GoAbroad

Be a Language Camp Counselor in Southern Germany (Bavaria)

by: LEOlingo - South (Bavaria)

4.93 (29)VerifiedSince 2007

Teach your native language and experience the real Germany—with young and enthusiastic counselors worldwide! 'LEOlingo Süd' organizes English and French language summer camps for German children in Bavaria, Southern Germany. Our focus is not on teaching the children intense vocabulary and grammar, but rather on helping them to understand and speak the language in a fun environment. Our counselors are English and French native speakers worldwide, including in the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK! Each day, counselors create a varied and exciting program for the children, allowing them to learn about their counselor’s country and culture – from language games, funny self-written sketches, and crafts to national sports and adventure activities like waterskiing, caving, and rock climbing! The camps themselves take place in different villages, towns, and cities around Bavaria for six weeks during the summer break. These camps often take place in schools, Boy Scout areas, youth centers, monasteries, cabins, and even castles! Our summer season starts July 24th and ends September 11th. One more position for the summer!

Program Highlights

Get involved with special activities, such as high ropes courses, waterskiing or canoeing.

Make lifelong friendships with other young people from across the globe.

Mentor and lead youth in their language and personal development.

Explore the beautiful south of Germany, as well as other regions or countries during a designated week off or after the program has ended.

Receive a competitive weekly wage, plus free board and lodging (accomodation on weekends).

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Nuremburg, Germany
Starts At: No Costs
Availability
Year(s) Offered: 2026Teach Duration:
  • Summer
Age Requirement: 18-30
Types & Subjects
Fields:
  • Camp Counselor & Trip Leader
  • Education
  • Linguistics
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Sports
  • Theater, Drama, & Dance
Guidelines
Nationalities:
  • South African
  • British
  • Irish
  • American
  • Canadian
  • Australian
  • Kiwi
  • European
See all program details
Last Updated: Jul 22, 2026

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.93

Total Reviews

29

An Amazing Experience as a Leolingo Camp Counsellor

March 16, 2026by: Yvonne Rezk - Canada
5

Being a Leolingo camp counsellor was one of the best work experiences I’ve ever had. Andrea and her family welcomed us with open arms and truly made Germany feel like home. I had a fantastic experience working at the camps and spending time with the children. Additionally, all of the host families were amazing and some of the kindest people I have ever met. I also had the opportunity to work with an incredible group of people from all over the world. We got along very well and bonded quickly, which made the experience even more special. This is an experience I will always cherish, and I would definitely recommend Leolingo to anyone who has the opportunity to work there!

Best camp you can find out there!

December 31, 2025by: Aleksandra Lakus - United Kingdom
5

I worked for LEOlingo in 2021, 2022, 2023 and briefly in 2024. All I can say is that all those three summers and short but sweet 2 weeks in 2024 were some of my best and favourite summers and work placements of my life! Andrea is the most thoughtful boss you can find and she will make sure your time in Germany will be incredible. Bavaria is a beautiful place to visit and work in, and each camp is different but fun in its own way. There is plenty to see and do during your weekends too (or if you have evenings off at day camps, then evenings too!), so you definitely won't be bored - my recommendation is to embrace the German culture fully and take part in as many Fests as possible! And a must-do for all counsellors - visit Eibsee - the most spectacular lake in Germany!!! The programme that you teach at LEOlingo is so fun - some songs will live in your head rent free forever. I am still in touch with many friends from all around the world made over all those years, and it's so good now to be able to talk about our adventures, camp days and fun that we had. All in all, you will not regret it - if you want to have the best summer of your life, experience LEOlingo in Bavaria!!! :)

Wonderful dinner in Bavaria!

November 27, 2025by: Elliot Lesenko Oliveros - Canada
5

Working at Leolingo summer 2025 was a pleasure, the kids were always exciting, programming was well thought out, locations were always new and exciting, so much fun! Week long intensive training to help everyone learn the programming, games and activities so you’re well prepared for the job and working with the supervisors Paul and Nick is such a pleasure! They know what they’re doing!!

One of the Best Summers of My Life

November 20, 2025by: Colleen Dupuis - United States
5

If you're at all curious about the program and on the fence about applying — just do it! Like past counselors have shared in previous reviews, the team and collaborative environment at LEOlingo is truly unforgettable. Working with colleagues from England, Ireland, and Canada means there's always something new to learn culturally and fun to be had. The other counselors' positive, enthusiastic, and dedicated attitude is truly infectious in the best way; when in doubt, I always had a solid team to rely on that was happy to help. Plus, I got to travel extensively during my one-week vacation and the weekends with fellow counselors who were just as enthusiastic about exploring Germany and its neighboring countries as I was. During the day-to-day camp life, I learned many different camp songs and games that still come in handy, working in a school environment. Despite all the work that goes into creating the best camp environment for the kids — leading high-energy activities for 7 hours a day — it never got overwhelming or boring thanks to the amazing, close-knit team. Andrea is a fantastic boss as well: encouraging, understanding, organized, flexible, and honest. Ultimately, I felt very welcome, gained vital leadership skills (and plenty of cool stories to share), and learned a lot about working with kids. I'd highly recommend this experience to anyone interested in growing personally and professionally, creating meaningful friendships, and making memories that last a lifetime.

