Top 5 Spanish course destinations this Fall

With this in mind, here’s our pick of the best places to jet off to this Fall if you want to learn Spanish…

1. Nerja, Spain

This small, attractive town on Spain’s south coast is full of Andalucian charm with its white-washed buildings, flower-laden balconies and decorative ‘azulejo’ tiles. Go in the fall and you’ll miss the summer influx of visitors but still be able to sit outside to enjoy a plate of sizzling paella under some warm Mediterranean sunshine.

Spanish courses in Nerja, Spain

2. Morelia, Mexico

Mexico is a memorable place to be when Day of the Dead falls on 2nd November. Contrary to how it sounds, this is an uplifting and rather heart-warming fiesta whereby people remember and pay tribute to friends and relatives who have died. Morelia, just 60km from Pátzcuaro, which is renowned for its traditional music, dancing and feasting at this time, is a great place to base yourself.

Spanish courses in Morelia, Mexico

3. Sámara, Costa Rica

Those coming to learn Spanish in Costa Rica may think they have died and gone to linguistic heaven when arriving in Sámara. 5km of soft white sand fringed by palm trees, in a protected coral reef bay, is a setting worthy of a few postcards home. If you need an excuse to stay a while, our 12-week Spanish & Volunteering course is your answer: the perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture and help on genuine projects in the local community.

Spanish courses in Samara, Costa Rica

4. Quito, Ecuador

Surrounded by the impressive snow-capped peaks of the Andes, at nearly 3,000m, Ecuador’s historic capital is celebrating the country’s Bicentenary of Independence from Spain. Heritage buildings such as the Presidential Palace, the Wax Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art will help you trace the struggle for independence from the beginning of the 19th century, whilst you can be sure the locals will be toasting the victory with their own fiestas…

Spanish courses in Quito, Ecuador

5. Salamanca, Spain

With the new school year upon us, the university city of Salamanca is the perfect place to head if you want to improve your Spanish. Doing for Spain what Oxford does for England, and Bologna for Italy, this is a prestigious, historical and lively centre of learning – a place where students flock as much to study as to soak up the atmosphere and have fun.

Spanish courses in Salamanca, Spain

Cactus offers Spanish courses in over 20 countries worldwide. We also run evening and part-time courses in Spanish in the US & Canada.

Where can I learn English in California?

Currently, Cactus offers English courses in three fantastic locations within California – Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. Juniors’ English courses are also available in Santa Barbara and San Francisco Bay.

Below is more information on each city and the types of English courses that are offered in each location. If you’d like further information on the schools, or on how to choose your course, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Los Angeles

Situated in the southern part of California, on the Pacific coast, Los Angeles is one of the most iconic cities in the world. As the undisputed home of the global film industry, ‘LA’ and the Hollywood Hills have long been a magnet for the rich and famous, but it also attracts hundreds of tourists and students each year. Visitors to Los Angeles can find just about any type of attraction, whether it’s visiting world-class museums like the Getty, attending sporting events involving home teams like the Lakers (basketball) and the Dodgers (baseball), spending time at the beach, or visiting amusement parks like Disneyland.

Los Angeles is a very large city, but has a good network of public transport options that enable you to get around.  It has an amazing nightlife, with hundreds of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, although in general the city can be on the expensive side.  That said, living in a city with such lovely weather lends itself to doing lots of outdoor activities, many of which are completely free…

Los Angeles is a great English course option for any students who like the ‘bright lights and the big city’. It’s a very exciting place to be, with lots to do, and is ideal for students who are used to living in big cities and who have enough money to make the most of their time there. English courses available in Los Angeles include General English, Combined English, Intensive English, Exam Preparation English, Cambridge Exam Course English, English and Cinema and English and Surfing.

More about English courses in Los Angeles

San Francisco image

The main city in north California, San Francisco is also on the coast, but has a very different feel to Los Angeles. Where Los Angeles is fashionable and relatively fast-paced, San Francisco is bohemian and laid-back.  It’s a very attractive city, with those world-renowned hills and cable cars that provide spectacular views over the Bay and its famous bridges, but it’s not just the scenery that attracts so many visitors. The city itself is well known for its liberalism, which over the years has enticed a varied and interesting mix of people, and makes the San Francisco of today a real melting pot of cultures.

