Top 5 Italian course destinations this spring

/0 Comments/in /by

As a very religious country, spring time in Italy spells a number of religious festivals and events – the largest of course being Easter. Whilst being in large cities like Rome, Naples or Florence at this time can give you a great insight into the Italian culture, it can also mean that you have to battle the crowds and contend with shop closures and sky high prices. Here, therefore, are five alternative recommendations for springtime study in Italy and its islands.

1. Verona

Located in the north east of Italy in the region of Veneto, Verona is an upmarket and attractive city that has a long and interesting history. It has always been popular with tourists who come to see sights like the spectacular roman arena and the balcony that (if the myth is to be believed) featured in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Winters in this part of Italy can be very cold and quite misty, and summers can be scorching – the spring time is an ideal time to visit, when there are fewer tourists and the days are pleasantly warm and long. Verona has plenty of squares where you can enjoy a lazy early evening cappuccino or gelato whilst you watch the world go by. If you fancy a day trip out of the city, well worth a visit at this time of year is the mountain town of Merano – situated in the South Tyrol, and two and a half hours from Verona by train, the city is well known for the pretty apple blossom and wild flowers that come into bloom at this time of the year.

Italian courses in Verona

2. Palermo

As mainland Europe begins to warm up in April and May, the island of Sicily is usually a step ahead. During those months, the island’s capital Palermo can often see temperatures in the mid-twenties (Celsius), which gives visitors to the city a welcome taste of summer. This kind of warm, dry weather is perfect for enjoying those light spring evenings eating and drinking in piazzas amongst the locals, and soaking up the unique sounds and smells of this part of the world. image

Palermo has some stunning architecture that reflects of a unique mix of influences, although there is also some beautiful natural scenery in and around Palermo – Mount Pellegrino provides an impressive backdrop to the city and the picturesque rocky coast and sandy beaches of northern Sicily are just a short bus ride away. A great thing about visiting them at this time of year is that there won’t be the crowds you get in the summer – you can peel off the layers and expose those winter ‘white bits’ without being in the midst of a enviably bronzed crowd!

Italian courses in Palermo

3. Milan image

Milan may not generally be considered one of Italy’s most picturesque cities, but it’s well known for the lively atmosphere and cafe culture that exists there. The spring is a great time to spend a while in the capital of the Lombardy region – the weather is much milder than in winter, meaning that it’s nicer to take in the city’s sights and do a spot of shopping, and also that you can enjoy sitting outside one of Milan’s many bars and cafes. The navigli district of the city has become particularly synonymous with this kind of activity – it’s an area of pretty canals, that has kept its ‘bohemian’ image and emerged as a fashionable part of town in recent years. Here, there are plenty of places to enjoy a drink, and if you time it right, some early evening aperativi, which are offered free of charge to accompany your chosen tipple.

Italian courses in Milan

4. Algheroimage

As with Sicily, anyone looking for an early start to summer should consider spending a week or two in Alghero this April or May. Located on the north coast of Sardinia, Alghero boasts a mild Mediterranean climate and some beautiful blue waters that offer excellent opportunities for sailing and snorkelling. Sardinia remains a popular holiday destination, with the peak season starting in June and running through until September. Taking an Italian course in Alghero in April or May will give you the best of both worlds, you’ll have warm weather and long sunny days but relatively few people to have to share the beaches and eateries with. The Italian school in Alghero also offers Italian and sailing courses, meaning that you can take the opportunity to learn a new skill whilst you’re there. Flight-wise, you’re likely to get a much better deal at this time of year too.

Italian courses in Alghero

5. Bologna image

Bologna is the capital of the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, and is best known for its gastronomic prowess (many of Italy’s best-loved dishes originate from Bologna) and its old and prestigious university. As a university city, Bologna has a very lively buzz, which you’ll certainly experience if you visit during April or May before the summer term finishes. Although it’s well known for its culture and academia, the city of Bologna is also worth a visit in aesthetic terms…it has lots of historic, brick-red buildings, which although attractive at any time of year, will look even more impressive when basked in the light of a mid-evening sunset.

