Five days of absolute language immersion, 20 hours of intensive practice with native speakers, future skills development, and a personalized certificate — all on the campus of the country’s leading entrepreneurial university, AlmaU.
Summer holidays traditionally present parents with a challenging question: how to organize a child’s break so that it is not only bright and memorable, but also truly beneficial for their future? The answer to this request was a joint project between AlmaU, the Nihao Study language center, and the international youth organization Young Life — an intensive language camp called English Camp.
Notably, many of the children at the camp are children of AlmaU employees, for whom the university created a special format of useful holiday leisure right at their parents’ workplace.
This new educational intensive is designed to break outdated stereotypes about learning English in school. Instead of monotonous rules and mechanical word memorization, the organizers offer students live communication, project work, and a natural language environment.
Synergy of Three Leaders: From Practice to Business Mindset
The uniqueness of the project lies in combining the expertise of three strong institutional partners, each of whom brought their core competencies to the program:
- Almaty Management University (AlmaU) acts not only as a high-tech and safe venue, but also as an academic guarantee of quality. University modules on leadership, public speaking, and entrepreneurial thinking are integrated into the program.
- Nihao Study Language Center is responsible for the methodological framework, efficient lesson structure, and adaptation of the program for different age groups of school students.
- Young Life International Project brings experienced Native Speakers to the team. Young Life’s interactive formats create an open and friendly atmosphere where children stop being afraid of making mistakes.
What Makes English Camp Special: Participant Impressions
After speaking with the participants of AlmaU English Camp, we identified the key components of its success:
- Interactive Methodology and No Language Barrier
No boring textbooks or rote memorization! Each 4-hour session is filled with debates, team games, quests, and project work. This helps children unwind and start speaking a foreign language freely.
“It’s very interesting. All lessons are interactive and conducted through games,” shares 9th-grader Mikhail Khomenko.
His friend Mikhail Baranov graduated from school this year and is already planning to apply to AlmaU: “I chose AlmaU because they provide a high-quality education. I have already submitted my documents and am waiting for information about grants.”
- Live Practice with Native Speakers
Classes are led by qualified native speakers and experts from Nihao Study and Young Life. Children master natural spoken English, correct pronunciation, and modern idioms in an easy and relaxed environment.
“I am very happy that I chose English Camp AlmaU. I met many kids and teachers who are native speakers. I’m having a great time here!” says Dariya Ibzharova.
Many kids appreciate the warm and open atmosphere:
“The atmosphere here is just wonderful,” explains Alima Baizhigit.
“Everyone is so friendly, especially the instructors, they are very nice. I like that everyone here communicates with one another,” joined in Karina Semser.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit and Soft Skills from AlmaU
As a leading entrepreneurial university, AlmaU integrates trainings on leadership, public speaking, emotional intelligence, and teamwork into the camp. Children learn to present their ideas and lead projects.
“English Camp AlmaU contributes to my personal development. After school, I plan to study specifically at AlmaU,” says 10th-grader Amursana Abil.
Yarmukhammet Kebirov also plans to apply to AlmaU in a year, noting the practice-oriented approach:
“I want to study here because the professors at AlmaU share their personal practical experience. Many of them have extensive practical backgrounds — there is truly a lot to learn from them.”
- Innovative Campus Environment
Classes take place in modern, high-tech classrooms and creative spaces of AlmaU, creating an inspiring atmosphere of a world-class university for the students.
“I am a student at AlmaU. I really like this university: everything here is very modern, at the level of the world’s leading universities,” commented 2nd-year student Zhangir Kassymov.
Safety and Atmosphere of the University of the Future
Classes are held directly on the AlmaU campus. For school students, this is not only an opportunity to study in comfortable classrooms, but also a chance to feel a real student environment in advance. The children’s safety is ensured by a closed secured area and constant accompaniment by curators and tutors.
“Our main goal is to show school students that English is not just a subject from the school curriculum, but a living tool for communication, creativity, and creating their own projects. Previously, based at AlmaU, we also conducted Chinese language classes, including teen clubs and intellectual games. Upon completion of the 20-hour course, each child receives an official certificate confirming their work with native speakers.”
— Representatives of the Nihao Study Language Center
The launch of English Camp at AlmaU demonstrates how modern educational collaborations can change the approach to children’s recreation, turning an ordinary holiday into a powerful stimulus for personal and language growth.
REFERENCE INFO:
- Nihao Study Language Center: A multidisciplinary educational center and study abroad agency. Responsible for developing an effective educational program, methodological support, and language preparation.
- Young Life International Project: A worldwide youth organization specializing in interactive language camps. Brings qualified native speakers, conducts speaking clubs, quests, and team activities.