FAQ

The most common demands and answers concerning the courses

“In the details of particular courses there is no noticeable difference. How do they then vary from each other?”

All the VSL´s courses have the same base, which are a vacation method, method of experience pedagogy and some basic activities. Particular courses then differ in “superstructure”, the choice of activities and dramaturgy, which partly depends on the philosophy and goal of the course and partly on the instructor team´s preferences and participants´ feedback. All events indeed differ in the atmosphere, which is above all given by the participants themselves (that means participants and instructor teams as well).

“What kind of activities can I expect?”

The range of activities included in holiday courses is very wide and various. On the one hand, for example, you can meet with strategic simultaneous games, on the other, with a creative workshop or a smashing relay race or a debating evening or a motion meditation or a funny fashion show or a climbing for dummies or an interesting course guest or a diapositive show or… and then a set of activities, that are situated somewhere in between. However, it applies to all programs, that they are listed with clear targets and with the awareness of participants´ free will (not) to participate.

“Can I learn more about the program in advance?”

Unfortunately, we don´t disclose the program of courses. The main reason is that the moment of surprise is an important atmosphere-making element in our courses. Moreover the scenarios of courses are described by specific names, making the uninitiated confused. The next reason is that the program of particular days can be changed in the course of time, because the basic quality of our courses is a capability of a team to react to the needs of participants´ group.

“Are there any days off on the VSL courses? Will I have time to look around the surroundings or to visit a nearby town?”

Free time (means time required for personal business) of course exists. However, the programs are very intensive here, so not that much time remains to plan any trips and so on. To do so, the participant would have to skip some part of the program and it would really be wasteful, because time is a very valuable commodity on the courses.

“What´s the ratio of the indoor and outdoor activities”?

It´s not easy to measure “the outdoor and indoor” activities, because the intensity of activity is important to its lasting. Moreover, the proportion of time spent inside and outside the resort differs in every particular course. (Of course, it depends on the weather, course and needs of participants). Generally, the participants spend more time outdoors. But it counts, that a maximum effort to keep programs balanced is a significant characteristic of vacation courses. Let say there is 65% to 35% in favor of a blue sky ;-)

“Are the courses physically demanding? Will I manage?”

Thanks to their intensity it is not a walk-over. However, their physical exigency depends on participant´s potential. Averagely sturdy individuals will manage, because the limits are set up to their decision. It must be mentioned that just a part of the program is physically demanding and is always followed by relaxation and modulation.

“Are health problems taken in to consideration?”

Yes, of course. Before the course begins, you will be asked to fill in a medical report, which will question your health condition. This information is served to the course medic to obviate difficulties and assure safety. Serious health problems or limitations should be consulted with the instructor beforehand!

“Are the age limits of particular courses strict or just recommended?”

Shown age categories are the limits of the participant group, for which the project is prepared and the group homogeneity is an important assumption to the course preparation. The preparation team postulates for the right to refuse younger or older applicants. However, if the applicant is no more than one or two years out of the limit, this rule could be avoided.

“When will I learn what equipment I should take with me?”

All the necessary information, the list of needed equipment included, will be posted to applicants in one of the letters by the preparation team. In the case of mistakenly not receiving the letter (2-3 weeks before the course), please, contact the VSL office, which will immediately reply.

“Can I arrive in my own car?”

It´s not recommended, because the courses usually start (and sometimes end) out of the resort and so there are often troubles with cars. If you couldn´t use another means of transport, consult our instructor. (The exception is the specific event as a course for parents with children.)

“Does the menu take account of vegetarians?”

We try to satisfy people with a special diet. However, it´s not possible to satisfy everyone at once, especially extreme diets should be consulted beforehand.