Language Courses
We want to strike the right balance when it comes to your learning experience. We want to know your hobbies, interests and any specific learning needs you may have. Our teachers will take all of this into account to create a weekly course that caters for all students in the class.
We’ll, also cover vocabulary and grammar, of course, but in a way you definitely won’t find boring. The beauty of having small class sizes is that we can create individual learning in a social environment!
Learning with Filolo
Lessons take place in small groups, with a ratio of six students to one teacher. This enables our teachers to offer a high level of individual focus, that gives everyone plenty of opportunities to speak, listen and be heard.
The language course takes place Monday - Friday from 9:15 am to 12:45 pm. This is different in our ski and surf camps, where the language lessons take place in the afternoon.
9.15 - 10.15 a.m: Alive and Kicking!
We like to use the first hour of the day to wake everyone up while learning, by getting active. If the weather permits this will take place outside and will involve repetition to create learner confidence.
10.15 - 10.30 a.m: 1st Break
With tea, water and fresh fruit provided.
10.30am - 11.30am: Listening, understanding & speaking
Listening, understanding and speaking, combined with dynamic and innovative learning strategies that promise theoretical learning without the boredom!
11.30 a.m. - 11.45 a.m: 2nd Break
With tea, water and fresh fruit provided.
11.45 a.m. - 12.45 p.m: Weekly Project
In the first lesson of the week you’ll combine your collective interests in order to come up with a weekly project. You’ll then work on the project and create it in your target language through the week in time for the presentation on Friday! The project could be anything from a short film, to a small enterprise or a play - but don’t worry, everyone’s shy at first.
A selected choice of past projects:
- Short films, a Camp News Network TV or newspaper.
- Election campaign / debate: Students are split into different groups to discuss the pros and cons of a proposed topic. It could be anything from “should energy drinks be allowed at school?” or “Is Messi still the GOAT?” to a highly controversial political debate.
- Music projects or enterprises including a billboard and advertising campaign.
- Create your own product and make a plan to bring it to market - you can even let the rest of the camp try it out!
Language levels
Language levels & classification
We create our classes at the start of the week using the Common European Framework of Reference as a rough guide:
A1 - Beginner
A2 - Basic knowledge
B1 - Intermediate
B2 - Advanced.
Oral and written skills are assessed on the day of a arrival and the groups are created taking age and interest into account, as well as the language level.
Intensive Course
17.00 p.m. – 18.30 p.m.: If you want to maximise your learning potential even more, you have the option to join the Filolo intensive courses on Tuesday & Thursday afternoons.
- 2x 90 minutes (total 3h)
- in even smaller classes
- 3h additional language course for 120 CHF extra
Teaching Team
Each and every member of our teaching team meets the following criteria:
- University degree or in education, ideally in the field of linguistics, education or social work.
- Experience in working with children and teenagers.
- Native speakers: with professional qualifications obtained here in Switzerland and/or from around the world.
- Valid first aid certificate.
- We require all team members to provide proof of a background check conducted within the last 12 months.
Personality
We rank personality very highly here at Filolo. We don’t only want our teachers to be trained and qualified - we also look for dynamic, interesting and engaging characters that the kids can really get on board with. Just like the students, our teachers are here to share in the fun and laughter that the Filolo learning experience brings!
Activities after class
Learn French, English or German then Discover Switzerland!
3 Excursions per week
Our Monday, Wednesday & Saturday excursions aim to combine Alpine adventure with Swiss nature and culture .
Afternoons
Tuesday and Thursday are kept aside for sports & artistic workshops. Registration takes place on the day, so you can choose what you feeling like doing that day. For example, you can play football on Tuesday and join an art sculpture workshop on Thursday - it’s up to you!
Evening programme
We organise energetic group games or relax with a film or games evening after an action-packed day.
Language immersion outside of class:
All of the excursions, activities & evening activities are organised and managed by our multilingual team. It is important to us that the language practice continues outside the classroom.
Please be aware that our Swiss Ski Camp and the Surfcamp in Portugal have a different schedule.