Love LEOlingo And I’m Not Lion lol

November 16, 2025by: Amy Aviles - United States
5

Hello! Im Amy from NYC. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to be part of LEOlingo English Camp not just once, but twice—first in 2021 and again this past year, 2025—and both experiences have been unforgettable. Andrea is truly the best boss you could ask for—always supportive, encouraging, and genuinely caring about both the staff and the kids. Southern Bavaria is lovely, and each camp is set in beautiful locations that it almost feels like a dream to be there every day. I loved the flexibility of the schedule, which gave me the chance to explore the region and even travel while working. The kids are awesome, they’re full of energy, curiosity, and laughter, which makes teaching English so much fun. Beyond the campers, one of the highlights for me has been the people I’ve met and the friendships formed with fellow counsellors. Spending time together, whether planning activities, sharing meals, or just hanging out in the evenings—created a real sense of family. I can say without a doubt that I would go back again, and I’m already planning to be part of it next year. It’s truly an experience that stays with you long after the camp ends.

An Amazing Experience!

November 13, 2025by: Hannah McEvoy - Ireland
5

Being a part of the LeoLingo team this summer was an unforgettable experience! The camps were fun, well-organised and really rewarding. The children were enthusiastic and I got to work with great team members from all around the world. It was also a wonderful opportunity to explore Bavaria and enjoy everything the region has to offer. Andrea was incredibly organised and supportive, making sure everything ran smoothly and everyone felt welcome. I’d highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for a memorable and meaningful summer in Germany.

Amazing experience

November 21, 2024by: Emily F - United Kingdom
4

I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to work for LeoLingo. Southern Bavaria is beautiful, and the language camps are incredibly fun. I learnt so many transferable skills from working as a camp counsellor, and you are constantly supported. It is a hugely rewarding experience.

The most fun & professional language company I've worked for

January 10, 2023by: Paul Curley - Ireland
5

Well, here we go, after three years of working for LEOlingo (my fourth starting very soon) I am finally sitting down and will review every aspect of the LEOlingo experience. Firstly my name is Paul, I'm from Ireland and I applied to work for the company in the Bavaria region back in 2019. I was interviewed by Anne-Marie who has been the HR Manager for over 10 years now and is an incredible person and a solid friend (don't worry I'm not getting paid for this review ?). I was successfully chosen as one of the counsellors from hundreds of applicants and was warmly welcomed by the team back in July that year and since then it has been my number once choice when teaching English around Europe. The first thing I noticed when joining the team was how professional everything was in the training week, from the location, the facilities, the organisation of each day and the help and assistance provided while doing the 7 days of training. It all felt very well thought out and was extremely helpful even for an experienced counsellor having done camps in France and Italy before. Andrea, who is the owner and manager of LEOlingo south is an inspiration to me as she takes the role very seriously while treating all of the counsellors and staff like family. I recognised this as soon as I met her and every counsellor that year and other the years have said the same about Andrea and family. In the training week you will be hosted by a host family close to the training location and this means you will experience the local Bavarian traditions in your free time while getting spoiled with the amazing beer and food ?. The training week requires a lot of energy and focus, as you will be learning and presenting games and activities like you would in a traditional camp day during the summer heat. You will also be informed about the Bavarian traditions, rules and be given some helpful tips for navigating a day while working for LEOlingo and in the country of Germany. This is super fun as you will bond with the counsellors you will inevitably be working alongside and get into the mental and physical groove for the various camp locations. A traditional day at a LEOlingo day camp will consist of a warm-up games, language games, songs, folder activities, sports, arts and crafts, drama while the overnight camps will have the same while including evening activities like a night hike, pub quiz, movie night, a disco and various excursions such as go-karting, canoeing, caving, high-ropes etc. The locations are spread around Bavaria with Nuremberg being like the hub or the main city that is close by. Having been in Nuremberg numerous times I have built a nice bond with the city and at this stage know all the good spots for food, a haircut, a hotel, ice-cream and an Instagram post ? I really cant wait to be back! Having now done dozens of camps with LEOlingo I have also built a nice community of friends from host families, who I regularly keep in contact with and meet from time to time. General socialising and taking part in day trips around the region of Bavaria really enhances the experience also but the fondest memories are often times from the short but lasting memories of the kids and the fun you have with them while they are learning English. I often like to say that my job is to firstly make sure that the kid are safe at all times, secondly to make sure they are having fun in every activity throughout the day and the English language will then be learned almost by accident because they are just enjoying the week. The kids come to camp to have fun and it is very important not to take yourself too seriously because really they just want to get to know you, talk to you about your Country and learn some cool things about the English language and culture that come with it. It's always a joy when the parents come to pick up the kids and they are telling the family how much fun they have had and are already talking about returning to the next possible camp available. This is the cherry on top for a solid week and it is amazing how many kids you will see and different camps year after year. As you may know by now the camps are usually from Monday - Friday and of course you will have the weekends to yourself and are completely free. This means you can take part in group activities with your fellow counsellors and visit local areas or even neighbouring cities and countries but you must be well organised and be ready get back for the camps beginning each week. I personally like to mix it up and do my own things some weekends and go to maybe a Volkfest (basically a Bavarian beer and food festival) with the counsellors or host families etc. You organise the weekends yourself and support yourself in terms of accommodation and food etc as LEOlingo provide you with free accommodation and food throughout a camp week. Overall, it is easy to manage and I have always felt safe and secure on weekends and sometimes you just cant wait for the next camo to begin ? In 2019 and 2021 I worked for LEOlingo in the summer months only but last year in 2022 I decided to exclusively work for LEOlingo from April to October as I was having so much fun doing their camps that I did the Easter and school camps along with the summer camps which I really enjoyed and this year in 2023 I will do the same. I hope this review has helped you make a decision in applying to work for LEOlingo and I look forward to meeting you if we happen to work together in the future. I have said to Andrea and Anne-Marie that I will keep returning as long as I am having fun and it is always a pleasure to work alongside the best!

