A growing number of children from wealthy families will spend the upcoming winter vacation from school at various camps abroad, learning different cultures, studying English or taking in an NBA game.

 

Officials with the Jinbei Training Center, which is running an NBA-themed winter camp, said all 10 spots in the camp were sold out by the end of last year. Students will spend time in Los Angeles and San Francisco, where they will take English classes, visit Disneyland and Universal Studios, and spend some time in the gym learning to play basketball. The highlight of the 10-day trip is expected to be a chance to watch the Los Angeles Lakers play.

 

"We wish to give students a chance to learn about sports and the learning atmosphere in the US," said a center official surnamed Li, adding that some parents are already asking about next year's trip.

 

He said the center can't expand the size of the camp, as it can only secure so many US visas. The trip costs 28,800 yuan (US$3,600), with a youngest participant aged 10.

 

English First, another English-language training institute, is also offering study trips to the US this winter vacation. The two-week trip costs 35,000 yuan. Feng Hui, an EF center manager, said the 20 spots in the camp sold out quickly.

 

Zhang Youde, a sociology professor, said that overseas winter camp was a good approach for students to learn about foreign culture. But parents should think twice about the camp quality before spending a fortune on them.

 

(Shanghai Daily January 19, 2007)