Bolivar square in Bogota Colombia

Win a TEFL Course in London or Bogota!

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Would you like to win a TEFL course in one of two fantastic worldwide locations?

Cactus TEFL is bringing back our popular Suzanne Furstner Scholarship in January 2016, and this time we are excited to be giving away not one, but two TEFL courses!

Become a qualified English teacher in the vibrant heart of London, or jet off to Colombia’s historic capital to gain your prestigious CELTA qualification – the choice is yours. These are two of the best teacher training courses available and will equip you with the skills and confidence you need to launch a career teaching English.

Scholarship Prizes:

4-week Trinity CertTESOL course in London, UK

4-week Cambridge CELTA course in Bogota, Colombia

Win a TEFL Course – How to Apply:

  • Create a video of 3 minutes maximum on the subject: ‘Why I want to become a teacher’
  • The video can be as creative as you choose, as long as it is relevant to the subject
  • Videos should be posted on YouTube with the following hashtags in the Comments box: #cactustefl #winacourse
  • Check ‘Also share on Google+’ below the Comments box
  • If you prefer to keep your video private, there is an option to select ‘Private’ in the Privacy Settings
  • The link to the video should be sent to info@cactustefl.com with the subject line ‘Suzanne Furstner Scholarship Entry 2016: [your name]’
  • Please specify your preferred course location (London or Bogota)
  • Dates for entry 1st January – 31st March 2016

Winners’ Criteria:

  • The course prizes must be taken in September, October or November 2016
  • The winning videos will be published on the Cactus TEFL website, Cactus blog and social media channels
  • The winners will be required to create a video diary of their course to be published by Cactus.

Suzanne Furstner Scholarship

An annual scholarship that gives aspiring teachers from all the world the chance to win a TEFL course, the Suzanne Furstner Scholarship was set up in 2006 in memory of our much-loved colleague Suzanne. To date, we have sent winners to take CELTA and CertTESOL courses in locations ranging from Spain and Italy to San Franciso and Playa del Carmen.

Remember, entries are accepted from 1st January 2016, so you have plenty of time to start thinking and make your dreams come true in 2016!

Day of the Dead in Mexico: a time to celebrate

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Anyone lucky enough to have already seen the latest Bond film, Spectre, will have been treated to the most fabulous opening sequence shot during Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations.

The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is not the morbid event it may at first appear: to the contrary, it is an uplifting fiesta, celebrated mainly in Mexico, to remember and pay tribute to friends and relatives who have died.

It is believed that the souls of the deceased are believed to return to earth on this day, which falls on 2nd November each year, in conjunction with the Catholic holy festival of All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos) on 1st November.

As with many Mexican rituals, the Day of the Dead has pre-Hispanic roots, dating back some 2,500-3,000 years to the Aztecs, Mayas, Olmecs and other indigenous civilisations. In Aztec times the festival was celebrated in August, the ninth month of the Aztec calendar, and for an entire month. In modern-day Mexico, celebrations take place in November, and the day before Día de los Muertos, 1st November, is dedicated to lost children and infants: this is known as Día de los Angelitos, or Day of the Little Angels, as children who die are believed to automatically become angels.

On the Day of the Dead families traditionally build altars in their homes and visit graveyards to commune with their lost loved ones. They take offerings, or ofrendas, of sugar skulls, garlands and flowers (often marigolds, which have ancient ceremonial importance), and personal gifts such as photos and favourite foods of the departed. It is thought that these will encourage the souls of the dead to visit, and pillows and blankets are even laid out so that they can rest after their long journey. Many people spend all night beside the graves of their relatives. But it is a happy atmosphere that prevails, with dancing, feasting and the recounting of affectionate anecdotes.

One of the best places to experience Day of the Dead is around the beautiful region of Pátzcuaro in Mexico’s Western Central Highlands. Mexicans and sightseers flock here to remember their loved ones and join in the renowned festivities, which include traditional music and dances, candlelit vigils and picturesque ceremonies.