Es war eine tolle Zeit (It was an awesome time)

December 11, 2021by: Shadi Abdelmalek - Canada
5

This was a life-changing experience for me this past summer. As a young university student, I was looking for an experience that would really expand my horizons and expose me to new people and cultures. This experience did just that. I was lucky enough to be working alongside 9 other amazing councillors that made my summer truly special. We bonded quickly during the training week and carried utilized that friendship to make work even more enjoyable. I spent every weekend with other councillors, except one where I decided to go watch Messi's PSG debut. We travelled to new countries and experienced many new things together which made for some unforgettable experiences. Andrea and Anne-Marie, the two amazing ladies who make this all possible, were an extremely important part of my experience. Andrea is very kind and even though she is your boss she makes you feel like you are talking to a friend. She and her whole family are an amazing bunch and they really made me feel welcome. I was lucky enough to be the councillor for both her kids and they were simply awesome. Anne-Marie was at my campsite almost every week this summer. She became a good friend of mine over the summer and it was fun to spend time with her and some of the other councillors playing games and talking after the kids fell asleep. The kids are all amazing as well. I worked mostly with the middle-older kids (12-16) and their English levels were usually really good. They are always very fun and willing to let loose and have some fun. If you were enthusiastic, they matched your energy right away and everyone had fun. Some of the kids i met really left an impression on me and I will long remember them. I only had a host family one week, however, it was an amazing experience. Another councillor and I were both assigned to the same family. They had three sons, two of them around my age and one young one that was in my camp. The two older sons, along with the parents really made sure we felt at home. We hit the town with the older boys and we got to learn a little bit about how German teenagers/young adults live. They really made sure we were welcomed and I still keep in touch with them now every once in a while. The camps themselves were great. The breakfast was a bit disappointing, as a Canadian that is used to a big heavy breakfast, however, the kids love it. Lunch and dinner usually were very good though. The campsites are all really cool and unique and very clean. The special activities I got to do over the summer were waterskiing, waterboarding, and high-ropes. Those were some awesome activities and doing them alongside the kids makes it even better. Overall, it was an amazing summer and experience I would recommend to anyone looking for something unique and truly special.

Being a camp counsellor!

October 19, 2021by: Hamish Stewart - United Kingdom
5

Hello, Prospective camp counsellors - let me just start off by saying, yes, I would definitely recommended this experience. And what an experience it was. Right from the start, our group of camp counsellors were welcomed into a beautiful family home for our orientation week. We were made to feel very welcome and given lots of time to get to know one another. Though this first week was tiring for me, it was invaluable (never mind necessary!) for teaching me the games that we would eventually teach the kids. Though I had no prior experience of camp counselling, a friend said that this training week was what set Leolingo apart from the rest (and made Leo his favourite camp on the calendar) - their training process was extremely comprehensive and methodical. The teaching itself is also a blast. Though nothing can ever prepare you for it, you will have an amazing time once you start. It is intense and tiring but also rewarding, fun and exhilarating. Even though I personally wasn't a natural teacher, I learned so much about myself and about the working world. Whatever the outcome of the teaching itself, you will have a very formative and enriching experience. What's more, the team at Leolingo (in particular Anne-Marie and Andre) will guide you through the entire process kindly and confidently. Both of them have a great deal of experience, skill, and industry know-how which means that you will always feel safe and supported whilst in the role. I hope this helps. Now apply!

