling city and arguably Europe’s worst kept secret with many millions of tourists flocking each year to enjoy the attractions. This makes Barcelona essential for those who enjoy the metropolitan experience, but perhaps the sweetest thing about this city is that respite from the business and bustle can be found almost instantly on five kilometres of calm, sandy beaches.
Whilst the beaches provide the ideal spot for sun-worshippers, art enthusiasts can make their way to the Picasso museum or the Fundació Joan Miró; architecture buffs can enjoy the Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, or any of Gaudí’s other masterpieces; sports fans can pay homage to the best football team in the world in the dug-outs of the Camp Nou; and lovers of good food can certainly find satisfaction on La Rambla, at La Boqueria, the city’s finest public market.
WITH STARLING STUDY TRIPS, YOU ARE FULLY PROTECTED. We are fully bonded with ABTOT – find out more on P8
CONCERNED ABOUT THE COST? Find out more on P9
NEED HELP BOOKING FLIGHTS? We can arrange affordable ATOL-protected flights for you and your group – see P7
14 | F I N D O U T M O R E A B O U T T H E C I T Y , T H E S C H O O L A N D A V A I L A B L E A C T I V I T I E S O N O U R W E B S I T E
Situated just a five-minute walk away from Plaza Catalunya, the heart of Barcelona, International House occupy a distinctive early-20th century corner building on Carrer de Trafalgar. Inside, there are forty well-equipped classrooms with plenty of natural light, all spread across fours floors and joined together by an impressive marble staircase. International students of Spanish and many other languages are all taught here, and every student assembles for a fantastic language exchange event every Friday evening. In terms of facilities, very few schools are as well-equipped as IH, who proudly boast not only the essentials of free wi-fi, a computer room, library and study centre, but also a sundrenched terrace area and their very own bar which is open all day serving students hot and cold food and drinks.
spanish lessons tailored to your groups’ academic needs Course materials, certificates, and free access to school wi-fi Friendly host family accommodation either within walking distance or a short metro ride of the school (twin rooms for students; private single rooms for group leaders) Breakfast and dinner provided by host families daily Private airport transfers on arrival and departure A full programme of cultural activities and excursions
Unsure about host families? Find out more on P6
SAMPLE ITINERARY
FOUNDED: 1972 | DIRECTOR: JONATHAN DYKES CARRER DE TRAFALGAR 14, 08010 BARCELONA
6 nights (7 Days), Sunday to Saturday
10-20 students plus one leader or 20-30 students plus two leaders £349 per student (approx) SUN • Arrival in Barcelona MON TUE WED EIXAMPLE
• Casa Batlló
Plaça de Catalunya •
• Arc De Triomf INTERNATIONAL HOUSE Vila Olimpica • PARC DE LA CIUTADELLA • Parc Zoológic Museu Picasso • • Mercat del Bom
Catedral de Barcelona • Mercado de La Boqueria •
• Santa Maria del Mar
THU FRI
EL BARRI GOTIC
Museu Picasso • Güell Palace • • Mercat de Sant Antoni • La Rambla Mirador de Colom •
• Museo d’História de Catalunya LA BARCELONETA • L’Aquàrium
SANTS MONTJÜIC • World Trade Center
ACCREDITATIONS IH Barcelona is fully accredited by Instituto Cervantes, in recognition of their excellence and commitment to providing quality language tuition and an enriching cultural experience. The school is also fully accredited by EAQUALS – an international organisation who conduct regular and rigorous inspections to ensure excellence in language education.
SAT
• Private airport transfer to Barcelona city centre and meeting with host families • 4 Spanish lessons • A guided walking tour of the medieval central districts of Barcelona • 4 Spanish lessons • A guided visit to Antoni Gaudi’s famous Basílica de la Sagrada Familia • 4 Spanish lessons • A visit to the historical Parc del Laberint d’Horta neo-classical gardens • 4 Spanish lessons • A guided ‘Manzana de la Discordia’ modernist architecture walking tour • 4 Spanish lessons • A free afternoon for shopping, sightseeing, or time on the city beach. In the evening, the ‘Friday Club’ language exchange on the school terrace • Private airport transfer from the school to the airport • Departure from Barcelona
Our study trips are tailor-made to suit individuals, and at IH Barcelona there are many alternative cultural activities and excursions available besides those in the sample programme! For example, your students may like to attend an authentic flamenco show at a local arena, attend a Spanish cooking workshop with an expert chef or visit a local restaurant to sample a taster menu of delicious tapas in a Catalan tapas bar. Other possibilities include touring Barcelona’s beautiful beach and port in a catamaran, paying a visit to the Olympic and Sports Museum, or for the football enthusiasts a guided tour of the famous Camp Nou, the iconic home to the most famous football club on the planet.
Study French in
with Perfectly positioned just ten kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea and boasting over three hundred days of sunshine each year, the modest city of Montpellier is a less-known but equally elegant jewel of the French South. With a population of just 250,000 people – and with a third of those under twenty years old – Montpellier is also widely recognised as a young and artistic student hub, with street art and performance seemingly occurring on every corner.
The cobbled passageways of the city, combined with the safe and stylish squares and boulevards that constitute the city centre make this an ideal location for a group of young students looking to pay a visit to France. The imposing Saint Clément aqueduct, the opera house on Place de la Comédie, and the city’s own Arc de Triomphe provide students with ample opportunity to discover the history of Montpellier – and just 15 minutes outside of the centre, the fantastic Odysseum complex provides opportunities for students to wind down with cinema, bowling or ice-skating in a uniquely modern environment.
