A: Most trips are available for participants over the age of 18. However we sometimes have projects that are aimed at or open to teenagers over 16. The requirements are always specified in the project description.
A : If you have a low level of English it is recommended you join a group trip. For individual trips it is recommended to have intermediate level of English or that you learn basic vocabulary suited for your country of destination.
A: This depends entirely upon the hosting institution and the facilities they dispose of. Laws and progress on the issue of accessibility for handicapped people vary from a country to another. If you are physically handicapped and would like to participate in a language trip, please send us an Email stating the project’s name, and we will get in touch with them to find out!
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A : Visa requirements depend on the country the participant would like to go to. Visa prices range from free to 150€ depending on the country and the length of the stay. For more information you can visit your chosen countries’ embassies’ website, or ask your coordinator who will help you if possible.
A: Usually it is not necessary as the students get learning materials provided by the schools and teachers. It’s always a good idea to bring games, music, specialities from your home, that you can share and enjoy with your group. Group life becomes more interesting when participants enrich it with their experiences. Think about what you could teach or share with the group - it can be either something useful or weird: a shadow theatre or counting in your language or an energizer game, anything, that can make an common activity funner and richer.
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If you can't find the answer to your question, get in touch with us and we will get back to you!.
After the inscription process and before the start of the project your coordinator will put you in touch with the person responsible in the host association. You will be able to organise your arrival and ask any questions your coordinator did not know the answers to.
All of our language trips have application deadlines specified in the description. This is so that the participants and all parties involved have time to complete the administrative procedures and properly prepare for the trip, buy plane tickets, come to one of our pre-departure weekends, etc. This deadline is usually AT LEAST ONE MONTH before the start of the language trip.
The SVI cooperates with local partners (schools or NGOs) that give their best effort to organise language stays. It is therefore necessary that you plan your trip carefully and with responsability. Each project and each school have their own cancellation policies, but generally if the participants give notice of their cancellation well in advance, they can get a full refund. Schools usually demand a pre-payment 1 or 2 weeks before the course starts. If the participant's decision changes after that time, the withdrawal of fees (especially accommodation fees) will be subject to some amendments. Changing your mind the day before your arrival or not appearing at the school can lead to a refusal of reimbursement. In any case, our individual approach for each participant will guarantee you that our attention will be focused on your situation and that we will help you avoid any loss.
How long are the language trips?
A: The length of the trip vary from two weeks to several months! For more information don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!
Who follows up on the participants during their trip?
A: We have several coordinators who are responsible for keeping in touch with the participants, in the case of language trips, your contact person will be the coordinator for the language trip department.
Who should I contact if I have a problem?
If you have a problem during your trip, please get in touch with your coordinator here at the SVI, and with the responsible person in the host organisation. They are there to support you and give you advice in any difficult situation.
How much time should I leave before my planned departure date?
All of our language trips have application deadlines specified in the description. This is so that the participants and all parties involved have time to complete the administrative procedures and properly prepare for the trip, buy plane tickets, come to one of our pre-departure weekends etc. This deadline is usually AT LEAST ONE MONTH before the start of the language trip.
Will I be housed and fed?
A : This depends on the programme and is always mentioned in the description.
Types of accommodation that are provided by host organisations include: accomodation in a host family, shared flats, youth hostels, or individual apartments.
If you are staying with a host family, two meals are usually provided, if not you might be self catering. If you are living with other participants this can be an opportunity to taste cuisines from around the world!
What insurance do I need for this sort of project?
What about after my trip?
A: One of SVI’s objectives is to train “CRACS” or Critical, Responsible, Active and Solidary Citizens and support our members' involvement in an association upon their return.
To accomplish this, or to continue his or her education, the participant can attend our conversation tables, or use our online language classes. We also invite our members to become volunteers, interns, or even employees of the SVI.
Participation in a language trip looks good on a CV and shows recruiters that the candidate has a certain maturity, open mindedness and curiosity about the world and that the candidate has taken steps to broaden their experience outside of their educational and professional sphere.
What are the study hours?
This depends on the trip you choose and will be specified in the description.
If the trip includes volunteering, the study load will usually be lighter, between 2 and 4 hours a day, 4 to 5 days a week.
In the case of an intensive language course, the workload will usually be greater and you will attend class 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week.
HOW DO I APPLY?
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Click here for a detailed descriptionWHEN SHOULD I APPLY?
All of our language trips have application deadlines specified in the description. We reccomend you apply at least ONE MONTH before the project is planned to take place.
View All ListingsWHY SHOULD I APPLY?
Here at SVI we have coined the term “ethno-linguistics” to describe the experiences we promote. Instead of just learning a language, we would like the participants on our trips to live a trans-cultural experience where meeting people from different nationalities and backgrounds as well as learning or improving a second language help to create human connection and ties between cultures...
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