One of the best decisions I've ever made!

October 01, 2021by: Michael Salib - Canada
5

I recently arrived back in Canada after spending my summer with LEOlingo in Germany. I am not joking when I tell you that this was the coolest and most amazing work experience I’ve had so far. I was initially hesitating whether I should go or not, but man I am so incredibly glad that I did. If you’re in the same position, I strongly urge you to do it. You will not regret it! I know that it can feel overwhelming to be going on such a foreign experience so let me break it down for you. Your time in Germany starts with a week of training with the other counsellors and your bosses, Andrea and Anne-Marie, both of whom are incredible and feel more like friends than bosses. The counsellors are usually from all over the world. Personally, I was working with people from Canada, USA, England, Ireland, France, Wales, and Scotland. It was awesome meeting like minded people from so many different countries and it really instigated super cool and insightful conversations and bonds between everyone! Training week is quite a lot of work, but it’s more fun than tiring. Basically, you go over many of the activities that you will be doing with the kids later on. This includes many games, sports, arts and crafts, and you also cover a lot of information about logistics, rules and so on. Training week is also a great time to connect with the other counsellors before you start working with them. It was honestly such a highlight of my trip! Next, you’ll start getting to work! There are two different types of camps that you’ll have the chance to work at during your time in Germany, day camps and overnight camps. Day camps, like the name implies, go on from 8/9 am to 4/5 pm, Monday to Friday. They are usually held in cities, in places like schools, universities, company offices, or other buildings of that sort. As a day camp counsellor, you get the chance to stay with a host family for the week. This might seem nerve-wracking at first, but let me tell you, it’s a wonderful experience! Personally, I had really great conversations with my host family, and they were really keen on taking me out to beer gardens and showing me around the city in the evenings after camp. By the end of the week, it was hard saying goodbye! The other type of camps you’ll be working at are overnight camps, where you and the children stay and sleep over at the campsite from Sunday to Friday. These camps are held in the German countryside, which is beautiful, in places like castles, monasteries, and retreat centres. Fortunately, at an overnight camp, you’re not working 24/7. You’ll either be a day counsellor, taking charge of the day program, or a night counsellor, leading the night program. Also, many of the overnight camps have special adventure days where you and the kids do a fun activity outside of camp on one of the days. I was very fortunate to go caving and water skiing, but other adventures include karting, canoeing, high ropes, and swimming, among others. Overall, the camps are super fun, and give you the chance to interact with German children, who are very fun, though sometimes a little cheeky ;). So you’re done your week of work! What happens till you start again? If you came with the intention of travelling, this is your chance to do so. There is so much to see in Germany but it’s also quite close to many surrounding countries, whether it be by driving, or by using public transport (which there is a ton of between countries). Travelling on the weekends is a great way to see Europe (especially if you’re not from there) and also spend quality time with fellow counsellors. During my trip, I was able to visit Nuremberg, Garmisch-Partenkirchen (German Alps), Czech Republic and Switzerland. On the way back to Canada, I also managed to make quick stops in the Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal. The time I spent travelling was some of the best time of the trip, and I made memories that I will truly never forget. If my review hasn’t convinced you to go for it, I don’t know what will! While I’ve said it many times, let me reiterate that LEOlingo is one of the best things you can do to yourself. At the end of the day, you’re not just going for a job; you’re going to meet new people, see new places and do things you wouldn’t have the opportunity to do had you not gone.

Life changing

April 08, 2020by: Rugile Pekinas - United States
5

It's taken me far too long to sit down and write this review. I was part of Andrea's team in summer of 2018 and I still think about my experience with LEOLingo almost daily. I learned so much about myself that summer; my strengths, my weaknesses, my passion for education, my extremely silly side. The memories you make as LEOLingo counselor will never leave you. Singing songs, playing games, stressing out about curriculum planning, spending all your money on beer on the weekends (sorry, mom) are just a few of the things I will hold onto. The bonds you make with the fellow counselors are unbreakable. I still keep in touch with some of them literally every single day. Germany itself is indescribably beautiful. I mean, who else can say they taught English in a castle in the Bavarian countryside?? In short, this is a life changing experience. It forces you so far out of your comfort zone in the best way possible and, although it was extremely exhausting at times, the journey is so so worth it. Not to mention this makes you stand out on resumes A LOT. So much love for the LEOLingo team. Thank you to Andrea and her family, Anne-Marie, and Tito for everything.