Italian courses in Bologna

Italian course in Rome: Cactus staff review

/0 Comments/in , /by

Over the Christmas Holidays, I decided to refresh my Italian by taking a 1-week Advanced Italian Course at the language school we work with in Rome, Italy. Upon arriving, I was pleasantly surprised by the attentiveness of their staff and the accuracy of their level test which placed me in the appropriate C2 classes. My instruttore, Giuliano, was warm, friendly and highly knowledgeable in Italian grammar and culture, helping me in my attempt to perfect my ‘Condizionale’ or Conditional conjugation of verbs. The class was a small group of 4 Italian-speaking foreign students, so my lessons were very individualized and tailored to each student’s specific needs.

image My morning (9-12) classes allowed for ample sightseeing in the afternoon and evening hours; as you might imagine there is plenty to see and do in Rome! I spent my first day visiting the grand Colloseo (Colloseum), followed by a quick ride on the line 2 Metro to the Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain), which was by far my favorite Roman tourist attraction. Continuing on my journey, I encountered countless ruins as well as the Roman Soldati (Roman Soldiers), who guarded the ancient marbled structures in hopes of pitying the inevitable moneta, or coin, from the less seasoned traveler.

As it turns out, my trip to Rome was far more exciting than I could have ever planned. Halfway through my course, Italian university students decided to bombard the San Pietrini streets near Piazza del Popolo in protest of Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi’s proposed education and tax reforms which, according to my instructor, “benefited only rich and wealthy politicians and not the general popolo.” image My classmates and I were intrigued by the instructor’s thoughts and comments on confusing Italian political agendas; and I gained a great deal of understanding with regards to Italian politics.

During the weekend, I took the two-and-a-half hour train ride down to the waste-ridden, quaint, Napoli, my new favorite town. Naples was facing a Garbage Crisis (with some trash piles as high as small buildings) further emphasizing Italian resentment against Berlusconi and his inability to solve common problems. Aside from that I can confirm that all rumors about Naples are in fact true…that is, they do produce the most AMAZING pizza I have ever indulged upon! And by the way, if you’re planning on doing any shopping, I advise to save it for Naples, which will definitely give you far more bang for your buck!

To conclude my Roman holiday, Sunday was spent visiting the Citta’ del Vaticano (Vatican City) and although I arrived too late for mass, it was an inevitably spiritual experience. My first trip to Rome was a successful one, and it will definitely not be my last!

Be sure to book your language course at the school in Rome – you will not be disappointed!

Cactus offers Italian immersion courses in Italy, and Italian evening courses in the UK, the US & Canada.

https://www.cactuslanguagetraining.com/images/uploads/rome-riots.jpg

Top 5 German course destinations this spring

/0 Comments/in /by

Munich

Munich is one of Germany’s most visited destinations, and as with any such city, the busiest time of year in tourism terms in the summer. Visiting in the spring therefore will mean that there are fewer crowds and that that the cost of travel and accommodation won’t be as expensive. Munich’s mass of parkland and green areas also makes it a great place to learn German at this time of year – wandering through the English Gardens, or eating your lunch in the parks around the museum district you’ll be able to enjoy the newly green surroundings and watch the flora and fauna come to life.

In addition, you’ll be able to experience the Munich Frühlingsfest, a cultural festival that takes place over a two-week period on the city’s Theresienwiese (pictured).  Included in the festival offerings and attractions are beer tents, authentic German food, live music acts and scores of fairground rides to enjoy. This year (2011) the festival will take place from 29th April-5th May. 

German courses in Munich

Constance

Situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Constance, with the Swiss Alps as a backdrop, Constance is a historic and attractive city. Its proximity to Switzerland ensured that it escaped bombing in the Second World War, and that, as a result, its old town remains beautifully in tact to this day. One of the best times to visit the city is during April and May when fruit trees are in bloom, and the weather is temperate – you’ll be able to take in the beautiful landscape by enjoying outdoor activities like biking, hiking, kayaking and sailing.Constance is a university city, and visiting during the spring will also mean that you get to experience the lively atmosphere that exists during term time when all the students are in residence.

