Art Instructor and Activity Leader for German Language Immersion Camp - Heidelberg

Alpadia Language Schools offers all-year round schools in Montreux, Berlin, Freiburg and Lyon, teaching French and German. Alpadia also provides English, French and German summer courses for juniors and teens in Europe and North America. Initially established in 1996, and now larger than ever, our mission is to encourage language development through immersion and to expand the horizons of our students, to inspire their future.

A summer job at Aladia can be a crucial step for anyone who might be considering permanent employment in Germany in the future. Having worked at a highly esteemed company in the German-Swiss education sector will make you stand out in the eyes of future employers. By the end of the summer, your resume could say:

Arts Instructor and Language Immersion Specialist

Alpadia Language Schools, 2027

As a full-time, seasonal staff member of Alpadia Language School’s language immersion camps, I served as a Creative Arts teacher and language immersion guide for 13–17-year-old students coming from every continent. My 24-hour responsibilities included supporting student’s social, emotional, and cultural development, designing and guiding excursions with 20-40 participants, diverse skill transfer through arts education, child safeguarding and risk management. Working in an innovative, fast-paced, highly collaborative work environment also allowed me to develop crucial competences in solution-focused conflict management, child development and language teaching.

Our Activity Leaders play a vital role in creating a fun, engaging and immersive summer camp experience for international students aged 10-17.

As a Creative Arts Activity Leader , you will design and deliver creative arts programmes and workshops on three afternoons each week, helping students explore their creativity while actively using German in a relaxed and engaging environment.

Beyond the arts programme, you will be a key member of the camp team, supporting the wider activity schedule, excursions, student supervision and daily camp operations. You will work closely with Teachers, Activity Leaders and Camp Management to ensure students enjoy a safe, enriching and memorable summer experience that promotes language learning, personal growth and intercultural understanding.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with young people, thrives in a dynamic environment, and is comfortable balancing educational, creative and supervisory responsibilities.

Adaptability & Working Pattern

Summer camps are fast-paced residential environments that differ significantly from traditional classroom or office settings.

Our programmes operate throughout the week and include activities during mornings, afternoons and evenings. As a result, staff work to a rota and should be comfortable with variable and sometimes irregular working schedules .

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, adaptability and initiative . Camp life can involve changing weather, programme adjustments, student welfare needs and other unforeseen circumstances that require staff to respond constructively and professionally.

The successful candidate will be comfortable switching between creative education, activity leadership, student supervision and operational support throughout the summer.

At the same time, staff schedules are planned in accordance with applicable employment and working-time requirements, including rest periods and breaks.

Responsibilities

Plan and deliver engaging creative arts workshops and projects on three afternoons per week; Adapt activities to different ages, interests and ability levels; Encourage active use of German through creative, hands-on learning experiences; Create an inclusive and supportive environment where students feel confident participating; Manage materials, equipment and activity spaces safely and responsibly; Lead and support sports, games, social activities and excursions; Supervise groups of international students during on-site and off-site activities; Maintain high standards of student welfare, safeguarding and risk awareness; Help create a positive, energetic and inclusive camp atmosphere; Conduct attendance checks and maintain student accountability; Support morning routines, including wake-ups when scheduled; Support evening routines and bedtime supervision when scheduled; Lead or assist with evening programmes and camp-wide events; Assist with arrivals, departures and other operational requirements; Respond appropriately to student needs, behavioural situations and unexpected challenges; Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the smooth running of camp; Morning supervision duties; Afternoon activity leadership; Excursion days; Evening programmes; Weekend activities; Public holiday duties where applicable

Requirements

Experience working professionally with children or young people; Demonstrated experience in Art Education or delivering creative arts workshops; German language skills at B1-B2 level minimum (spoken); Willingness to actively develop and use activity-specific German vocabulary to support language immersion; Fluent English; High levels of physical, mental and emotional resilience; Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills; Ability to remain positive and professional during busy or challenging periods; Confidence leading activities and speaking in front of groups; Strong organisational skills and attention to student welfare; Proven ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities; Willingness to work a rota that may include mornings, evenings, weekends and public holiday

Nice to have

Fluency in both German and English; Significant background in Art Education or Creative Arts instruction; Experience in summer camps, residential programmes or youth work settings; Experience in outdoor education; Experience leading large groups of children or teenagers; First Aid qualification; Driver's licence and ability to drive a minivan

Benefits

Weekly summer salary of €750-€800; Two days of pre-season training; Full room and board throughout the summer; Travel reimbursement of up to €160; Staff referral bonuses; Extensive practical experience in youth work, language immersion and activity leadership; A supportive international team environment; The opportunity to develop your skills in facilitation, education, leadership, safeguarding and intercultural communication