Growing and Learning Together

Parents and Children

English for family

IELS offers English Language courses dedicated to the whole family. These courses are perfect for a family holiday, in which parents, children from the age of 3 and teenagers up to the age of 17 have the opportunity to combine English study with fun activities and exciting tours. 

Families have the opportunity to experience and discover different cultures and traditions, explore and visit the best tourist attractions of their choosen holiday destination in a fun and relaxed way and learn English, as follow:

  • Adults (parents or grandparents) can participate in one of our Adult courses.
  • Teenagers aged 12 to 17 can attend one of our Junior courses.
  • Children aged 8 to 11 can attend one of our Junior courses or can learn English in one of our Kids club.
  • Children aged 5 to 7 can learn English in one of our Kids club.
  • Children aged 2 to 4 can stay in our Kindergarten Club (Playschool) assisted by a native english speaker child minder or can learn English in one of our Kids club.
There are various options available for the whole family and we will be glad to organise the best solution for you.


Our flexible course options will allow you to choose to study as much (or as little) as you wish so you can dedicated the rest of your time to explore and learn more about your holiday destination.

Please consider that our adult and junior timetables can be co-ordinated to make sure the whole family can learn English at the same time and location so that you will be able to bring your children to the school in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon.

Programme Overview
We have various course formats you can choose from:
  1. In-person
  2. Remote/Online/Virtual
  3. A “mix of both” formula
Please apply now if you are interested or contact us for more information.

We can organise the best programme for you and your family, which will lead to maximise all family members’ learning potentials.

Enjoy learning together

A family experience that you will remember forever
Benefits:
  • Spend time with your family in a dynamic holiday while enjoying the same bonding unique experience of learning English at one of our best schools.
  • Everyone will have the opportunity to relax and focus on their own learning knowing their children are safe and enjoying fun-filled classes in English with children of a similar age.
  • Study with other parents and other families from all over the world attending the same programme, make friends and use English.
  • For your children, the family English program means that they will be able to learn and practice English in a way appropriate for their age, together with other young students from all over the world. Courses for young students include interactive elements, role plays, games and other activities designed to keep your children interested and focused while having fun at the same time.
  • The schedules of the courses for young and adult students are coordinated so that you will be able to bring your children to the school in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon.
  • English Programmes for Families offer the opportunity of discovering new cultures together, improving the language level of all family members and sharing an unforgettable experience.
  • Every parent can enjoy the flexibility of our “Parent and child” programmes, so children will have the opportunity to meet with kids from other countries and experience other cultures while learning English, while parents have the freedom to take part in a language course or embrace other activities which are available, such us: excellent sporting programmes (Golf, Horse riding, Sailing), cultural events, excursions to tourist attractions and so on, knowing that  In fact it is not necessary for the entire family to do language courses.
  • Family groups can be hosted in the same or separate accommodation.
  • It is possible to book the course only for the children.
  • Make your family relationships stronger and see your children develop as they learn English.
  • IELS offers young students a friendly, welcoming, happy, healthy, fun and secure environment.
Read more about:

This program has been designed to adapt to each member of the family through activities and interactive English lessons, where children till 11 years old are divided into groups according to their age, older children and parents are divided according to their level of English based on entry English test. The test includes writing, vocabulary and an oral interview. This allows placing you and your child in the right class for your ability level from Beginner (A1) to Advanced (C2). All levels are available.
Teaching for both, children and parents, can include 20 or 30 lessons of English each week.
Classes are focused on communication, listening, reading and writing using computers, video, data projectors and other modern technology to enhance the teaching.
A program of social and sport activities for children is available as part of the English course. All activities are supervised by experienced English speaking activity instructors, so participants can develop their conversational English while enjoying fun, outdoor activities.