German courses in Constance

Dresden image

Dresden’s sheltered geographical position means that the city enjoys quite a mild climate. Generally speaking the spring time offers warm weather, which allows for lots of sightseeing and al fresco drinking and dining. Activities to enjoy could include a trip down the river Elbe on a paddle steamer, a stroll along Brühl’s Terrace (pictured) and a visit to the beautiful Zwinger Palace. There’s plenty to see and do in Dresden, and in April you’ll also be able to soak up the atmosphere of the Dresden Film Festival, an up and coming international event that is dedicated to short films and animation.

German courses in Dresden

Heidelberg image

With its picturesque setting and maze of cobbled streets Heidelberg’s fairytale feel makes it a lovely place to learn German at any time of year. In the spring time though, as the surrounding hills revert to green and the light evenings enable the city’s thousands of students to enjoy the lively café culture, it is a particularly pleasant place to be. If you’re there over the 30th April, you’ll also experience ‘Walpurgisnacht’, a ritual with pagan roots that stems from the warding off of evil spirits. It exists all over Germany, but in Heidelberg thousands of people from the city head up the wooded hillside to the ‘Thingstätte’ (an open-air amphitheatre) where they spend the night by firelight drinking, eating, dancing and singing with friends and family. It’s a popular event in Heidelberg that many people look forward to all year.

German courses in Heidelberg

Freiburg image

Freiburg is well known in Germany as a city that enjoys lots of days of sunshine each year, and the spring is no exception. As the capital of the Black Forest region, it’s surrounded by beautiful countryside – with hills and vineyards aplenty it offers endless opportunities for all kinds of pursuits, whether it’s wine tasting, hiking or even a spot of end-of-season skiing! The whole Black Forest region is understandably busy during the summer months, but the spring is much less crowded and therefore a fantastic time to go.

German courses in Freiburg

Top tips for Americans learning Spanish in Spain

/0 Comments/in /by

While Americans tend to learn Mexican or Argentine Spanish at school, there will be some differences to look out for if planning on speaking and continuing to learn the language in Spain. 

While there is little difference in grammar between the many Spanish dialects, there are conjugations and accents that differ between the Spanish of the Americas and European Spanish.

While in Spain, firstly, notice that there is a big difference between the northern Castilian dialects and the southern Andalusian dialects of Castilian Spanish. The Andalusian dialect is the one that closer ressembles the Spanish of Latin America. The major difference is the fact that in Spain, the Castilian Spanish replaces any “s” sounds with a “th”.

While Mexican Spanish incorporates “tl” and “tz” in certain words because of a heavy Native American influence in their language, Spain too has localized intonations in their dialects.

When traveling to Spain, keep in mind there are regional languages. For example, if planning on going to Barcelona, then your classical Spanish will get you by, but the local language of Catalan is also used in street signage and sometimes in conversation. In other parts of Spain, Galician and Basque are spoken. Be sure to check which region speaks which local language before you go.

There are differences in vocabulary between Latin American countries and Spain as well, mostly with food products. Again, this is because of the Native American influence in Central and South America. But do not be too stressed if visiting Spain from America because in general, there is a wide cross-understanding of all dialects and most people understand that a large variant of Spanish is spoken throughout the world.

More about Spanish courses in Spain

TEFL courses – which one is right for me?

/0 Comments/in , , /by

There is little more disheartening than deciding on a specific short-term project or long-term change, only to find that there is no concrete information available to you on how you can make it happen.

I imagine that this is often the case with people whose projects and life changes centre around teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).

There are so many different courses available, and so much conflicting information on which are best and which will get you where you want to be, that it’s extremely difficult to know which one you should choose.

Included amongst the myriad of options, are four-week TEFL courses, weekend TEFL courses, online TEFL courses, combinations of online and weekend TEFL courses..the list goes on and on.

As is the general rule in life, the bigger the investment you can make, the bigger the reward will be. Anyone who is able to invest the time and money in doing a month-long (or part-time equivalent) course that will lead to either a Cambridge CELTA or Trinity Cert TESOL qualification is certain to have the most flexibility when it comes to where they can work and in what capacity. These qualifications have traditionally been the most widely recognised qualifications internationally, and are the only to feature within the UK national framework of qualifications (at level 4).

Anyone who is thinking of making a career in TEFL, of teaching in a range of different countries, or of teaching in the UK at any point would be advised to try to get one of these two qualifications if at all possible.

