Why choose Montreal as your French study destination?

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Located in Canada’s eastern province of Quebec, Montreal is the largest French-speaking city outside of Paris. It has gained a reputation as a hugely diverse and vibrant city with an energy and liberalism that makes it a brilliant place to live, or visit.

It doesn’t stop there though; there are lots of other factors that make Montreal a great choice for taking a French course:

1. Huge focus on culture and festivals

These days, Montreal has a reputation as a creative and cultural city with an arts scene that is second-to-none. The huge array of nationalities in Montreal has turned it into a real melting-pot of cultures, with a unique character that is all-embracing and liberal. It’s a city that enjoys the modernity, efficiency and stature of North American hubs, but the joie de vivre and the tradition of European centres.

Throughout the year Montreal plays host to three world-renowned arts festivals – the Jazz Festival in June, the Comedy Festival in July and the Film Festival in September, although all year round you’ll find a range of cultural events to enjoy.

2. Interesting history

It’s often said that a visit to Old Montréal is like going back in time—it’s an open-air museum of French and British architecture dating back centuries.

The city boasts a really interesting history spanning hundreds of years that centred largely around colonisation. Until 1535, Montreal had been inhabited by the Iroquois, but the arrival of French explorer Jacques Cartier spelled the start of a new era. In the early 1600’s, the French colonised the island on which Montreal sits, and the main city (now Montreal) was named Ville Marie.

After the defeat of the French colonists by the British in the 18th century, Montreal was occupied and ‘claimed’ by Great Britain. The British did not expel the French from the island though, and they were able to continue to live there as subjects of the British Empire. Despite being conquered by the British, French Montrealers continued to prosper and by the late 19th century Montreal was the largest city in British North America and the main city of Canada. Annexation of neighbouring towns at the start of the 20th century changed Montreal back to a mostly Francophone city.

Museums to visit in Montreal include the Chateau Ramezay Museum, a former governor’s residence where you can learn about the history of Montréal and Québec, and the Centre d’Exposition La Prison-des-Patriotes, which recalls the Patriot rebellions of 1837 and 1838.

3. Great restaurants and nightlife

Montreal is famed for its gastronomic offerings, with a huge range of restaurants serving all kinds of food. The region is especially famous for being the main producer region of maple syrup, although you’ll also find cheeses, cold meats and breads in abundance – elements of the Gallic culture that you’d expect to be integral in any western French-speaking region!

As well as the many restaurants and bars in Montreal, you’ll also find endless bars and clubs for evening entertainment. The city’s fun-loving reputation is well-deserved, and you’ll be guaranteed a good night!

4. Stunning scenery

It would be wrong to judge a city solely on aesthetics, but this is an area in which Montreal will definitely not disappoint. Of course, it has the skyscrapers of any North American city, which are not to everyone’s taste, but Montreal’s modern constructions actually earned it the title of UNESCO City of Design in 2006 – the first city in North America to be awarded the accolade.

Away from the modern areas, there are streets of attractive greystone buildings and Victorian mansions, and of course, the beautiful Old Town with its cobblestone streets and 18th- and 19th-century buildings.

In terms of natural features, Montreal is also home to a large number of parks, including the 180 hectare Botanical Garden, and of course, not to be forgotten, Mount Royal. Despite its name, the Mount is actually more like a large hill, and situated immediately north of downtown Montreal.

5. Enviable location and good accessibility

Montreal’s location at the very eastern end of Canada has long made it popular with visitors from both America and Europe. It’s very well served by both North American and European airlines, and in fact, the flight from the UK is only 6-7 hours in length. The city is actually really close to the American border, which means that it’s accessible by car, train and plane from the US.

Although Montreal in itself is well worth a visit, the area around the city is also full of things to see and do. Not too much further north you have top-quality ski resorts such as Tremblant and to the west of the city there’s also stunning Niagara Falls.

