Vienna - the perfect winter destination

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When I visited Austria’s capital city, it was the height of summer, and not just that, it was in the midst of a summer-long heat-wave in central Europe. It was hot…very hot!

Whilst I really liked Vienna, with its gothic architecture, grandiose buildings, and, of course, the plethora of cafes selling the ‘Kaffee und Kuchen”, I couldn’t help feeling that the true character of this regal city could not fully be appreciated at this time of year – it’s just one of those cities that you immediately imagine at its fairytale best under a covering of snow!

December is therefore an ideal time to visit Vienna – the cafes offer a perfect, cosy shelter from the cold, the Christmas markets fill you with festive spirit, and the horse drawn carriages in the town centre add to the atmosphere even more with a wintery backdrop.

Every year in December, Vienna offers tourists a wealth of entertainment options, including:

• Regular performances at the Winter Riding School in the Hofburg. The Spanish Riding School is a traditional riding school for Lipizzan horses, and is also a centre for classical dressage.

• A temporary ice palace, ice rink, and ice climbing wall in the Museum Quarter, accompanied by a varied program of DJ sounds, readings and all sorts of activities.

• A traditional Christmas Market in City Hall with a giant 12-meter Advent wreath and 150 stalls offering Christmas gifts, tree decorations, sweets and warming drinks.

• The Christmas village on Maria-Theresien-Platz – during Advent more than 60 stands offer traditional, handcrafted wares and original gift ideas. Musical accompaniment is provided by brass bands and gospel choirs.

If your tastes are a little more decadent, and you can coincide your trip with New Year, you could even experience one of Vienna’s most famous attributes first-hand – the fantastic Imperial Ball (Kaiserball) at the Hofburg Palace. The Kaiserball is the traditional opener of the Vienna Ball season, when the historic changing of the guard takes place, performed by the Imperial Guard in the palace’s entrance hall. Cocktails are served whilst the Hofball Orchestra plays and guests are greeted by the likes of Empress Sisi and Emperor Franz Josef. Not a cheap event by any means, but certainly a New Year’s Eve that would set quite a precedent for years to come!

More about German courses in Vienna

5 great reasons to learn Spanish in Granada

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There are plenty of reasons why Granada makes a great place to study Spanish, amongst which are the following five.

1. It has a fascinating history to explore

Just one look at Granada’s incredible architecture will tell you that the city’s history is long and complex. Of course, the best known building in Granada is the magnificent Alhambra, whose palaces, patios, and gardens cant fail to impress. Now officially a World Heritage Site, the Alhambra gives anyone who visits a great insight into Granada’s Islamic history. Wandering through the former Arab quarter of the Albayzín, a maze of steep, narrow alleys will also give you a glimpse into the Granada of centuries gone by, and, incedentally, a fantastic view over the Alhambra.

Also well worth a visit is the Capilla Real – constructed as a mausoleum for Spain’s most famous monarchs. The gothic Capilla Real (Royal Chapel) is even more impressive than Granada’s much larger adjoining Cathedral and holds the elaborate marble tombs of Fernando and Isabel along with their daughter and son-in-law.

2. It benefits from a fantastic location

Situated between Spain’s highest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada, and the glistening Mediterranean sea, Granada really does have the best of both worlds. Not only does its location make Granada a very attractive location in which to study, it also means that students can enjoy a range of pursuits in the surrounding areas in their free time – that is, if they can bring themselves to leave the city itself! Granada is well linked to the surrounding places by train and bus, making it very easy to get around.

3. You can enjoy Flamenco and tapas at their finest, and arguably, most original

A dance that was born out of Andalucía’s gypsy population, flamenco is one of Spain’s most famous exports and Andalucía is still the place to see flamenco in its most genuine form. Many of Spain’s most famous flamenco performers have come from Granada’s traditional gypsy quarter, Sacromonte, where it’s still possible to catch an impromptu performance or two!

Another of Spain‘s most popular exports is tapas, and Granada remains one of the few cities where you get free tapas when you order a drink. 

4. It has great nightlife

People from Granada, including the thousands of students who go to university there, are well known for their liveliness and love of life, which ensures that the nightlife in the city is second to none. Whether you like sipping sangría in an outdoor café, enjoying Granada’s vibrant bars, or dancing at the many nightclubs in the Sacromonte district Granada will have plenty to offer.

5. Granada is a very affordable city

Andalusía is one of the cheapest regions in Spain, not only when it comes to daily life but also in terms of travel. For anyone on a budget, this makes it a fantastic place to study, with an affordable lifestyle but endless options for entertainment outside of lessons, ensuring that you get the most possible out of your time there.