Although San Francisco is a large place, it seems less daunting than other big American cities.  There are lots of parks and green spaces to enjoy, and in general local people are very welcoming. San Francisco can also be expensive, but the prices are generally lower than in New York or LA.

San Francisco attracts all kinds of English learners, but is especially suited to anyone who is interested in culture and the arts. The city has a huge arts and music scene that can be enjoyed in time outside of lessons. English course options in the city include General English, Individual English, Combined English, Intensive English, Business English, Academic Year English, Exam Preparation English, Juniors English and CPE/CAE Preparation.

More about English courses in San Francisco

San Diego image

Located right at the southern tip of California, just over the border from Mexico, San Diego is a lovely city with a near perfect climate. It enjoys a fantastic pace of life, and plenty of space in the city, the beaches and the parks – all of which are top-class. San Diego’s proximity to Mexico gives it has a definite Spanish flavour, not only in terms of the culture and atmosphere but also the architecture – the old Spanish colonial buildings of Balboa Park and the Old Town very much reflect the character and history of the city.

San Diego isn’t quite as big as LA or San Francisco, and is also less expensive. San Diego is an ideal English study destination for anyone who enjoys being outside, and being in the sunshine, and there are a huge range of courses on offer. Courses to choose from include General English, Individual English, Combined English, Intensive English, Business English, Exam Preparation English, English and Surfing and CAE/FCE Preparation.

More about English courses in San Diego

Top 10 things to see and do in Alicante

Here’s our run-down of the top ten things to see and do on trip to Alicante.

1. Visit the Castell de Santa Barbara

Located on the hill which overlooks the bay and the provincial capital, Castell de Santa Barbara was originally built by the Carthaginians in 400 B.C, although it was later also used by the Romans and the Arabs.  At a towering height of 166m, Santa Barbara is one of Europe’s largest medieval fortresses, and inside, visitors can see drawbridges, guardrooms, a bakery, hospitals, dungeons and barracks. Visitors can walk up, or pay a couple of Euro to take the lift.

2. Take a look around the Museo Colecci Art del Segle XX

This art museum is housed in one of the city’s oldest buildings. It was created from an old granary built in 1685, and contains works by some of Spain’s greatest artists, including Picasso, Miro and Dali.

Admission is free of charge.

3. Stroll around the Artmarket

This fantastic art market is held every evening on the Paseo Gadeo. It’s the place where all of Alicante’s local artists display their work, with everything from traditional paintings to modern sculptures.

4. Take a trip to Isla de Tabarca

The Isla de Tabarca is located only 10km off the coast of Alicante, and is definitely worth a day trip- ideally on a glass-bottomed boat. The island itself doesn’t have many inhabitants, and in fact only has a few shops and restaurants, but that’s the main appeal. Visitors can spend hours enjoying the nice beaches and crystal-clear waters, which are full of flora and fauna. Tabarca is actually a protected marine reserve, which explains its clear and unpolluted waters.

5. Have lunch and watch the world go by at Alicante Marina

Alicante Marina is full of up-market bars and restaurants where you can indulge in a spot of people-watching!  The restaurants offer some fantastic fresh fish especially, and the prices won’t break the bank either…

6. Spend an afternoon on one of Alicante’s sandy beaches

Alicante is home to some lovely, sandy beaches that are perfect for whiling away those sunny afternoons. Some of the best in the Alicante area are:

Postiguet beach – by far the most accessible option for tourists, given its central location alongside the main city.

San Juan beach – a white-sand beach located 7km from the main town with a smattering of bars and restaurants alongside it.

7. Sample Alicante’s famous nightlife in the Old Town

Alicante Old Town – known as El Barrio – is definitely the best place for a good night out during the summer. The area is full of bars, pubs and clubs, and is much more diverse than other Spanish resort towns. You’ll be partying late into the night, and are guaranteed a good time!

8. Discover the Caves of Canalobre

Located in the village of Buscot in the north foothills of Cabezon de Oro Mountain (23 km from Alicante) are some of Spain’s most impressive prehistoric caves. Within the cave itself there are stalactites, stalagmites and peculiar limestone formations, including one that resembles a candelabra, which explains the name! Once you’ve had a look at the caves, it’s also worth making your way to the top of the Cabezon de Oro – you can see some stunning sunsets from here.