WITH STARLING STUDY TRIPS, YOU ARE FULLY PROTECTED. We are fully bonded with ABTOT – find out more on P8
CONCERNED ABOUT THE COST? Find out more on P9
NEED HELP BOOKING FLIGHTS? We can arrange affordable ATOL-protected flights for you and your group – see P7
16 | F I N D O U T M O R E A B O U T T H E C I T Y , T H E S C H O O L A N D A V A I L A B L E A C T I V I T I E S O N O U R W E B S I T E
Now in operation for almost twenty years, LSF are a well established language school in Montpellier and are highly respected internationally as an exceptional venue for improving your French language skills. The school’s excellent teachers, serving alongside the small, friendly team at the reception desk, really make the school what it is – warm, welcoming, helpful and highly personal – and always available to assist with any questions and to ensure that students enjoy their experience of the city. The school’s buildings are fully air-conditioned for maximum comfort during the summer months, during which temperatures can reach 30 degrees, as well as being fully equipped with wi-fi access, refreshments and private outside areas. Host families are friendly, accommodating, experienced and easily accessible from the school – and the cookery class leader, Chef Armand, is a true expert in his field, and will leave every student able to return home and dazzle their family and friends in the kitchen!
FOUNDED: 1996 | DIRECTORS: ANDREW KINSELLE & HERVÉ GRIFFON 6 RUE FOCH, 34000 MONTPELLIER
french lessons tailored to your groups’ academic needs Course materials, certificates, and free access to school wi-fi Friendly host family accommodation within a short distance from the school (twin rooms for students; private single rooms for group leaders) Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by host families or local restaurants daily Private airport transfers on arrival and departure A full programme of cultural activities and excursions
Unsure about host families? Find out more on P6
SAMPLE ITINERARY 6 nights (7 Days), Sunday to saturday 8-15 students plus 1 group leader, or 16-30 students + 2 group leaders £409 per student (approx) SUN • Arrival in Montpellier MON TUE WED THU
• Conservatoire d’Anatomie • Jardin des Plantes • Place Royale du Peyrou • Palais de Justice
• Arc de Triomphe
• La Panacée
FRI Musée Fabre •
• Place des Martyrs de la Résistance
• Carré Sainte-Anne
Place de la Comédie • Eglise Saint-Roch •
Les Opéras •
ACCREDITATIONS LSF Montpellier are fully accredited by Label Qualité Fle, a government-sponsored commission that recognises and awards excellence with accreditation based on set criteria and regular audits to school services, offering quality assurance and guaranteeing students a successful educational visit.
SAT
• Meet and greet at the airport, plus individual transfers from the airport to host family homes • Orientation meeting plus 4 French lessons • A guided walking tour of Montpellier • Ice-skating • 4 French lessons • An afternoon excursion to the Roman city of Nîmes • 4 French lessons • Free time for shopping or time with host families • 4 French lessons • French cooking lesson • Bowling • 4 French lessons • Free time plus a two-course meal in a local Crêperie • Individual transfers to Montpellier airport from host family homes • Departure from Montpellier
Our study trips are tailor-made to suit individuals, and in Montpellier there are plenty of alternative cultural activities and excursions available to suit the personality of every group! Group leaders visiting Montpellier can opt for their students to enjoy a 3-course evening meal in a city restaurant, take part in a photography or make-up workshop, or visit the city aquarium or Musée Fabre. Additional half-day excursions to nearby destinations such as the port of Sète, the cave of Clamouse or the monastery of St Guilhem le Désert can also be easily arranged, or why not consider extending your stay by a day in order to enjoy a full-day trip to medieval Avignon or the lagoons of the Camargue.
Study French in
LYON
with
LYON BLEU
For more than two thousand years the city of Lyon has been one of the most important crossroads of Europe, situated just a few hours from Paris and even closer to the borders of both Italy and Switzerland. During this time the city has grown to become France’s third largest, and has endured so much transition that it can now proudly boast some of the richest history in the country. From Roman occupation all the way through to the French Revolution and beyond, each incumbent of Lyon has left their mark on the landscape here – from the stunning Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules at the foot of the La Croix-Rousse hill, the spectacular Gothic Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste in the cobbled streets of the Old Town, and the museums housing the printing presses and silk-weaving looms that brought the city to industrial prominence and fame in the second millennium. The eclectic range of sights there are to explore in Lyon seem to combine to give visitors that unique feeling that they have really found themselves in the middle of everything – and a boat trip down to the stirring confluence of the rivers Rhône and Saône can only serve to enhance this.
WITH STARLING STUDY TRIPS, YOU ARE FULLY PROTECTED. We are fully bonded with ABTOT – find out more on P8
CONCERNED ABOUT THE COST? Find out more on P9
NEED HELP BOOKING FLIGHTS? We can arrange affordable ATOL-protected flights for you and your group – see P7
18 | F I N D O U T M O R E A B O U T T H E C I T Y , T H E S C H O O L A N D A V A I L A B L E A C T I V I T I E S O N O U R W E B S I T E
The school, Lyon Bleu, can be found in the safe and welcoming Foch district in the very heart of the city, and within the building is an equally safe and welcoming environment, built around Frédérique di Tullio’s personal pedagogical philosophy of positive and continuous learning – an environment which keenly fosters the idea of motivating and challenging every student who passes through to their upper limits. With fourteen classrooms all located on one floor, the school is small enough to enable the staff and teachers to get to know each student personally, and has enough space left over for students to socialise and relax in one of several light and airy open-plan spaces. Wi-fi, refreshments, and exceptionally helpful and knowledgeable staff are all on-hand at the school, providing a solid base for school groups and leaders away from the whirl of the city.
