Summer Esperanto Study facts for kids
Summer Esperanto Study (or SES) is a super fun international event that happens every summer. It's the biggest event of its kind for learning and speaking Esperanto, a special language created to help people from different countries talk to each other easily.
SES has been happening every summer since 2007. It lasts for about a week and brings together up to 250 people from around 30 different countries! Whether you're just starting to learn Esperanto or you're already really good at it, SES has something for everyone.
This cool event is put together by an organization called E@I. It usually takes place in Slovakia, a country in Europe. However, in 2014, it also happened in Russia, which was a first! The Slovak government and local leaders have often supported SES, helping it to be a success. When it first started, it was called "Slavic Esperanto Study" because it focused more on people from Slavic countries.
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What Happens at SES?
The main goal of SES is to help you learn and practice Esperanto. Each morning, there are three hours of Esperanto classes. These classes are for all levels, from total beginners (like A1) to very advanced speakers (like C1). This means everyone can find a class that's just right for them!
Fun Activities and Evenings
In the afternoons, there are lots of other exciting things to do. You can join interesting talks, hands-on workshops, or play fun games. It's a great way to learn more about Esperanto and its culture in a relaxed way.
Evenings at SES are also full of fun! There are concerts where you can listen to music from different artists. Some famous Esperanto musicians like Kim Henriksen, JoMo, and La Perdita Generacio have performed there. There's also a place to hang out and chat with new friends.
During the week, participants also get to go on trips to explore the beautiful areas around where SES is held. It's a chance to see new places and practice your Esperanto outside of class!
Who Teaches at SES?
The teachers at SES are often very well-known Esperanto speakers. They are experts who love to share their knowledge. For example, Bertilo Wennergren, who is famous for his Esperanto grammar book, has taught at SES.
A Look at SES History
SES has a rich history, growing bigger and better each year. Here's a quick look at where it's been and how many people have joined:
| No. | Year | City | Country | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 2022 | Kroměříž |  Czechia |
Did not occur |
| 14 | 2020 | Internet event | — | |
| 13 | 2019 | Nitra |  Slovakia |
197 |
| 12 | 2018 | Liptovský Mikuláš | Slovakia |
258 |
| 11 | 2017 | Banská Štiavnica | Slovakia |
173 |
| 10 | 2015 | Martin | Slovakia |
190 |
| 9 | 2014 | Koltyshevo |  Russia |
87 |
| 8 | 2014 | Nitra | Slovakia |
248 |
| 7 | 2013 | Martin | Slovakia |
230 |
| 6 | 2012 | Nitra | Slovakia |
250 |
| 5 | 2011 | Nitra | Slovakia |
191 |
| 4 | 2010 | Piešťany | Slovakia |
190 |
| 3 | 2009 | Modra-Harmónia | Slovakia |
90 |
| 2 | 2008 | Modra-Harmónia | Slovakia |
105 |
| 1 | 2007 | Pribylina | Slovakia |
50 |
SES in 2014: A Special Year
The year 2014 was special because SES happened twice! Both events received support from big Esperanto groups like the World Esperanto Association and the World Esperanto Youth Organization.
The first and larger event in 2014 took place in Nitra, Slovakia, from July 12 to July 20. Important people like the Slovak Minister of Education and the mayor of Nitra supported it. About 248 people from 28 countries attended this event. Besides the usual Esperanto lessons, this SES also offered new courses. For the first time, there were classes on Esperanto literature and culture, taught by writers like Jorge Camacho.
Later in 2014, a second SES happened from August 17 to August 25. This was a big step because it was the first time SES was held outside of Slovakia! It took place in Koltyshevo, Russia. About 87 people from 10 countries joined this event. It was organized with the help of the Moscow Esperanto Association and the Russian Esperantist Union. Along with Esperanto lessons, this SES also had courses on translation and the Russian language.
SES in 2015: The Tenth Event
The tenth Summer Esperanto Study took place from August 11 to August 19, 2015, in Martin, Slovakia. This event also had strong support from important officials. The Slovak Minister of Education, the president of the Žilina Region, and the mayor of Martin all helped make it a success.
