Spanish summer camp?

[ButPerfectlyFormed]

Can anyone recommend a summer camp in Spain that DS15 (sitting GCSEs now) could attend this summer to improve his Spanish? He'll be taking Spanish for A level and is a decent GCSE standard. I'm hoping to find an option that will truly immerse him in the language, so ideally in an environment where most/all the other kids are Spanish. I'm aware of language camps/courses like Don Quijote, but would prefer something more immersive. I guess something like the Spanish equivalent of PGL. Really grateful for any pointers!

[TeenPlusCat]

DD did 3 weeks with Enforex/DonQuijote after GCSEs and came back a lot more fluent. The 4 hours of teaching per weekday will have helped, plus the fact the quality of English of the adults wasn't very good.

[TeenPlusCat]

Sorry, I know it's not what you asked, but I thought you'd find it helpful to know you can learn via the language schools.

[ButPerfectlyFormed]

Thanks, @TeenPlusCat. Really appreciate hearing about your experience. I’ve heard good things about Enforex/DQ. DS has been having 1-2-1 lessons with a Spanish tutor in the run-up to GCSE; when I look at the cost of Enforex, DS could have the same number of hours of tuition here - but private rather than group - for the same price. I guess I’m worried that outside the lessons there’s a high chance he’ll just end up speaking English with the other students. What was your DD’s experience of that? They have a ‘Cultural immersion’ camp and emphasise that 60% Of students are Spanish, but the brochure doesn’t really explain how they mix with Spanish students - eg are activities outside lessons in Spanish? It sounds as though the Spanish kids will be there to learn English so probably not? Grateful for any tips/insights!

[TeenPlusCat]

If I recall correctly half or more are Spanish students learning English, and the other half are foreign (from all over) students learning Spanish. They have separate language lessons then come together for activities. I guess the level of mixing will be dependent on the student. The Spanish kids may be wanting to practice their English so as long as your DS pushes to have equal Spanish time in reciprocation? Older students could also go off campus at times too. My guess would be that as long as they are sociable and make the effort they could get a lot out of it.
It was quite a few years ago and I agree pricey.

[PAFMO]

Also recommending Don Quijote.
Nobody is going to come back fluent after a fortnight, but it's the affective dimension and the fact of being immersed in the language for 2 weeks that gives that extra motivation.
Iirc, it's 20 hours of language lessons in the mornings, then mixed social activities after that.

[ButPerfectlyFormed]

@PAFMO

Also recommending Don Quijote.
Nobody is going to come back fluent after a fortnight, but it's the affective dimension and the fact of being immersed in the language for 2 weeks that gives that extra motivation.
Iirc, it's 20 hours of language lessons in the mornings, then mixed social activities after that.

Thanks @PAFMO - and to @TeenPlusCat for the extra info. I'll explore Enforex/DQ further. Did yours stay in a residence or do family homestay?

Also still grateful for any recommendations from anyone who might know about 'normal' camps for Spanish kids. My biggest advance in my German (ended up doing languages for my degree) was when I was the only non-German kid on a German youth group's trip to France when I was 16. I did try to organise an exchange with a Spanish family, which could also have been a great option, but sadly it didn't come off.

[TeenPlusCat]

DD stayed on campus (Salamanca).

One things I would say is she was ill for a while and I had trouble finding out what was going on as she isn't very good at being clear on these kinds of things. I know yours will be the same age or older, but I don't think I would do this again with a younger age child without my being in the same town or nearby.