Cactus offers a range of Spanish courses in Granada at a variety of levels. For full listings, including start dates and prices, or to book, please visit the Cactus Language website.

Congratulations to Linguaviva- LTM Star Italian Language School Winner 2011!

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The Awards ceremony took place on the 3rd September at London’s Park Lane Hilton hotel and was attended by hundreds of people from the language travel industry.

With many years experience of working with language schools in Italy, we were very pleased to be able to sponsor the award for Best Italian Language School this year. Whilst all nominees were more than worthy, we were delighted to hear the 2011 winner named as Linguaviva.

We have worked with Linguaviva for some time, offering a variety of their Italian courses in Milan, and have always enjoyed our working relationship. Cactus’ Italian course specialist Neil Stawarz was especially pleased with the announcement of their win and commented:

“Congratulations yet again for another win for Linguaviva at this year’s LTM awards. We always work well with Linguaviva and they help us greatly with fantastic communication – our students are always happy at the end of their stay.”

We look forward to many more successful years in partnership with Linguaviva and would like once again to congratulate them on their achievement.

Learn more about Italian courses in Italy

English Language Awareness: why TEFL teachers still need help with grammar

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John Hughes, author of Cactus TEFL’s online courses, looks back at three years of raising English Language awareness and explains why prospective TEFL teachers still request help with their grammar.

About twenty years ago I was being interviewed for an intensive four-week course in teaching English as a Foreign Language. It felt like a real make or break situation. I’d given up my day job and saved enough money to live on for a month. Then I was going to head to the first country with a language school that would take me. The Training Course Director asked what most worried me about taking the course? I had no doubts about the answer: “Teaching grammar”.

Years later, having taught EFL in many different countries, I also found myself interviewing and training would-be teachers for intensive TEFL courses. And, in most cases, people’s concerns still echoed my own: their lack of knowledge and confidence with grammar. Like me, they’d never had much formal education at school into how the English language works, so wondered how they would be able to teach it.

Three years ago, Cactus TEFL set about changing this situation by offering a grammar course either to help people before taking a TEFL course or for existing teachers who wanted to brush up their skills. Perhaps one reason why no one had really offered this kind of quality language awareness training before was because there had never been the opportunities suddenly provided by the internet and online training. In terms of course content, the online format allowed us to present aspects of language in conjunction with video extracts of how a teacher might present the language to students. We were also determined that – unlike many other online courses at the time – our course would have a ‘real’ tutor who could help participants with questions and queries as well as facilitate and moderate discussion in the forums.

Now, Cactus TEFL’s first ever online course is three years old. The course has evolved and grown over time which is what we’d hoped for. As a writer of courses both in book-form and online, the key advantage for me of online courses is that they are much more organic than a book-based course. Course participants can post feedback and suggest improvements which help with the process of writing and developing the course. Over time the Cactus course has expanded from being an introduction to the English language into also covering areas of methodology and classroom skills.

Having said all that, what surprises me most is that the basic format of the course remains more or less the same as it was three years ago. There are thirty lessons in each course and we use a combination of readings, video and audio to present language items. Then there are exercises which follow to help consolidate what has been learned.  The tutor support has always been a key feature of the course and it’s the area which receives more regular praise.

The best part about being involved with these Cactus courses is that you know so many of the people taking them will go on to take TEFL courses (such as CELTA or the Cert TESOL) and then go off to teach in every corner of the world. Raising your language awareness and then teaching English as a Foreign Language really will change your life. Take me, for example. When I completed my first TEFL course I expected to travel and teach for a few years and then do something else. Now, I find myself still heavily involved in TEFL – and as for my concerns about grammar? Well, my third grammar textbook for language learners comes out later this year, so at least I’ve finally laid that fear to rest!

Cactus TEFL is the only international admissions and jobs service for TEFL. It works with over 125 TEFL course providers in 35 different countries. Its English Language Awareness course has been nominated for a British Council Innovation Award.

German Christmas Markets – take a German course this December and enjoy some true Christmas cheer

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Yes, times are hard and trips abroad aren’t at the top of everyone’s agenda, but with so many last-minute, low-cost airline and train deals, there are certainly affordable options to be had.

With the climate ever-changing and seasons seemingly overlapping into each other, the chances of stereotypical ‘Christmas’ weather around the festive season in the UK is even less likely than usual.  Germany around this time really does indulge the pre-Christmas child in you, you may not be lucky enough to get any snowfall, but its cold enough to feel like it’s on the way.

