Finding the right summer camp for your child's holiday activities can be challenging. Are you feeling overwhelmed while searching for information on UK summer camps? The data may not be concentrated enough, making the selection process seem daunting. How do you choose the right study abroad tour for them?

UK Summer Camp - Brighton


We have streamlined information on the six most popular types of UK study abroad tours, making it easy for you to find the hottest programs in one go. We provide comprehensive details, including school introductions, course selections, tuition fees, accommodation arrangements, schedules, flight tips, pre-departure preparations, and essential packing lists!

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Introduction to Types of UK Study Abroad Tours

UK study abroad tours can be broadly categorized into three forms:
1. Organized and enrolled directly by boarding schools.
2. Educational institutions renting school facilities to conduct programs.
3. Locally organized tours by agencies.

  • 1. The target audience for enrolment is international students, so there are quotas for each nationality to enhance the internationalization of each group, ensuring students can interact with peers from different nationalities. The benefits of participating in this type of study abroad tour include students experiencing boarding school life, fostering independence, and being taught by school faculty, ensuring a certain level of teaching quality.
  • 2. Programs and enrolment are designed by educational institutions, and the target audience is also international students, with quotas to ensure interaction with students of different nationalities. Teachers are hired by the educational institution and have experience and qualifications in teaching international students. The advantage of this type of study abroad tour is that teachers have significant experience teaching international students and are adept at handling issues that may arise.
  • 3. The third type is organized by local agencies in collaboration with educational institutions, enrolling students for various study abroad tours. The target audience is solely Hong Kong students, and there are no international students in the entire group. This type is suitable when all participants are from Hong Kong, allowing for easy communication without language barriers among students. However, it may defeat the purpose of sending students abroad for a study tour, as the goal is typically to enhance English language proficiency, experience life, broaden horizons, and engage with students of different nationalities.

I typically encourage parents to consider the first or second type of study abroad tour as it helps cultivate students' discipline and independence, teaching them to be self-reliant and providing opportunities to communicate with students from different nationalities, thus enhancing English proficiency.

In the following, I will introduce the six most popular study abroad tour types, including their characteristics and suitable participants, based on their popularity among parents and students.

6 Major Types of Study Abroad Tours: Introduction and Characteristics

a. Boarding School Experience

Boarding School Camp

Characteristics:

  • Students get a firsthand experience of life in a traditional British boarding school. The extracurricular activities are diverse, providing opportunities to immerse in British culture and improve English proficiency. The activities often include experiences less common for Hong Kong students, such as mountain climbing, canoeing, horseback riding, and kart racing. Schools strive to control the proportion of international students, narrowing the number of students from the same nationality to approximately 15-20% per class. This ensures students have ample opportunities to speak English, enhancing their communication skills with international peers. Teachers conduct placement tests upon arrival based on students' language proficiency and age.

Class Format:

  • Most mornings consist of English classes, while afternoons are dedicated to various extracurricular activities or sightseeing. It is a study tour that balances learning and leisure. Different study tours offer varying teaching hours, ranging from 15 to 30 hours, with class sizes generally not exceeding 15 students.

Accommodation:

  • Students stay in the boarding school's dormitories, assigned to four-person rooms, three-person rooms, or double rooms. Roommates are typically students from different nationalities, providing a complete experience of boarding school life.

Suitable Participants:

  • Students aged 8 to 15 or those planning to study in the UK in the future, providing an early experience of life in a British boarding school.

School Recommendations for Boarding School Experience Camp:

b. University Experience

University Camp

Characteristics:

  • This type of camp involves attending classes in a university environment, providing an early experience of university life. Most of these camps are organized by educational institutions renting venues and facilities from universities. The faculty is of a certain standard, and educational institutions tend to collaborate with top universities to allow students to experience university life during the summer.

Class Format:

  • The teaching format of university experience camps is similar to regular university classes, including small seminars, lectures, and hands-on practical sessions. It encourages students to think critically and surpass their limitations. Through the diverse teaching methods in the UK, students develop an interest in learning while enhancing their independent abilities.

Accommodation:

  • Students are accommodated in university dormitories, often in single rooms.

Suitable Participants:

  • Primarily targeted at students aged 13 to 17 who are more mature and have basic self-care abilities. This allows them to attend classes in a university environment and experience university life.

Recommended Universities for University Experience Camps:

c. Specialized Academic Training Experience

Speciality Camp

Characteristics:

  • The program focuses on academics, with a more intensive schedule. The course offerings are highly diverse, including GCSE/A-Level/IB preparatory classes, IELTS preparation, medical studies, law, engineering, history, politics, and more.


Class Format:

  • The courses are more intensive, with less time for sightseeing and extracurricular activities. The emphasis is on academic content.

Accommodation:

  • Students stay in dormitories arranged by the school, mostly in double and single rooms.

Suitable Participants:

  • Students aged 14 to 17 who are interested in pursuing specialized studies or attending top-notch schools in the future. It is also suitable for those planning to enrol in GCSE or A-Level courses in the UK.