6. Bilingualism

Of course, if you take a course to either learn French, or improve your skills, the best option is to do so in a country where that language is spoken. You can practise what you’ve learnt outside of lessons, and will pick up more structures and vocabulary just by listening to the people around you.

That said, for people who are complete beginners, the prospect of immersing yourself in a totally foreign language and culture can be daunting. Whilst the people of Montreal certainly prefer to converse in French, the vast majority are bilingual in French and English, so if you find yourself really stuck, it’ll be nice to know that you can revert to English if absolutely necessary.

Cactus offers a range of French courses in Montreal, including General French, Individual French, Combined French and Intensive French.

Jungle fever: 5 lush destinations to learn Spanish

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The choice of destinations when it comes to choosing a language course is impressive. Beach, city, town, mountain, island, historical ruins – they’re all there. But it doesn’t get much more adventurous than packing your mosquito net and heading into deepest darkest jungle. Well, ok, you don’t have to be Indiana Jones, but when it comes to taking a language course a jungle location makes for an impressive postcard home.

So grab the Deet, pack your sunblock, wrap your dictionary in a waterproof and look no further…

1. Leticia, Colombia

Located in the far south of Colombia, at the point where Colombia, Peru and Brazil meet, Leticia is a hot and humid frontier town on the legendary Amazon River. Hidden in the rainforest, life here is peaceful and safe, yet fully geared to support those who arrive by flight or boat to explore the incredible flora and fauna of this precious part of the world. There aren’t many people who can say they learnt Spanish on the banks of the Amazon, but become one of them and you’ll be sure of a once-in-the-lifetime Amazonian adventure.

Spanish courses in Leticia

2. Boquete, Panama

The lush valley of Boquete is justifiably considered to be Panama’s eco-tourism capital. Located in the country’s western highlands, Boquete is found at 1,200m above sea level, nestled among the mountains and surrounded by pristine cloud forest. As such it enjoys an enviably sunny yet cool mountain climate, and is home to superb natural landscape that lends itself perfectly to a host of adventure activities. Try your hand at white water rafting, take a canopy tour, spot some exotic birds – including the famous quetzal – or immerse yourself in a hot spring…it is rare to have the chance to be at one with nature whilst indulging in your favourite activities, but in Boquete you have the best of both worlds.

Spanish courses in Boquete

3. Monteverde, Costa Rica

Monteverde – literally ‘green mountain’ – is a nature lover’s paradise set in Costa Rica’s central highlands. The reserve is alive with countless species of wildlife and vegetation, and organic farming and eco-tourism are prevalent. Founded by Quakers in 1951, the town is spread out along the cloud forest and has grown from a small settlement into a popular tourist destination: in an effort to keep this precious environment as it is, sustainable ecotourism and alternative energy are important issues here. Come to study Spanish in Monteverde and your classes will take place in a fully-equipped school surrounded by pine trees and with stunning views of the cloud forest and the Gulf of Nicoya.

Spanish courses in Monteverde

4. Cusco, Peru

Although not in the jungle itself, Cusco is a much-loved city and gateway to the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu which sits at 2,450m above sea level, high in the Andes mountains above the Sacred Valley. Surrounded by untouched forest and with breathtaking views, we feel it is deserving of inclusion in our list of top jungle locations; indeed, for many people, Machu Picchu is a highlight of any trip to South America. Spend some time learning Spanish in Cusco before embarking on the Inca Trail and you will have a chance to soak up the history and awe of this magnificent place. A truly memorable place to learn the language.

Spanish courses in Cusco

5. Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio is one of the smallest but most popular National Parks in Costa Rica. It’s worth the 4-hour bus ride from busy, bustling San Jose to stand barefoot in the soft white sand, breathe in the warm Pacific air and explore the dense rainforest. The park’s 1,700 acres of land mass and 136,000 acres of marine reserve are a natural habitat to species including the white-faced capuchin monkey, two-toed sloth, black-collared hawk and white-nosed coati – perfect subjects to explore after your Spanish class, which may well take place in view of the ocean. And all this in the name of education…holidays don’t get much better than this.