Cactus offers Spanish courses in 4 locations across Mexico, including Oaxaca which is famed for its Day of the Dead celebrations. Spanish courses start each week, from one week upwards, and can be combined with accommodation and meals with a local family – the perfect way to immerse yourself in the language and culture.

tour de france 2016 route map

Experience Le Tour de France 2016

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The Tour de France 2016 Route has been Announced

So why not take a French language course in one of the Tour stops, experience the amazing race and cheer on your favourite rider at the same time? Choose from mountains, lakes or city centres and study French in one of many beautiful locations.

Running from Saturday 2nd July to Sunday 24th July 2016, the 103th Tour de France will be made up of 21 stages and will cover a total distance of 3,519 kilometres. There will be 9 flat stages, 1 hilly stage, 9 mountain stages and 2 rest days.

Starting off in Mont-St-Michel the tour will go through Montauban on the 7th July, which is on the edge of Toulouse, known as ‘la ville rose’ due to its distinctive pink buildings. Toulouse is a historic city with some beautiful and unique architecture. The tour will then continue to capital of France’s Languedoc region Montpellier on the 13th and 14th July. Montpellier is a popular and thriving university city and the old city centre consists of a maze of attractive, winding streets, open-air terraces and luxurious houses. On the 23rd July the tour reaches the French Alps and the charming Alpine town of Morzine where a wide variety of summer Alpine activities is available. And from there the tour finishes on the 24th July in the city of love, fashion and elegance; Paris. In all of these locations you have the opportunity to take French lessons, take part in the fanfare that surrounds the tour and have an amazing holiday.

Studying a language in the country it is spoken is one the best ways to improve your language skills in a short period of time. By immersing yourself in the French language, chatting with the locals, and following “Le maillot jaune” (the yellow jersey) you can give yourself an experience of a life-time.

To browse all of the language holidays, including French language courses, available with Cactus Language please visit our website or contact us by email, Facebook or Twitter.

a woman learning a language online

Why Learn a Language Online?

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If learning a language were easy and fast then we would all be multilingual.

The truth is, learning a language and speaking it well takes time, dedication and determination. Face-to-face tuition and language immersion are generally regarded as the best ways to learn a language. Even Donavan Whyte, the Vice President of EMEA for Rosetta Stone admits,

“I think it is possible to learn a language on your own via some tech-based platform, but I think it would take you a long, long time and you would need to be very disciplined.”

However, there are lots of reasons you should be using technology and online courses to support your language learning and speed-up your progression. Here are some reasons to learn a language online:

1. The Blended Approach
Online options give you a chance to practise and consolidate what you have learnt in the classroom. Language acquisition is all about revision and recycling – to really fix those words and grammar structures in your mind to the point where producing them becomes second nature.

2. Online Courses put you in Control
Online courses and apps allow you to study when you want and where you want. Essentially they give you the opportunity to take responsibility for your own education, in any setting, at any time of the day (or night).

3. Personalisation
By varying the arsenal of tools you have at your disposal for learning a language you increase your chances of being successful. How you learn is individual to you, therefore by multiplying the channels and mediums through which you learn you can find the combination that suits you best.

4. Bit by Bit
Option A: 4 hours of face-to-face tuition one day a week. Plus 30 mins of written homework a week.
Option B: 2 hours of face-to-face tuition one day a week. Plus 30 mins of online practice 4 days a week on your way to work.
Which of these do you think will be more effective in terms of language acquisition and target language retention? Which of these is more cost effective?

If you are interested in finding out more about how to learn a language online and how online courses can support your language learning in English and French take our free 7 day trial for English and for French. You can start today!

A Level Revision Courses in October Half Term

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An A Level revision course during half term is a great boost to confidence and grades

For British students taking French, Spanish or German at A Level, there are huge benefits to be gained by spending time in a country where that language is spoken. A 1-week A Level revision course during the October half term is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the language and culture, whilst taking lessons that specifically focus on the skills and topic areas you will need to succeed at A Level.