9. Visit the Bullfighting Museum

Although bull-fighting has become somewhat controversial these days, there’s no denying that it’s a huge part of Spanish history and culture. Bull-fighting still takes place every summer in Alicante – during the festival of San Juan every June – and a museum dedicated to the sport is located next to the bullring in the Plaza de Espana. Love it or hate it, the museum will give you an interesting insight into bullfighting, and the history of what has become Spain’s most iconic sport.

10. Take a walk around the Basilica de Santa Maria

The Gothic-style Basílica de Santa Maria is Alicante’s oldest church. Standing over the ruins of an old mosque, the basilica is instantly recognisable – it has two asymmetrical towers and a sculpture of the Virgin Mary over the doorway. The inside the Church is hugely opulent, and can’t fail to impress.

Cactus offers General, Individual, Combined and GCSE/A Level Revision Spanish courses in Alicante. Also available is a course in Spanish and Latin Dance.

10 interesting facts about Heidelberg

It’s a great place to take a German language course, not only because of the beautiful surroundings but also because the huge array of entertainment options on offer and the compact nature of the city.

Here are ten facts about Heidelberg that you may not already know:

1. Heidelberg University is the oldest in Germany

Established in 1386, Heidelberg’s Ruprecht-Karls-Universität remains one of Germany’s most prestigious universities and will celebrate its 625th anniversary in 2011. It counts an impressive array of national figures amongst its alumni, including the former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl.

2. Heidelberg is home to a hidden amphitheatre

Hidden from view from the town at the top of the surrounding wooded hills, the ‘Thingstätte’ was built in 1935 by the Nazi party and was designed by Heidelberg native Albert Speer.

It was used by the Nazi party during WWII for rallies and solstice festivals. It is now preserved as a monument, but it is still used for many festivals and cultural events throughout the year.

3. The first bicycle was invented by a graduate of the University of Heidelberg

Invented by Karl Drais, a student at the University of Heidelberg, the ‘Laufmaschine’ represented the beginning of mechanised personal transport. It was also nicknamed the Dandy Horse and was the first means of transport to make use of the two-wheeler principle, even though it didn’t have pedals.

4. The city hosts superb firework displays during the summer

Known as the ‘Schlossbeleuchtung’, Heidelberg hosts a fantastic firework display on the first Saturday of June, second Saturday of July and first Saturday of September every year.

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The show starts with the Heidelberg castle being lit up as though it is on fire. This is to remember the times in 1689, 1693 and 1764, when the castle went up in flames! After a few minutes of the castle ‘burning’, the fireworks begin. The fireworks are launched from the old bridge and last for about 15 minutes. The fireworks exploding over the old bridge with the castle looming in the background is really something to see.

5. Heidelberg is featured prominently in various poems and novels

The city is mentioned in works by the likes of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Heinrich Heine, and Mark Twain, who spent several months in Heidelberg in the late 19th century. The novel ‘The Reader’, made into a film in 2008, was also set in the city.

6. Heidelberg escaped bombing in the Second World War

Unlike many German cities, Heidelberg was not destroyed by air raids in World War II and therefore still has original buildings from the later Middle Ages and early Renaissance. It has been suggested that the city escaped substantial bombing because the US Army wanted to use the city as a garrison after the war (there remains a large US base outside the city today).

In fact though, as Heidelberg was neither an industrial centre nor transport hub, there was nothing of particular strategic interest to the Allies, who focused extensively on nearby industrial cities such as Mannheim.

7. The first evidence of human life in Europe was found in Heidelberg

In 1907 a jaw-bone was discovered in a gravel pit in Heidelberg – it is the earliest evidence found of human life in Europe. The ‘Heidelberg Man’ is the name now given to a member of this extinct human species, considered closely related to “Homo erectus”.

8. It’s home to the world’s biggest wine barrel!

The Heidelberg ‘Tun’ is the biggest wine barrel in the world and holds 220,000 litres. The vat (Fass) was built in 1751 and sits within Heidelberg’s famous castle.