Spanish courses in Manuel Antonio

Cactus staff have visited all of the above locations so feel free to quiz us if you have any questions!



Cactus offers Spanish immersion courses in 20 countries worldwide, including Spanish evening courses in the UK and in the US & Canada.

Why learn Spanish in Pamplona?

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Of course, the running of the bulls is definitely a sight to behold, and one that you’ll be telling people about for years to come if you witness it first-hand! The city itself is great to visit at all times of year though, and is far more affordable outside of July. Its location on the Camino de Santiago assures it a steady stream of visitors all year round, but especially during the spring and autumn.

History

Pamplona is actually the historical capital of the whole of the Basque Country, as well as of the Navarra region, and as such has a wealth of ancient buildings, museums and some beautiful architecture. Many of Pamplona’s main sights are located in the “old town”, which is divided into three areas: La Navarrería, the oldest part of the city, and the 12th century boroughs of the towns of San Nicolás and San Cernín. Included amongst the sights to explore are the ancient city wall, and within it la Ciudadela (the fortress), el Portal de Francia (the French entrance), the bull ring and the Taconera gardens. Also well worth a look is la Ciudadela, a fortress that was built in 1571 by the architect Verbon under the orders of Felipe II.

Atmosphere and nightlife

Despite its rich and ubiquitous history, Pamplona exudes a very cosmopolitan and youthful feel – largely due to the thousands of students who attend the university there. It has a fantastic and varied nightlife, and a popular way to start an evening out is to eat out at one of the many pintxos (tapas) bars, then continue onto one of the night clubs in the city.

Food and drink

Navarra and the Basque country are well known for having one of the most delicious, and varied, cuisines in Spain. Specialities from the mountain-ranges include lots of dishes made from game, and fish like salmon and trout. A specific kind of local bean forms the base of many of the typical dishes of the region.

The Navarra region is also well-known for its wines, red wines in particular, which go very nicely with the local fare!

Green spaces

Pamplona has got to be one of the greenest cities in Europe, with a massive 11 million square metres of green areas in the city centre. Included amongst its many parks are la Taconera, Larraina, Biurdana, Del Mundo, Mendillorri, Vuelta del Castillo, la Ciudadela park, Aranzadi and Yamuguchi. All offer a great place to soak up the Spanish sun and watch the world go by.

Location

Once you have discovered all that Pamplona has to offer, it’s really easy to get out and explore some of Northern Spain’s other cities. It’s really close to places such as San Sebastian, Vitoria and Bilbao, which are all accessible either by road or train, and France is also just one hour away by car, should you want to hop over the border for a day!

Cactus offers a wide range of Spanish courses in Pamplona, ranging from General and Individual Spanish to specialist programmes such as Business Spanish, Spanish for Engineers and Spanish for the Medical Profession. For full listings, including prices and dates, or to book a course, please visit the Cactus Language website.

Test your German by reading our insider’s guide to Munich

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Muenchen – die ideale Stadt fuer einen Sprachurlaub

Muenchen ist die Haupstadt des Bundeslands Bayern und mit ca. 1,35 Millionen Einwohnern die dritt groesste Stadt Deutschlands. Aber keine Angst – das Stadtzentrum kann man durchaus zu fuss erkunden.

Muenchen ist ausserdem fuer seine hervorragenden Universitaeten (Ludwig Maximilian Universitaet und Technische Universitaet) bekannt. Insgesamt studieren in Muenchen circa 100.000 Studenten was dazu beitraegt, dass in Muenchen praktisch zu jeder Uhrzeit irgendwo irgendeine Party stattfindet.

