Summer programs often include sport and outdoor activities as well as academic study.

HOW about this for a cool way of spending the summer – by making friends, doing sports and speaking English? Some Mandalay international schools are opening summer programs to students from government schools who may not normally have access to this kind of tuition.

Called the Sunshine Program, the 10-week course opens on March 11. “This is the third year we’ve offered summer schools. But this year will be different. We expect to receive students from government schools and other private schools to attend our program, as well as our own students”, said Ma Nang Thapyay Win Myint, the manager of MCTA ( Mandalay Chantha Academy) Information Services Department. Apart from English, they will teach maths, life skills, computing and include time for library use, swimming and so on.

There will be five levels, for students aged 6 to 14, and 25 students at each level. The course costs US$250 for newcomers and $200 for existing students.

Horizon International Education Centre will open their 9-week summer school on March 9 for K300,000. The school offered a 10 percent discount for those who enrolled in December and 5pc for those enrolling in January.

“Most of the students in summer schools are from middle class families. Parents who support their children’s education want their kids to attend summer classes to improve their English, even if they don’t want to pay for a whole year at an international school”, said Mr Ahmet Ozkaya, the principal of Horizon.

But as the school provides one main teacher, one assistant teacher and two student assistants for every class, they get used to it after about two weeks, he said.

Boys and girls who are tired of attending nine months at their regular school can experience different teaching approaches in a different environment and can also make new friends.

“This is not just about improving English skills – we also get them interested in sports. We try to get them into the habit of going to the library, and try to improve their communication skills. Best of all, the kids can spend their summer holidays happily and productively,” explained Ma Nang Thapyay Win Myint.

Like the international schools, other language classes and pre-schools have also opened summer classes. Despite the cost, they seem to be popular with parents, as increasing numbers of students attest.

“My 10-year-old son attended summer school last year. I wanted him to be fluent in English. He likes summer school and seems very happy there,” said Daw Khin Hla Hla, a mother in Mandalay.

She says that apart from the English studies, the students also enjoy playing. The more free they feel, the harder they study. So she has decided to send her son again this summer.

Her friends are also interested in sending their children to summer school, include some who find international school fees high, said Daw Khin Hla Hla said.

These days, as more Myanmar students have the chance to study abroad, parents are taking more care with their children’s education. Attending short courses in international schools is one way of opening up more prospects for the future.