FOUNDED: 1999 | DIRECTOR: FRÉDÉRIQUE DI TULLIO 82, RUE DUGUESCLIN, 69006 LYON
french lessons tailored to your groups’ academic needs Course materials, certificates, and free access to school wi-fi Friendly host family accommodation within a short distance from the school (twin rooms for students; private single rooms for group leaders) Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by host families daily Private airport transfers on arrival and departure A full programme of cultural activities and excursions
Unsure about host families? Find out more on P6
SAMPLE ITINERARY 6 nights (7 Days), Sunday to Sunday •15 students plus 1 group leader, or 30 students plus 2 group leaders £425 per student (approx) SUN • Arrival at Lyon Saint-Exupéry airport MON TUE WED
LYON BLEU
THU • Bernachen chocolatier • Place les Terroux
Les Halles de Lyon (indoor farmers market) •
• La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière • Palais de Justice
FRI
• Rue de la République shopping area
• Cathédral Saint-Jean Baptiste • Place Bellecour
ACCREDITATIONS LSF Montpellier are fully accredited by Label Qualité Fle, a government-sponsored commission that recognises and awards excellence with accreditation based on set criteria and regular audits to school services, offering quality assurance and guaranteeing students a successful educational visit.
SAT
• Group transfer from the airport to central square for a meeting with host families • Orientation meeting at the school plus 5 French lessons • A guided walking tour of Lyon city centre including the central food market • 5 French lessons • A visit to the Musée des Canuts to explore Lyon’s history of silk-weaving • A full-day excursion to the medieval town of Avignon, and an opportunity to explore the town’s Gothic architecture and the famous ‘Palais de Papes’ • 5 French lessons • A chocolate or pastry workshop and a tasting session at a local cookery school • 5 French lessons plus graduation • Cinéma club – an opportunity to view a classic French film in its original form • Individual airport transfers from host family homes to airport • Departure from Lyon Saint-Exupéry airport
Our study trips are tailor-made to suit individuals, and in Lyon there is an abundance of cultural activities to choose from in order to make your trip perfect for your group of students! Perhaps your students would like to tour the cobbled streets of the Old Town or take a funicular train to the top of the Fourviére hill for breathtaking views. Lyon is also world famous for its cuisine so cookery classes, seminars and tasting sessions can also be included in your programme - as well as visits to any of Lyon’s city museums taking in subjects such as cinema, military history and European art, to name just a few.
Study German in
BERLIN
with
With a cityscape of every architectural style, Berlin has more recently become the foremost European location for modern art and alternative culture. Artists attracted to a city starting afresh have been flocking here for decades now, forging with creativity and passion an innovative future for a city already rich with history. Suprisingly spacious and green, and filled with gardens and civic squares, it is also a uniquely safe city, made for walking and cycling.
GLS
In Berlin, your students can spend time outside of the classroom not only practicing and improving their German by conversing with friendly Berliners, but also enjoying the spectacle of Brandenburg Gate, renting a bicycle and touring the famous Tiergarten, watching Hertha Berlin play Bundesliga football at the Olympiastadion, or walking the spiral staircases of Norman Foster’s inspiring Reichstag dome.
WITH STARLING STUDY TRIPS, YOU ARE FULLY PROTECTED. We are fully bonded with ABTOT – find out more on P8
CONCERNED ABOUT THE COST? Find out more on P9
NEED HELP BOOKING FLIGHTS? We can arrange affordable ATOL-protected flights for you and your group – see P7
20 | F I N D O U T M O R E A B O U T T H E C I T Y , T H E S C H O O L A N D A V A I L A B L E A C T I V I T I E S O N O U R W E B S I T E
The team at GLS Berlin are now enjoying their fourth decade as one of the most recognised and respected venues for learning German as a foreign language in Germany. Centrally located in the über-trendy district of Prenzlauer Berg, GLS offer a campus experience like no other in the city centre, boasting a clean and modern complex on their green, 16,000-metre squared park-campus - home to fifty-five well-equipped classrooms as well as luxurious residential accommodation, a cafeteria, a restaurant and a bookshop. Professional, experienced, and providing a uniquely safe environment, GLS Berlin are perfectly equipped to provide an unbeatable experience for young visitors who are not only looking to improve their language skills in a short period of time, but also enjoy a small slice of life in the very heart of this exhilarating and unforgettable city.