The bugbear of every Brit is the emergence of festive decorations and even worse, ‘Here it is, Merry Christmas’ from roughly 31st August every year. Given that everyone seems to detest the outrageously premature, and usually extremely tacky, nature of this occurrence, why not allow yourself a bit of traditional Christmas cheer, at an appropriate time of year?

Contrary to what some people may think, visiting a German Christmas market is not about getting all your Christmas shopping done in one fell swoop. Whilst some of the traditional items sold would suit certain friends or family members, there isn’t a big enough range to be able to buy for everyone…

No, visiting a Christmas market is all about soaking up the festive atmosphere and feasting on the edible Christmas market products. Bratwurst, potatoes, warm soups and stews, toffee apples, crepes and gingerbread delights..the list is endless. Wrap up warm, take a stroll around the markets and then head to a dimly-lit Bierhalle…the perfect way to spend a winter’s day.

The atmosphere at these Christmas markets really cannot fail to give you a festive glow. Or perhaps that’s just the gluhwein!

If you have more time at your disposal, why not take the opportunity to escape the onslaught of crazy last-minute shopping in the UK and combine your trip to the Christmas markets with a week-long German course. Courses are available throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland, although the following cities have particularly impressive markets and would therefore make especially good destinations: Dresden, Munich, Heidelberg, Cologne, Freiburg, Berlin and Vienna.

Why learn Italian in Venice?

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Granted, if it’s quintessential Italy or a budget option that you’re after, Venice may not be the best choice of location, but personally I couldn’t recommend it enough as an Italian study destination.

It’s true that planning a trip or course in the height of summer may not be especially well advised, simply because of the sheer number of people who visit during this time, but spring and autumn are fantastic times to go. Not only are they fewer tourists to share the streets with, but it’s far less hot and, in a way more atmospheric too.

The maze-like passageways, rippling canals and historic buildings are so renowned that some people expect to be underwhelmed when they arrive, but I’ve now been twice and each time have been astounded by the city. The thing about Venice is that it’s just so different. Logic (and hearing the local language!) tells you that you’re in Italy, but it doesn’t feel like the rest of the country …in fact, it doesn’t really feel like you’re in any country – Venice almost feels like a world of its own. 

The sense of history that you get from being in Venice is huge – it’s a place with a long and significant history, and its array of ancient buildings and the lack of cars and buses make it easier than in other places to imagine the city in times gone by. Of course, if you have time, there are scores of museums, palaces and galleries to explore too.

If you’d rather spend your free time searching out places to eat and drink than perusing museums, you’ll also have plenty to keep you occupied. Venetians, like the rest of their Italian countrymen (and women), place huge importance on food and drink, especially seafood, and you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to fantastic food. Veering off the beaten track into the backstreets of Venice (away from the Realto Bridge and St Mark’s), you’ll find scores of authentic ‘osterie’ (pub restaurants) where you’ll enjoy great food at a reasonable price. As in other parts of northern Italy, you can also make the most of the ‘aperativi’ that are offered during the early evening in these types of places – sampling a local ‘spritz al apero’ will give you some evening refreshment, and a few free nibbles to boot.

See full details of Italian courses currently available in Venice

Your Oktoberfest survival guide

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Top Tips

1. Don’t wear flip flops!

By 9pm at the latest there a pools and trails of various liquids all over the Hofbräuhaus tent floor, so wearing flip flops is ill advised! Also, having a 1L Maß dropped on a bar foot hurts like hell. So come prepared – in proper shoes.

2. You need a table

If you get there later in the day, chances are you may struggle to get a table in the most popular tents. So either get there or early or don’t be shy and join another group at their table. As you will not get served without a table, you have to be seated. Ingeniously stopping a passing waitress whilst you’re still standing in the corridor will not get you a beer either – find a table.

3. Say yes to pretzels

“Brezel” is a local salty baked snack, commonly served with beer. It’s widely available all over the Wies’n and is a miracle cure for excessive beer consumption. The salt seems to soak up a lot of alcohol, helps sober you up (to a certain degree) and wards off the worst of the hangover the next day. We highly recommend it!

4. Check out the German beer tents

If you’ve had enough of the raucous, Southern hemisphere-dominated Hofbräuhaus tent, head to one of the “more German” beer tents favoured by the locals, such as Spaten or Hacker. They are generally a little more laid back, serve good food and some have nice beer gardens to relax in on sunny days.