Recommended Schools for Specialized Academic Training:

d. Sports Training

Sports Camp

Characteristics:

  • This type of camp focuses on sports training, such as football, golf, basketball, and more. It includes instruction in tactics, formations, physical fitness, and other related topics. In addition to sports training, students also participate in English language classes. All training is conducted in English, allowing students of different ages to learn English communication skills through sports.

Class Format:

  • Half of the time is dedicated to English language classes, and the other half is for sports training. Taking football training camps as an example, there may be half or a full day spent training and visiting famous football stadiums.

Accommodation:

  • Students stay in the school's dormitories, assigned to independent, double, or triple rooms based on availability.

Suitable Participants:

  • Students who want to improve their English while experiencing different sports, especially those less commonly encountered in Hong Kong, such as horseback riding, archery, canoeing, and rock climbing. Football enthusiasts, both boys and girls, can participate in football training camps, which provide insights into the real life of professional football players, football tactics, nutritional information, and technical training.

Recommended Schools for Football Training Camps:

e. Art Experience

Art Camp

Characteristics:

  • The program is designed for various artistic and theatrical disciplines, such as fashion, film, dance, photography, oil and watercolour painting, graphic design and illustration, game design, and more. Special portfolio training classes are offered to enhance students' portfolio standards for university applications. There are also one-week short-term art interest classes suitable for students with a strong interest in specific art courses, such as photography, sketching, and painting. During this week, students can explore and engage in more related activities.


Class Format:

  • Art speciality courses are conducted both in the morning and afternoon. Sightseeing or extracurricular activities mainly revolve around art or visits to art galleries.

Accommodation:

  • Students will stay in single rooms in the school's dormitories.

Suitable Participants:

  • Ages 15 to 18, students with a strong interest in art or those who want to explore more art interests during the summer vacation.

Recommended Schools for Art and Drama Camps:

f. Near London

Near to London

London is the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom. Famous landmarks such as the London Eye, Big Ben, the British Museum, London Bridge, and Buckingham Palace make London a preferred destination for parents and students travelling to the UK for the first time. London offers convenient and well-developed transportation, and there are numerous attractions to visit, ensuring a dynamic experience.

Many parents choose schools near London for their children to participate in study tours. These schools are highly popular because of their proximity to London, making transportation more convenient. Even during sightseeing trips, destinations are primarily focused on London and its surrounding areas, with travel times generally around an hour. This ensures that students can reach their destinations without much hassle. Another advantage is that if parents accompany their children to the UK, they can continue exploring London while the students are engaged in the study tour.

Here are some school recommendations near London that organize study tours:

After reviewing the recommendations for study tours above, if you want to provide your children with a fulfilling summer, consider arranging a memorable study tour for them!

FAQ for Summer Study Tours in the UK


Phase One: Information Gathering

1. Where is the Popular Regions for Summer Study Tours in the UK?

  • Generally, parents tend to choose major cities as the regions for their children to participate in study tours, such as London, Oxford, and Cambridge, making it convenient for students to explore different parts of the UK. For students joining residential school experience camps, the addresses of these schools are typically in suburban areas. To ensure students don't face long commutes, the study tour schools selected by LINKEDU are mostly about 1 to 2 hours' drive from the airport, and airport transfers are provided.

2. How should parents choose a study tour for their children?

  • Parents should first discuss and determine the goals of their children's participation in the study tour. Based on these goals, parents can then choose a suitable study tour for their children from the various programs offered. LINKEDU has categorized different study tours into six major types to meet the diverse needs of parents and students.

3. Is it possible for parents to accompany their children?

  • Parents can travel to the UK with their children, but they cannot participate in the summer camp programs alongside their children.

4. What is the nationality ratio of students in study tours?

  • Each program has restrictions on the number of students from each nationality to ensure diversity among participants. The nationality ratio varies for each program, but typically students of the same nationality constitute about 15% to 20% of the total.

5. What is the Application Process and Timeline for Study Tours?

February-MarchPrepare relevant documents (child's passport and student photos)
March-MaySubmit application > Pay reservation fee > School confirmation letter
AprilPurchase airline ticket
May-JuneAttend pre-departure briefing organized by LINKEDU
JunePrepare pre-departure documents and items
JulyDeparture

6. What is the deadline for applying for study tours?

  • Most programs do not have a specific application deadline, and admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. As there are limitations on the number of students from each nationality, it is recommended to apply as early as possible.

7. Is there a specific English proficiency requirement for study tour programs?

  • Most programs accept students with varying levels of English proficiency. However, for specialized training study tours, the school may require a certain level of English proficiency to cope with the course. Generally, upon arrival at the camp, students will undergo an English proficiency test, and students with similar language levels will be placed in the same class.

8. What is included in the program fees?

  • All program fees include course materials and accommodation. Additional costs covered by individual school fees may include airport transfers, student travel insurance, or entrance fees to tourist attractions. Parents are responsible for the cost of airline tickets.