German lessons tailored to your groups’ academic needs On-campus accommodation in the modern GLS Residence (3-5 berth ensuite rooms for students; private en-suite rooms for group leaders) Suburban host family accommodation (available on request, for over-16s only), for enhanced cultural immersion and additional language practice breakfast, lunch and dinner provided daily on-campus in the GLS cafeteria or restaurant Private airport transfers on arrival and departure A full programme of cultural activities and excursions City travel card for use on all modes of transport
Unsure about host families? Find out more on P6
SAMPLE ITINERARY
FOUNDED: 1983 | DIRECTOR: BARBARA JAESCHKE KASTANIENALLEE 82, 10435 BERLIN
7 nights (8 Days), Sunday to Sunday 15 students plus 1 group leader, or 30 students PLUS 2 group leaders £610 per student (approx) SUN • Arrival in Berlin MON TUE WED
GLS
THU
PRENZLAUER
FRI • Natural History Museum
SAT
MITTE
Alexanderplatz • • Reichstag • Brandenburg Gate
• Egyptian Museum • Berliner Dom
ACCREDITATIONS GLS is an accredited centre for TestDaf (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) examinations – leading to internationally recognised qualifications in German language proficiency. The school is also fully accredited by EAQUALS – an international organisation who conduct regular and rigorous inspections to ensure excellence in language education.
SUN
• Airport transfer to the GLS Campus for orientation and an evening meal • 4 German lessons • A visit to Brandenburg Gate, and the dome and roof terrace of the Reichstag • 4 German lessons • A guided visit to the Kurfürstendamm interactive museum • 4 German lessons • A visit and workshop at the Legoland Discovery Centre • 4 German lessons • A boat trip along the River Spree • 4 German lessons • A visit to the German Museum of Technology and Science • Full-day excursion to Stralsund on the coast of the German Baltic Sea, an 800-year old town on the UNESCO World Heritage register, and a visit to the Stralsund Oceaneum, a famous public aquarium • Airport transfer from the GLS campus • Departure from Berlin
Our study trips are tailor-made to suit individuals, and at GLS Berlin there are numerous alternative cultural activities and excursions available besides those in the sample programme! For example, groups can opt to take a guided cycling tour around the city, spend an afternoon playing volleyball or basketball, or perhaps even attend a concert at the famous Berlin Philharmonic. We can also arrange full-day excursions to nearby Hamburg or Dresden, a visit to the remarkable film studios at Babelsberg, or perhaps a more relaxing day of hiking and paddling in the Spreewald biosphere.
Study German in with From the vibrant colours of February’s Spring Carnival and the awe-inspiring firework display of July’s Kölner Lichter – all the way through to the traditional riverside feasts of Oktoberfest and the world-famous Christmas Markets – the liberal and welcoming heart of Cologne beats loudly all year round, ensuring that the one million proud inhabitants of the city, as well as visitors, are never short of excellent entertainment.
Cologne’s centrepiece, and Germany’s most-visited tourist attraction, is the astonishing Kölner Dom cathedral which towers over the romance of the Altstadt (Old Town) and the flowing River Rhine. A great starting point for any visitor is to take on the five-hundred step climb up to the one-hundred metre high viewing platform to enjoy spectacular views of the historic Roman city and the plethora of fascinating museums below, whatever your interest – be it history, sport, or even chocolate!
WITH STARLING STUDY TRIPS, YOU ARE FULLY PROTECTED. We are fully bonded with ABTOT – find out more on P8
CONCERNED ABOUT THE COST? Find out more on P9
NEED HELP BOOKING FLIGHTS? We can arrange affordable ATOL-protected flights for you and your group – see P7
22 | F I N D O U T M O R E A B O U T T H E C I T Y , T H E S C H O O L A N D A V A I L A B L E A C T I V I T I E S O N O U R W E B S I T E
At just a twenty-minute walk away from Cologne’s cathedral you can find the wonderful Fremdsprachenforum tucked away on Lindenstraße, an intimate and independent school for foreign language learners from all over the world, lovingly and devotedly run by Chantal and Claudia, two of the most passionate and committed educators in Germany’s international education scene. With an ideal position in a leafy and safe corner of the city, the Fremdsprachenforum provides an essential base for groups of young learners visiting Cologne, with excellent teachers providing challenging classes as well as an engaging and exciting cultural programme. The school’s network of experienced and friendly host families then provide welcoming and friendly accommodation for students in the suburbs, ensuring that all students have a truly immersive cultural experience.
GERMAN lessons tailored to your groups’ academic needs Course materials, certificates, and free access to school wi-fi Friendly host family accommodation in the city suburbs (twin rooms for students; private single rooms for group leaders) Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by host families daily Private airport transfers on arrival and departure A full programme of cultural activities and excursions City travel card for use on all modes of transport
Unsure about host families? Find out more on P6
SAMPLE ITINERARY
FOUNDED: 1986 DIRECTORS: CHANTAL GERBER-DAMAIS & CLAUDIA BUTZKÜBEN LINDENSTRAßE 19, 50674 KÖLN
7 nights (8 Days), Sunday to Sunday 15-30 students plus 2 group leaders £445 per student (approx) SUN • Arrival in Cologne MON TUE WED
• Kolner Dom • Hohenzollernbrücke ‘Love Locks’ Bridge
THU
• WDR-Arkaden
• Rudolfplatz • Basilika St. Aposteln
• King Friedrich Wilhelm III Statue
• St. Maria in Lyskirden
FRI SAT
• Schokoladenmuseum
• St. Pantaleon’s Church
ACCREDITATIONS Fremdsprachenforum is a proud member of Fachverband Deutsch also Fremdsprache (FaDaf), an organisation that acknowledges and promotes standards of excellence in teaching German as a foreign language. The school also enjoys membership of Qualitätsgemeinschaft Berufliche Weiterbildung Region Köln, a local organisation that advocates transparency, consistency and high standards amongst the city’s education providers.