There are plenty of other, good-quality, four-week courses around that would provide you with a TEFL certificate too, but as a result of being moderated and examined in-house, they would not give you a Cambridge ESOL or Trinity College ‘stamp of approval‘. In many places, these would count as equal to the CELTA/Trinity qualifications, but amongst the more prestigious and traditional establishments you may still need to be prepared to justify your choice of course.

For those that cannot afford the time or expense of doing one of these month-long courses, the good news is that despite the general overriding preference for Cambridge CELTA/Trinity Cert TESOL or equivalent-length courses, the huge demand for teachers worldwide, and the lack of any real overseeing authority to dictate specific rules and regulations within the TEFL industry worldwide means that all is not lost. There are plenty of other options that will get you work.

Although online learning in the TEFL sense has its drawbacks in that no actual teaching practice is possible, there are definite advantages to doing your training this way. If you can couple this type of course with a weekend or short course to allow you some experience of standing up in a classroom, even better.

A lot of people who choose to take online, or weekend-type courses tend to be looking for a way to ‘dip their toe’ into TEFL waters, and for this purpose they are great. Starting off with a shorter and more flexible course to give you some basic knowledge will also give anyone hoping to do a more comprehensive course such as the CELTA/trinity Cert TESOL a definite head-start, and can be great for helping to achieve a really good grade on your final qualification.

Another category of people to be suited to courses like these, involves those whose TEFL plans are very short-term, and possibly even secondary to another project such as travelling or volunteering abroad for a few months. Weekend TEFL certificates and the like can be a great tool to carry abroad with you, just in case you need to top up funds along the way.

Although some TEFL courses are obviously more comprehensive than others, all will provide you with a variety of skills that will be useful not only within the TEFL sphere but in a more general context too. As long as you have the time, the money and the inclination, it’s also worth remembering that you can start with the basics and work your way up. The great thing about the range of courses out there means that you don’t have to take the leap and invest your savings in a comprehensive course until you know that it’s definitely for you.

German course in Brighton: Cactus staff review

/0 Comments/in /by

Endlich ist unser Kurs zu Ende. We have just gone through 10 weeks of amazing mental agility (lots of challenges!) and – admittedly at times frustration – but it has all been worth it.  I can have meaningful conversations in reasonable German now … rather than “pidgin” German.

I had been dabbling with German for many years, mainly with German and Swiss friends, students and in-laws, and thought that I should actually get serious about it for once, particularly as it is the fourth-most important language in our company.  I have had enough of only really understanding bits of conversations, not really knowing how to ask for specific things in shops, and basically not really being independent when I visit. There is nothing like the kick of getting around in another country and another culture, and dealing with clients, on your own terms.

My Level 7 (“Advanced”) course was the continuation of the previous two levels that I had done in German – same teacher, mostly the same students, and the one new student was really an asset. We were also an international body – one German-British, one British, one Finnish, one Australian and one Polish – and of course our German teacher Regine. Even though abilities ranged from really advanced down to “intermediate”, nobody was allowed to feel too good or not good enough, and Regine has this amazing ability to be inclusive, which is so important for building self confidence when you want to learn a language. I had her rolling in her seat laughing sometimes with my “inventions”!

And, the best of all, we are going to continue!  These Cactus courses are really answering our needs.

Cactus offers evening courses in a range of languages around the UK, the US and Canada. Courses are offered in 5 or 10-week format, although intensive 1-week and weekend courses are aslo available. Please visit the dedicated evening course website for full course listings, to test your language level, or to book.

St Patrick’s Day in Ireland

/0 Comments/in , /by

St Patrick’s Day (Lá Fhéile Pádraig) is a national holiday in Ireland and celebrations are held throughout the country, although wherever there are Irish people, or people of Irish origin, there is also likely to be a party!

St Patrick’s feast day was originally a religious festival which fell during Lent, a period of fasting when eating meat was prohibited, and was celebrated with masses, dancing, drinking and feasting of a traditional meal of bacon and cabbage – the meat prohibition was temporarily lifted.

Holding St Patrick’s Day parades is a custom which began in 1737 in Boston, America when people of Irish origin held a modest celebration. Since then the custom has spread to many other places all over the world.