Sport & fitness
Yoga, football, Dance, Baseball, Volleyball, Basketball, Hiking, Dodgeball, Capture the Flag, Pilates & more!
Creative Workshops or our so called "Ateliers"
Graffiti, cooking, Naturkosmetik, music, T-shirt making, Sculpture, Mosaic, Painting & Drawing, direct your own Short Film & more.
Accommodation & Food
SPRING, SUMMER & AUTUMN
Our Spring, Summer & Autumn location in St.Cergue
Chalet »Château Monteret«
Our grand & classic house is situated in the picturesque setting of St. Cergue, located in the French-speaking West of Switzerland. The facilities include a grass football pitch, a basketball court, ping-pong tables and a barbecue & campfire area - all with the backdrop of a stunning view of Lake Geneva and the Western Alps!
The house itself is a two-story building containing several spacious bedrooms, multiple classrooms, toilets and showers and a professionally equipped kitchen - as well as a massive terrace. Overall, there’s enough space inside and outside for our workshops, evening programmes and the much needed chill time at the end of an exciting day.
Our camp house at a glance:
- 3 floors & 8 bedrooms
- 47 beds
- Sanitary facilities: 6 single showers & 6 toilets separated for girls and boys
- 1 dining room for 60 people
- 1 student lounge, massive terrace & 2 spacious balconies
- Rooms for our language courses
- Football court, basketball court, ping-pong, campfire place & playing ground
- Breathtaking view of Mont Blanc and the famous Lake Geneva!
St.Cergue
St. Cergue is located in the Jura Vaudois Nature Park, nestled between Lausanne and Geneva, and about 10 km northwest of Nyon. From almost anywhere in the property, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc.
The village of St. Cergue has almost 2500 inhabitants. The camp is less than a 10 minute walk from the La Chèvrerie Monteret train station - which is the departure point for our excursions to Nyon, Lausanne and Geneva. A pharmacy, cantonal bank, post office, souvenir shop, kiosk & a small supermarket are all within walking distance from the camp.
Car journey from major Swiss Cities:
- Geneva: 30 min
- Lausanne: 45 min
- Bern: 1 h 45 min
- Zurich: 2 h 30 min
- Geneva Airport (GVA): 30 min
Fun Fact
The nearby Hotel Arbez is considered the only hotel in the world that is officially in two countries, as it straddles the Franco-Swiss border.
Address
Château Monteret I
Chemin de Monteret
1264 St-Cergue (VD)
The bedrooms
8 bed dormitory
Our standard accommodation is a spacious 8 bed dormitory. Each single bed comes with a personal closet and enough space on either side. Originally designed to house 10 beds, we optimised the layout to maximise comfort and space.
4 bed & double rooms
Our 4 bed droms and double rooms offer extra space and comfort for those who need it.
Winter
Our Ski Camp location in Les Diablerets
Chalet »Budokan«
Our chalet is idyllically situated on a small hill in a quiet location on the edge of the forest, perfectly located between the two ski areas Villars-Gryon-Les Diablerets and Glacier 3000. In the morning it is only a few meters to the ski bus, which takes us to the ski station in just 5 minutes brings. In top conditions, experienced skiers can also ride down to the lift.
Our large private area even has its own fun park, an indoor half-pipe and a sauna. We also have a lot of outdoor space and great opportunities for our varied program after skiing. Our chalet borders on the forest, we have practically no neighbors and can we can be as loud as we want and don't bother anyone. Nevertheless, it is only a 10-minute walk to the center of the cosy village.
Our group house at a glance:
- 3 floors & 10 bedrooms
- 49 beds (we expect around 20–30 kids per week)
- Sanitary facilities: 6 single showers & 8 toilets separated for girls and boys
- 1 dining room & 1 student lounge for 49 people
- 1 heated room for ski boots & equipment
- Onsite Funpark with rails and small kickers, indoor half-pipe & sauna
Les Diablerets
Les Diablerets is the most famous village in the municipality of Ormont-Dessus in the French-speaking canton of Vaud on the border with Valais. The Les Diablerets holiday village is located at the end of the Ormont valley at almost 1300 m. From the chalet we have a spectacular view of the Diableret massif and the Vaud Alps surrounding us.
