Q2 : Do you provide French classes during the camp session?

A: No, our program is a full immersion program not a study program. Here children learn and experience the language by living the everyday life in France with other French children of their own age.

 

Q3 : What is the level of French fluency required of the children?

A: Minimum 2 years of French studies are required to participate in our program. We welcome students from International French schools all over the world, we also welcome students from foreign schools taking French classes. Everyone studying French and loving it is welcome! As long as the child is able to put together basic sentences and understand others he/she will do well.

 

Q4 : Are children with different levels of French placed together?

A: Yes, some children are fluent, some have a minimum of French, most campers are French and only a limited number of foreigners attend these programs - So, all of them come together at camp. It is part of the experience, not only do they practice their language skills, but they learn from each other, help each other and exchange their knowledge. No matter what level of French children have, everyone benefits from this experience.

 

Q5 : What percentage of French children will there be at camp? Where are they from?

Q6 : Who run the camps? Are the safety regulations as strict in Europe as they are here in the USA or some other countries?

A: Every one of our camps is run by professional organizations that have been in existence for at least 10 to 15 years. They are regulated by the French government. Regulations regarding summer camp programs are very strict in France.

 

Q7 : How experienced are the counselors? How old are they?

Q8 : Do you offer escorted flights ?

A: No, due to the fact that children participating in our program come from all over the world, we keep our logistic as simple as possible, therefore, everyone meets in Paris.

Q9 : We live in New York, can we fly our son directly to Paris to meet with your group? Will someone be there to pick him up at the airport?

A: Campers can fly from any city in the USA or in the WORLD to Paris and meet our group. We have Staff in Paris CHARLES DE GAULLE Airport in charge of campers arriving from every possible destination ON THE SAME DAY.

Q10 : Will you help our son check in for his return flight home?

A: For their return flight home, campers will be escorted from the camp/hotel to the airport by our staff ON THE SAME DAY and checked in by our staff with the airlines for their return flight home.

 

Q11 : We are taking a family trip to France before the camp session starts, can we bring our children to Paris to meet the group? Or should we bring them directly to the camp?

A: Yes, you may bring your children to us directly in Paris. All our campers will travel from Paris to the camps escorted by our staff / the camp staff. Our program starts in Paris, it is recommended that everyone meets in Paris.

 

Q12 : When do you have to pay?

A: A deposit of 500 € is required with your first application to reserve a space for your child at camp. Full payment for the tuition is due no later than May 1st. The deposit is fully refundable until 14 days after admission.

Q13 : Do you accept Credit card payments? We live in a foreign country how should we send our payment to you?

A: We do not accept credit card. Payments must be made by checks payable to VSF, in Euros OR by Electronic wire transfers which is the type of payment we recommend in order to avoid extra bank charges.

Q14 : How much spending money should we give our daughter. How can we be sure that she won't loose it?

A: A complete Pre-trip and Pre-camp package is sent to families by mail 6 weeks prior to departure. It includes a "Spending money Form & envelope" with camper's name and address on it. We recommend no more than 100 € spending money. Children are responsible for their spending money during the trip. While at camp (especially for the youngest campers) this money is kept in a safe, but if following a camping itinerary campers carry it with them at all times.

 

Q15 : Do children have any time for shopping during their trip?

A: Yes, they have a little time to shop during some of the field trips at camp. just enough to bring home some souvenirs.

 

Q16 : Do you sell any items to children?

A: No, we do not.

Q17 : Do you offer any day camp program (without overnight sleeping)?

A: Our camps are sleepaway camps, where children are away from home for at least 2 weeks. This time and these conditions are very important for immersion to be successful. During this time children only hear and have to speak French. Our program is a full immersion program not a day camp program.

Q18 : Do you have a camp where all three of our children could go?

A: Yes, depending on their age group, we do not mix young children and teenagers. Sometimes we feel that it is better for siblings to be separated, they immerse and benefit more from the program better that way. Other times it is helpful for them to be together, it really depends on the situation - but we will help you make the right decision.

Q19 : Do you have any programs for children older than 16 years old?

Q20 : Both of my boys are very athletic, will there be plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities?

A: Some programs are more athletic, other more artistic. Our camps offer a wide range of activities including sports activities but the main focus of our program is the cultural experience and the discovery of the country. American summer camp programs focus mainly on sports activities, French camp programs are a little different, do not expect to find a typical American camp in France.

Q21 : Can my children go to church during camp?

A: Depending on what program they chose to attend they will be able to go to church on Sunday morning. If following a camping itinerary it will be almost Impossible.

Q22 : How do I know that my child will not get homesick?

A: Homesickness is absolutely normal, and our staff expects it and handles it well. Children are usually a little bit homesick the first three days, this is what we call the "adjustment time", a time to recover from their trip, adjust to their new environment and to the language, a time to connect with others. This is a very important time in the "immersion process" they need to go through these feelings in order to find within themselves the social skills (and language skills) they need in order to survive. Generally, children who have had happy experiences staying several days with family or friends, are adaptable to new environments, make friends easily and enjoy playing with other children have normal social skills and are ready for sleep-away camp.

 

Q23 : Can we visit our children during the camp session? Can we call them (telephone)?

Q24 : While we are in France can we visit the camp?

A: Exceptionally and only with our written permission can parents be allowed to visit the camp location while camps are in session. But, parents can bring their children to camp or pick them up themselves if it is more convenient for them, they are also often invited to come and watch the show given by their children on the last night of camp (some programs only).

Q25 : What is your average return rate every year?

A: 50 to 70%

 

Questions ? Call (+33) 950-329-529