Kultur und Gastronomie

Ein weit verbreitetes Vorurteil ueber Bayern besagt, dass alle Bayern meistens in Tracht gekleidet sind und man sie wegen ihres Dialektes nicht, oder nur schlecht versteht.Das stimmt nur teilweise:

Die typisch bayrische Tracht (Lederhosen fuer Maenner und Dirndl fuer Frauen) wird heutzutage nur noch bei speziellen Anlaessen wie zum Beispiel dem Oktoberfest oder dem Starkbierfest getragen.

Wenn ein echter Bayer mit Auslaendern spricht werden diese tatsaechlich nichts verstehen. Selbst innerhalb Deutschlands gibt es zwischen Bayern und Nicht-Bayern oft Verstaendigungsprobleme. In Muenchen wird allerdings ein eigener und bei weitem nicht so ausgepraegter Dialekt gesprochen der normalerweise gut verstaendlich ist.

Es gibt fast an jeder Strassenecke gute Restaurants und die Biergaerten sind vor allem im Sommer sehr zu empfehlen.

Architektur und Kunst

Muenchen hat in dieser Hinsicht einiges zu bieten. Das neue Rathaus, Theatinerkirche, Residenz, Olympiapark, BMW Welt, Schloss Nymphenburg und vieles mehr. Auch fuer Kunstliebhaber ist Muenchen ein ideales Ziel. Vor allem die Pinakotheken ziehen etliche Besucher an und sind schon von aussen betrachtet ein Kunstwerk. In Muenchen gibt es drei Pinakotheken: Die alte und die neue Pinakothek und die Pinakothek der Moderne.

Lifestyle

Muenchen ist eine sehr teuere Stadt (allerdings nicht so teuer wie London) und das merkt man auch. Luxusautos, teuere Restaurants, Penthouses, Nobelclubs und so weiter. Aber das gehoert zu Muenchen und traegt zu der besonderen Atmosphaere bei.

Abends beziehungsweise Nachts ist in Muenchen ebenfalls einiges geboten. Einige der besten Clubs sind in Muenchen zu finden und es ist fuer jeden Musikgeschmack etwas dabei.

Insider Tips

– Eisbachsurfer (stehende Welle an der Surfer ganzjaehrig ihr Koennen testen)

– Tollwood festival (Das meiner Meinung nach beste Festival Muenchens. Tolle Atmosphaere, internationale Kueche und internationale Kuenstler)

– Viktualienmarkt (Markt im Stadtzentrum mit qualitativ hochwertigen Lebensmitteln)

Munich – the ideal city for a Language holiday

Munich is the capital of Bavaria and with its ca. 1.35 Million habitants, is the third largest city in Germany. But don’t worry – it is possible to explore most of the city centre on foot.

Munich is also known for its outstanding universities (Ludwig Maximilian Universitaet und Technische Universitaet). All in all there are some 100.000 people studying in Munich, which explains why there is always a party going on somewhere!

Culture and gastronomy

A widely held stereotype about Bavaria is that every Bavarian wears a traditional costume and is – due to his dialect – impossible to understand. That is only partly true:

The typical Bavarian costume (Lederhosen for men and Dirndl for women) is only worn for special occasions these days. These special occasions are for example the Oktoberfest or the Strong-beer-festival.

If a real Bavarian talks to a foreigner it is very likely that the foreigner won’t understand a single word. Even inside Germany there are often communication issues between Bavarian speakers and German speakers. However, in Munich we tend to speak our own special dialect which is not as distinctive and a lot easier to understand.

In Munich you will find good restaurants around every corner and I can really recommend the Beer gardens, especially during the summer months.

Architecture and art

If you are interested in architecture and art Munich has a lot to offer. The new town hall, Theatinerkirche, Residenz, Olympiapark, BMW World, Schloss Nymphenburg and a lot more. Munich is also worth a visit if you are into art. The Pinakotheken (art gallerys) in particular attract plenty of visitors and even from the outside they are a piece of art in themselves. In Munich there are three Pinakotheken: The old and new Pinakothek and the Pinakothek of the moderns.