Car journey from major Swiss Cities:
- Lake Geneva/Montreux Riviera: 45 min
- Lausanne: 1 h 10
- Geneva/ Bern: 2 h 00
- Zurich/ Basel: 3 h 00
Address
Chalet »Budokan«
Chem. de Loyettaz
1865 Ormont-Dessus VD
The bedrooms
8 bed dormitory
Our standard accommodation is a spacious 8 bed dormitory. Each single bed comes with a personal closet.
4 bed & double rooms
Our 4 bed droms and double rooms offer extra space and comfort for those who need it.
Our Surfcamp Location in Praia da Areia Branca
Bem vindo at the »Underdog Beach House«
Our unique Surf and Language Camp takes place at the Underdog Beach House in Praia da Areia Branca in Western Portugal, less than an hours drive from Lisbon. Just a 5-minute walk from the beach, Underdog Surf House is designed for young surfers to feel at home. Spacious rooms with en-suite bathrooms provide comfort after long days in the waves. The pool and sun deck offer space to relax, while the private garden is perfect for unwinding. For downtime, there’s a pool table and table football to keep the energy going. From the top floor, the ocean is always in sight and within reach. Safe, welcoming, and built for adventure—this is where surf memories begin.
Our group house at a glance:
- Sea view and walking distance to the beach
- 8 | 4 | 2 bed room
- Sanitary facilities: Each room comes with its own private bathroom
- Swimming pool, Front & back private Gardens, Outdoor barbeque area
- Large Kitchen & Living Room
Praia da Areia Branca
White Sandy Beach, which is the translation for Praia da Areia Branca, offers a secure location with a blue flag beach, cafes and amenities - all within an hours drive of Lisbon.
Despite its proximity to the Portuguese capital, Praia da Areia Branca and the neighbouring town of Lourinha are a world away from the hustle and bustle of big city life. Unlike the southern region of the Algarve, Praia da Areia Branca remains lively while avoiding overcrowding and retaining its authenticity.
Car journey from Areia Branca:
- Lisbon Airport & City Center 1h00
- Peniche 20 min
- Nazaré 45 min
Address
Surfcamp Filolo
Underdog Surf House
Av. António José do Vale, 7
Praia da Areia Branca,
2530-213 Lourinhã,
Portugal
The bedrooms
8 bed room
Our standard accommodation is a spacious 8 bed dormitory.
4 bed room
Spacious 4 bed rooms.
Double room
Our double rooms offer extra space and comfort for those who need it.
So tasty!
Our kitchen philosophy
We strike a good balance between health and comfort, as we serve fresh & healthy, locally sourced food with a bit of heart and soul thrown in when needed. Our own private kitchen team prepare fresh meals on a daily and full board basis. We bring our own ideas, recipes and creations to ensure your eating is both nutritious and delicious during your stay. Dietary requirements? Absolutely no problem! Whether you’re vegan, have a serious allergy or simply don’t like tomatoes, we’re happy to cater for your needs.
Breakfast
Homemade mueslis, jams, Nutella, fruit, yoghurt, Ovaltine, tea & orange juice. Fresh every day: milk, butter & cheese from the local dairy alongside white & wholemeal bread from the bakery.
Lunch & Dinner
Always served with vegetables and a rich salad buffet. Vegan & vegetarian options always offered.
Popular classics: Lasagne, Raclette, Mexican wraps, Asian rice dishes, pasta, risotto, Peruvian specialties, cheeseburgers, pizza & more.
Meal Time Specials
Monday Night - BBQ Dinner
Wednesday Afternoon - Vegan Lunch
Thursday Evening - Raclette (A Swiss Cheese Classic!)
Friday Night - A special “International Evening” with culinary highlights from around the world.
Fresh fruit, water & homemade iced tea and hot tea are always available.