SUN
• Airport transfer to a central location for a welcome meeting with host families • 4 German lessons • A guided walking tour of Cologne city centre, plus a visit to the famous cathedral • 4 German lessons • An afternoon visit to the Lindt chocolate factory and the Sports Museum • 4 German lessons • A visit to the Museum of Roman & Germanic history, followed by a quiz and awards ceremony • 4 German lessons • An afternoon excursion to Bonn for sightseeing • 4 German lessons • A guided visit to the Odysseum interactive science & technology centre • A full-day excursion to the rollercoasters of Phantasialand theme park, or a one-day visit to the historic castle at Schlossburg an der Wupper • Airport transfer from a central location • Departure from Cologne
Our study trips are tailor-made to suit individuals, and at Fremdsprachenforum there are many alternative cultural activities and excursions available besides those in the sample programme! For example, groups of students visiting the school can choose to add sports activities, a cycling excursion, a music workshop, or a screening of a German film. Students can also choose to explore one of the many beautiful old German towns that surround Cologne, or pay a visit to any of the magnificent Romantic-era castles that line the River Rhine.
Study Italian in
FLORENCE with CENTRO FIORENZA
The embracing and unmitigated romance of the resplendent Tuscan region of Italy stems almost entirely from the area’s astonishing wealth of things to see and do, and nowhere more so than in the region’s capital city of Florence – a world-class riverside renaissance city boasting some of the finest architecture, art and cuisine in Europe, and providing a home to 350,000 Florentines. Whatever the specific interests are of your students, the city of Fiorenza will deliver an unforgettable and enriching experience.
Perhaps your students would like to spend their time outside of the classroom tracing the influence of Michelangelo on the entire cityscape, or wile away their afternoons in the bounteous corridors and courtyards of the renowned Uffizi art museum. Perhaps retail therapy in the birthplace of Gucci and in one of the numerous boutiques on Via de‘ Tornabuoni, or maybe they could head to the hills outside of the city and take in the sights and sounds of any of the nearby Tuscan towns such as Pisa, Siena or Viareggio – to name just a few.
WITH STARLING STUDY TRIPS, YOU ARE FULLY PROTECTED. We are fully bonded with ABTOT – find out more on P8
CONCERNED ABOUT THE COST? Find out more on P9
NEED HELP BOOKING FLIGHTS? We can arrange affordable ATOL-protected flights for you and your group – see P7
24 | F I N D O U T M O R E A B O U T T H E C I T Y , T H E S C H O O L A N D A V A I L A B L E A C T I V I T I E S O N O U R W E B S I T E
Located in a magnificent seventeenth-century palace building overlooking the River Arno and the remarkable medieval Ponte Vecchio – a Roman closed-arch bridge providing a home to many local retailers – you will find Centro Fiorenza, a warm and welcoming independent language school with a family-feel approach and a truly international environment. With just eleven tidy and well-equipped classrooms, the school that was founded by Augusto Merlini and Sissy Seiwald in 1982 offers visitors plenty of familiarity and charm as well as convenience – and with this much experience, Augusto and Sissy working alongside their highly accomplished team of teachers, staff and families make absolutely excellent hosts for students who want to solidly improve their Italian and genuinely get to know the stunning city of Florence and everything it has to offer.
FOUNDED: 1982 | DIRECTOR: AUGUSTO MERLINI VIA DI SANTO SPIRITO, 14, FIRENZE
italian lessons tailored to your groups’ academic needs Course materials, certificates, and free access to school wi-fi Friendly host family accommodation within a short journey from the school (twin rooms for students; private single rooms for group leaders) Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by host families daily, with packed lunches provided for school days and day trips Private airport transfers on arrival and departure A full programme of cultural activities and excursions
Unsure about host families? Find out more on P6
SAMPLE ITINERARY 7 nights (8 Days), Sunday to Sunday 15 students plus 1 group leader, or 30 students plus 2 group leaders £590 per student (approx) SUN • Arrival at Florence International airport MON TUE WED
• Medici Chapels Il Duomo • • Piazza della Signoria
THU
• Piazza della Republica
FRI • Piazza della Signoria
CENTRO FIORENZA
• Uffizi
SAT
• Ponte Vecchio • Basilica di Santo Spirito • Plazzo Pitti
Fiume Arno
ACCREDITATIONS Centro Fiorenza are an affiliate member of the International House World Organisation (IHWO), a global and wellrecognised brand with exceptionally high academic standards who support independently owned and operated schools worldwide. The quality of the programmes and teaching at Centro Fiorenza is also fully recognised by means of full accreditation by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR).
SUN
• Individual transfers from airport to host family homes • Orientation meeting at the school + 4 Italian lessons • A guided walking tour of Florence, and return to school for a cooking lesson • 4 Italian lessons • A guided art-history walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic city views • 4 Italian lessons • Free afternoon for shopping, sightseeing and time with host families • 4 Italian lessons • An afternoon excursion to Pisa, including a visit to the famous leaning tower • 4 Italian lessons • Graduation, and an afternoon in the sun on the sandy beaches of Viareggio • A full-day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cinque Terre, a network of five historic fishing villages backed by dramatic coastal scenery • Individual airport transfers from host family homes to airport • Departure from Florence International airport
Our study trips are tailor-made to suit individuals, and in Florence there are plenty of alternative cultural activities and excursions to choose from in order to make your trip perfect for you group of students! For the more culinary-minded students out there, we could arrange additional sweet or savoury cooking lessons focussing on local cuisine, or tasting sessions to explore olive oils or local cheeses. History admirers could perhaps opt to include a visit to Michelangelo’s sculptures at the Medici Chapel and the Basilica di San Lorenzo, or the Renaissance grandeur of Pallazzo Pitti.