One full-day and a half-day each week are allocated for excursions to world-famous landmarks and historical sites.
These visits allow children, accompanied by our staff or by parents, to improve their fluency and confidence in English.
Parents take part in activities such as local wildlife and history walks, sport, traditional afternoon tea, country dancing, croquet and traditional crafts while their children enjoy indoor or outdoor sports, outdoor adventure activities, etc.
There is also an evening activity programme filled with games, quizzes, films and other activities.
Our mixed nationality programme for children provides classroom-based study and adventure activities combined with excursions where they practise their language skills and develop their vocabulary and understanding in real-life situations.

Find the Perfect Course

Read more about:
  • Optional English language courses for parents and other family members
  • For parents, there are over 20 different courses available. Please go to the Adult Courses page for further information.
  • While their children are at school, parents and other adult family members have the option of taking a course. Our adult programmes focus on spoken English and there is also concentrated language skill practice.
  • Parents attend adult English language lessons and accompany their children on all excursions and enjoy a cultural programme of activities while their children enjoy outdoor adventure activities.
  • This programme is available to parents and other family members. While their children are at school, parents and other family members have the option of taking a course according to their level of English. Sibling +18 years old can also attend this course. Please Note: it is possible to book the course only for the children.
  • On afternoons the whole family can enjoy a lovely activity program. These activities might include visit to the tourist attractions. Sport and musical event might be also included in the activity programme. Weekend excursions to places of historical and archaeological interest will complete every enjoyable week.
  • Parents can choose between 15, 20 or 30 lessons per week, according to their level of English, with 1 lesson = 50/60 mins.
  • Parents can enjoy their own separate English language lessons from CELTA (or equivalent) qualified teachers.In class they work on all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) but the main focus is on everyday communication. Participants improve pronunciation and learn to identify their own mistakes and to correct them. In addition to 3 hours of morning classes a 60-minute optional conversation session as well as one-to-one and two-to-one classes are available. For details please see the course description at adult English courses.
  • The school organises full-day trips on Saturdays for teenagers (ages 12 to 17) to explore tourist attractions and experience fun challenges at adventure and water sports centres. Adult students as well as parents with children can also enjoy Saturday and Sunday tours to major tourist destinations which are usually provided by school’s trusted third party providers.
  • Parents can participate in the “Activity and Excursion” programme , or alternatively, there is a programme of cultural activities for parents whilst their children enjoy outdoor adventure activities.
  • Parents are responsible for their children outside school hours and in the homestay.
  • Families can choose tuition only, or tuition and afternoon activities for the children; leaving free time for the parents in the afternoons.  Families on this programme also have the option to join the camp’s full-day Saturday excursion each week.
  • Parents, children from the age of 2 and teenagers up to the age of 17 have the opportunity to combine English study with fun activities and exciting tours and it is not necessary for the entire family to do language courses, we also have excellent Sporting programmes (golfing, horse-riding, sailing, etc.) or other activities programmes (cooking courses, pilates, personal development, parenting) which may suit.
  • For parents with young children, there is the possibility for the parents to share an intensive language course with one parent taking a course in the mornings and the other taking a course in the afternoons. This allows one parent free to look after the toddlers.
  • Parents can take part in a wide range of cultural, sporting, creative and social activities every afternoon and at weekends. Informal evening activities will develop and improve conversational skills.
  • The schedules of the courses for young and adult students are coordinated so that you will be able to bring your children to the school in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon. Our adult and junior timetables are often co-ordinated to make sure the whole family can learn English at the same time and location, easily meeting up at the end of lessons, however, when more locations are involved Class and opening times are synchronised between locations to ensure smooth drop-off in the mornings and pick-up in the afternoons.