Dublin always holds a St Patrick’s festival around the 17th March (17th-20th March in 2011), which includes a funfair, a circus, concerts, a treasure hunt, street performances, dances, art exhibitions, firework displays, a big parade and a variety of other activities and shows. Each year over a million spectators and some four thousand performers take part in these events.

There is a three-day St Patrick’s festival in Cork involving a big parade, marching bands, dancing, street theatre, concerts and much more, and there are similar events in Limerick. There are also parades on St Patrick’s Day in Wexford, Waterford, Athlone, Tullamore and many other places.

In Northern Ireland the biggest celebrations for St Patrick’s Day happen in Armagh and Downpatrick and run for most of March. There are theatrical performances, music concerts, exhibitions, a big parade and many other events during this time.

The shamrock is a traditional symbol of St Patrick and there’s a tale that the man himself used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Trinity in his sermons. He explained that like the shamrock, the Trinity consists of three separate elements of the same entity, i.e. the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As a result, his followers started wearing shamrocks on 17th March, which is thought to be the day he died.

Many Irish people wear shamrocks in their lapels or hats on St Parick’s Day, and children wear green, white and orange badges to signify the colours of the Irish flag. St Patrick’s Day celebrations have become known as some of the most fun and the most lively in the world, so if you can make your way to Ireland for the festivities this year, make sure you do!

More about English language courses in Ireland

Head to Viareggio this February and experience one of Europe’s best carnivals

/0 Comments/in /by

Ask most people about carnivals in Italy and they’ll probably talk about Venice and the famous masks that are associated with it. In actual fact though, one of the oldest and largest carnivals takes place in the city of Viareggio.

The first Viareggio Carnival took place in 1873 and, although it attracts more people these days, the same traditions are still incorporated. It takes place during February and March (from 5th February – 3rd March in 2012) and involves music, dancing, and of course, the usual carnival parades – there are five over the course of the carnival, which take place over the five weekends before Lent.

The parades consist of huge floats and papier maché puppets, accompanied by a range of performers. The biggest floats carry about 200 people in costume who dance and throw confetti and sweets to the crowds, and can be anything up to 20 metres in height. Often the puppets satirise public and political figures and depict social issues, although they can also be traditional fairy-tale characters.

Aside from the parades, carnival time also offers an exciting programme of related events including shows, masked balls, musical and plenty of eating and drinking extravaganzas. The main event takes place on Martedi Grasso (Shrove Tuesday), when there’s a fantastic firework display and a huge procession to take part in.

Taking an Italian course in Viareggio during the carnival will give you a great insight into this age old tradition, and will assure you a fantastic time to boot. Courses currently offered in Viareggio are General, Individual, Combined and Academic Year Italian, which can be booked from beginner level up and for however long you wish. Please visit the Cactus Language website for full details and to book.

Berlin – a fantastic place for any film buff

/0 Comments/in /by

The festival has put Berlin firmly on the movie map, attracting actors, directors and film fans from all corners of the globe, and in 2012 it takes place from 9th-19th February. 

Established in 1951, while much of the city was still under post-war reconstruction, the festival represented an attempt by the Americans to bring back some of the artistic glory that had been associated with the city during the ‘Golden Twenties’.

Today, the Berlinale has grown to become Berlin’s largest cultural event, and has also become one of the most influential forums for the film industry, along with Venice and Cannes.

Although the Berlinale is most famous for showcasing world cinema and new talent, a number of big-name Hollywood films have won the ‘Golden Bear’ award in the past, including Rain Man (1989), In the Name of the Father (1994), Sense and Sensibility (1996) and The Thin Red Line (1999).

Although Berlin plays an important part on the international stage when it comes to the presenting and critiquing of films, it has another important association with the film industry too. As a place so rich in history, culture and with such international renown it has also formed the backdrop to many a fantastic film over the years.

There are literally hundreds of films produced by directors in both Germany and in Hollywood that have been set, or filmed in, Berlin, including ‘A Foreign Affair’, ‘The Bourne Supremacy’, ‘Goodbye Lenin’, ‘Run Lola, Run’, ‘The International’, ‘The Reader’ and ‘Valkyrie’. In recognition of this, it is now possible to do ‘film tours’ of Berlin to see for yourself where the filming of these took place. A great option for any film aficionado…

More about German courses in Berlin

TEFL course feedback: CELTA in London

/0 Comments/in /by

Cactus client Richard Fielden-Watkinson gives us the lowdown on the 4-week Cambridge CELTA course that he took at our Queensway centre in London

As I walked down the long road from Queensway Underground to the Stanton School of English, which is tucked away on the corner at the far end of the street, I nervously wondered what my class-mates would be like: would they be super-clever? Would they be nerdy? Much younger than me? Much older than me? And so these concerns went round in my head as I pushed on the door to enter the school.

