TEFL Travel Guide: Summer Camps
Every summer, across Europe, thousands of children and teenagers pack their bags and head off to summer camps. While these camps are often seen as a chance for young people to enjoy outdoor activities, make friends, and experience new cultures, they also present an exciting and rewarding opportunity for TEFL teachers. A classroom with mountain views, fresh air, and a lively, international atmosphere?! Sign us up.
Teaching at a summer camp is very different from a traditional classroom setting. Lessons are typically more relaxed, interactive, and focused on communication rather than strict grammar rules. For TEFL teachers, this creates an environment where creativity thrives and teaching feels more like facilitating fun experiences than delivering formal instruction. Camps are usually set in beautiful locations. You could teaching classes by lakes in Austria, forests in Germany, or coastlines in Spain.
European summer camps emphasise learning by doing. English is often integrated into activities such as sports, drama, arts and crafts, and team-building exercises. Instead of sitting at desks, students practice English while playing games, performing in shows, or collaborating on projects. For TEFL teachers, this approach helps develop key skills. Encouraging natural conversation, building student confidence, adapting lessons on the fly, and being able to manage groups in dynamic environments are all crucial parts of being an effective teacher.
Most students attending these camps are non-native English speakers, often from across Europe and sometimes beyond. They usually have a basic to intermediate level of English and are eager to improve, especially in speaking and listening. Because the environment is informal and immersive, students often progress quickly. They feel less pressure than in school and are more willing to take risks with language.
A typical day as a TEFL teacher at a summer camp might include leading or assisting with English lessons in the morning, organising games or activities in the afternoon, and supervising excursions or evening events. Teachers are often expected to be energetic, adaptable, and willing to immerse themselves in all aspects of camp life, not just teaching. It’s a full-on experience, but also incredibly rewarding.
Teaching at a European summer camp offers more than just teaching experience. The opportunity to work and live with staff and students from different countries and cultures is priceless, and it beneficial not just in terms of teaching, but life in general. The professional growth that can be achieved is incredibly useful - teachers develop key soft skills such as leadership and communication. Building connections with others in the TEFL community is beneficial. Networking allows you to connect with other professionals in the industry, share ideas and resources, and even discover new job opportunities. For most, the opportunity to travel is a huge benefit to teaching at summer camps. You can get paid to travel to and work in a different country, and it’s often a great gateway for further travel after your camp ends. For new TEFL teachers, camps can be a great way to gain experience quickly. For more experienced educators, they offer a refreshing change from routine teaching.
While the experience is rewarding, it’s not without challenges. Long hours and high energy demands, limited personal time, and having to share accommodation in some camps can be a drawback for some. However, for many teachers, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
If you enjoy working with young people, thrive in active environments, and want to combine teaching with travel, a European summer camp could be the perfect fit. It’s an opportunity to step outside the traditional classroom, make a real impact, and create unforgettable memories - for both you and your students.
Here’s a few summer camps we’d recommend you check out:
The English Camp Company (ECC): Europe-wide summer camps available, Priority Application Deadline was the 17th April 2026, but they are still taking applicants. Start dates are usually around June/July.
Bell Beyond Summer Camps: EFL Summer Camps for Italian children (ages 4 – 14). Training begins in May 2026.
KCA English Camps: Immersive English summer, spring, fall, and winter camps across Germany for children aged 5–17. Positions available now.
European summer camps offer TEFL teachers a unique blend of teaching, adventure, and cultural exchange. Whether you’re just starting your TEFL journey or looking to try something new, spending a summer at camp might be one of the most enriching experiences you can have as a teacher.