  • There is also available a “LEARN ENGLISH WITH YOUR CHILD” programme, in which during a parent and child shared homestay, parents can join their children on a homestay, learn English course. Either, or both parent and child, can have lessons if required. Lessons can be shared on a 2:1 basis or taught individually 1:1 . In the case of a parent accompanying  a young child and not having lessons, childcare facilities can be arranged. Parents not requiring any tuition can have free time, during that period, to do as as they wish. We are flexible with our course  dates so students can arrive on any day of the week. One week ( 7 nights ) is the minimum length of stay.Included in our homestay study program for parent and child, are a variety of activities and excursions. The activities will be relevant to the age of the child and can be discussed with the host teacher on arrival. Activities are designed to enable students to put their English speaking skills to use, outside the classroom. Parents are welcome to accompany the child on excursions and activities. Please note that transport fees and venue fees are not included.
  • End-of-course Certificate for both, parents and children.
  • A supervised lunch is available for children whose parents are taking an intensive general course.
  • Parents can take part in a wide range of cultural, sporting, creative and social activities every afternoon and at weekends. Informal evening activities will develop and improve conversational skills.
  • For teenagers, there are over 20 different courses available. Please go to the Junior Courses page for further information.
  • Our programme for teenagers has taken place every summer since 2009. Classes have a weekly theme combined with level appropriate grammar and vocabulary. Students present end-of week projects every Friday. Elements of Cambridge exam preparation are also included. In the afternoons the school provides workshops, sports activities, museum visits, city tours and games. The students are supervised by our team of experienced teachers and youth leaders. For more details please have a look at the Summer Programme for Teenagers
  • Teenagers aged 12 to 17 attend level-matched junior programme
  • This fun course is designed for children from 6 to 16 years old. The emphasis is on spoken English and communication activities. New language – vocabulary, colloquial English, idioms and grammar is introduced and practised in small groups. Interactive activities will encourage students to use their English in a meaningful way. Children are evaluated on the first day and placed in a multinational class according to their level of English. Timetable: 9.00-13.00 Monday to Friday.
  • End-of-course Certificate
  • Students aged 16-19 can join our adult courses.
  • Children, aged 8 – 12, follow a typical local curriculum in the same way as our local children in primary school. This includes: English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, Art, Sport.
  • Children can join local and other international children in the Holiday Club every afternoon.
  • Our programme for children has taken place every summer since 2009. Classes have a weekly theme combined with level appropriate grammar and vocabulary. Students present end-of week projects every Friday. Elements of Cambridge exam preparation are also included. In the afternoons the school provides workshops, sports activities, museum visits, city tours and games. The students are supervised by our team of experienced teachers and youth leaders. For more details please have a look at the Summer Programme for Teenagers
  • Children under 13 will join the Kids English course, which features activities and games to optimize learning.
  • Our teachers work on projects, play games and act at the same time as learning complex grammar, expanding their vocabulary and building up their confidence in English. In addition, our carefully designed syllabus guarantees that participants progress in all four areas of language: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Teachers who work on our summer courses not only have many years experience of teaching English to young learners but also have the enthusiasm, energy and creativity essential in working with children. They know how to let them enjoy the classes and progress in English at the same time.
  • Children are taught in small groups by our experienced teachers.
  • Children aged 7+ can learn English at the same time in the Young Learners’ Club (please see below for details)
  • Children aged 12 and older can also take part in an optional afternoon programme as well as all-day Saturday trips.
  • Children aged 5–15 years take part in our lively and engaging junior programmes.
  • Morning English classes for children, from different countries, follow a topic-based syllabus with a combination of interactive tasks and small projects. In order to keep children busy and interested, the teacher uses an array of engaging games, arts and crafts activities and drama. Most activities are held in a classroom but the teacher may also use the school sports hall, outdoor playing pitches or bring the class on a short excursion to a park or a museum (with the help of our friendly and experienced youth leaders).
