Samiad vs other summer schools: why this British program stands out among exchange options

The British summer school market offers dozens of options for Brazilian families, but few programs manage to combine academic prestige, safety, and educational innovation like Samiad British Summer Schools. While most competitors focus only on traditional English teaching, Samiad developed a unique methodology that transforms learning into an interactive adventure.

Founded in 2013, the institution quickly gained international recognition by operating on elite campuses such as Eton College and Marlborough College. This strategic choice of venues already sets Samiad apart from the competition, which often uses less prestigious academic facilities or adapted conference centers.

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Revolutionary methodology: missions vs conventional classes

The interactive mission system

Samiad's main differentiator lies in its curriculum based on thematic missions. While other schools maintain a traditional classroom format, Samiad students participate in immersive scenarios such as “Mission: Mars” or “Mission: Outbreak”.

In these scenarios, young people assume specific roles within competitive teams, applying knowledge of English, STEM, or leadership to solve practical challenges. This approach maintains constant engagement, a common problem in conventional programs where teenagers often lose interest after a few days.

Results:

• 94% of students report greater motivation to learn English
• Conversation time in English increases 300% compared to traditional methods
• Vocabulary retention 40% higher than conventional courses

Constructive competition

The competitive element between student “colonies” creates dynamism absent in traditional programs. Each project, presentation, or activity contributes to the teams' overall score, keeping motivation high throughout their stay.

Competing programs rarely implement effective gamification, resulting in passive experiences where students attend classes without significant active participation.

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Staff-student ratio: unmatched security

Differentiated supervision

Samiad operates at a 1:6 ratio (one employee for every six students), a standard significantly higher than the industry average of 1:10 or 1:12. This apparently small difference has a substantial impact on the quality of the experience.

Practical advantages:

• Individualized attention for each participant
• Quick identification of adaptation problems
• Immediate support during activities and excursions
• More effective communication with Brazilian families

Team qualification

Samiad employees undergo specialized training in multicultural pedagogy and first aid. Many have specific certifications for working with international youth, a rare competence in smaller programs that rely on less qualified seasonal staff.

24-hour campus experience guarantees constant availability, unlike programs that use external supervisors or limited support hours.

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Prestigious campus: environment that inspires excellence

Strategic location

The operation at schools such as Eton College, Marlborough College, and Bromsgrove School places Samiad in its own category. Not only do these campuses offer superior facilities, but they create an inspiring atmosphere that motivates students to achieve their maximum potential.

Competing programs often operate on:

• Less prestigious university centers
• Temporarily converted sports facilities
• Hotels or resorts adapted for education
• Local high schools without special differentiation

Professional-grade facilities

Eton College:

• Single rooms with private bathrooms
• Olympic standard pool
• 400-seat theater
• Library with 150,000 volumes

Marlborough College:

• 200-hectare campus in a rural landscape
• Complete Aquatic Center
• Professional art studios
• Golf courses in the surrounding area

These facilities significantly exceed what alternative programs can offer, creating a truly differentiated experience for young people seeking quality international education.

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Exclusive tours: unique overnight trips on the market

Medieval adventures

Samiad is a pioneer in overnight excursions for summer schools. The glamping program at Warwick Castle offers an authentic medieval experience with:

• Overnight in themed tents inside the castle
• Medieval banquets with period entertainment
• Falconry and archery demonstrations
• Knight tournaments and medieval craft workshops

No competitor offers a similar experience. Traditional programs are limited to daytime visits to conventional tourist attractions, missing opportunities to create truly memorable memories.

London Overnight Experience

The London evening experience includes dinner dancing on the Golden Sunrise boat, exclusively chartered for Samiad students. This differential provides a unique perspective on the British capital, combining entertainment, education and international networking.

Other schools only offer standardized day tours of the main tourist spots, with no elements of exclusivity or personalization.

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Diversity of programs: care by age group

Camp Samiad

Program dedicated specifically to younger children, a rarity in the British market. Most contestants only accept teenagers or mix age groups inappropriately.

Unique differentiations:

• Adapted methodology for children's cognitive development
• Playful activities integrated with learning
• Specialized supervision in children's pedagogy
• Adequate facilities for the safety of minor children

Samiad Summer School

It offers three distinct morning tracks (English, STEM, Leadership) combined with 11 afternoon specializations. This flexibility allows customization based on individual interests, overcoming generic programs that offer a unique curriculum.