Amazing experience

September 16, 2019by: Laura B. - United States
5

August 2019 I heard about this program through my University website, I was excited about Germany and wanted to try something new so I applied and was hired. The process took a couple of weeks. Reflecting back on this summer I would say that this program changed my life because I feel like I was not as comfortable working with kids of all ages until now, I learned to not take myself too seriously and how to adapt quickly. The techniques we used became very useful when teaching and dealing with kids in general, and the training program really prepared me well for what was ahead at the time. This program was also very well-organized and everyone was very inviting, full of energy and helpful the entire time. Andrea, Anne-Marie, and Tito responded quickly to any questions and was there every step of the way. They also went out of their way to prepare and make this experience welcoming and fun! :D Also, the locations of the different camps were very beautiful, and I saw parts of Germany that I would have never seen otherwise. I think this experience is a good combination of cultural immersion and personal development. To add, the group of counselors that I worked with was amazing too and we were very close and it made this experience awesome as well since they were from all over the native speaking world, and it was cool immersing all these different nationalities together. I felt comfortable the entire time and felt like everyone treated me like family. I would say that it was really hard to finish this summer because it was hard to say goodbye. I would definitely do this again, I am so thankful I had this experience. It was a great way to spend my summer :)

What an awesome journey! :D

February 06, 2019by: Tevin M - United States
5

The first time I heard of LEOlingo was through my university. I was finishing a degree in Australia and I wanted to find a job somewhere in Europe to fill my break from uni. I had taught a kids martial arts class before and had Germany on my bucket list so I decided to give Bavaria a try. I had such an awesome experience I signed up twice, 2017 and 2018. I had the opportunity to explore the area with other counselors from the US, Australia, Ireland, Canada and the UK. I also found out that I could live the rest of my life on Franconian food and the occasional Helles. The experience I had working with LEOlingo was unique because it was something everyone created together. The funny moments during training, the first day of camp when we got our campers, trying to order food in German, the classic Bavarian breakfast, teaching kids songs, games and sports in English, these are just a few of the moments I will never forget. Things to look forward to include getting a first hand encounter of Bavarian hospitality, Volkfest, meeting people from all over the world and convincing your campers that whichever accent you have is the best one ;) I have to say it was an awesome journey for me ^^

Best summer of my life

February 05, 2017by: Tegan Francis - England
5

LEOlingo was, without a doubt the best summer of my life. I really had no idea what to expect and I was so nervous at the beginning of the summer but was reassured and welcomed into beautiful Bavaria with open arms. Our first week was spent taking part in an intense training course at a school in Neumarkt, just a short trip from the city of Nuremberg. We all got to know each other really quickly and got settled in our new host family homes for the week. My host family had three lovely children who were really keen to speak English but I also got to practice my German with them too. They were even kind enough to open up their house again to a few of the counselors when we came back for a street festival a few weeks after training. Andrea and her family were extremely welcoming and we had trips out to Nuremberg on a bike tour around the city (which was amazing) along with a few parties in the first week to help bond a little and start getting to know the people we were about to spend our whole summer with. On your first day you’ll be given the LEOlingo handbook and this is your bible. It has endless ideas including games, songs and teaching materials that you can use and refer to when you’re planning your week with your kids. I felt well prepared to take on my own class after the week of training as you also get to work with some of the kids from the school you train in. This gives you a taste of what counseling will be like. I think the main thing to remember is to have fun because when you’re having fun (hopefully) you’re kids are too. Be crazy, be a bit wacky and don’t take yourself too seriously. I really enjoyed teaching the kids in my groups and although there will always be a few that you might not click with, the majority are great and really want to learn English! What is generally expected of you as a counselor can vary depending on whether you are a day counselor or night counselor and also if the camp is a day or overnight or adventure camp as they have very different vibes to them. Andrea does an amazing job of making sure that everyone gets to experience all areas of camp so you can have some variation during the summer. Added to this already sweet set up you also get a week off during the summer. I personal went up to Berlin and met up with relatives but others visited Prague and Budapest etc. which was also great fun. Weekends can be as structured or as relaxed as you like. Sometimes you may be asked to stay there over the weekend because you’re at the same camp two weeks running but I was lucky enough to spend most of my weekends in my dirndl (which all the girls bought whilst we were out there) drinking beer in Bavarian Volksfests which is by far one of the best ways to spend a Saturday. I have no doubt that LEOlingo will be a life changing and extremely rewarding experience for anyone who partakes. You learn a great deal about yourself, others and also Germany as a country and I will be back as soon as I can.

If you have any hesitation to apply, my advice: take the leap and do it!