It was twelve years since I had left school, with mediocre A-levels in Art, English and Business Studies, and even then I was not an ‘academic’ student. So my fear of looking stupid in front of the other trainee teachers was hanging over my head as I entered the school. Two weeks ago at the interview, the compassionate interviewer had appeared to give me a break when I messed up the entrance exam but displayed a keenness to learn and a dedication to the four-week course. She had accepted me onto the course with the condition that I promised to read a specific English Grammar book, cover-to-cover, by the start of the course.

So now, two weeks later, the first half of the book read and understood and the second half gist-read and vague in my head, I pushed on the door and considered the repercussions of turning round. I could just forget about the course and go back to waiting on tables – it wasn’t so bad. I could tell my parents and friends that I realised it just wasn’t for me. Or, I could not answer the phone to them for a few months, until it was all forgotten about.

I felt light on my feet as I walked up the stairs; perhaps I was ill and could come back on the second day?

As I fell over my words in front of the receptionist she beamed a smile and pointed to a close-by room. Three other CELTA trainees were spread out around the room. I found some confidence and said hello to everyone, which was promptly reciprocated. I chatted to a woman who had been teaching in South America, in all the countries I dreamed about visiting; she was on the course because she wanted a good qualification to be able to take with her around the world. Perhaps Saudi Arabia next, she suggested. The room filled up, nods and greetings were exchanged and I realised very quickly that I was not alone on this course; I could see nerves, anticipation and excitement etched onto all their faces.

The teacher trainers entered the room and we all fell silent. We listened to what they had to say and it began – the most rewarding four weeks of my life.

We were briefed and divided into three smaller groups within which we would create lesson-plans, teach and have feedback sessions. After the first day I was shattered, from all the information we were given and from the excitement of meeting 17 new people. As I got to know everybody (and what a diverse mix there was), I heard a similar story over again “…I want to travel and teach and this is the best qualification to enable me to do that…”. Another similarity amongst the group was some insecurity about their stamina and grammar knowledge going into the course. We all had reason to be worried about these two things, but together we overcame both. In fact, despite all being of different ages and from different backgrounds, we all had a lot in common; mainly that of not knowing what a modal verb was.

We were placed in front a class to teach on the second day and although this might seems like a step too far too quick, it is the best way to dispel nerves. We worked together in the original group of 18 and within our smaller groups; we photocopied relevant handouts for each other, we helped each other with the assignments (which is encouraged), we panicked together, we ate Marks and Spencer sandwiches together…often text messages regarding lesson-plans fired back and forth past midnight, we consoled each other when we were not successful and we said “Don’t worry, nobody noticed” to each other when lessons fell to pieces.

So four weeks passed, and we left the course with knowledge that we could carry with us and nurture our whole lives; a bursting ring-binder, more sheets of A4 than there are trees in the southern hemisphere, a handful of new friends and vivid memories.

Aside from the positive camaraderie I encountered on the course I was also happy to learn so many skills to enable me to teach. We learnt the importance of eliciting answers from the learners, of not talking too much to the class and stopping or changing an exercise when it was no longer efficient. Essentially, the balance between leading the students down a road of learning and yet being constantly receptive to their needs struck me as being the most important thing to consider. It is amazing how much you rely on the learners to ‘give back’ and encourage you; you have to learn to work with them.

They are right; it is intense, and difficult, and fun. The only advice I could give anybody who was taking the step to apply for a CELTA is: be prepared to learn a lot, sleep a little and for four weeks to constantly oscillate between anxiety and elation. Good Luck!

Cactus TEFL offers a free and impartial TEFL course advice and admissions service. Please visit the Cactus TEFL website for full course listings, to submit an online application or for information and advice on courses, qualifications and TEFL opportunities worldwide.