Studying English in Brooklyn, New York

Learn English in Brooklyn, New York

Learn English in Brooklyn, New York

Anyone thinking of studying English in New York might be forgiven for thinking that Manhattan is the place to go. For sure it’s the iconic, pulsating heart of the city that never sleeps, and an absolute must on any Big Apple itinerary. As a place to study, however, there may well be somewhere that eclipses Manhattan, and that place is Brooklyn.

Sitting across the water from Manhattan, the magnificent Brooklyn Bridge connecting the two, Brooklyn is one of five boroughs of New York City. Vast in area and population, it is a city in itself and a very fashionable one at that. Those choosing to learn English in Brooklyn will find that it’s a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities and brimming with creative talent; it is the place to meet people, enjoy world-class music, pass the hours in a trendy bar or restaurant, wander down leafy, brownstone-lined streets or enjoy a lazy afternoon in a verdant park.

In fact you need never venture further afield as everything is here in Brooklyn; should you want to, however, you can be in central New York in minutes. Brooklyn is perfectly located just over the bridge from Manhattan and there are no less than nine subway lines on the steps of the school or within a few minutes’ walk – Manhattan being just one subway stop away. In this sense you get the best of both worlds – Manhattan just minutes away, whilst enjoying the friendly, neighbourhood feel of Brooklyn. It’s an authentic New York experience minus the stress of big city living and, uniquely, the chance to be part of a real New York community.

The diversity of Brooklyn’s neighborhoods

Even within the Brooklyn community you can enjoy the diversity of many different neighborhoods. The language school is located in Brooklyn Heights, New York City’s very first suburb and one that is characterised by charming townhouses, brownstones and authentic mansions. Just steps from the school is the famous Brooklyn promenade, a wonderful place to sit and watch the world go by, enjoying magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline across the East River and the Statue of Liberty over in New York Harbor. Bordering Brooklyn Heights just to the south is the historic, tree-lined Cobble Hill neighbourhood, home to the peaceful setting of Cobble Hill Park.

Other neighborhoods within the borough re-affirm Brooklyn’s emergence as a cutting-edge centre for arts, music and culture. Over 50 different arts organisations are located in Brooklyn alone. The famous Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is located in Fort Greene, a prominent cultural destination that also boasts the Brooklyn Music School and various theater, dance and performing arts centers, among them Spike Lee’s very own film works company. Those wanting to join the hip young crowd of the city should head for Williamsburg, hugely popular for its many bars, restaurants, shops and cafés, as well as its open air summer concert venues. Williamsburg is a very ‘cool’ place to be right now, not just within Brooklyn but within New York as a whole; a steady stream of Manhattanites will cross the river to spend evenings and weekends enjoying the infectious buzz and social life of this hip neighborhood.

Finally, no mention can be made of Brooklyn without highlighting its beautiful centerpiece, Prospect Park, designed by the same people who built Manhattan’s Central Park. Home to a small zoo, Brooklyn’s only lake and excellent sports and leisure facilities, this is a great place to relax after class and meet friends. Flanking Prospect Park is Brooklyn’s highly desirable Park Slope neighborhood, awash with historic buildings boasting magnificent views of the park as well as first-class restaurants, world-class museums, cultural institutions, bars and shops.

Life as a student in Brooklyn

Despite Brooklyn’s size and variety of neighborhoods, a real sense of community prevails and, as a student in Brooklyn, you will still be accommodated close to the school – 30 minutes at most, meaning that you will spend less time travelling and more time meeting up with new friends and going out in the evenings. Those who choose to study in central Manhattan – or in the centre of any big city – may be faced with daily commutes of up to an hour, so staying just outside the centre can make a huge difference.

Whatever you want to do in Brooklyn, you will not be short of choice nor people with whom to practise your English – and you can do it all in the great city of New York without so much as having to step foot in Manhattan. Though of course you will – and should. You’ll just have the best of both worlds.

Why learn English in Brooklyn? At a glance…

  • It is very close to Manhattan, with stunning views
  • It boasts excellent transport links, including 9 subway stops right by the school
  • It is the place to be for great culture, music, bars & restaurants, its many diverse neighborhoods reflecting this
  • It exudes a friendly neighborhood feel, giving you the chance to be part of a real New York community
  • Most accommodation is within 30 minutes of the school
  • You can enjoy beautiful green, open spaces such as Prospect Park

For more information on learning English in Brooklyn please visit our website.