Study Arabic in
MARRAKECH There are very few places in the world that can offer a visitor a sensory overload quite like that of Marrakech – a chaotic but extraordinarily friendly and welcoming North African city absolutely bursting with life in all shapes and forms. Movement, fragrance and vibrant colour make up the cityscape, with the labyrinth of narrow streets in the Medina teeming with vendors, locals and tourists, alongside monkeys and donkeys, all vying for space amongst the red spices, aromatic leather and kaleidoscopic lanterns.
WITH STARLING STUDY TRIPS, YOU ARE FULLY PROTECTED. We are fully bonded with ABTOT – find out more on P8
with THE MADRASA
Beyond the Medina, generous offerings of modernity can be found in the boutiques, galleries and restaurants of the ville nouvelle – or why not escape the commotion altogether in favour of a cycling tour or horseriding in Le Palmeraie palm oasis, trekking amongst the sand dunes of the Moroccan Sahara, or a weekend of hiking in the Atlas Mountains. This city provides an exceptional choice for the curious traveller, seeking plenty of history and tradition on top of activity and excitement.
NEED HELP BOOKING FLIGHTS? We can arrange affordable ATOL-protected flights for you and your group – see P7
26 | F I N D O U T M O R E A B O U T T H E C I T Y , T H E S C H O O L A N D A V A I L A B L E A C T I V I T I E S O N O U R W E B S I T E
With more than thirty-five years of experience in the teaching of foreign languages, Abderrahim Saadouni and his family founded the Arabic department of ‘Visa School’ in the Gueliz district of Marrakech in 2012, offering excellent English and French tuition alongside highly personalised Moroccan Arabic or Modern Standard Arabic courses for locals and tourists, as well as some undergraduate programmes. At the beginning of 2015, the Saadouni family founded ‘The Madrasa for Language and Culture’, re-locating their Arabic programmes to a more comfortable and modern school building in Gueliz, expanding their offer of classes and cultural studies for visitors, and inviting more students to discover Marrakech with them and take advantage of their excellent language teaching, fascinating cultural seminars, and captivating activity programmes.
FOUNDED: 2015 | DIRECTOR: ABDERRAHIM SAADOUNI APP 3&4, IMMEUBLE SIDNY, RUE YOUGOSLAVIE, GUÉLIZ, MARRAKECH
Arabic lessons tailored to your groups’ academic needs Course materials, certificates, and free access to school wi-fi comfortable riad accommodation within a 20-minute drive of the school and historic city centre Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by the Riad, the school, or local restaurants daily Private airport transfers on arrival and departure A full programme of cultural activities and excursions
SAMPLE ITINERARY 7 nights (8 Days), Sunday to Sunday 15 students plus 1 group leader, or 30 students plus 2 group leaders £450 per student (approx) SUN • Arrival at Marrakech Menara airport
• Jardin Majorelle
MON
THE MADRASA GUELIZ MEDINA • Plaza Marrakech Madrassa Ben Youssef • Musée de Marrakech •
Souks
TUE
WED
Ensemble Artisanal • Jamaa el-Fna • Koutoubia Mosque •
THU FRI
SAT SUN
CONCERNED ABOUT THE COST? Find out more on P9
• Group transfer from the airport to Riad accommodation • Welcome meeting plus tea party with Moroccan students • Orientation meeting at the school plus 4 Arabic lessons • An afternoon of hiking at Le Barrage with views of the Atlas Mountains plus an on-site picnic • Film evening • 4 Arabic lessons • A visit to the local food market to buy ingredients for an afternoon cooking class • Chez Ali Fantasia show • 4 Arabic lessons • A visit to the Ben Youssef Madrasa (ancient Islamic University) • Jamaa el Fna square (UNESCO heritage site) by night plus dinner on a terrace overlooking the square • 4 Arabic lessons • A visit to the Majorelle gardens followed by Gnawa (traditional music) and a henna party with Moroccan tea and cookies • 4 Arabic lessons • A guided walking tour of the Medina ramparts, plus mint tea and halwa, and shopping in the souks (traditional markets) • A talent show with Moroccan students plus competitions • A full-day trip to Essaouira with a visit to the harbour, the beach, a fresh seafood lunch and a visit to the old town and traditional shopping district • Group airport transfer from Riad to airport • Departure from Marrakech Menara airport
Our study trips are tailor-made to suit individuals, and in Marrakech there are plenty of alternative cultural activities and excursions to choose from in order to make your trip perfect for you group of students! For city explorers we are able to arrange full-day excursions to any of the imperial cities, such as Fes or Rabat - or for more active adventurers we can arrange cycling tours, quad biking, or even camel riding! Other possibilities include guided visits to the Marrakech museum, Badi palace or Saadian tombs - to name just a few.
