A checklist for parents sending a child to summer school

Sending your child abroad for the first time brings both excitement and worry. Asking the right questions and making the right preparations make the process safe and enjoyable for you and your child.

Safety and supervision

• The supervisor-to-student ratio should be no more than 1:10 (better in smaller groups).
• Curfew, sign-out and visitor policies must be written down.
• Ask about a 24/7 emergency phone and the procedure for informing parents.
• Verify supervisors' criminal records and first-aid training.

Health and food

Chronic illness, allergy and medication information must be shared with the school in writing; medicines should be sent in original packaging with a prescription. Dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free, halal) must be notified at booking. Health insurance should include emergency dental and accident cover.

Flights and welcome

Airlines offer an unaccompanied-minor service for children, usually at an extra charge. Be sure to order the school's airport welcome and return transfer. As a parent, keep arrival and departure flight details in mind.

Communication

Good schools offer a weekly parent report and a WhatsApp update group. Setting a daily short messaging time with your child reduces both homesickness and the anxiety of distance. Plan a phone line/eSIM option for use abroad in advance.

Pocket money and documents

Set a small weekly pocket-money budget (e.g. €30-50 a week). For the child, a passport, visa (if required), health insurance policy and notarised parental consent must be ready. Copies of documents should be held by both the child and you.

Preparing the child

Before leaving, go through the school's programme and daily routine with your child. Make sure they carry a card with who to call in an emergency, their address and the school's phone number.

On return and afterwards

You will see your child return from the programme with new confidence in a new language; however, the first week may bring a mix of tiredness and longing. During this period support the continuation of new friendships on social media and read the school's certificate and evaluation report together.

Five frequently asked questions

• What age is suitable? For most programmes 12 and over.
• What if my child feels alone? Good programmes pair them with peer groups.
• Phone use? Most schools restrict it during the day and free it in the evening.
• What if there is a health problem? The school informs the parent and arranges the hospital covered by the insurance.
• Food preferences? Halal, vegetarian and allergy menus must be notified in advance.

A final preparation note

A week before leaving, prepare the packing list with your child, keep medicines and documents in hand luggage, read the school's arrival-day briefing message and use a luggage tag bearing your child's name.