 

Goodtoknow - January 2012

Win! A Cactus language course

If you’ve always wanted to speak Spanish, French, Italian or German, now you can with our Cactus Language Training competition.

We’ve teamed up with Cactus Language Training to offer to 1 goodtoknow user and a friend, a 10-week evening language course in either Spanish, French, Italian or German at a local learning centre.

What better way to kick-start 2012 than by making a resolution to learn a new language?

You’ll be taught the 4 key areas of speaking, reading, writing and listening, with help from Cactus’ friendly and highly-qualified teachers. And with a choice of 12 language levels and over 40 locations around the UK, there is sure to be a course to suit everyone.

Every year Cactus helps more than 15,000 people learn over 30 languages in 60 countries and at 500 destinations worldwide.

To find out more about all our courses visit cactuslanguagetraining.com

https://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/competitions/show/id/60410

AllNY.com - 30 December 2011

Still deciding on a New Year’s resolution? How about learning a new language, or brushing up on one that you might have studied a millennium ago in high school? Cactus Language in New York City is offering fast track five- and ten-week language courses in a variety of foreign languages, including Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Spanish and Turkish. In less than two months, you’ll have gained a basic understanding of a language of your choice, and you will have successfully followed through on your New Year’s resolution, a double benefit.

As a traveler and restaurant writer, I’ve found that Cactus Language courses are perfect preparation for traveling abroad as you’ll acquire the skills necessary to communicate with locals in the various countries around the world. The classes are small so you can make yourself heard. It’s definitely much better than trying to learn a language from a computer with Rosetta Stone, or reading a Berlitz guidebook while you’re on the elliptical machine.  I’m always looking for tips about where to eat or what to see when I travel, and chatting with the locals is one of the best sources for those “hidden gems” you’ll never find in a guidebook.

I’m pretty advanced in certain languages, so I appreciate having the opportunity that Cactus affords to select advanced or beginner classes.  I love chatting away in French or Spanish with others who have significant fluency in the language as well as struggling as much as anyone else to master the complexities of Mandarin in a beginner class.

The relatively small time commitment of a Cactus language course compared to the end results of foreign language proficiency make these classes a ‘must’ for anyone looking to quickly learn a new language in a short time span. Classes are suitable for all levels and meet for two hours either once or twice per week for a total of 20 hours.  It’s social, there’s wine and chips on the first night to set the mood, and it’s a wonderfully challenging learning expereince

If you’re looking for a short-term program or need a condensed language brush-up, then the Five-Week Fast Track Program is ideal. Twice-weekly classes begin January 23 6:15-8:15pm. in French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.

The Ten-Week Program is available in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Spanish and Turkish. Classes start January 11, 17 or 23; or February 2, depending on the language selected, meeting once per week from 6:15-8:15pm. This program is great if you have a longer period of time to study.

https://www.cactuslanguagecourses.com; 330 5th Avenue (at 32nd St.); 1-888-577-8451

https://www.allny.com/blogs/todo/stuff-to-do/learn-foreign-language-nyc/

Billion Dollar Marketer - 22 December 2011

People who learn Spanish in Mexico can convention their new language skills in everyday life situations. Mexico offers heavenly beaches and being at its best. You can visit the hulk of the ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations. You can enjoy the civilization and the food of Mexico, while you are learning the Spanish language.

Language Immersion Courses are Effective

Language absorption courses are considered to be the best way of learning a second language. Spanish absorption courses require you to communicate only in Spanish. Teachers discourage conversation in English, or any additional language. You learn Spanish by in fact using it to communicate, prefer than by studying it.

You can learn Spanish abruptly by joining a Spanish absorption bearing in a country anyplace Spanish is spoken. Mexico is one of the more catchy destinations in Latin America, anyplace citizen´s like to go to learn Spanish. You can look forward to glimpse seeing, cultural activities, weekend excursions and much more. You can even experience alive with a Mexican family.

Choosing a Spanish School in Mexico

If you want, you can learn Spanish in Mexico, you can consider the Spanish absorption schools, promoted by AmeriSpan. AmeriSpan was formed in 1993 and it has served more than 25,000 clients, since then. You can join a Spanish absorption school in Cancun, on the Southeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. It has miles of hoary sandy beaches and is surrounded by the warm waters of the Caribbean.