9. One in every five Heidelberg residents is a student

As you might expect from a city with a university as prestigious as that of Heidelberg, a large proportion of the population are students. This gives the city a very lively feel and ensures ample social and cultural offerings for visitors and inhabitants to enjoy.

10. The German Pharmacy Museum is housed in Heidelberg Castle

Also housed in the castle grounds is the ‘Deutsches Apothekenmuseum’ which displays a large collection of old equipment and medicines used in a pharmacy in past centuries.

Cactus offers a range of German courses in Germany. For full details and to book please visit www.cactuslanguage.com.

Top 5 Spanish course destinations this autumn

With this in mind, here’s our pick of the best places to jet off to this autumn if you want to learn Spanish…

1. Nerja, Spain

This small, attractive town on Spain’s south coast is full of Andalucian charm with its white-washed buildings, flower-laden balconies and decorative ‘azulejo’ tiles. Go in the autumn and you’ll miss the summer influx of visitors but still be able to sit outside to enjoy a plate of sizzling paella under some warm Mediterranean sunshine.

Spanish courses in Nerja, Spain

2. Morelia, Mexico

Mexico is a memorable place to be when Day of the Dead falls on 2nd November. Contrary to how it sounds, this is an uplifting and rather heart-warming fiesta whereby people remember and pay tribute to friends and relatives who have died. Morelia, just 60km from Pátzcuaro, which is renowned for its traditional music, dancing and feasting at this time, is a great place to base yourself.

Spanish courses in Morelia, Mexico

3. Sámara, Costa Rica

Those coming to learn Spanish in Costa Rica may think they have died and gone to linguistic heaven when arriving in Sámara. 5km of soft white sand fringed by palm trees, in a protected coral reef bay, is a setting worthy of a few postcards home. If you need an excuse to stay a while, our 12-week Spanish & Volunteering course is your answer: the perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture and help on genuine projects in the local community.

Spanish courses in Samara, Costa Rica

4. Quito, Ecuador

Surrounded by the impressive snow-capped peaks of the Andes, at nearly 3,000m, Ecuador’s historic capital is celebrating the country’s Bicentenary of Independence from Spain. Heritage buildings such as the Presidential Palace, the Wax Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art will help you trace the struggle for independence from the beginning of the 19th century, whilst you can be sure the locals will be toasting the victory with their own fiestas…

Spanish courses in Quito, Ecuador

5. Salamanca, Spain

With the new school year upon us, the university city of Salamanca is the perfect place to head if you want to improve your Spanish. Doing for Spain what Oxford does for England, and Bologna for Italy, this is a prestigious, historical and lively centre of learning – a place where students flock as much to study as to soak up the atmosphere and have fun. The GCSE / A Level Revision course in October half term is perfect motivation for younger learners.

Spanish courses in Salamanca, Spain

Cactus offers Spanish courses in over 20 countries worldwide. We also run daytime, evening and weekend courses in Spanish in the UK and the US & Canada.

Great value Spanish courses abroad

At the time of writing, the following three courses offer the best value for money in terms of course fees for a general one-week course. Please note that registration fees and course materials are included in these prices.

1. Flores, Guatemala – £79 / $115

If you’re looking for an all-round bargain Spanish holiday, you can’t go wrong with the tranquil, northern Guatemalan town of Flores. Popular for its proximity to the magnificent Mayan ruins of Tikal, Flores is also a fascinating destination in itself; situated on an island on Lago Petén Itzá, it is a colonial treasure, filled with attractive colonial buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, historic monuments and charming places to eat and drink out.

With a General Course of 20 lessons priced at £79 / $115, and an Intensive Course of 30 lessons only £99 / $144, this is Spanish tuition at its cheapest. Add to this the general low cost of life in Guatemala, compared to western standards, and you could probably afford to study here for several weeks for the cost of just one week in other locations!

* Special feature: Volunteer opportunities are also available for those who wish to work within the local community in Flores.

2. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – £109 / $160

Coming in at number two on our scale of cheap courses is the General Spanish Course of 20 weeks in Santo Domingo. Founded in 1496, Santo Domingo is a beautiful colonial city, its centre a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, its surroundings consisting of endless white beaches, tropical rainforests and tumbling waterfalls. imageWith a 1-week course costing just £109 / $160, there has never been a better excuse to soak up some Caribbean sunshine for less.