Lifestyle

Munich is a very expensive city (not as expensive as London though) and this will be evident when you visit. Luxury cars, expensive restaurants, penthouses, fancy clubs and so on. But that is part of Munich’s appeal and contributes to the special atmosphere.

In the evenings there is also plenty to do. Munich has some of the best clubs and offers a venue for every kind of music taste.

Insider tips

– Eisbach (a standing wave where surfers test their skills all around the year)

– Tollwood (my favourite festival in Munich. Great atmosphere international cuisine, international music acts)

– Viktualienmarkt (Bavarian market where you can really immerse yourself in the culture and get some great quality food as well)

Cactus offers a range of German courses in Munich. For full details, including start dates and prices, please visit the Cactus Language website.

What makes Orvieto a great Italian study destination?

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1. Beautiful buildings and stunning views

Orvieto is a medieval town and as such still has an array of beautiful, cobbled streets and historic buildings for visitors to enjoy. Its location on top of a cliff amidst the rolling Umbrian countryside is simply stunning, and means that you can enjoy fantastic views that stretch for miles.

2. Good accessibility and affordable travel options

Although Orvieto doesn’t have its own airport, it is located close to Perugia, which has an airport with regular flights to and from the UK. It also enjoys good rail links to the cities of Rome and Florence – the journey from Rome takes just over an hour and from Florence around an hour and a half.

Orvieto is of course smaller and less well-known than Rome and Florence, but this gives it a laid-back atmosphere and a lower cost of living.

3. A fascinating history and lots of interesting sights

Orvieto’s origins date back to the Etruscan era, when the city was actually known as ‘Velzna’. It was a flourishing settlement, which based its economy on ceramics production and bronze manufacture.

In the third century BC the city was invaded by the Romans, who deported the inhabitants to the shores of Lake of Bolsena, where the city of Novi Volsinii was founded. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Orvieto was conquered by the Goths, then by the Byzantines and lastly by the Longobards of the Duchy of Spoleto. During this period Orvieto rivalled Rome in glory and military power but after a while civil and religious battles between the noble families of Orvieto broke out and this situation helped Cardinal Albornoz seize Orvieto in 1364. In 1449 Orvieto finally became part of the Church State and remained so until 1860, the year in which the Kingdom of Italy was created.

There are lots of sights to explore in your free time in Orvieto, including the medieval Duomo (cathedral), the Albornz fortress, a castle on the site of a former Etruscan temple and St Patrick’s Well, whose double spiral staircases date back to the 16th century and run along the sides of the well (62 metres deep) without meeting. Another must-see for any visitor is the underground passages that were dug into the tufa below the city and have been in use since Etruscan times.

4. A mild climate

Orvieto is blessed with a pleasant climate all year round. It enjoys warm, long summers and mild winters with plenty of sunshine – perfect for outdoor drinking and dining, and of course, for enjoying outdoor pursuits such as hiking and biking in the surrounding area.

5. A good range of courses and accommodation options

Course-wise, students can currently choose from General Italian, Individual Italian, Combined Italian and Intensive Italian in Orvieto. The school also offers an Italian and Pizza course or CILS Preparation Course (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) on request. The courses are available from beginner-advanced level, and for however long you wish. Accommodation is offered with local host families, in a shared apartment or in a student residence to cater for all tastes and requirements.

Cactus offers a wide range of Italian language courses in Italy and its islands. Please visit the Cactus Language website for full details and to book.

Learning Spanish in Brighton & Seville: Cactus staff review

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I began learning Spanish when I started working at Cactus in January. Having been to Spain on family holidays and travelled around South America, it felt like the obvious language to learn, as it would be the most beneficial for me and my interest in travelling.

It became apparent how little Spanish I knew on a holiday in Croatia with friends last year. We shared a minibus across the island of Hvar with five Spanish lads, so attempted to communicate with our new ‘amigos’. They felt they needed to apologise for their poor English, which we assured them was very good. As part of our language exchange, we tried to demonstrate our best Spanish. This was embarrassingly limited to cerveza, vino and basic words such as agua and sol. A language course was definitely necessary.