You can also join a Spanish absorption bearing in Cuernavaca, Guanajuato, Merida, Morelia, Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende. Specialized Spanish absorption courses are also available, for citizen´s who want to learn Spanish in Mexico. AmeriSpan offers you courses with curbed groups of learners and you can choose to stay in a private room, or with a host family.

To learn Spanish in Mexico, you can consider the Spanish courses available by Cactus Language. Cactus was formed in 1998, in the UK, and it offers language courses in 25 languages. It has some 150 destinations in 45 countries. Cactus has acquaintances with Spanish schools in Mexico City, Morelia, Oaxaca, Cuernavaca, Guanajuato, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta.

Choose a Spanish school which borders the enumerate of learners in each class. All Spanish schools may not afford you a college credit. Keep your objectives and budget in mind when you are deciding on a Spanish school. Seriously consider the language absorption approach. It is one of the most abrupt ways to learn the Spanish language.

https://www.billiondollarmarketer.com/2011/12/22/learn-spanish-in-mexico-while-visiting-ancient-ruins/

Going Places Near and Far - 21 December 2011

Cactus Language Training Offers Fast Track to Fluency With Sessions in NYC

December 21, 2011

Cactus Language Training invites New Yorkers to learn or improve a foreign language in less than two months with their new five-week and ten-week evening programs.  Beginning this January, 20-hour programs in 12 languages will be held at 330 Fifth Avenue at 32nd Street, Manhattan.  Two-hour classes are designed to quickly build language skills and communication confidence.  A small class size (maximum 12 students) and complimentary wine and chips on the first night create a relaxed environment for fostering language learning. Inclusive of course materials, tuition for both programs ranges from $299 to $329, depending on the language chosen. Start dates for the programs depend on length of program, language selected, and class level.

Five-Week Fast-Track Programs – New York City, starting January 23, 2012

Comprising 20 hours of instruction, Cactus’s five-week Fast-Track programs begin January 23, meeting Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:15 – 8:15 pm. Fast-Track programs are offered in French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish, in beginner as well as more advanced levels, depending on the language selected. Each class session is two hours.

Ten-Week Programs – New York City, starting January 11, 2012

Also including 20 hours of instruction, Cactus’s ten-week programs begin January 11, 17, or 23; or February 2 with one two-hour class per week, from 6:15 – 8:15 pm.  Classes are offered in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Spanish and Turkish.  Beginner as well as more advanced levels are available, depending on the language selected.

For more information and to register, visit https://www.cactuslanguagecourses.com or call 1-888-577-8451.

Founded in 1998, with headquarters in New York and the UK, Cactus’s expert team delivers quality language training to individuals and businesses.  Cactus helps more than 15,000 people every year learn more than 30 languages, in 60 countries and at 500 destinations worldwide. In addition to evening and part-time group language classes, Cactus offers language vacations for both adults and children. mixing classes with tours and activities (such as dance, yoga, wine tasting, cooking, music, art, diving, surfing and photography); cultural awareness training; and full-immersion language holidays.  https://www.cactuslanguagetraining.com/us 1-888-577-8451.

https://goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com/tag/cactus-language-training/

Jetsetter - December 2011

New destinations, plus special offers ranging from free weeks in France to bonus cultural lessons in Spain, await aspiring linguists

https://www.jetsettersblog.com/blog/2011/04/16/cactus-language-training-cultural-immersion-vacations/

In the same way that authors such as Colin Thurbron, Peter Mayle and Elizabeth Gilbert have won legions of fans by capturing the true spirit of culturally authentic travel experiences, the most passionate travelers long to immerse themselves fully in their chosen destinations. This is the core of Cactus Language Training’s philosophy. One of the world’s leading language training companies, Cactus teaches more than 30 languages in 60 countries at 500 destinations worldwide, each year adding new destinations, immersive cultural opportunities and enticing incentives that enhance the process of learning a new language through culturally enriching vacation experiences. With an emphasis on affordability and authenticity, Cactus’s new vacation programs in 2011 include learning Spanish and Latin Dance in Leticia, Colombia at a school on the banks of the Amazon; studying German in the low-key, less touristy Bavarian town of Lindau overlooking the Swiss Alps; and mastering Russian in culturally diverse Kiev, Ukraine near Belarus.

