'English by day, water park by night': PIC Saipan launches edu-vacation package

A new travel package combining overseas English education for children with family resort stays has been launched.

Pacific Island Club (PIC) Saipan, operated by Eland Park's overseas hotel division, announced Friday the launch of its "Academic Fun Schooling" package — a program pairing local school classes with resort amenities. The package is available for stays through March 31, 2027.

Academic Fun Schooling debuted in 2024 as Saipan's first "edu-vacation" product linking guests directly with local schools. The package was designed in response to growing demand from parents seeking to give their children English-language learning and local cultural experiences while traveling.

The package includes one night's accommodation, all-inclusive meals (a three-meals-a-day gold pass), unlimited access to the water park and swimming pools, and enrollment in a local Saipan school. The base rate covers one adult and one child; children's meals are provided free throughout the stay.

School classes are open to children from age 3, while English as a Second Language (ESL) intensive courses are available from age 6. Programs run for one week (seven days), two weeks (14 days) or three weeks (21 days), with prices starting at $1,390 for one week and $3,990 for three weeks.

Guests who book through the official website receive airport pickup and drop-off service, a complimentary night with every four-night booking, and a kids' welcome gift. Additional perks scale with the length of stay: drink vouchers for the Buiva bar near the main pool are allocated two for a one-week stay, four for two weeks and six for three weeks, while "Saipan Bucket List Tour" activity credits — letting guests choose from local sightseeing and activities — are allocated one credit for one week, two for two weeks and three for three weeks. Guests staying two weeks or longer also receive one complimentary snap photo session.

The schooling program takes place at one of five local private schools, including Eucon International School, Mount Carmel School (MCS) and Saipan International School (SIS), all of which follow American standard curricula. School registration assistance, a guardian orientation and daily shuttle bus service are provided free of charge; a children's dosirak service is also available upon advance request.

While children are in class, parents can use resort facilities such as the private beach, tennis courts and a FlowRider surf simulator, or spend their time on golf, massages and other leisure activities. After school, children can enjoy the water park, entertainment shows and the kids' club at no additional cost.

"More and more parents are placing greater value on giving their children the chance to mix with local peers and experience the culture firsthand, rather than simply focusing on classroom learning," a PIC Saipan official said. "With a single package, families can skip the hassle of researching and enrolling in schools on their own, and take care of both their children's education and their own relaxation at the same time."