Studycation: Summer Adventure for Gen Alpha to Learn and Explore

Children of Generation Alpha, who were born between 2010 and 2024, can now enjoy a "Study-Vacation" summer. This method merges education with leisure time to foster hands-on skills, playful learning experiences, and a spirit of exploration.

Each academic year concludes with numerous urban Vietnamese children often caught between the obligation of attending rigorous supplementary lessons and the temptation of excessive screen time on gadgets.

Generation Alpha, the cohort born completely within the digital era, has been surrounded by technological advancements like the internet, smartphones, and tablets from birth. Nevertheless, their perpetual connection to these tools may inadvertently restrict genuine interpersonal interactions. As an illustration, kids could be adept at virtual communication yet struggle with regular face-to-face exchanges. Despite having instant access to extensive knowledge, they might miss out on hands-on experiences essential for fostering critical thinking abilities.

The academic demands, reliance on technology, and reduced engagement with the external environment have caused Generation Alpha to grow up being simultaneously “plugged in” and solitary. If left unchecked, these young individuals might master digital tools but fall short in acquiring crucial life abilities, become intellectually advanced yet emotionally detached from society, well-informed yet ill-prepared for real-world challenges.

Generation Alpha represents the initial group raised completely within the digital era; however, they often face restrictions regarding their online access. Image provided by ILA.

Millennial parents' concerns

The Vietnamese academic year spans roughly 35 weeks (equivalent to 175 school days), known for demanding workloads and elevated academic standards. Numerous students extend their study sessions into nights and weekends, amassing around 50-60 hours of learning each week—a figure exceeding the norms set in several industrialized nations.

For many of these kids, summertime frequently brings about ongoing academic demands instead of a break, leading to mental exhaustion and less time for well-rounded growth.

Moreover, digital interaction has substantially changed how children engage with their surroundings. A UNICEF study indicates that 82% of Vietnamese children between the ages of 12 and 13 use the internet every day, which increases to 93% among those aged 14 to 15. On average, these young individuals dedicate about 5 to 7 hours per day to social media platforms, possibly affecting their physical well-being and boosting mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and diminished social abilities.

Parents from Generation Y often aim for their children to excel both academically and through practical life experiences, as well as developing interpersonal abilities. Image provided by ILA

In response to these concerns, numerous millennial (Generation Y) parents are reassessing conventional methods.

They favor an educational approach that equally values academic success alongside hands-on experience and the cultivation of interpersonal abilities, instead of overemphasizing rigorous coursework or increased screen exposure for kids.

Numerous parents indicated that summertime is ideal for their children to unwind while still keeping up with academic pursuits. The photo was provided courtesy of ILA.

Studycation: An Innovative Educational Methodology

More families are opting for summer programs that merge educational instruction with practical experiences to foster their children’s development across intellectual, social, and emotional domains.

A 12-year-old girl from Hanoi participated in an international summer camp where fun was integrated with education. Her mother, Nhung—who resides in Hoan Kiem District—commented, “My child had herself a ‘truly incredible’ summertime experience.” According to Nhung, her daughter acquired hands-on skills, discovered her creative abilities, and grew more self-assured. The young girl confidently showcased her work before many spectators, radiating evident joy and positivity.

The idea behind "Studycation" combines learning with leisure, highlighting the practical use of education in authentic environments. This provides Generation Alpha an enriching method for spending their summers filled with fun and exploration.

The ILA Summer Never Ends 2025 program provides an immersive experience for children to learn, discover, and develop a global perspective. Photos provided by ILA.

In contrast to numerous conventional summer camps that primarily emphasize entertainment or only a few supplementary activities, the ILA Summer Never Ends 2025 initiative adopts an immersive educational method. This program encourages children to participate in hands-on tasks, cultivate a worldwide perspective, and hone essential abilities like communication and flexibility.

With more than three decades of expertise in education, ILA underscores that contemporary children require hands-on skills and real-world experiences alongside traditional academic learning. Their summer initiative focuses on fundamental abilities, notably proficiency in English communication, which empowers kids to successfully engage with their counterparts from around the world and tap into worldwide resources.

The participants work together on multicultural team projects, enhancing their ability to collaborate effectively. Practical real-world tasks within the curriculum promote active learning, as well as the development of problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. Various artistic, athletic, and performing arts activities are integrated into the program to stimulate creativity and personal expression.

While the basics of academia hold significant value, ILA emphasizes that critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and proficient communication are crucial abilities for enduring achievement.

"Generation Alpha should not be confined to learning exclusively through screens and textbooks; they require chances to engage, face setbacks, push their limits, and venture outside their comfort zones," said a spokesperson for ILA.

The program offers early registration scholarships valued at up to VND14 million ($547.52).