In the first lesson of my Level 1 (beginners) 10-week Spanish course in Brighton, our teacher Carola asked us to write down all the Spanish words that we knew. Between the eight students in the class, our list was quite sparse. Very enthusiastically and interactively, Carola patiently ensured this would change. The two hours flew by and the sense of achievement from what we had learnt by the end of the lesson was incredible. This was the pivotal moment; and 10 months later, now at the end of the Level 3 course, I’m still excited to be learning and improving my knowledge of the language all the time.

As I work with colleagues of various nationalities who can all speak impeccable English, they, along with Carola and my current Spanish teacher Raul, all emphasised how immersing myself in the language and culture was crucial to develop my understanding. I therefore chose to take a 1-week Spanish course in Seville, a city I had never visited but about which I had heard so many wonderful things.

It was immediately apparent when I landed at Seville airport that I would be using the vocabulary I had learnt from the very start. First of all I had to buy a ticket on the bus, and half an hour later I was asking for directions from locals that could not speak English. Here was my big test. Much to my surprise, the lady I asked understood what I was asking and walked down the street with me to my destination, speaking in Spanish along the way. My question made her believe I understood more than I actually did. The fact that I also got the gist of what she was saying gave me a huge boost of confidence.

When I arrived at the school, it became apparent that the staff would speak in Spanish as much as possible to give students total language immersion. If they were not understood they tried to explain with actions, drawings, noises and other words, only using English as a last resort. This is a very effective method and I started to recognise words I was hearing in the classroom, street, restaurants and shops. We were also taught about Andalucía’s cultural heritage, along with the history and importance of areas and buildings around the city. The school provided daily activities including visiting cultural spots in the province, playing sport and watching Spanish films.

Seville is a fantastic location to take a course, providing a linguistic challenge as the locals do not respond in English or Spanglish, as can happen in other towns and cities. It is also a beautiful, old city with lots to see; perfect for language students. I certainly feel more confident with speaking and comprehension and have improved a huge amount since beginning my Level 1 course in January. I am now eagerly looking forward to starting the next level, planning more trips to Spain and eventually mastering the language.

Cactus offers language courses in more than 30 languages, in 60 countries and 500 destinations worldwide. We also run our own language courses in the UK and in the US/Canada, which are the ideal way to learn the basics or brush up on previous language knowledge in advance of a holiday or business trip abroad.

Top 10 foodie destinations in Europe: how to learn a language and woo your stomach

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Cactus is delighted to see that we offer language and/or TEFL courses in ALL 10 cities that made it to the top 10 so, whichever language you want to learn (you’re on a winner with Italian), here’s the pick of places where your linguistic skills will be honed and your taste buds truly wooed. 

1. Florence, Italy image

The first of an impressive five Italian cities to make it into the top 10, the Tuscan city of Florence needs little introduction. An Aladdin’s cave of basilicas, frescoes and piazzas, known the world over for its fine art and architecture, it seems that anyone coming to soak up Florence’s wonders will be treated to a fine feast at the end of a hard day’s sightseeing. Hardly surprising when you consider the abundance of local produce – including pecorino cheese, olive oil and wild game – and world-class wines produced in the surrounding Tuscan hills, Chianti and Montepulciano to name a few. You can even combine your love of food with your language learning by taking an Italian & Cooking course here – the ultimate way to immerse yourself in real Florentine life!

Italian courses in Florence

2. Paris, France image

Inherently proud of their cuisine, there is perhaps no better place to experience the finest of French food than in its capital, Paris. A place of lavish restaurants and Michelin stars, it is easy to splash your cash in gourmet heaven and let an impossibly knowledgeable sommelier talk you into that vintage Burgundy. A treat once in a while, perhaps, but not for the average tourist. Instead, head off down a side-street, surround yourself with the clatter and chatter of a busy bistro, and you’re more than likely to be wowed by ‘simple’ local fayre of steak-frites, veal, moules marinieres, (mussels), bouillabaisse (a Mediterranean-style fish stew), foie gras, charcuterie, salade nicoise and more. With an ample supply of fresh baguette and a carafe of wine on the side, this is dining as the locals do. NB. Cost-conscious diners should consider having their main meal at lunchtime, when you can take advantage of the ‘prix fixe’ menu.

