As we start the new season after twelve successful years of providing quality, life-changing experiences for young people from France, Spain, Germany and Austria, we are excited about 2010.

This past summer was a great success, judging by all the wonderful comments we received from our students who took part in our group and Immersion programmes in the US.

We had a lot of marvelous feedback, with the majority of our students telling us that the most rewarding part of the trip for them was living with their host families.

Our amazing Programme Coordinators in the US spent a lot of time carefully matching students with families, to make sure the host family experience would work well for everyone. This certainly paid off and we know that many lifelong friendships were forged this summer.

Our trip to Los Angeles was, as in previous years, one of the highlights for those who chose to go on this fun-packed optional three-day trip. Universal Studios is always a firm favourite. Our LA trip is becoming ever more popular, so be sure to sign up early before space becomes limited.

We definitely plan to continue offering our July and August group programs to all European nationalities. The feedback is that students love being part of an international group with English as the common language. Last year, in one group alone, we had students from France, Spain, Austria Germany and Slovakia.

We definitely plan to continue offering our July and August group programs to all European nationalities. The feedback is that students love being part of an international group with English as the common language. Last year, in one group alone, we had students from France, Spain, Austria Germany and Slovakia.

2009 saw an increase for us in the number of “immersion” students. The Immersion programme allows students the chance to have a host family experience, but as an individual and not as part of a group with organized activities. Our 2009 students reported they had a fantastic experience, and totally appreciated having to speak nothing but English throughout their stay. They told us their spoken English improved enormously as a result.

Based on student and parent feedback, we regard our Immersion programme as the next logical step for students who have already taken part in a group programme. We firmly believe an Immersion trip will really help to consolidate all you have learned up to this point.

In response to requests for a program with a series of formalised, classroom-based lessons, we have introduced, new for 2010, a programme in Santa Cruz. This will be a three week homestay experience, but with the added attraction of a beach location. The structure of the programme is a little different to our San Francisco trips in that there will be English lessons every morning for four days each week, followed by fun, local afternoon excursions.

Whether you choose a group or Immersion programme, San Francisco or Santa Cruz, we look forward to you joining us this summer!

Marie and Phyllis
ECI