the Village: Learning English While Enjoying Summer
the Village Spain is a summer camp on the Asturian coast where children can experience true language immersion while having an unforgettable time.
Organized by Colegio San Fernando of Avilés, one of Spain's Top 100 bilingual schools since 1941, and in collaboration with Ireland Idiomas, specialists in language immersion abroad, the camp offers a fresh alternative to traditional classes, with a dynamic, exam-free approach that makes learning English fun and engaging.
Located in a 53,000 m² gated campus with private security, The Village provides top-tier sports facilities, including an indoor Sports Centre, tennis and paddle courts, soccer fields, and athletics areas, among others.
Everything is designed to let participants enjoy sports and recreational activities while practicing English in a safe and stimulating environment. Each summer at The Village is an adventure that blends learning, sports, and entertainment, offering a unique experience for young people.
After 30 years of organizing trips to Ireland, I can confidently say that at The Village, our English summer camp, participants practice the language intensively: in just two weeks, they speak more English than in 50 days abroad, making it an effective and enjoyable way to learn English.
Michael O'Connell
Manager
The Origins of the Village
Since 1980, the International College San Fernando has been organizing traditional summer camps in various locations, always with the enthusiastic participation of its students. These camps became a cherished tradition, fostering learning and adventure for generations.
Meanwhile, Michael O'Connell, owner and CEO of Ireland Idiomas, had over 25 years of experience in organizing international language immersion programs. Over time, he observed how changing social circumstances, particularly the evolving structure of host families, began to impact the effectiveness of traditional English immersion programs.
To offer an innovative alternative and enrich intercultural exchange, open to participants from all parts of Spain and abroad, the Village was created in 2013 as a collaboration between Ireland Idiomas and the International College San Fernando. Designed as an all-English-speaking village, the Village immerses participants in an environment where they engage constantly with a large team of English-speaking coaches. This dynamic approach ensures highly effective language immersion and an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Meet Our Management Team
Michael O'Connell
General Manager
Javier Martínez
International School San Fernando - Principal
José Luis Martínez
International School San Fernando - Vice Principal
Michelle Honore
Operations Director
María Martín
Customer Care
Carmen Pérez
Resources Manager and Family Support
Our Principles: Mission, Vision, and Values of the Village
Mission
To offer a unique English immersion experience that fosters language learning and fluency in a multicultural environment. Through interaction and dialogue in English among young people from different countries, we provide a safe, dynamic, and enriching setting where each participant builds confidence in their language skills while enjoying sports and activities in a natural and collaborative environment.
Vision
To become the leading English immersion program in Spain, recognized for our innovative methodology and our ability to bring together young people from diverse countries to experience an international and educational journey. We aim for each participant, both local and foreign, to gain a global perspective and greater English fluency, contributing to their personal and academic development.
Values
- Immersion and authenticity: We create an environment where English is the authentic means of communication, supported by a high proportion of native and bilingual coaches and the integration of youth from multiple nationalities.
- Educational excellence: Guided by the highest language teaching standards, with the supervision of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, we ensure a top-quality educational experience.
- Fun and meaningful learning: We encourage learning through enjoyable activities and sports, helping participants to gain English fluency in a natural and pleasant way.
- Diversity and respect: We value and promote cultural diversity, enriching the camp with the presence of young people from different countries and fostering a community built on respect and cultural exchange.
- Comprehensive development: We support the communicative, personal, and social development of each participant, encouraging confidence in their language skills and an open-minded attitude toward the world.
