Many parents wonder: is it worth sending kids abroad to learn English? The short answer is yes—and research consistently shows that immersion is the fastest and most natural way for children to develop real language skills. But understandably, parents still have concerns about cost, safety, and homesickness. This guide breaks down the benefits and answers your biggest questions.
Why Learning English Abroad Works Better Than Classroom Lessons
Traditional English classes help, but immersion does something no textbook can: it surrounds children with English all day. According to the British Council, immersive environments help children learn languages naturally. Kids are naturally quick learners, and using the language in real-life situations—ordering food, playing games, making friends—makes vocabulary stick without effort. This is one of the major advantages of English summer camps for children.
Cultural Immersion Through Homestay Builds Real-Life Confidence
Staying with a host family gives children a warm, supportive environment where English is spoken naturally. They learn daily routines, traditions, and cultural norms in a way that builds independence and open-mindedness. This cultural immersion through homestay helps them grow not just linguistically, but personally. Experts at the Child Mind Institute explain that confidence grows when children take on age-appropriate challenges. Sending your child abroad to learn English provides such a challenge.
Sending Kids Abroad – Addressing Common Parent Concerns
1. Safety
Reputable programs carefully vet host families, monitor student wellbeing, and provide 24/7 support. At DLTC Language School, host families and staff are vetted by Irish police; feedback is regularly elicited from students during their stay to manage issues as early as possible; and a 24/7 contact number is provided to parents and students before arrival. Safety and reassurance is paramount.
2. Homesickness
Homesickness usually fades after a day or two as kids make new friends and settle into exciting routines. Staff and host families are trained to support shy or anxious children. Each Monday morning on our DLTC Language School summer camps, the school runs a ‘getting-to-know-you’ session. Here the students all gather together and are tasked with finding out as much as possible about as many of their co-students as possible – to assist, they are provided with prompt questions and assisted by staff and teenage Irish peers. Through this, students quickly find new friends and forget any anxiety they had.
3. Cost
While study holidays are an investment, the returns—fluency, confidence, independence—last a lifetime. Many families say the experience was “worth every cent.” and many look to repeat it.
So Sending Kids Abroad to Learn English … Is It Worth It?
If you want your child to gain confidence, real English skills, cultural awareness, and independence, then yes—sending kids abroad to learn English is absolutely worth it. It’s one of the most impactful educational experiences a child can have.
