Thinking about bringing the whole family? Why not? At ILISA we can accommodate you.
For many years, we received repeated requests from students to offer programs for children. We have answered that need by offering less-intensive programs for children from age 4 to 12. Our experience has shown that, depending on the age, 6 to 15 hours a week is what suits our younger students’ needs and interests. We have found qualified teachers with years of experience in teaching children and built up a collection of teaching materials expecially for youngsters.
Depending on the age of the students, classes are a combination of educational field trips and classroom instruction using many visual and manual aids. We can say that teaching children in this way has been a succesful and enjoyable experience for all of us.
Age is a determining factor when making groups. The difference between a child of 8 and one of 13 when it comes to teaching is significant, whereas a five year age difference between adults is practically non-existent. Therefore, we don’t think it’s wise to have two children with age differences of more than a few years in the same class. The final decision about class composition will be made in consultation with ILISA’s teaching staff and the parents involved.
We also have experience in arranging nannies. For adult students taking 4 or 6 hours of classes daily while traveling with children, 5 or 8 hours of nanny service is required. The nanny will take care of the children (no housekeeping). In some cases the nanny may be a member of the host family. The nanny can take children to a park or the zoo or on other outings (expenses paid by parents). Our nannies generally speak only Spanish. This hasn’t proven to be a big problem however, as children are very adaptable.
Finally, while we offer programs for children from ages 4-12, we do not accept children under the age of 12 who are traveling alone. Any teenagers 13-18 wishing to attend our programs without their parents or other adult supervision should be mature enough to be self-sufficient. While host families offer support and encouragement, all our students, including teenagers, are responsible for their own decision-making.
Programs for Children (under 12) – 2012 prices
Children under the age of 12 years will receive a 20% discount on the full costs of classes and homestay. Examples of these discounted prices, plus the costs of our nanny service are listed below.
Program |
2012
|
Private Tutoring (minimum 10 hours per week) |
$20 per hour
|
Group 2 For two children with the same level (minimum 10 hours per week) |
$16 per hour
|
Homestay for child under 12 years of age |
$ 170 per week
|
Nanny service |
$10 per hour
($5 per hour for each additional child) |
Lunch cost |
$7 per day
|