Useful Vocabulary

das Bier (n.) beer
die Maß (f.) Stein (1L Bavarian beer)
das Glas (n.) glass
der Masskrug (m.) 1L Bavarian beer mug
die Wies’n (f.) Bavarian name for the area where the beerfest takes place
Entschuldigung. Excuse me
Wie komme ich zur Wies’n?  How do I get to the Wies’n?
die Brauerei (f.) brewery
das Brauhaus (n.) beer hall
trinken to drink
Ich möchte bestellen. I’d like to order
Ein/ zwei/ drei/ vier/ fünf Bier bitte. 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5 beer please.
die Grillhaxe (f.) Roast knuckle (generally of pork) with crackling
die Haxe (f.) Boiled knuckle (generally of pork)
das Sauerkraut (n.) Traditional Bavarian cabbage
der Kartoffelknödel (m.) Potato dumpling
der Semmelknödel (m.) Bread dumpling
die Brezel (f.) Pretzel (Bavarian snack)
Was kostet das? How much is it?
Zahlen bitte. I’d like to pay please
essen to eat
Hallo Hello
Ich heiße …. My name is….
Ich komme aus I am from…
die Achterbahn (f.) rollercoaster
das Karussell (n.) carousel
das Dirndl (n.) traditional Bavarian dress for ladies
die Lederhose (f.) traditional Bavarian leather trousers
die Tracht (f.) traditional Bavarian dress
die Gaudi (f.) fun
Ich bin betrunken. I am drunk
Ich bin blau. I am drunk (very informal)
Mir ist schlecht. I feel sick
Wo sind die Toiletten? Where are the toilets?
Ich brauche einen Arzt. I need a doctor
die Kopfschmerztabletten headache tablets

For more Bavarian slang, visit the official Oktoberfest website:  https://www.oktoberfest.de/de/lexikon/en/

Visit the Cactus Language website for full details of German courses in Munich

Great value Italian courses abroad

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Here, we bring you our top three cheapest General Italian Courses of 20 lessons per week, so you can get out there and enjoy la dolce vita for less…

1. Venice

Afternoon Summer Budget Course (20 lessons per week) – £149 / $227

Italy’s northern city of Venice is one of life’s must-sees. A unique and beautiful network of canals weave their way through the city, a maze of narrow cobblestone streets leading off them, and the overall feeling is one of great history and romance. Come here off-season and the crowds have gone, leaving you to enjoy the city as the locals do, dipping in and out of iconic landmarks such as St Mark’s Square and the Basilica and stopping for a coffee as and when you please. The great thing about this Afternoon Budget Course, available for start dates until 26th September, is not only the price; you’ll be able to enjoy all that the city has to offer during the day (and even lie in if you want to…shh) and then take classes from 4.30-8.30pm. 

* After 26th September, students can take the Italian General Course of 20 lessons per week for £209 in Venice, with classes usually taking place in the morning.

2. Bologna

Italian General Course (20 lessons per week) – £219 / $341

Bologna is a lively university city in Italy’s northeast, boasting a fascinating history that dates back to the 6th century BC. Nicknamed the ‘Red City’ for the warm colour of its rooftops and porticoes, it is elegant and embracing in a way that the larger hubs of Rome and Florence can perhaps never be. imageCome here to learn Italian and you’ll not only be immersed in incredible culture and history, but you’ll also be treated to some of the best food in Italy. Claiming to be Italy’s culinary capital, Bologna is the true home of Italian staples such as lasagna, tortellini, spaghetti bolognese (or ‘tagliatelle al ragú’ as the Italians call it), balsamic vinegar and mortadella. You might save money on your language course, but this could easily be spent on satisfying your taste buds instead!

3 (joint). Milan, Turin & Taormina

Joint third in our list of cheapest Italian courses come our General Courses of 20 lessons in the sophisticated fashion capital of Milan, the academic centre of Turin and the Sicilian town of Taormina. Each priced at £229 / $354, they offer fabulous value on learning Italian in wonderful surroundings.

Italian General Course (20 lessons per week) in Milan – £229 / $354

Italian General Course (20 lessons per week) in Turin – £229 / $354

Italian General Course (20 lessons per week) in Taormina – £229 / $354

NB. The courses listed above include 20 lessons per week which is the standard General Course. Students wanting less tuition at a lower price may like to consider the Italian Conversation Course (10 lessons per week) in Genoa for £189 / $299, the Italian General Course (15 lessons per week) in Siena for £189 / $299, the Italian General Course (15 lessons per week) in Turin for £189 / $299, or the Italian General Course (15 lessons per week) in Rome for £199 / $312.

Top 5 language and activity courses in Latin America

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1. Spanish & surfing in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica

Jaco is one of the best places you can go to for a real language holiday. In addition to Spanish language classes, the school offers first-rate facilities for students, including a plunge pool, zen garden and tropical plant garden, and a range of fantastic activities after class. Surfing is one of the most popular and it’s easy to see why, with Jaco’s warm water, consistent clean waves and excellent instruction. Yoga and digital photography are also available.