  • A mixture of different activities to help children communicate in English and gain confidence
  • Integration with children from other countries also learning English
  • There is also the potential for children to mix with English-speaking children and further develop their English skills.
  • Children choose between half-day or full-day.
  • The children will be placed in our Activity Camp into groups according to their age. Each group is under the care of a dedicated group leader. The groups participate in up to 8 activities per day. Each day is different but at all times the focus is fun, safety and entertainment.
  • Children can take their courses with one of our private tutors at their house. The tutors are all qualified English teachers and have DBS checks (criminal record check which is obligatory to work with children). Our tutors are all local and will meet you at the school on the Monday morning.
  • We provide the children with the opportunity to take part in a total English immersion programme where the language used by the tutors during the breaks, between the classroom activities and outside the actual class instruction is equally as important.
  • During the course our teachers present and provide interesting projects, with topics for the children to participate in and where they will learn vocabulary and grammar usage through the practice of authentic activities. These activities could include: Cooking, shopping for food, projects on historical places visited during the afternoons, keeping a diary, playing games and so on.
  • Children must have have fun and learn at the same time. We have to make sure that they have a positive and memorable experience.
  • Our Kids English Club provides a fun and education vacation experience for children. The Course is packed with activities, culture and language learning.
  • We concentrate on developing English language and personal skills for primary school children
  • Children, aged 3 – 7, can attend 3 hours of English lessons every morning and they join local children and other international children in the Kids English Club every afternoon.
  • Children can join local and other international children in the Holiday Club every afternoon.
  • Courses are available for children from 2 years old.
  • Integration with children from other countries also learning English
  • There is also the potential for children to mix with English-speaking children and further develop their English skills.
  • Childcare for children aged 2 to 5
 is available. We are happy to place your youngest children with a well-established and recognised play school.
  • Parents are accommodated together with children; take them to their course in the morning, which can include English teaching in the morning and social activities in the afternoon. Afterwards, they pick them up at certain time and spend the rest of the day together.
  • A Private Child Minder can be arranged For Babies We can arrange for you baby and toddler to go to a native English speaker child minder. A child minder is a qualified child carer who takes care of children under the age of five. The children take part in organised play and will be in very good care. The child minder will also provide lunch.
  • We can arrange excellent child care (e.g. Child Care Centre, Play Centre and babysitters). This program can also give an opportunity to observe different ways of raising and educating children, and to experience a different culture through homestay and other experiences. Please note that this course is not just for mothers. In recent years, fathers, grandparents and entire families have enrolled in this extraordinary program. We welcome the whole family!
  • We are specialists on the ‘learning through play experience’. Contact us for more information.
    All of the staff at “IELS” are committed to offering our students the best education during their stay. We inspire our students to work diligently so they can effectively improve their English proficiency. Our experienced teaching staff are well trained and highly qualified in what they teach. They are up to date with the latest methods in teaching English as a foreign language and combine academic excellence with sensitivity and receptiveness to each student’s individual needs, talents and potential.
 All “IELS” teachers are university graduates with qualifications in teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and are respected for their knowledge and professionalism. The activities programme provides students with an opportunity to absorb some of the world’s rich heritage in a fun and relaxed way while also allowing students the opportunity to improve their English. This informal and social aspect of the programme is key to improving language skills. It also allows students from different nationalities to get to know each other outside the classroom. Some of the friendships made at “IELS” will last a lifetime. During the evening, students will also have a programme of activities. All the students have 24-hour emergency assistance.

