My name is Mauro, age 19 and last year I spent my third consecutive summer as an enthusiastic volunteer with Roeland. I am a genuine student from Ghent, and I try to take on Criminology Sciences. When I take a break from being a student you can find me surrounded by pastries at Julie’s House, nose deep into a book, or just hanging out with my friends. And during summer recess I merrily dally around at a Roeland camp. Let me guide you through my fantastic Roeland summertime.
An English adventure: Bawdsey Manor
We kick off our story at the pastoral Bawdsey, a charming coastal village north-east of London. Together with a bunch of cool youths, aged 15 to 18, and three teachers I spent a week at Bawdsey Manor, a centre for adventure from PGL. It was merely the second time this camp was organized, so it is fair to say it is a relatively new experience. But trust me if I say that it was not hampering the great vibe! Well prepared and with a curious mindset, we kicked off this adventurous week head-on.
This camp differed from regular language camps with language-oriented moments. The students learned English while using it during cool activities programmed by PGL: Giant Swing, abseiling, Silent Disco, and Buggy Building, but also survival guide and a campfire. You read it well: we were having a really fun time.
Of course, we had to speak out on British cuisine, which is not a taste for all, but we did not allow that fact to lose our focus. There was an opportunity to enjoy an afternoon at the seaboard, which was to be found right next to the premises. In short: seven action-packed days of fun and English! It is Roeland summarized: leisurely learning a language.
Happy in Ghent: The Dutch language immersion
After the English adventure I got to work a little closer to home, in beautiful Ghent, where I joined the Dutch language and culture camp. This setup, a cooperation between Roeland and ‘Vlamingen in de Wereld’, is a fixed pick for me. My third participation as a teacher this year, and again a fantastic experience.
This time, I was the designated language coach for an enthusiastic group aged 7 to 12. Together we spent some time travelling, we learned Dutch while listening to songs or doing stage plays, and we also took part in a variety of language and game moments. We submerged ourselves completely in the culture of the city of Ghent. We stayed at the grounds of Nieuwen Bosch, but we also ventured to the heart of Ghent. We enjoyed some real ‘Gentse Neuzekes’ and we did a guided boat tour on the river The Leie. And so, we discovered Ghent and the Dutch language in a fun way.
Our visit to the famous painting ‘Lam Gods’ – with VR-glasses, how cool is that! – was definitely one of the highlights. And we concluded the week by performing in a fabulous show we created for our parents.
It was so great to see the fact that the children developed a firm grip on the Dutch language and had a wonderful experience while doing so. Even the smallest children sang and danced like there was nothing to it!
Why Roeland? Because it is the best!
So, why Roeland? Simple: because, as a teacher, Roeland allows me to channel my passion for language and creativity in the language workshops, in a stimulating setting created by a wonderful team. It is the perfect combination of tutoring children and having an exciting time. On top of that, Roeland camps are multifaceted: there is the variety of languages, the different activities, and the locations. And as a teacher, you also have the opportunity to gain experience and evolve.
I can recommend to everyone to become a part of the Roeland family. Not just as a teacher, but certainly so as a participant. Roeland teaches you a language, you meet and make friends who last a lifetime, and, in the meantime, you are having the time of your life. Seeing is believing, or in this case: experiencing is believing.
Future teachers and participants: all aboard the Roeland train!
A message to all future teachers: let our warm-hearted group of young and resolute people with a heart for language and youngsters embrace you. It is simply a unique experience you cannot miss. And to the future participants: immerse yourself in the world of Roeland and learn a new language while frolicking around. Because you learn a language best when you live it, not when you read it in a book! ;-)
In short: onwards, to many more Roeland summer vacations!
See you soon! Tot snel! À bientôt!
All the best,
Mauro
Teacher English and Dutch language camps