Spanish & surfing in Jaco Beach

2. Spanish & volunteering in Leticia, Colombia

A new location for Cactus in 2011, Leticia is gateway to once-in-a-lifetime Amazonian adventures. A hot and humid frontier town on the Amazon river, it is the perfect place to learn Spanish and take part in a volunteering project. Placements are available in social work, with children, and in education, teaching English to the locals. Knowledge of Spanish is invaluable in getting more out of your placement and for the volunteer organisations to get more out of you, too. This is a wonderful opportunity to discover the incredible natural world of the Amazon, learn the language and mix with the local community all at the same time.

Spanish & volunteering in Leticia



3. Spanish & tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina

There is probably nowhere more iconic to learn tango than in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires. And the tango classes that are included in this popular course take place in an elegant old dance salon that is run by some of the city’s best-renowned dancers. Outside class, there are plenty of tango-related activities to enjoy, from impromptu tango displays in the street to special tango restaurants, shows and museums. And with all that dancing there’s no better excuse to do as the locals and enjoy a steak and glass of red wine at the end of the day.

Spanish & tango in Buenos Aires

4. Spanish & diving in Sosua, Dominican Republic

The warm Caribbean waters on the Dominican Republic’s northern coast are the perfect setting for diving, no matter what your level. If you’re a beginner you can take a beginners PADI course, and if you’re already a certified diver you will be able to take a 5-tank dive package off the magnificent coastline. On top of your diving and language classes, you will have the opportunity to make the most of the island’s beautiful scenery and landscape through activities such as river rafting, mountain biking, horse riding, tennis, golf, hiking and surfing.

Spanish & diving in Sosua

5. Flavors of the Andes, Cusco, Peruimage

A little different to all the dance and sports activities on offer, this unique course in Cusco is a wonderful introduction to Peruvian culture and cuisine. In addition to Spanish classes you will have lunch with your own tutor at traditional restaurants in Cusco, enjoying conversation and interaction with others at the table as you sample delicious dishes typical to the Andean region. Needless to say this is a great way to practise the language and chat to the locals about their customs, folklore, music, history and art.

Flavors of the Andes in Cusco

Cactus offers language courses in over 30 languages, in 60 countries and 500 destinations worldwide, including specialist courses such as language and activity courses and volunteer programs.https://www.cactuslanguagetraining.com/images/uploads/cusco-weaving.jpg

A great reason to go to Lyon this December - la Fête des Lumières

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The origins of this spectacular festival date back to 1643 when plague descended on Lyon. According to legend, the town councillors promised to pay tribute to Mary if the town was spared, which it was, and ever since, a procession made its way to the Basilica of Fourvière on this day to light candles and give offerings in the name of Mary.

It wasn’t until mid way through the 19th century though, that this morphed into a recognised and popular festival. Church leaders launched a competition for a statue to be realized as religious symbol at the top of the Fourvière hill. One year later Lyonnais sculptor Fabisch won the competition, and after a couple of prior setbacks, the entire city was illuminated on the 12th December. Celebrations took place in the streets and the Chapel of Fourvière was lit up against the night sky.

As part of this tradition so unique to Lyon, every house place candles along the outsides of all the windows to produce a spectacular effect throughout the streets. The four-day festival attracts 4 million visitors each year and sees Lyon’s finest buildings illuminated with fantastic lights, shows and music; the two main focal points of activity are typically the Basilica of Fourvière which is lit up in different colours, and the Place des Terreaux, which hosts a different light show each year.

Cactus’ Neil Stawarz spent a year in Lyon as part of his degree, and says of this fantastic festival:

“After being brought up on shoddy light shows in the form of watching damp fireworks limp their way into the freezing night sky on a wet November 5th somewhere near Chesterfield, the Fête des Lumières really opened my eyes to what a light show should be like. Throughout all the many squares of Lyon different, and sometimes disorientating, light shows draw you in and keep you transfixed throughout the evening and the main performance at the Place des Terreaux was literally amazing. I spent many hours wandering through the streets of the Presqu-Ile and vieux Lyon, glass of wine in my hand watching the fantastic entertainment laid on by the Lyonnais…it is just a shame they didn’t have any bonfire toffee.”

This event is a truly unique and spectacular one to witness, and will show you a side of France’s ‘Gastronomic Capital’ that you have never seen before. As with any festival in France, there will be food and drink a –plenty, so you will also have ample chance to test out the city’s reputation for this too…

Cactus offers General, Intensive and Individual French courses in Lyon at a variety of levels, and with a range of accommodation options. Visit the Cactus Language site to find out more.