    Accommodation

    Parent(s) and child(ren) can stay together with a local host family so children can learn how to communicate in English through playing with their host brothers and sisters.

    Accommodation & Supervision Highlights

    Parent(s) and child(ren) can stay together with a local host family so children can learn how to communicate in English through playing with their host brothers and sisters. Three meals per day are included. All our families are inspected and carefully selected by our accommodation officers who maintain regular contact with each host family. Host families are conveniently located to the colleges and most have many years experience looking after students.
 Accommodation is arranged on a full board basis with packed lunch Monday to Saturday. Students normally travel to classes each day by public transport like bus, DART (suburban train) or LUAS (tram) or TUBE. Private transfers can also be arranged at an additional cost. 
Living with a host family gives a perspective into a local family life. The interaction with a host family plays a prominent role in developing language skills.
    Private accommodation is most popular for families who want their own space, or perhaps have young children and therefore family members not taking a course. Residence and apartments offer an alternative to the “host family” option for families who wish to enjoy the freedom and independence they are used to at home. This type of accommodation offers students a great degree of independence and freedom to explore. All the accommodation used by the Language School students is of extremely high quality. Each bedroom is either situated very close to our modern wash and toilet facilities or, alternatively, has its own en-suite shower room. Each student will have their own wardrobe, drawers, desk and chair. We have self-catering and catering solutions in place. The catering facilities provide both hot and cold meals and a wide range of snacks.
    It is even possible to rent a complete house with garden for your own use. Fully furnished and ready for you to move in. Have BBQs with the neighbours or let your kids play with the kids next door in their garden! Another great way to experience the real local lifestyle while keeping your independence.
    It is also very popular to stay with a host family for the first few weeks, and then move into your ‘own’ place.
    All of the staff at “IELS” are committed to offering our students the best education during their stay. We inspire our students to work diligently so they can effectively improve their English proficiency. Our experienced teaching staff are well trained and highly qualified in what they teach. They are up to date with the latest methods in teaching English as a foreign language and combine academic excellence with sensitivity and receptiveness to each student’s individual needs, talents and potential.
 All “IELS” teachers are university graduates with qualifications in teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and are respected for their knowledge and professionalism. The activities programme provides students with an opportunity to absorb some of the world’s rich heritage in a fun and relaxed way while also allowing students the opportunity to improve their English. This informal and social aspect of the programme is key to improving language skills. It also allows students from different nationalities to get to know each other outside the classroom. Some of the friendships made at “IELS” will last a lifetime. During the evening, students will also have a programme of activities. All the students have 24-hour emergency assistance.
    We can arrange excellent child care (e.g. Child Care Centre, Play Centre and babysitters). This program can also give an opportunity to observe different ways of raising and educating children, and to experience a different culture through homestay and other experiences. Please note that this course is not just for mothers. In recent years, fathers, grandparents and entire families have enrolled in this extraordinary program. We welcome the whole family!

    The Best Experience Ever

    "Amazing Course and Experience"
    John Bollero
    Happy parent

    Application Processes​

    In-person format

    Step 1.
    Application to IELS
    Step 2.

    IELS Review Application 

    Step 3.

    IELS sends offers via email and meetings

    Step 4.
    Decision Time
    Step 5.

    Booking Confirmation

    Step 6.

    IELS selection and placement procedure (IPA)

    Step 7.
    Pre-departure orientation meeting
    Step 8.

    Departure

    Online/Remote/Virtual format

    Step 1.
    Application to IELS
    Step 2.

    IELS Review Application 

    Step 3.

    IELS sends offers via email and meetings

    Step 4.
    Decision Time
    Step 5.

    Booking Confirmation

    Step 6.

    IELS starts coaching and mentoring

    Step 7.

    You start your programme

    Blended formula

    Step 1.
    Application to IELS
    Step 2.

    IELS Review Application 

    Step 3.

    IELS sends offers via email and meetings

    Step 4.
    Decision Time
    Step 5.

    Booking Confirmation

    Step 6.

    IELS starts coaching and mentoring

    Step 7.

    You start your programme

    Step 8.

    Departure

    “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” – Lao Tzu

    Apply now

    If you wish to receive more information please fill in the form below.
    We will reply as soon as possible. Thank you.

    How many people will travel?

    Please consider the following Level of English (CEFR)
    • Beginner - A0
    • Basic User - A1 - Elementary
    • Basic User - A2 - Lower Intermediate
    • Independent user - B1 - Intermediate
    • Independent user - B2 - Upper Intermediate
    • Proficient User - C1 - Advanced
    • Proficient User - C2 - Proficiency
    Special Learning Requirements