The new Colombia location is one of 70 destinations in which Cactus offers Spanish language instruction; others include Argentina, Costa Rica, and two in Spain. Likewise, those who seek to speak French fluently can choose among 26 destinations, including coastal Biarritz, Bordeaux, and Monaco in France; or Montreal, Canada. If ease with Italian is the goal, Cactus offers 22 locations across Italy. Thai, Turkish and Brazilian Portuguese (the current passion of Cactus founder Rich Ambler) are among the 30 languages offered by Cactus.

Incentives and Special Offers – all prices for all Cactus programs are guaranteed in US dollars.

A variety of appealing incentives are available for aspiring linguists, including:

• A free week with the purchase of a two-week French language program in Nice (for programs through May 30), starting at $682 for a 3-week course;

• Five free cultural lessons with the purchase of a Spanish language program in Madrid (plus a discounted rate for programs over 12 weeks in length), starting at $284 for a course-only.

• A free excursion to the glass-blowing island of Murano with the purchase of an Italian language program in Venice, starting at $312 for a course-only. Available throughout the year.

Cactus believes that “one size does not fit all” and tailors its broad range of programs to fit the individual needs of the learner. Adding a further dimension to its in situ programs, Cactus incorporates cultural experiences, ranging from wine tasting and cooking to dance and diving, to strengthen and reinforce the day’s language lessons. Cactus also offers courses for children, teenagers, families and mature travelers, as well as executives.

About Cactus Language Training and Language Vacations

Cactus is one of the world’s leading language training companies. Founded in 1998, with headquarters in New York and the UK, Cactus’s expert team delivers quality language training to individuals and businesses. Cactus helps over 15,000 people every year learn more than 30 languages, in 60 countries and at 500 destinations worldwide.

Programs include language vacations for both adults and children, comprised of classes mixed with tours and activities (such as dance, yoga, wine tasting, cooking, music, art, diving, surfing and photography); cultural awareness training; and full-immersion language holidays. For those unable to travel, evening and part-time group language courses are also offered. https://www.cactuslanguagetraining.com/us 1-888-577-8451 Twitter: @cactuslanguage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cactuslanguagetraining

Cactus launches new Exam Preparation Course for German, Spanish and French learners

As one of the world’s leading language training companies, Cactus is constantly developing new and innovative products and services. Its latest language offering, launched in Fall 2011, is an Exam Preparation course for German, Spanish and French learners.

The course has been specially designed to provide students with extra help ahead of exams and upon completion, they receive a certificate to fit the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR; https://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/CADRE_EN.asp).  This is equivalent to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines, and all certificates are recognized internationally by employers, universities and other educational bodies.

The key areas covered by the course are reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar and vocabulary.  With small class sizes and lessons taught by Cactus’ highly experienced teachers, students are able to learn quickly and effectively.

“Since I was learning German for fun, taking the Exam Preparation Course was an opportunity to receive certification for all the time spent so far”, says course participant Keri Ellis in New York.  German teacher, Uschi Niethammer, adds: “All our students who took the exam in December passed with flying colours, which is a great achievement.  We’re looking forward to working with our new students in 2012 and achieving ongoing success.”

The Spanish DELE A1 and DELE A2 as well as the French DELF A1 and DELF A2 certificates will enable holders to apply for employment and/or for university.  Just as the German Start Deutsch 1 (A1) and Start Deutsch 2 (A2) certificates who will also be recognized when applying for permanent residency in Germany.

Visit https://www.cactuslanguagecourses.com/courses/exam-preparation.php for more information about Cactus’ Exam Preparation Courses and reach the next level in your education and employment.

Cactus named ‘Agent of the Month’ by IALC

The International Association of Language Centres (IALC) is a global network of independent language schools. Cactus works closely with IALC schools in locations all around the world including destinations in the UK, the US, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Ecuador and Australia.

Each month, IALC nominates a school and agent of the month, and Cactus has been specially selected to be ‘Agent of the Month’ for October.  Rich Ambler, Founder of Cactus, comments: “We are delighted to have been awarded this accolade, especially given the number of partner agents that IALC works with globally. We very much enjoy working with our IALC partners, not only because of the professionalism and efficiency of the staff, but also because of the high quality courses that they offer. IALC schools ensure quality through regular inspection, a code of ethics and a commitment to continuous improvement. On top of this, they provide a high level of attention to students, and a large range of language courses with accommodation and cultural activities included.”

