FAQ

Dear friends! Of course, each question has a right to be answered. However, it is impossible to answer ahead of time all the questions that could possibly arise. We’ll try to cover those which are the most frequent and we are ready to answer any others you may have. Just call one of the phone numbers listed above.

Which documents should I have upon arrival to camp?

1. Passport or birth certificate for kids (a copy is desirable).
2. Proof of medical insurance (if you have it).
3. Admission card, the key document allowing you to take part in the camp.

Where can I get an Admission card?

You can easily buy this card from any of the camp's leaders who live close to your location in Moscow. You can meet with them in an agreed upon place near your home. You can also pay by credit card – contact Veronika by phone +7 (916) 1571131.

Am I obliged to take the test on your web page?

The main purpose of this test is to discern your approximate level of English proficiency. This makes the process of forming educational groups easier. The test is not required, but if you complete it, you will be free from taking it the first day, allowing you to proceed immediately to conversation with native speakers. We know that the test alone can’t give a perfectly accurate assessment of your ability. For this reason, every camper has a brief conversation with a native speaker. At that point we will be able to confirm your level of proficiency and place you in the appropriate group.

Who are the tutors? Are they well-qualified to teach English?

The English teachers in our camp are professional linguists or English teachers who have proper certificates and diplomas. In addition, they have had their English refined by time spent working or living in the USA or Europe.

What is the educational program you use for teaching?

The program is developed by professionals who apply these methods in their professions. Every year, they consider the methods used in the past years. They continue to use methods that have proven to be successful at our camp in the past, and they change those aspects of the curriculum that looked promising on paper but were less useful in practice. Lessons are conducted based on specially prepared manuals. Native speakers take part in all activities and help to improve conversational skills.

What can I get during these 10 days?

You can get as much out of these 10 days as you put into it. The key task of our program is not to cram you full of as many vocabulary words as possible, but rather to help each person recognize that learning English is a process. And this process is not too complicated, especially if you take the time to master all of the methods being taught in our camp. You need to incorporate them into your language learning. If you do, you will see definite progress. Several people who took part in our camp during the last 7 years have entered European universities successfully (you can see it at our section ‛Response‛). Others have had success with respectable institutes, jobs, and careers. Thus we can truly say that our experience, combined with your skills and efforts, is the key to success in this program.

How we form educational groups?

Generally, there are three basic principles which we take into account during this process: level of English, age, and a 12-person maximum group size. This limit is recommended by methodologists for studying language in groups.

When I can pay a visit as a guest?

We have no special limits. You are welcome to visit the retreat center, as a guest, on any day you would like. This will allow you to be sure that everything is normal with your relatives and that they are safe and comfortable. If you have a standard 5-day work week and have a desire to visit us during the weekend, we would recommend you do it on Sunday. On that day we traditionally throw a big party, with funny contests and dancing (This party is unique each year. – You can see the last one, which was named as ‛American party,‛ in our section, ‛Photos‛).

What is the average age of participants?

We invite all people over the age of 12. There is no upper limit. Usually, we have people who are interested and motivated to study English (Ex. those who study in school or those who use the language in their professional life). About 80-85% of participants are from 16 to 25 years old, but we can assure you that people who are older than 25 don’t feel like ‛veterans‛ among young people because most of the leaders are 25-35 years old. Don’t be afraid to join us!

May I Admission cards in several installments if I can’t pay all at once?

Yes, we offer a 50% prepayment plan, and you can cover the other 50% no later than one week before the start of camp. In case you arrange pre-payment and then change your mind and decide not to take part in camp, please take note that we will not be able to refund your money due to an agreement with the retreat center. They will not refund us what we have spent for booking. However, in certain unexpected and serious circumstances, you may talk with the leadership about a refund.

How much time is dedicated each day to learning English?

We spend 4 hours every day studying English in groups. There is language practice, which consists of songs and translation from English to Russian. This takes place during our large group gatherings in the main hall. In total, you will receive about 6-7 hours of English per day, plus informal conversations with native speakers. You have the freedom to converse with native speakers personally during sports time or between the main parts of our schedule each day.