HORIZONS USA

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To be “immersed” means to be fully placed within an environment.

At Horizons USA, international students participate side-by-side with American campers in fun, engaging summer camp activities. Through shared play, laughter, and daily interaction, genuine friendships naturally develop, and conversational English improves quickly and authentically.

Over more than 15 years of programming, we have seen international students significantly grow in cultural understanding, confidence, and English communication skills through this immersive experience.

Unlike many travel-style programs that focus on sightseeing from a bus window and quick photo stops at landmarks, Horizons USA is built around meaningful engagement, authentic cultural exchange, and real conversational English practice.

This is why many of our former campers have gone on to successfully attend American private schools, colleges, and universities.

The most effective way to learn a language is not by sitting in a classroom—but by actively using it every day with native speakers in a fun, supportive, and immersive environment.

 Before I came to America, I had many concerns about how my life was going to change. Steve is a really nice guy, and he gave me lots of advice and help in finding my school. I still remember what Steve told me before I came here— first when you are in America, you might be really excited. The second stage, you will be a little tired of your life there, then you will be excited again. Finally, you will get comfortable and adjusted to the life there. Thus, don’t worry about how your life is going to be like. Steve helps you and guides you though the tough processes. Throughout my four years in high school, Steve and I still keep in touch. Most of my friend’s agency do not care about them anymore, especially after they get into their school. Compared to them, Steve really did his job, even more than what he got paid for.

KiKi from Shenzhen

We will host a one- or two-week English immersion experience for five international students ages 10–15 from Sunday, July 12 through July 26, 2026.

If you are interested, please email: Advantage-USA@comcast.net or contact us via WhatsApp or WeChat (SteveHaines).

 $1,650 USD

Includes:

• Camp tuition 
• Homestay (room & board) 
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner 
• ESL instruction and cultural training 
• Full participation in the American day camp experience (games and activities) 

Not Included:
International airfare, airport transportation, travel insurance, and trip protection.

We recommend arrival at either Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

While John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) may sometimes offer lower fares, it is more than two hours from camp and results in significantly higher transportation costs.

We can arrange airport transportation for an additional fee. Families with local relatives may also choose to arrange their own drop-off and pick-up.

• PHL: INCLUDED (approx. 30 minutes) 
• EWR: $99 one way (approx. 65 minutes) 
• JFK: $255 one way (approx. 2.5 hours)

Each day is filled with fun, energy, and meaningful learning experiences. Students are constantly engaged in activities that build friendships, confidence, and cultural understanding.

8:00 a.m. – Rise & Shine / Breakfast
8:45 a.m. – Arrival at Big Oak Day Camp
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Camp games and activities (soccer, basketball, volleyball, Gaga, and more)
12:00 – 12:30 p.m. – Lunch with American campers
12:30 – 1:10 p.m. – Recess and/or swimming
1:10 – 3:00 p.m. – Swimming or scheduled activities
3:30 – 4:00 p.m. – ESL class led by our certified TESOL teacher
4:00 p.m. – Return to homestay family
6:00 – 8:30 p.m. – Free time and evening with host family

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Arrival: Sunday after 2:00 p.m.
Departure: Following Sunday at approximately 10:00 a.m.

One of the most meaningful highlights of this program is the homestay experience.

By building friendships with American campers during the day, international students naturally transition into warm, welcoming host family homes in the evening. This allows students to continue practicing English in real-life settings while experiencing authentic American family life.

The homestay creates a powerful opportunity for mutual cultural exchange, growth, and lasting relationships between students and host families.

Advantage-USA is also an international educational consulting organization led by Steve Haines.

We have helped many international students find and gain admission to “right-fit” schools for high school and university study. Our goal is always to match each student with a school that fits them academically, socially, and emotionally.

Because we work closely with students during the summer program, we gain valuable insight into their personality, strengths, and goals—allowing us to provide more personalized and effective school placement guidance.

Each day is filled with fun, energy, and meaningful learning experiences. Students are constantly engaged in activities that build friendships, confidence, and cultural understanding.

8:00 a.m. – Rise & Shine / Breakfast
8:45 a.m. – Arrival at Big Oak Day Camp
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Camp games and activities (soccer, basketball, volleyball, Gaga, and more)
12:00 – 12:30 p.m. – Lunch with American campers
12:30 – 1:10 p.m. – Recess and/or swimming
1:10 – 3:00 p.m. – Swimming or scheduled activities
3:30 – 4:00 p.m. – ESL class led by our certified TESOL teacher
4:00 p.m. – Return to homestay family
6:00 – 8:30 p.m. – Free time and evening with host family

Arrival: Sunday after 2:00 p.m.
Departure: Following Sunday at approximately 10:00 a.m.

One of the most meaningful highlights of this program is the homestay experience.

By building friendships with American campers during the day, international students naturally transition into warm, welcoming host family homes in the evening. This allows students to continue practicing English in real-life settings while experiencing authentic American family life.

The homestay creates a powerful opportunity for mutual cultural exchange, growth, and lasting relationships between students and host families.

Advantage-USA is also an international educational consulting organization led by Steve Haines.

We have helped many international students find and gain admission to “right-fit” schools for high school and university study. Our goal is always to match each student with a school that fits them academically, socially, and emotionally.

Because we work closely with students during the summer program, we gain valuable insight into their personality, strengths, and goals—allowing us to provide more personalized and effective school placement guidance.

Campers live with carefully selected American host families. In many cases, these families are already connected to our camp community.

Yes. The camp environment is very safe, and all host families are carefully screened and vetted.

Horizons USA is a true immersion program. Students spend about six hours daily with American campers in sports, arts, swimming, games, and group activities. In the afternoon, they participate in structured ESL and cultural classes before returning to their host families.

This is full immersion—daytime interaction with American peers combined with evening homestay experiences. It is one of the most effective preparatory experiences for students considering U.S. schools.

Horizons USA provides a realistic introduction to American school life, culture, and communication. It builds confidence, language ability, and cultural awareness.

The program is owned by Advantage-USA, led by Steve Haines, who brings over 30 years of experience in elite private school education and international student placement.

We currently have more than 20 former campers now studying successfully in U.S. private schools, colleges, or universities.

Each participant receives a certificate of completion for the Horizons USA program. While no academic credit is awarded, it is a valuable document for school applications. Students may also request a written recommendation from instructors and from Steve Haines.

Most American homes are spacious and comfortable. Students may have their own room or share with a host sibling.

Our experienced staff are trained to support international students through adjustment challenges. Homesickness is natural, and we provide consistent care and guidance.

We encourage families to confirm safe arrival. After that, communication is limited but available when needed. Families may contact Steve Haines directly at any time.

Students receive balanced, nutritious American meals. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the program.

Our staff closely monitor each student’s adjustment and comfort level. We understand that each child adapts differently and provide support at their own pace.

Weekends are spent with host families engaging in cultural, recreational, and social activities such as movies, sports events, bowling, local sightseeing, and more.

The program is led by Steve Haines, Executive Director of Camp Concepts and President/CEO of Advantage-USA. He has over 30 years of teaching and camp leadership experience.

He is joined by a dedicated team including his family members and experienced educators such as Erin Gulinello, who leads ESL and cultural programming.

Students gain a deeper understanding of American teen culture, improve their English fluency, and often realize that real experiences differ greatly from expectations.

Most importantly, they return with greater confidence, independence, and global awareness.