3 (joint). La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain – £139 / $213

The warm Canary island of Tenerife is home to our third most economical Spanish course. The school is located in the island’s second largest city, San Cristobal de La Laguna, in the north of the island, where 99% of the inhabitants are Spanish-speaking. La Laguna was established in 1496 and became capital of the Canary Islands until their conquest; as such, it boasts numerous historical monuments, palaces and churches, and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. As a place to learn Spanish, it is oozing with activities, tradition and culture – and the bonus is you can head to the beach at any time. Take a one-week General Spanish course of 20 lessons for just £139 / $213.

3 (joint). Granada, Spain – £139 / $213image

Many people know Granada for its magnificent Muslin palace of the Alhambra, and this certainly sets the scene for what is undoubtedly one of Spain’s most historic and fascinating cities. With the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada in the distance and the glistening Mediterranean just one hour the other way, anyone coming here to immerse themselves in the culture has plenty of weekend activities to enjoy too – and more money to spend on them all, given the great price of this course, at just £139 / $213 for a General Course of 20 lessons.

Cactus offers Spanish language courses in numerous locations across Spain and Latin America, for all ages and levels, and from as little as one week upwards.

We also offer Spanish part-time and evening courses in the UK and North America for those wishing to learn the basics or brush up on their existing language skills before heading abroad.

5 top locations to learn Italian this Fall

Here’s our pick of the best places to learn Italian this Fall…

1. Bologna

‘La Dotta, la Grassa, la Rossa’ is apt description for this lively city in Italy’s north-east. So called for its academic tradition, culinary excellence and ubiquitous red-brick roofs, Bologna is a great spot for students, food lovers and those wanting to soak up Italian culture in beautiful surroundings. Join the Italians in what they do best with an Italian, Cooking & Wine course.

Italian courses in Bologna, Italy

2. Palermo

Sicily’s capital city is ideal for those seeking some Fall sunshine with a good dose of culture thrown in. A cradle of ancient civilisations and crossroads of cultures between East and West, Palermo is also a great place to sample Sicily’s sumptuous cuisine – a delicious blend of Arabic, Greek and Italian dishes with simple, natural ingredients such as fish and meat. And we’re not even going to mention the sweet stuff – irrestible, even when you know you’ve got to squeeze into that bikini later…

Italian courses in Palermo, Italy

3. Rome

Italy’s famous and historic capital city is a natural hub for tourists and students, and it’s easy to see why. The Eternal City, as it is known, is legendary, captivating and beautiful. It’s deserving of far more than a city break – if you’re serious about learning Italian, Rome makes a magnificent base and you can enjoy a discount of 10%, or 2 weeks’ free course, when you book a General Course for 12 weeks or more.

Italian courses in Rome, Italy

4. Tropea

If it’s good enough for the Italians, it’s good enough for us. A much-loved summer location for holidaying Italians, Tropea is a pretty little town perched 42m above the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea in the southern region of Calabria. Come Fall, when the crowds have gone, you can pick your spot on the beach, find a seat in a cosy trattoria and enjoy it for what it should be.

Italian courses in Tropea, Italy

5. Florence

Much as we try to vary our recommendations, Florence often manages to squeeze its way in, and with reason. An Aladdin’s cave of basilicas, frescoes, piazzas and palazzos, set in rolling Tuscan countryside, this is Italy on a postcard. You can spend hours exploring the city’s museums, churches and restaurants, but the great thing is you can also easily visit medieval Siena, less than an hour and a half away, and Tuscany’s charming villages and vineyards.

Italian courses in Florence, Italy

Cactus offers Italian courses in over 20 locations across Italy, as well as evening language courses in Italian in the US & Canada.

Top 5 French course destinations this autumn

1. Montreal

Montreal is a fascinating city with a cosmopolitan feel and a wide range of cultural offerings. Summer in the city can be very hot, and winter extremely cold. For this reason, September-November is an ideal time to go and experience what the city has to offer. As well as the usual sights and attractions, there are also an array of festivals and events to enjoy during the autumn-time, including: the Escales Improbables Festival, POP Montreal (21st-25th September), the OFF Jazz Festival (7th-15th October) and the Festival of New Cinema (12th – 23rd October).