COSTA RICA Intercultura
‘Pura vida’ – or ‘pure life’ – is the wonderfully apt national greeting of the people that inhabit the Central American country of Costa Rica, otherwise known as ‘Ticos’, that are recognised as the happiest people in the world by the 2014 Happy Planet Index. And as soon as you arrive in the country, you can immediately begin to understand why, with waterfalls, wildlife and pristine beaches around almost every corner, your next adventure in this tranquil paradise is never far away! Within Costa Rica we can provide Spanish study trips for your students at two very different locations – the first being the calm, colonial town of Heredia, within the cooler climate of the country’s Central Valley, just six miles north of the capital city of San Jose and surrounded by national parks, waterfalls and the famous coffee plantations. The second option is the warm and welcoming Pacific-coast pueblo of Playa Samara, known for it0s immaculate five-kilometre sandy beach, lined by palm trees and boasting crystal clear ocean waters which present numerous opportunities for activities outside of the classroom.
NEED HELP BOOKING FLIGHTS? We can arrange affordable ATOL-protected flights for you and your group – see P7
CONCERNED ABOUT THE COST? Find out more on P9
WITH STARLING STUDY TRIPS, YOU ARE FULLY PROTECTED. We are fully bonded with ABTOT – find out more on P8
28 | F I N D O U T M O R E A B O U T T H E C O U N T R Y , T H E S C H O O L S A N D A V A I L A B L E A C T I V I T I E S O N O U R W E B S I T E
Founded in Heredia by Laura Ellington and Adelita Jiménez in 1993, Intercultura is an exceptional two-site school that aims to not only help students improve their Spanish language skills inside the classroom, but also fully immerse them in the culture of the country via homestays with local hosts and an exceptionally well-constructed programme of activities that serve as an authentic introduction to the traditions and pastimes that frame the Costa Rican way of life. Intercultura provides an excellent alternative to study trips in Spain, and an opportunity to explore Spanish outside of Europe, and learn about the linguistic and cultural differences between European and Latin Spanish – a perfect introduction for groups of students who may be interested in spending time travelling around South or Central America in the future.
FOUNDED: 1993 | DIRECTORS: LAURA ELLINGTON & ADELITA JIMÉNEZ 10 STREET 10, HEREDIA 40101 & DEL RESTAURANTE EL DORADO 150 METROS AL SUR, FRENTE A LA PLAYA, SÁMARA
spanish lessons tailored to your groups’ academic needs Course materials, certificates, and free access to school wi-fi Friendly host family accommodation within safe walking distance of the school (twin rooms for students; private single rooms for group leaders) Hotel accommodation provided for weekend national park excursions Breakfast, lunch and dinner with half board provided by host families daily, and lunch provided by the school or local restaurants Private airport transfers on arrival and departure A full programme of cultural activities and excursions
Unsure about host families? Find out more on P6
SAMPLE ITINERARY
7 nights (8 Days), Sunday to Sunday (playa sÁmara) 15 students plus 1 group leader, or 30 students plus 2 group leaders £540 per student (approx) SUN • Arrival at San Jose or Liberia airport MON TUE WED
Caribbean Sea
THU
• Parque Nacional Volcan Arenal • Playa Grande • Playa Tamarindo
FRI
• Nicoya Intercultura Samara Pacific
• Montezuma
Intercultura • Alajuela Heredia • San Jose • Cartago
• Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
ACCREDITATIONS Intercultura are an affiliate of various academic organisations, such as the AATSP (Association of Teachers of Spanish & Portuguese), ACTFL (American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages) and BETA (British Educational Travel Association). The school is also proud to be the first academic institution in Costa Rica to gain official recognition by the United Nations as a partner in the UN Global Compact, upholding the principles of sustainable development and responsibility with regard to human rights, labour laws and environmental practices.
SAT SUN
• Private transfer from airport to the school for orientation, a guided tour of the town, and meet and greet with host families • Welcome meeting at school plus 4 Spanish lessons • Surfing lessons plus free time for practice • Latin dance class • Yoga class • 4 Spanish lessons • Cooking class • 4 Spanish lessons • Free time on the beach • Beach bonfire • Kayak island tour and snorkelling • 4 Spanish lessons • Zumba class • Movie night at the school • 4 Spanish lessons plus graduation • Eco-hike to ‘Hidden Beach’ • Zip-line canopy tour • A free day in Samara to enjoy the beach, continue sightseeing, shop for souvenirs, or spend time with host families • Private airport transfer from the school to the airport • Departure from San Jose or Liberia
Our study trips are tailor-made to suit individuals, and in Heredia and Playa Samara there are plenty of alternative cultural activities and excursions to choose from in order to make your trip perfect for you group of students! For example, students visiting Heredia can choose to visit a working coffee plantation, watch Heredia CF play league football at the town stadium, take a walking tour around the capital city of San Jose, or spend a day white-water rafting on the Chirripo River. On the beach in Samara, students can opt for an afternoon of fishing or horseback-riding, trail hikes in the surrounding mountains, or in-school workshops such as jewellery-making and other arts and crafts.