December 05, 2016by: Jordan Lewis - Canada
5

If you are considering applying for a summer job at LEOlingo, let me just say that I am SO excited for you. I worked in Bavaria for both the Summer of 2015 and Spring of 2016, and it was truly one of the most formative and incredible experiences I have ever had. I had no German roots and it was a completely spontaneous decision, and I have zero regrets – it was a summer I will forever think about fondly, and one that allowed me to establish strong friendships from all over the world. LEOlingo has fostered a huge admiration for Germany – I am already planning my next trip back! An average day at LEOlingo often depends on whether you are working as a day or night counsellor, and whether you are working at a day camp/overnight camp/adventure camp. Regardless of these differences, there are still a lot of consistencies. As a day counsellor you are essentially solely responsible for your group of kids during the day, so there is a fair amount of flexibility with what you decide to do and when. This is all building up for the “Happyning” at the end of the week, which is a show for the parents that demonstrates what they have learned/done while at camp. During each Happyning, your kids will typically sing a song together, perform a drama (x2, because you will split your group in half), and provide a demonstration/explanation of a sport and/or a game you did with your group. You will also send each kid home with a creative folder, which will contain all of the arts/crafts/language sheets that your kids completed throughout the week. If you are a day counsellor you typically work with the kids from 9am to 5pm, with an hour long lunch in between. Each day you will aim to play a sport, sing a song, play at least one language game, work on a creative folder, provide time for drama prep and activities, and play some of the other filler games. I will be the first to admit that sometimes this doesn’t all get done in one day, but keeping this structure in mind is important to make up for whatever you didn’t do in subsequent days (it also gets easier over the summer as you find your routine!). You are free to collaborate with other counsellors, which often works really well for sports and larger games and can give you all a break when sharing responsibilities. If you are a day counsellor at a day camp, your responsibilities are essentially over at 5pm each day, excluding any prep that would be required for the next day. If you are a day counsellor at an overnight camp, you may be asked by the night counsellors to help facilitate evening programming. You will also be asked to be a night counsellors during at least one of the weeks that you’re there, which requires planning games typically for the whole camp and then getting the kids to bed and waking them up. If you are working at an adventure camp, this usually means you get one “day off” from this regular programming to either go canoeing, horseback riding, caving, high rope climbing, etc. – this is usually a really nice break and is super fun (adventure camps were my favourite)! In terms of which sports/activities to teach, you are given a handbook which contains TONS of different stuff, so there will never be any shortage of things to do. You learn tons of these during training week (training week basically consists of you being the ‘kids’ and being taught all the games and getting to play them and it really is the best). The sports tend to be national sports, and you would typically aim to teach sports native to your country (so I taught a lot of hockey, lacrosse, and baseball -- yay Canada!). However you basically have free reign to teach whatever you want, and the rules are given to you in case you aren’t familiar with them (Gaelic Football became my go-to sport, even though I had never heard of it before LEOlingo). Some of the other activities you do are name games (for the beginning of the week), big group games (for the whole camp – usually one of these are played on the first and last day), and other smaller filler games (to get them to settle down, wake up, get them outside, etc). The majority of the games focus on improving their English, and you will also have a selection of language games to play that focus on this a bit more heavily and adds a bit of competition. During the summer, you may be asked to live with a host family, in a hostel, or on-site. So many of the families were incredibly kind and hospitable, and took their counsellor(s) out for meals/did some exploring around the city. I had a great time with them and was able to pick up a bit of German as a result! I would say the vast majority of counsellors loved their host family experience and continue to stay in touch with them. Weekends are usually planned for you, so you don’t have to worry about booking anything unless you decide to do something different than what Andrea arranged (i.e. sometimes people wanted to visit friends, hang out with their host families, explore Nuremberg, etc.), in which case you are responsible for the costs and getting back in time. Sometimes Andrea’s plans will require you to stay put if you are working at the same campsite for two weeks in a row. If whatever Andrea plans for you requires additional travel/hostel costs, she will cover that or reimburse you. You will also have a week off during your time there, which you usually are responsible for the costs of whatever you decide to do (last year, I spent that week in Budapest and Prague). Overall, it is a really great opportunity to travel and see different parts of the country and places nearby! This was honestly the best job I’ve had (and maybe will ever have). Most importantly, Andrea and her family, the campers, and the counsellors are all truly WONDERFUL people and are the main reasons that this experience was as positive as it was. I would wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone considering applying!

Best job I ever had

December 01, 2016by: Colin - Canada
5

If you are a person who wants to meet great people, travel in Europe and work at a fun job that you can feel good about, this is the place for you. I worked at Leolingo for three consecutive summers, starting when I was 18. I'd grown up around camp and been a camp counselor in my home of Canada, and this was the perfect way to go on my first overseas adventure while still making money and being around fellow english speakers to explore with and learn about. The job itself is a blast. It's essentially going to camp for a summer, but you get to work with German youths and learn about their culture and teach about your own. The training is great to prepare you for running an English-language program for whatever age group you end working with throughout the summer (and you'll work with many different ones). Coworkers I had during my time there are lifetime friends. The bosses are even better than the coworkers. Whether you work in the North (for Sabine) or the South (Andrea), these are two of the loveliest, most accommodating bosses I've ever had. Every year, they have a completely unknown group of english-speaking foreigners descend upon them, and every year they consistently welcome into their home with warmth and excitement. You can't beat that. The campsites are all unique and beautiful, and give you the opportunity to see the different parts of Germany. They do a great job of rotating you around, too, so you can see Germany's great cities, its beautiful countryside and coasts. Leolingo was the first and biggest step I took outside my comfort zone, and I have zero regrets. It gave me a great opportunity to make some cash and travel Europe for a summer, and inspired my to go back time and time again and look for other opportunities to go abroad. I now work internationally a lot, like a lot of my colleagues I met there. I now have a network of great friends scattered across the world I can and do visit, friends I otherwise wouldn't know. I also now have some great memories, a little bit of conversational German, and an itch to get back to Germany any chance I get.