Samiad NxtGen

University preparatory program focused on 21st century skills. Few contestants offer serious academic preparation for this age group, preferring to maintain a recreational focus.

NXTGen develops competencies in digital innovation, global leadership, and advanced communication, preparing young people for future academic challenges in an incomparable way.

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Elite sports partnerships

PSG Football Academy

The exclusive partnership with Paris Saint-Germain offers professional training using the methodology used by the French club. Students learn advanced techniques, modern tactics, and athletic discipline at a professional level.

Competitive advantages:

• Trainers certified by the PSG academy
• Official equipment and uniforms
• Proven athletic development methodology
• Possibility to identify talents

Competing programs often offer generic sports activities with local instructors without specific accreditation or differentiated methodology.

Other modalities of excellence

• Sneakers: Professional courts with accredited instructors
• Horseback riding: Specialized equestrian centers with trained horses
• Golf: Access to professional fields around the campuses
• Multiactivities: Rotation between multiple sports for full development

This variety and sporting quality naturally connects with future opportunities in international athletic programs for students who discover specific passions.

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Provable academic results

Official certification

All participants receive an internationally recognized Samiad Certificate, validating skills developed during the program. This official documentation differs from generic certificates offered by smaller programs.

Ongoing assessment

Daily assessment system monitors progress on:

• Verbal fluency and listening comprehension
• Development of technical vocabulary
• Presentation and debate skills
• Multicultural teamwork
• Leadership and Problem Solving

Detailed reports for parents

Brazilian families receive weekly reports on their children's academic and social development, a rare transparency in competing programs that limit communication to basic updates.

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Safety and well-being: strict standards

Medical protocols

• Campus infirmary with 24-hour nurse
• Partnerships with local hospitals for emergencies
• Daily preventive medical monitoring
• Immediate communication system with families in case of need

Security systems

Advanced Technology:

• GPS monitoring during excursions
• Electronic check-in system for activities
• Radio communication between supervisors
• Specific safety protocol for Brazilian students

Multicultural support

A team with representatives fluent in Portuguese facilitates the adaptation of Brazilian students and communication with families. This specialized support is non-existent in most competing programs.

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Food: differentiated gastronomic quality

International menu

Professional chefs prepare balanced meals including:

• Familiar Brazilian dishes for easy adaptation
• Authentic British cuisine for cultural immersion
• Vegetarian, vegan, and dietary restriction options
• Healthy snacks available between main meals

Nutritional education

Educational program on healthy eating integrated with activities, promoting nutritional awareness that students carry into adulthood.

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Added value: return on investment

Measurable developments

Students return to Brazil with:

• Fluent conversational English (average improvement of 2 CEFR levels)
• Trust for international interactions
• Network of lasting global friendships
• Clarity about future academic objectives
• Independence and emotional maturity

Long-term impact

Many Samiad alumni later join international educational programs or universities abroad, demonstrating that experience serves as a gateway to globalized education.

University preparation

The NxtGen program specifically prepares students for international selection processes, developing an academic portfolio that differentiates candidates at competitive universities.

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Direct comparison with competitors

Low-cost generic programs

Common limitations:

• Basic facilities in urban centers
• Inadequate staff-to-student ratio (1:15 or higher)
• Traditional curriculum without pedagogical innovation
• Limited tours to conventional tourist spots
• Absence of official certification
• Inappropriate mix of age groups

Premium programs without differentiation

Some competitors charge similar amounts to Samiad but fail to offer proportional value. They often only invest in aggressive marketing with no corresponding educational substance.

Sustainable competitive advantage

Samiad built a business model based on exclusive partnerships with prestigious institutions, proprietary educational methodology and specialized multicultural staff. This combination creates a competitive barrier that is difficult to replicate.

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Testimonies and international recognition

Recent awards

• Star Awards 2024: Finalist in the “Best Innovative Program” category
• British Council Recognition: Certification of excellence in international education
• Industry Choice Awards: Voted among the 3 best British summer schools

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Be Easy

Be Easy established a strategic partnership with Samiad to offer Brazilians privileged access to this exceptional program. Our specialized team guides families in selecting the program that best suits the profile of each student, ensuring approval and complete preparation for this educational journey. As official representatives, we ensure the best conditions and full support from registration to return to Brazil. Contact us to find out how we can make the Samiad experience a transformative reality for your child.