2. Paris

To be honest, Paris is a city that is buzzing with activity all year round. If you visit in autumn though, you will probably find fewer tourists, shorter queues, and less expensive accommodation. It’s also one of the prettiest times to visit, as the trees change colour and the fallen leaves dance at your feet – it’ll really indulge your image of Paris at its romantic best. Festival and event wise, Paris is jam-packed with options throughout September, October and November, but some of the highlights include the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), held from 17-18th September and introduced to allow visitors a peek behind the doors of the 14,000 buildings that are usually closed to the public and the self-explanatory ‘Fête des Jardins’ (24th-25th September). Visit the Whatsonwhen website for full Paris events listings.

3. Guadeloupe

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If you’re not quite ready to get the winter coat out and contemplate turning the heating back on, why not extend your summer by heading to Guadeloupe this autumn. Guadeloupe is a beautiful country located in the French West Indies, with stunning scenery and average temperatures of more than 24 degrees centigrade all year round. The hurricane season in this part of the world can sometimes extend to mid October, so late October and November are good times to go.

4. Bordeaux

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Anyone heading to Bordeaux this autumn will have a huge range of activities to choose from. This vibrant university city is at the heart of one of France’s most prestigious wine-growing regions, and September and October events include the Fête Du Vin Nouveau, when inhabitants celebrate the new vintage, and the Marathon du Medoc, a sporting event with a twist! Also to be recommended are the Journées du Patrimoine, when Bordeaux opens its wealth of historical sites to the public, the Foire aux Plaisirs Funfair (October-November), a long-standing fair in the city’s Place des Quinconces, and also the Bordeaux Opera Season, with scores of performances by the acclaimed National Opera of Bordeaux.

5. Lyon

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Lyon is often known as the gastronomic capital of France, but the huge range of events being held in the city this autumn shows that its talents don’t stop here. Throughout September and October visitors can attend, amongst other things, the Tupiniers Pottery Fair, the Dance Biennial, Les Musicades music festival, les Salons des Plaisirs Créatifs Art Expo, the Red Carpet Antiques Festival, the International New Generation Film Festival and the Equita Horse Fair, one of Europe’s premier riding events.

Please visit the Cactus Language website for full listings of French courses in France, Martinique and Canada.

Top 10 tips to make your language course abroad more affordable

It’s true that times are tight, but here are some tips on how to make taking a course abroad a viable prospect financially.

1. Ask for advice regarding the more cheaply priced courses

Cactus works with a large range of schools in a variety of destinations. Whilst all of our partner schools offer high quality courses and accommodation, the prices can vary from centre to centre. Often this relates to the city they’re in – for example, courses in very popular and affluent cities like Nice may be more highly priced than those in cities such as Brest and Tours, which are not as expensive and not as commonly frequented by tourists. Lower prices can also sometimes relate to the size of the school and the standard and range of facilities available for students.  If you are specifically looking for an affordably priced course, you can ask our course advisors to recommend some suitable options.

2. Look for special offers

There are always special offers to be had when it comes to language courses abroad – even in the more popular and expensively priced locations. Often, schools will offer three weeks for the price of two, or knock money off the cost of accommodation. If you’re flexible about which particular location you choose to study in within a country, you can definitely take advantage of these. Our special offers are updated regularly on our website. 

3. Go off-peak

Taking a language course during the peak tourist season can be popular – after all, language students want to benefit from good weather and lively free time pursuits, just as any other visitor! Whilst course fees may not vary that much throughout the year though, the price of accommodation and of travel there and back can be very different during peak season. If you can take your course during the low season you will benefit from cheaper prices when it comes to these things. Whilst high season runs from May-September in most European countries, it can vary more from country to country in areas like South America. We can give you more detailed information on this if you’re interested in finding out.

4. Change any currency up before you leave

If you need to change some money before you go on your language holiday, try to do so in advance. If you leave it until you get the airport, you’ll probably be charged more in commission, and if you wait until you get abroad to draw money out of the bank you’ll probably also find that you lose out. Ordering foreign currency online can be a good way of assuring a good rate of exchange.