Most amazing life-enriching experience

November 28, 2016by: Micheal T - France
5

I have been lucky enough to spend 2 amazing summers working at Leolingo as an english and french language camp counsellor. Travelling abroad alone for the first time at 18 years old, and knowing no german and very little about Germany, I was both very excited and nervous upon arrival in Bavaria. However, as soon as we started training and I met the other counsellors, I knew I was embarking on the summer of a lifetime. The training week is quite intense, since we have to learn a lot about the program and have to master the Leolingo "camp mode". But it remains a highlight of the summer. The trainers are amazing, they are so full of energy, making you quickly come out of your comfort zone and start acting much sillier, that by the end of the first day all the counsellors are very comfortable around each over. The week is full of sports,games, songs and especially laughter. Andrea puts on lots of events during this week (bavarian evening, BBQ at her house, surprise activity...) that help us to bond even more as a team and feel at home. There is even the odd cheeky evening trip to the beergarden with the rest of the team after training. After all, we are in Germany! At the end of the week, the team is split up and dispatched to different camps around the Nuremberg area. Some of the camps we get to work at are stunning (german castles set in beautiful countryside). Each day counsellor generally gets his own group of 12 kids for the week. Working with them can sometimes be challenging and tiring, demanding a lot of patience, however most of the time it's so much fun. You really get to know most of the kids and bond with them a lot. Being an evening counsellor is also a really cool experience. By the end of the week, you are often sad to see the kids go. At the end of the week, there is a show where the kids really like to show their parents how much fun they've had and all the english/french they have. Despite the sadness of leaving the camp where you had such a good time, the prospect of discovering a new camp and meeting lots of new kids the next week keeps you looking forward. The week-end is a much deserved rest time away from children where you can recharge your batteries or travel around the area. Some weekends, we would meet up with the rest of the team and go to a german beer festival (there is always one on in Bavaria!) or even spend a night out in Nürnberg. Some of the most epic nights I will forever remember have been experienced over my two summers in Bavaria. You will probably have the chance during the summer of staying with a host family. Culturally, this is a huge bonus as it's an insight into german everyday life. German host families are so welcoming. They often treat you like a member of the family. I still exchange messages regularly with a few of the host families I met over my 2 summers and plan to meet up with them again. The social life aspect is definitely one of the most important. You meet so many like-minded young people from around the world, who you become really close with across the summer, spending some very memorable times together and becoming friends for life. Leolingo is like one big family! As for Andrea, she is certainly an amazingly unique boss. I imagine there are very few jobs where you could have the same kind of relationship with your boss. She opens up her home to you, and goes the extra mile to make sure everybody and everything is cared for. She is also always completely honest with you. She is certainly the personification of Leolingo. If you're looking for a summer full of fun, adventure, memorable experiences, amazing new friendships, beautiful scenery, and lots and lots of kids, Leolingo is the place to go! (oh, and also beer of course!)

Life changing summer

November 27, 2016by: Emily B - Canada
5

The past two summers I have been lucky enough to work for LEOlingo. The whole experience has been incredible, and I would return every year if I could. I heard about LEOlingo from a friend who had also worked for Andrea and Sabine, and as soon as I heard the details of the position I knew I had to apply. Personally, I had worked at many summer camps in Canada, so I understood the amount of work overnight camps took. For those who have not worked at summer camps before, it can seem like a huge commitment, knowing that the children are there and you are responsible for them for the entire week but there is a lot of support. There is always a night and day councillor, so if you are a day councillor you can relax at night, although it is always fun to join in with the night programs and vice versa. Each camp has a different theme, which you get to experience as well. I able to go caving in two cities this summer, which was one of the highlights. Most weeks you get to experience a new city in Germany which can be very exciting. I was in some small towns of only 200 people, but also some weeks I was very close to Nuremburg so I was able to go explore the city during the week after the camp day was over. Some weekends we would stay overnight at the camp, and there were many different activities, even in the smaller towns to do. One of the best highlights I find is the social life. I have been able to make life long friends from around the world because of LEOlingo. Every weekend we would get to explore different areas of Germany, and on our week off some of us even travelled to different countries together. These friends become your family because you are surrounded by them for 7 weeks. The most important thing to know about this job is that you will have an incredible boss. Andrea was always understanding, and organized and she cares so much for every one of her employees. She always wants to know how you are doing and if she can help you in anyway. Coming from Canada, it is a big change going to a place where I did not know the language, nor know anyone in Germany. Andrea worked very hard to make sure we were happy. She also spent a lot of time planning special events which helped our team bond even more. Although this job is exhausting, and stressful at times, I could not recommend it enough. If you are someone who loves to travel, meet friends from around the world, but also work with some amazing kids then you could not ask for a better job.