French courses in Paris

3. Rome, Italy image

Steeped in history and compact enough to be able to get around easily, Rome is a great place to learn Italian. And when it comes to eating you won’t be disappointed either. With culinary traditions harking back to the past, you can expect to eat basic yet hearty food while staying in the capital: fresh vegetables (artichoke being the most popular), inexpensive cuts of meat (particularly the innards), salted cod (filetti di baccala), deep-fried courgette flowers (fiori di zucca) and pecorino cheese are common menu items, while ricotta cake may grace your plate for dessert.  Just as well you can walk around easily to work some of it off…

Italian courses in Rome

4. Sorrento, Italy image

Sitting on the coast in Italy’s beautiful Campania region, Sorrento is a place for fish and seafood lovers. With fresh produce plucked from the sea by day and cooked to perfection at your evening meal, it barely matters what you order as you can be sure it will exceed expectations. Even if you order a typical staple such as pasta or pizza, it will be lovingly cooked with locally-produced olive oil, sun-ripened tomatoes and silky mozzarella. And to wash it all down? Why, limonello of course. What else are they going to do with all those lemons? It would be rude not to…

Italian courses in Sorrento

5. York, UK image

An unexpected location on this top 10 list, perhaps, yet there’s a lot more to this northern English city than intially meets the eye – or stomach. Set in the North Yorkshire countryside, York is home to some of the best food and drink providers in the UK – from local farm produce to artisan cheeses, delicatessens and quality butchers. Even going for a simple walk – the Moors and Dales offering superb natural scenery for lovers of the great outdoors – you will be treated to cosy tea rooms and traditional pubs serving wonderfully fresh, home-made produce and local beers. In celebration of its food and drink, York plays host to a string of food-related festivals, including the annual York Food Festival and the Dales Festival of Food; if you’re coming to take a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course, you won’t regret coinciding it with one of these highlights and socialising with the locals who are undeniably proud of their culinary heritage. Cactus offers TEFL courses in York; our closest location for English language courses is Leeds.

TEFL courses in York

6. Siena, Italy image

The little sister to Florence, Siena is an excellent option if you want to enjoy Tuscany on a smaller scale. It is by no means less generous on the food front however. Sienese cuisine is characterised by cereals, pulses, herbs, game and pork, making meats such as wild boar, hare and roast pork popular menu inclusions here. Vegetarians might enjoy specialities such as ribollita (Tuscan vegetable and bread soup, prepared over three days), pici  (thick, chewy spaghetti) and pasta with chickpeas, while there are no barriers to indulging in Siena’s classic sweets of panforte (a cake typically eaten at Christmas) and ricciarelli, crunchy oval-shaped almond biscuits. Then you need simply order a carafe of wine to complete the meal, which will more often than not be a local Chianti far superior to something twice the price back home. 

Italian courses in Siena

7. Bologna, Italy image

“La dotta, la gorda, la rossa”, as it is affectionately known, is testament to Bologna’s credentials as a centre of learning, eating and architecture. La gorda, or ‘the fat one’, refers to its notoriously delicious food which has made it, for many, Italy’s gastronomic capital. In short, it’s impossible to eat badly here. Tagliatelle al ragù (spaghetti bolognese in its original, superior form), lasagna, tortellini, trippa bolognese (tripe served with eggs and cheese) and filetto alla bolognese (calf meat marinated in Marsala wine) are all popular local dishes. You should also add ‘buonissima’ to your Italian vocabulary, particularly for use outside the classroom…as well as meaning ‘very tasty’, an expression that will come in very handy, this is the name of a typical regional cake that’s well worth tasting.