The Benefits of an A Level Revision Course:

  • Practise the language in a native-speaking environment
  • Enjoy the culture of the target language through the food, people and lifestyle
  • Receive high quality language tuition in small group classes
  • Focus on specific examination tasks, grammar revision and vocabulary
  • Socialise with A Level students from other schools
  • Gain important skills and confidence prior to exams

French A Level Revision Courses – 26th October 2015:

a level revision courses computerMontpellier: French AS / A Level Revision Course (26 lessons per week) = from £291

Paris: French Mini-Group AS and A2 Revision Course (15 lessons per week) = from £366

Rouen: French A-Level Revision Course (15 group + 5 individual + 5 self-study lessons per week) = from £440

Spanish A Level Revision Courses:

Students studying Spanish or German at A Level can take a Combined Course which includes group and private lessons. The private lessons can then concentrate on A Level skills and content (please request this when booking). Alternatively, a General Course in one of our preferred partner schools offers excellent motivation and revision.

Barcelona: Spanish Combined Course (20 group + 5 individual lessons per week) = from £325

Salamanca: Spanish General Course (20 group lessons per week) = from £134

San Sebastian: Spanish Combined Course (15 group lessons + 5 individual lessons per week) = from £179

German A Level Revision Courses:

Berlin: German General Course (20 group lessons per week) = from £149

Cologne: German Combined Course (20 group + 5 individual lessons per week) = from £168

Hamburg: German Combined Course (25 group + 5 individual lessons per week) = from £235

Safety & Welfare of Students:

The schools that offer A Level revision courses are very aware of the extra responsibilities and requirements that come with offering Under 18 programmes, and as such are very careful to ensure their students’ safety, well-being and happiness at all times. Host families are thoroughly checked, as are staff that meet and return students to the airport, and every effort is made to ensure that students feel as safe and comfortable as possible.

The above prices are for the language course only. Accommodation in a carefully selected host families can be booked in addition to each course, with all meals included.

If you have a language learning or language teaching query, please visit our blog or get in contact with us either by Facebook or by Twitter. Alternatively, feel free to contact us here or call to speak to one of our advisors on 00 44 (0) 1273 830 960.

teacher training language courses

Teacher Training Courses: European Languages

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Cactus offers Teacher Training Courses in London for fluent speakers of French, Spanish & Italian, and Teacher Refresher Courses abroad for non-native teachers

Teacher Training Courses in London

As the population of countries within Europe and around the world continues to diversify, and as globalisation makes it normal for us to mix with people of all languages and cultures (in schools, universities and the workplace), the demand for foreign language teachers is at an all-time high. People want to learn languages and we need qualified teachers to teach them.

In response to this demand, Cactus now offers teacher training courses for fluent speakers of French, Spanish and Italian who want to teach the language as a second language to adults. No prior teaching experience is required; the only stipulation is native or near-native speaker level in the language.  These courses are a great way to turn your language skills into a career in teaching whilst filling a widening hole in the market.

Teacher Training Courses – Advantages

  • Following a similar format to the CELTA course for English, these courses will prepare you for teaching your chosen language at different levels
  • You will observe qualified language teachers, learn how to plan a lesson and manage a class, and attend feedback and discussion sessions to help you progress
  • The combination of practical classroom experience combined with teaching methodology will give you valuable skills and confidence
  • You will meet like-minded people with similar goals
  • You can take a full-time course (4 weeks) or a part-time course (12 weeks)
  • Courses take place in London’s popular Covent Garden
  • You should find it easy to obtain paid work upon completion of your course (depending on location)

For a complete list of teacher training courses in French, Spanish and Italian, including prices and start dates, please visit the Cactus TEFL website page.

Teacher Refresher Courses Abroad

montpellier_squareIn addition to our Teacher Training Courses, Cactus also offers Teacher Training Refresher Courses for non-native teachers of French, Spanish and German.

These courses take place in France, Spain and Germany, and provide a unique immersive environment where foreign language teachers can advance their teaching skills, learn the latest approaches and network with other MFL teachers. They are a valuable way for teachers to develop professionally and remain at the forefront of their profession.