Study Russian in
RIGA
with Russian Language School DURBE
The castles, cathedrals and crumbling city walls, commonly decorated with art nouveau faces, gargoyles and floral motifs, make the landscape of the city of Riga truly enchanting, or even fairy tale-like, particularly so if you can catch the city during the sun-drenched summer months, or the subzero months of January and February, when the city is often submerged in sparkling snow. Riga is the ornamental heart of the Baltic region, and, despite still being in its relative infancy as the capital of independent Latvia, served as the European Capital of Culture in 2014 and now proudly provides a home to almost a third of all Latvians. European students of Russian can enjoy sharpening their language skills in Riga with the significant convenience of no lengthy visa application process, and not having to fork out for expensive flights – Latvia is a fully-fledged EU member state, and Riga International Airport is increasingly well served by many affordable airlines. And, although Latvian is now acknowledged as the official language of the country during the current period of change, Russian remains a hugely important language in Latvia, still spoken by many and understood by most, with more than half of the population being native speakers.
WITH STARLING STUDY TRIPS, YOU ARE FULLY PROTECTED. We are fully bonded with ABTOT – find out more on P8
CONCERNED ABOUT THE COST? Find out more on P9
NEED HELP BOOKING FLIGHTS? We can arrange affordable ATOL-protected flights for you and your group – see P7
30 | F I N D O U T M O R E A B O U T T H E C I T Y , T H E S C H O O L A N D A V A I L A B L E A C T I V I T I E S O N O U R W E B S I T E
With more than eighteen years of experience in international language tourism, Russian Language School DURBE is highly respected in the Baltic region as an excellent training centre for students of Russian and other languages, recognised by the Latvian Ministry of Education and independent industry regulator EAQUALS. The school also has a welcoming and familiar atmosphere, lovingly maintained by talented teachers and patiently helpful staff. With a hugely desirable location in the very heart of the city of Riga, just moments away from the Old Town and the magnificent National Opera House, Russian Academy DURBE can boast a modern and fully equipped school with ten classrooms, free wi-fi, a computer room and a student lounge with refreshments. All the school’s host families are based within a short journey of the school, and with only Russian spoken in the home at all times, they can make sure that your students get in as much practice as possible!
russian lessons tailored to your groups’ academic needs Course materials, certificates, and free access to school wi-fi Friendly host family accommodation within a short tram ride of the school (twin rooms for students; private single rooms for group leaders) Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by host families daily Private airport transfers on arrival and departure A full programme of cultural activities and excursions
Unsure about host families? Find out more on P6
SAMPLE ITINERARY 7 nights (8 Days), Sunday to Sunday 12-25 students (min. age 14) plus 2 group leaders £490 per student (approx)
FOUNDED: 1996 | DIRECTOR: NORA POISA RAINA , BULVARIS 31, RIGA, LV-1050
SUN • Arrival in Riga MON TUE WED THU • Freedom Monument
FRI
• Powder Tower
• Riga Castle
• Three Brothers • Church of Our Lady of Sorrow • Great Guild • Cat House • Dome Cathedral
National Opera House •
SAT Russian Academy
DURBE
SUN
• Convent Yard • John’s Courtyard • Town Hall Square • St. Peters Church • House of Blackheads
Railway Station •
Central Market •
River Daugava
ACCREDITATIONS The Russian Academy DURBE is the only private language school in Latvia to be recognised by the national Ministry of Education & Science for exceptional academic standards. The school is also fully accredited by EAQUALS – an international organisation who conduct regular and rigorous inspections to ensure excellence in language education.
• Airport transfer to the school for orientation and meeting with host families • 4 Russian lessons • A guided walking tour of Riga • 4 Russian lessons • A boat trip along the river Daugava • 4 Russian lessons • A visit to the ‘Sun’ science museum with a painting workshop • 4 Russian lessons • An afternoon at the Riga city zoo • 4 Russian lessons • Free time for additional sightseeing, shopping, and spending time with host families • A full-day excursion to the beach resort of Jurmala, with a visit to the Dzintari forest park and art museum, or the flumes and slides of the Livu aquapark • Airport transfer from the school • Departure from Riga
Our study trip itineraries are tailor-made to suit your groups’ preferences, and in Riga students can choose from a wide range of exciting cultural activities and excursions to complement their academic programme. For example, the city’s food markets and bazaars can occupy those with a thirst for shopping and practising their language skills, whilst for those students interested in art and architecture, the city’s seemingly endless collection of art nouveau buildings can provide several long afternoons of entertainment. And of course there is Riga’s striking ‘Freedom’ monument, which when combined with visits to any of the available history museums, provides a fascinating introduction to the recent history of Riga, and an insight into how it became perhaps the most revered modern Baltic state capital.
FANCY A CHAT? Contact us via our website at www.starlingstudytrips.co.uk/contact Or, you can e-mail us directly via contact@starlingstudytrips.co.uk Alternatively, give us a call on 01273 968315
Please note that our phone number will often reach a mail service when we are out and about – but please leave us a message and we’ll make sure to get back to you within 24 hours.
Please get in touch and maybe leave us your contact details – we can either write back to you, call you straight back for a chat, or arrange a time to come and meet you in person at your school.
S O L O
STUDENTS
Is there anything in this brochure that you like the look of, but you aren’t interested in travelling with a group? For adults and juniors, we offer a bespoke service for solo student travellers looking for a language learning experience abroad. No never-ending web listings, no online booking, no risk – just a simple and highly personalised consultancy service, where you contact us for a chat about what you would like to do, and then we go away and put together a made-to-measure proposal for you, with absolutely no obligation.
Bespoke modern foreign language study trips for groups
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www.starlingstudytrips.co.uk