When summer arrives, many parents face the same question: is it better to send my child to an English camp in Spain or abroad? The decision is not easy, as both options have clear advantages, but also drawbacks that should be considered before taking the leap.
Going abroad may seem like the most natural alternative for learning English, as children are surrounded by the language in its country of origin. However, it also means higher costs, greater distance, and more uncertainty for families. On the other hand, camps in Spain offer proximity and safety, but they don’t always guarantee the real immersion parents hope for.
The key lies in finding a balance: a camp that combines the best of an international experience with the peace of mind of staying within the country. In this article, we analyze the differences between both options and show you how to choose the one that best fits your child’s and family’s needs.
Advantages of an English camp abroad
The first idea that comes to many parents’ minds when thinking about an English camp is sending their child abroad, to countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, or the United States. And indeed, this option offers clear benefits for children.
Direct contact with the language
Living in an English-speaking country means children are surrounded by the language at all times: in the street, in shops, on signs, and in everyday conversations. This constant exposure facilitates natural learning and builds confidence to handle real-life situations.
Guaranteed international coexistence
Camps abroad usually bring together young people from different countries, making English the common language for communication. This multicultural environment broadens horizons and allows children to discover new cultures and ways of thinking.
Greater sense of independence
Being far from home in a different country is a challenge for children and teenagers, helping them develop autonomy, adaptability, and self-confidence. It’s a life experience that can have a lasting positive impact on their personal growth.
However, alongside these advantages come important challenges: the high cost, the physical distance that worries families, and the doubts about safety and the personalized attention children will receive in an unfamiliar environment.
Advantages of an English camp in Spain
More and more families are discovering that it’s not necessary to cross borders for their children to have an international experience. English camps in Spain offer highly valuable advantages that, in many cases, make them the most balanced option.
Proximity and peace of mind for families
Having the camp within national territory means parents remain closer to their children, which provides security and reassurance. Moreover, if needed, it’s much easier to arrange visits, calls, or transfers.
Lower cost than a program abroad
Camps outside Spain usually involve much higher costs due to flights, additional insurance, and logistical expenses. In contrast, a camp in Spain significantly reduces the investment while maintaining the potential for full English immersion if well designed.
Safety in a familiar environment
Sending a child abroad can cause concern about distance, adaptation, or unexpected situations. In Spain, parents know the healthcare system, cultural context, and safety regulations, which reduces uncertainty.
That said, not all camps in Spain guarantee the real immersion families are looking for. Here lies the key: choosing a program that ensures English becomes the language of daily life, not just a complement to activities.
How to get the best of both worlds
The decision between sending a child to a camp abroad or staying in Spain often comes down to a trade-off between real immersion and safety. However, some programs manage to combine both advantages, offering an international experience without leaving the country.
A truly outstanding English camp in Spain must meet three conditions:
- International and native coaches, to ensure English is the working language in all activities.
- Multicultural coexistence, with participants from different countries and regions, motivating children to use the language as a communication bridge.
- Premium facilities and activities, capable of exciting children while providing peace of mind to parents in terms of safety and well-being.
This way, children enjoy the cultural and linguistic richness of an international camp, but with the closeness and confidence of staying in Spain. For families, it’s the perfect balance between learning, fun, and safety.
the Village as an international alternative without leaving Spain
At the Village, we’ve designed an English camp that brings together all the benefits of an international experience with the peace of mind of being in Spain. Over two weeks, children and teenagers live in a multicultural environment with participants from more than 12 nationalities and 36 Spanish provinces, making English the common language of communication.
The immersion is complete: more than 200 hours of English in 15 days, with a team composed of 80% international coaches, a close ratio of 1 coach per 5 participants, and a program supervised by Cambridge University Press & Assessment that ensures natural, effective learning without classes or exams.
The facilities reinforce this unique approach: accommodation in a 4★ hotel with double rooms and private bathrooms, a 52,000 m² sports campus with pools, courts, and a theater, and a natural environment in Asturias between the sea and the mountains. All under strict safety protocols, 24-hour nursing service, and comprehensive insurance.
Thus, children enjoy the cultural diversity, international coexistence, and real immersion that many parents associate with going abroad—but with the proximity, safety, and trust of staying in Spain.
Choosing an English camp is much more than deciding where your children will spend the summer. It’s about investing in an experience that can transform how they see the language, their confidence when communicating, and their way of relating to the world.
Going abroad may seem like the obvious choice, but it’s not always the most practical or safest one. In Spain, there are camps capable of offering real immersion, multiculturalism, and international coaches without sending children thousands of kilometers away from home.
At the Village, parents find peace of mind knowing their children will be cared for, safe, and happy, while enjoying a truly international experience. Because in the end, what matters is not the distance, but the quality of the environment and the richness of the experiences they’ll live.