Teacher Refresher Courses – Advantages:

  • Develop your language teaching skills
  • Learn the latest techniques
  • Immerse yourself in the language and culture at the same time
  • Great environment in which to brainstorm ideas, create activities and discuss challenges specific to teaching languages in the UK education system
  • Opportunity to suggest language-related themes to include in course content
  • Leave feeling inspired and informed, and ready to share everything you have learned on your return to the classroom.

Please visit the Cactus Language website for full details of our teacher training refresher courses in Europe.

If you have a language learning or language teaching query that you can’t find the answer to, please get in contact with us either by Facebook or by Twitter, or contact us here.

 

Win a TEFL Course: Suzanne Furstner Scholarship 2016

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Win a TEFL course in London or South America

Cactus TEFL is delighted to announce that the Suzanne Furstner Scholarship will be back in 2016 – with not just one course, but two courses to be won!

If you have ever dreamed of qualifying to become an English language teacher, this is your chance to win a TEFL course in London or South America. London is our most popular location to take a TEFL course – an exciting city with opportunity everywhere – while South America is exotic and thrilling, and already in the spotlight with the Rio Olympics less than a year away.

Win a TEFL Course: entry requirements

The competition opens in January 2016 and full details will be released shortly, but our sneak preview can tell you this: entrants will need to make a video of 3 minutes maximum to show us why they want to teach English!

An annual scholarship that gives aspiring teachers from all the world the chance to win a TEFL course, the Suzanne Furstner Scholarship was set up in 2006 in memory of our much-loved colleague Suzanne. To date, we have sent winners to take CELTA and CertTESOL courses in locations ranging from Spain and Italy to San Franciso and Playa del Carmen.

Keep posted for more details of the Suzanne Furstner Scholarship 2016!

Cactus TEFL is an admissions and advice service for quality teacher training courses worldwide. Cactus works with well-known course providers to offer CELTA, TESOL, equivalent and online courses in over 90 locations across 36 countries. Cactus TEFL also offers free post-course careers advice and support, as well as access to our very own TEFL jobs board and job alerts.

If you have a language learning or language teaching query that you can’t find the answer to, please get in contact with us either by Facebook or by Twitter, or contact us here.

TEFL Course Abroad: Learn the Language

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Taking a TEFL course abroad is a great way to explore a new part of the world and maximise your job opportunities if you wish to teach in the same location

If you are thinking of taking a TEFL course in a non-English speaking country, learning some of the language before you go will make a huge difference to your experience – and make it far less daunting.

Being able to communicate with the locals from the moment you arrive will give you confidence, help you settle in quickly and enable you to really soak up the culture of your host city.

This is especially important if you are planning on teaching in the same city once you have qualified; although you are likely to learn some of the language just by living there, having a good grounding of vocabulary and grammar will make this much easier.

TEFL Course Abroad: How to Learn the Language

An evening language course is an economical and effective way of learning the language before you jet off for your TEFL course abroad.

With courses available in 22 languages and in 17 locations across the UK, there is course for everyone: if you are hoping to take your TEFL course in Prague you can take a Czech evening course, if you have your sights on a TEFL course in Barcelona there are Spanish evening courses at all levels, while those dreaming of qualifying in the beautiful Indian state of Kerala can take a Hindi evening course in London. All courses run for 10 weeks, on start dates throughout the year.

* It’s not too late to book a course starting in January 2016 – to be ready for your TEFL course abroad in 2016! *

Search for your preferred evening course at www.languagecoursesuk.co.uk.

Whatever your plans, Cactus can help you to find the right course for you.

Cactus TEFL is an admissions and advice service for quality teacher training courses worldwide. Cactus works with well-known course providers to offer CELTA, TESOL, equivalent and online courses in over 90 locations across 36 countries. Cactus TEFL also offers free post-course careers advice and support, as well as access to our very own TEFL jobs board and job alerts.

If you have a language learning or language teaching query that you can’t find the answer to, please get in contact with us either by Facebook or by Twitter, or contact us here.