5. Choose somewhere with a variety of transport links

The vast majority of our language course locations abroad are easily reached via plane or train, but there may be some – possibly smaller – locations that are served by fewer airlines, and/or only by rail. If there are only one or two travel companies serving a particular destination it may be more likely that they can charge higher prices. Choosing a destination that is served by low cost airlines also helps keep the cost down.

6. Use Skyscanner.net or other travel comparison websites

When you look into booking your travel to your language course, it’s definitely worth using travel comparison sites such as Skyscanner.net. These ensure that you have access to all travel options and can select the one which offers best value for money.

7. Propose it as a training option to get funding from your employer

It’s true that times are tight, for companies and organisations as well as for individuals, but some places do still have some training budget allocated. If learning or revising a new language is going to be beneficial to your professional life, it might be worth trying to get a contribution towards your language course. See our article on top tips for getting your company to pay for your training.

8. Stay with a host family

At Cactus, we are very keen that students stay with host families wherever possible. This is largely because they can experience a much higher degree of cultural integration, and get the chance 24-7 to practise their language skills. Another benefit though, is that staying with a host family and eating your meals with them tends to work out cheaper than staying in self-catering accommodation and buying your own food. If you do choose this option though, buying your food at local markets can be the cheapest way to stock up.

9. Choose a compact city, or somewhere with accommodation close to the school

Whilst the cost of travel from accommodation to the school isn’t always expensive, everything adds up when you’re away. For this reason, you might want to consider opting for a destination where you’re guaranteed to be able to walk from where you’re staying to the school. Speak to your language course advisor for recommendations of such locations.

10. Read our top 10 free things to do articles – or download travel apps like Time Out

Although the main focus of any language course abroad is the lessons, taking in the local sights and sounds outside of classes is also part of the experience. Whilst some of these may involve paying an entrance fee, there are usually plenty that don’t. You can read our articles on the top 10 free things to do in Rome, Berlin, Brussels and Malaga, and can also find more information in guide books, on tourist websites and via iPhone Apps offered by companies such as Time Out.

Why there’s more to foreign relocation than practicalities and logistics

Whilst relocating to another country can be exciting and rewarding, you need to be fully prepared before you go to ensure the best possible experience.

By ‘preparation’, most people would assume that you mean packing up your belongings, booking your travel, arranging or confirming accommodation arrangements, organising school enrolments if you have a family in tow…in short, the practicalities of a move like that. And of course, it’s essential that these things are sorted before you depart.

Equally as important preparation-wise, though, is some thorough research into the language and culture of the country that you are headed to.

There are varying degrees of integration when in comes to foreign living, and often relocation can involve living in blocks or areas that are home largely to expats. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t make an effort to learn some of the local language, and read up on the culture, though. Even if you are living in an expat environment, living your life in a foreign country and working in an office with domestic employees will demand that you have some understanding of how they live, and of their cultural practices and values.

If you are relocating through work, companies will normally pay for language lessons prior to your departure, which can be tailor-made to your needs and level. In larger organisations especially, you may find that you’re learning in a small group with other employees who are relocating. Anyone who has chosen to relocate independently of their work has lots of options for getting some basic language training, although one to one lessons or evening courses are the most common way to learn.

The learning doesn’t have to stop when you move either – of course, your linguistic ability will improve when you’re immersed in the foreign country, but you can continue to learn via one to one lessons. Often companies like Cactus can arrange for tutors living in your new country to teach you, although it is also possible to continue with UK, or US-based tutors via Skype and other distance learning means.

It’s also possible to combine your language training with cultural training sessions, which can be priceless when it comes to settling in to your new environment. On top of this though, it’s also important to do some research yourself into laws and regulations that may exist in your destination country. There have been several incidents that have attracted international attention of late whereby expats living in foreign (particularly Middle Eastern) countries have ended up in jail, or deported, because of not adhering to local law. Sometimes there can be a mentality amongst ex-pat communities that some local laws don’t apply to them – especially where drinking alcohol and showing public ‘displays of affection’ are concerned.

At the end of the day, ending up in a situation like this would not only end your foreign experience, but it may also cost you your job, so it’s worth finding out about the ‘dos and don’ts’ as soon as you arrive, if not before. The UK foreign office website and the US Department of State website are particularly good resources for this kind of information, as are guide books like Rough Guides and Lonely Planet.

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