9. Is there a certificate upon completion of the program?

  • Most schools will issue a certificate to students who successfully complete the program.

Phase Two: After Submitting Course Application

1.  Is a visa required for Hong Kong passport holders?

  • As the duration of study tour programs is not more than 6 months, holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports do not need to apply for a visa. If students hold passports other than the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport, please contact the LINKEDU consultant to inquire whether a visa is required.

2. How should parents arrange airfare for their children?

  • There are two main airports for travel between Hong Kong and the UK: London Heathrow Airport and Manchester International Airport. Different airlines provide direct or connecting flights to these airports.
  • Parents of study tour participants generally prefer to purchase direct flight tickets for their children as they are more convenient. The round-trip direct flight tickets for two weeks typically range from HKD 10,000 to HKD 15,000.
Flights from HK to UK

3. Will the airline provide assistance if young children are flying alone?

6 years old - under 12 years old childrenAccording to the UK Children Protection Act, if the child's age is between 6 and under 12 years old, when purchasing a plane ticket, it is necessary to apply for the Unaccompanied Minor Service, abbreviated as "UM Service," with the airline. The UM Service is a caretaker service provided by airline staff at the airport, including accompanying and assisting children with immigration, boarding, and transfers. Upon reaching the destination, staff must confirm the identity of the person picking up the child and complete handover procedures to ensure the child does not stay alone at the airport.
12 years old - under 18 years old childrenIt is not always necessary to apply for UM Service; however, parents can also apply as needed or as required by some schools.
  • Parents should note that not every airline provides Unaccompanied Minor (UM) Service. The regulations, application processes, and fees vary among different airlines and countries. It is essential to inquire and understand the details from the travel agency or airline when purchasing tickets and applying for this service.

4.Will the study tour provide airport transfer services?

  • Most schools offer airport transfer services, but it is essential to clarify with the school whether this service is charged.

5. Is it necessary to purchase study tour insurance?

  • Some schools include insurance in the fees. If insurance is not included, LINKEDU consultants strongly recommend parents to independently purchase travel insurance for their children in case of unforeseen circumstances.

6. Is it necessary to arrange a guardian in the UK?

  • In general, participating in a study tour in the UK does not require parents to arrange a guardian for their children in the UK.

7. What items should be prepared for the trip to the UK?

Suggested Packing List for Travelling to the UK:Items that students on study tours must bring in their carry-on luggage:
Checked baggage.Carry-on, do not put in checked luggage.
SwimwearWaterproof windbreakerUmbrellaMobile phone accessories (earphones, charger, USB cable, etc.)Bed sheets and blankets (depending on personal needs)Medicine box (small amount of medication, including cold medicine, pain relievers, antiemetics, antipyretics; if there are other long-term medications, please bring a sufficient amount) - All medications need to be handed over to the dormitory supervisor upon arrival for safekeepingPersonal care items (toothpaste, toothbrush, shower gel, shampoo)Sun protection items (sunscreen, sunglasses, cap)Clothes, underwear, socksTravel hairdryerDocuments (passport, Hong Kong ID)Acceptance letter from the study tour schoolUM Service confirmation notice (applicable for students under 12)Name, phone number, and emergency contact number of the person picking up at the airportSmall amount of British pounds in cash (approximately £100 per week)Pre-filled UK phone SIM cardTravel insurance policy documentsParent Consent Letter for travel abroadMedical records (if there are other chronic illnesses, please have the doctor write an "English Medical Certificate" and an "English Medication Usage Instructions")

8. How much pocket money should be prepared?

  • Apart from buying snacks and souvenirs, students don't have many opportunities to use cash during the summer camp. It is recommended that parents prepare around £100 per week in pocket money for their children. 

9. If I pay the reservation fee and later find out that I can't attend or need to reschedule, can I get a refund?

  • When registering, schools usually require parents to pay a reservation fee. If you find out later that you cannot attend, the reservation fee will not be refunded. If you need to reschedule, please contact your LINKEDU consultant to communicate with the school about rescheduling arrangements.

Phase Three: During the Study Tour

1. What should I do if I get sick or injured?

  • Every school will have nurses to take care of the students.

2. Can I bring my mobile phone with me during classes?

  • Generally, students participating in residential school experience study tours must surrender their mobile phones before classes. They will retrieve their phones after completing a full day of classes and activities. For those participating in university experience study tours, schools may not necessarily collect students' phones, but students must be self-disciplined and refrain from using phones during class.

3. Is it possible to leave early?

  • Courses have specified arrival and departure dates. If you need to leave early, you can communicate in advance with the school through your LINKEDU consultant for arrangements.

4. Can students go out on their own?

  • Students are not allowed to go out on their own. During the study tour, the school will arrange sightseeing and travel time, and students can only go out at specified times. Each outing will also have a tutor accompanying the students to ensure their safety.

5. Do students need to take exams for the courses?

  • Generally, there will be an English proficiency test before the start of the courses to assess students' English levels. There will also be quizzes during the courses to evaluate students' progress.