Executives can accent their skills with Cactus Language Training

Free “Taster” Class Offered to Professionals Working in New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Toronto and Vancouver

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – (October 2011) One of the world’s leading language training companies, with years of experience immersing travelers in more than 30 languages in 60 countries worldwide, Cactus Language Training also offers tailor-made programs for urban executives to complement their business acumen with a dose of linguistic skill and sophistication. Currently, Cactus invites professionals residing in or near New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Diego, Toronto and Vancouver to experience a complimentary language “taster” class which showcases the effectiveness and academic quality of Cactus’s teaching and course design in an informative hour-and-a-half session. Perfect for frequent flyers as well as in-office executives, the classes can take place via Skype or in-person.

Classes can be arranged both individually or in a group setting, and programs are customized to meet learners’ specific communication needs.  Scheduling is flexible, with no charge for last-minute changes, and busy executives can even arrange sessions with their Cactus instructor via Skype. To schedule a complimentary individual or small-group session, call 1-888-577-8451; or contact Rich Ambler at 646-964-6746 or via email, .

Cactus Training for Business Executives

Global companies ranging from JP Morgan and Coca Cola to Burberry and Fidelity turn to Cactus to help their executives master foreign languages. All Cactus teachers are native speakers of the language they teach, a difference that is at the core of Cactus’s methodology. As such, teachers are able to quickly adapt and alter the course design to suit the objectives of the individual or group. From traditionally popular languages such as Spanish and French to more difficult languages such as Hebrew, Korean and Hindi, Cactus offers tailor-made courses for executives in 25 languages.

Emphasizing authenticity and affordability, Cactus is well-known for its immersive language programs taught in 60 countries and over 500 destinations worldwide. One of the keys to Cactus’s success is crafting culturally enriching vacation experiences that enhance the process of learning a new language. Cactus applies that same expertise to helping executives acquire the skills they need to succeed in business internationally.  For more information, visit https://www.cactuslanguagetraining.com/tailormade/us/

About Cactus Language Training and Language Vacations

Cactus is one of the world’s leading language training companies.  Founded in 1998, with headquarters in New York and the UK, Cactus’s expert team delivers quality language training to individuals and businesses.  Cactus helps more than 15,000 people every year learn more than 30 languages, in 60 countries and at 500 destinations worldwide. Programs include language vacations for both adults and children, comprised of classes mixed with tours and activities (such as dance, yoga, wine tasting, cooking, music, art, diving, surfing and photography); cultural awareness training; and full-immersion language holidays.  For those unable to travel, evening and part-time group language courses are also offered.  https://www.cactuslanguagetraining.com/us 1-888-577-8451.

National Geographic - 15 September 2011

While simply traveling abroad makes you a more enlightened global citizen, you can deepen the experience through language immersion programs that offer cultural excursions. These four provide a range of activities and stays with local host families. Note: Rates listed below are for a family of four.

France › At Coeur de France, families enjoy the rich medieval history of Sancerre, a village in France’s wine country, without even leaving the school. The 400-year-old La Thaumassière château houses both families and French classes. Parents take either group or individual classes, and children can have one-on-one instruction. In the afternoon, families spend the day in the French countryside, including visits to vineyards, farms to sample goat cheese, and the Loire River for fishing and kayaking. Back at the château, kids learn to make crêpes suzette during hands-on cooking classes. Two-week family packages from $6,385.

Costa Rica › Spanish Abroad‘s location in Tamarindo on the Pacific coast means that after morning language classes, the whole family can enjoy a range of beach activities—surfing lessons, swimming, volleyball, boat rides—in addition to birding and zip-lining tours in the rain forest and visiting the monkey park and aquarium. Families live with a host family or in two-story bungalows grouped around a swimming pool and within walking distance of both the school and the beach. Children should be seven years old to participate. A summer language camp is available for families with children ages five to 12. Two-week program with host family accommodations from $3,225.

China › Cactus Language teaches young adults (and families) Mandarin Chinese classes in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, and Xian. Along with morning classes, each school offers a range of afternoon activities, including dumpling-making and calligraphy (in Shanghai), and visits to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square (in Beijing). Weekend day trips include a visit to Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius, and the Great Wall of China. Two-week program in Beijing with host family accommodations from $4,140.

https://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2011/09/15/family-speaking-in-tongues/