Amazing opportunity!

November 25, 2016by: Kathryn - United Kingdom
5

I worked as a camp counsellor for Leolingo over the summer in 2016 and had the most amazing time! The group of counsellors I worked with are now good friends of mine, and we had some incredible adventures and memories together throughout the summer. The camps themselves are intense, and it is a long day of work, but it is also extremely rewarding. The kids are genuinely excited about English and I had some really fun times with my groups. The job really requires you to get silly and crazy at times. You can't take yourself too seriously. It is technically a teaching job, but it is definitely not a traditional classroom-type atmosphere. It's summer camp, after all! You'll find yourself doing ridiculous things. It's one of the things I loved most about working at Leolingo. Staying with German host families was also another great aspect of this job. If you're interested in learning about German language and culture, there is no better way to do it. My host families all embraced me into their daily lives and were some of the kindest people I've ever met. I'm already planning trips to go back and visit! Overall, I feel incredibly lucky to have worked at Leolingo. I met so many amazing people, learned so many things, and had so many unique and exciting experiences. It has by far been my favourite summer job ever!

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Nuremburg, Germany

Types and Subjects

  • Fields
  • Camp Counselor & Trip Leader
  • Education
  • Linguistics
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Sports
  • Theater, Drama, & Dance

Availability

Years Offered: 2026

Teach Duration:
  • Summer

Age Requirement

18-30

Guidelines

Nationalities:
  • South African
  • British
  • Irish
  • American
  • Canadian
  • Australian
  • Kiwi
  • European

This Program is also open to Solo

Starts At

No Costs

Program Cost Includes

  • No Inclusions
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • In-Country Transportation To & From Project
  • Required Equipment
  • Guide / Chaperone
  • Training
  • Welcome Dinner
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration

Refund Policy

Other

Accommodation Options

  • Other

Salary & Compensation

Bavaria: Day Counselors (9 am to 5 pm): 230 Euro/week (250 Euro/week from week 3 on) plus board and lodging during the work week/accomodation on weekends. Night Counselors (5 pm to 9 am): 170 Euro/week (200 Euro/week from week 3 on) plus full board and lodging during work week/accomodation on weekends. The board and lodging during the work week is valued at appr. 200 - 350 Euro per week

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English
  • French

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Letters of Reference
  • Resume
  • Written Application
  • Other
  • Online Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is LEOlingo Süd?

LEOlingo Süd is a small, family-owned company, originally founded in 2006. LEOlingo Süddeutschland, based in Bavaria, southern Germany, and run by Andrea Baer, offers both day and overnight English (and some French) language camps to German children between the ages of 7 and 15. The camps are not about overloading the children with grammar and vocabulary, but about having fun while learning a language.

How does the application process work?

The first step in the application process is to complete our detailed application form and email it back to Andrea together with a photograph of yourself. Added reference letters from former employers are always helpful. If we believe you would be a good fit for our LEOlingo Süd programme, the next step is to complete a video interview. We aim to let all applicants know theresults of the interview within approximately 3 weeks.

Do we need a permit/visa and which other documents do we need to send?

If you are a non-EU citizen, it is important that your passport is valid for at least 3-6 months after the end of your stay. You will also need to apply for a work permit (‘Aufenthaltstitel’), but we can hand in all necessary documents for the work permit before your arrival and then go to the office together to hand in your original passport and complete the registration. The work permit will be prepared within a week.

Do we only need to speak English (do we need to speak German/French)?

For the camp itself you don’t need to speak German at all (and you should not speak German to kids anyway). However, sometimes it is easier to understand what the kids want to tell you if you do speak some German. If you are a French native speaker, you also need to speak English on a native level.

What are the working hours?

The working hours for a day counselor (at Day Camps and Overnight Camps) are from 9 am to 5 pm, plus any time needed for preparation and cleaning up at the end of the day/camp. If you are a night counselor at an Overnight Camp, you are responsible for the children from 5 pm to 9 am the next day. Each evening, the night counselors run a 2 ½ hour evening program (7 – 9:30 pm).

Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Paul Curley

Paul Curley

Participated in 2023

Alumni

Going abroad was always something I wanted to continue doing ever since I visited both Boston and New York for a 90-day holiday back in 2014. Since then I decided I wanted to travel and get paid for it so I began to apply for English counseling jobs in Europe. Bavaria and the family feeling at LEOlingo is the main reason I love returning here and for the past four years, it has been my primary location when teaching English as a foreign language.

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Michael Salib

Michael Salib

Participated in 2021

Alumni

My family didn’t travel much when I was younger. When I got a little older, I became much more curious about the world and decided to take a shot and get out of my comfort zone.

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