Italian courses in Bologna

8. San Sebastian, Spain image

It could be called fanatical, the Basque relationship with food. Not that they necessarily spend hours over it or charge you a fortune for it – ok, so it may have more Michelin stars per head than anywhere else in the world, but what it really comes down to here is exquisite detail to food in everyday life. Nowhere is this more apparent than in San Sebastian, the capital of Gipuzkoa in the Basque country – and incidentally home to a superb natural bay, making it a fantastic beach resort. In San Sebastian, every other door seems to open into a tapas bar. And each one of these bars seems to creak under the weight of a delectable display of freshly-made tapas, called ‘pinchos’, ranging from quails’ eggs, chorizo, croquettes, anchovies, stuffed peppers, acorn-oil-infused ham and more ham to all manner of seafood to reflect its enviable maritime location: tiger mussels (mejillones tigres), barnacles, salt cod, spider crab and sardines, to name but a few. Just tally it all up and let the barman know how much you’ve had – you won’t want to underestimate as it’s all worth every single cent. ¡Buen provecho!

Spanish courses in San Sebastian

Read about famed gastronomy convention ‘Gastronomika’ in San Sebastian

9. Barcelona, Spain image

People go to Barcelona for many reasons and, if food is yours, then you’ve chosen well. Ninth on the list of Europe’s food heavens, Barcelona offers an enormous number of bars, bistros and restaurants serving typical Catalan specialities such as fideua (similar to paella except with noodles instead of rice) and zarzeula (seafood stew) as well as science-defying dishes inspired by famed local and highly experimental chef Ferran Adrià. If you want a break from eating out, then grab your basket and head for one of the city’s colourful markets (La Boqueria and Sant Antoni are both excellent) to create your very own picnic – an excellent way to practise your Spanish and sample exciting new foods!

Spanish courses in Barcelona

10. Edinburgh, UK image

Being one of Europe’s top tourist destinations, Edinburgh pulls out the stops when it comes to food. Fully aware that it needs to caters to all tastes, you can happily stay here a while and eat Indian, French, Thai, Japanese or Mexican food each night of the week. You can’t come all this way, however, and not indulge in the local specialities, so intrinsic are they to the Scottish way of life. So take your pick from traditional Scottish fayre in the form of haggis (a savoury pudding cooked in a casing of sheep’s intestine – they say not to be put off by the description), deep-fried Mars bars (yes, they really do this), stovies (a potato-based dish), fresh salmon from its very own lochs or real Scottish porridge to start the day…and then you’ll truly be spoilt for choice when it comes to drinking establishments at the end of the day.

English courses in Edinburgh

Cactus offers language courses in more than 30 languages, in 60 countries and 500 destinations worldwide. We also run our own language courses in the UK and in the US/Canada, which are the ideal way to learn the basics or brush up on previous language knowledge in advance of a holiday or business trip abroad.

German course in Berlin: staff review

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I arrived in Prenzlauerberg, one of Berlin coolest neighbourhoods, in an area that was full of cafés, restaurants, cool shops and cool people walking and cycling the streets. And there was the school; a great refurbished complex with an amazing inner courtyard in the most Berlin style possible. The staff were very helpful and they showed me to the studio that was going to be my home for the following week. Again a 10 out of 10. A very cozy place with its own kitchen, great bathroom, high ceilings and big bright windows. Everything was really well organized, as one would expect from the Germans, and after an amazing buffet breakfast on Monday morning, I did my level assessment tests and I was placed with my level group.

The teachers were engaging and very knowledgeable of all aspects of the German language which made learning new language fun and easy. It was interesting to see how all course participants were there for different reasons and how the motivation to learn or the skills for language learning were also different amongst all of us. As usual, some of us got more out of that week than others. It is always up to you to get the most out of anything, isn’t it?

The weather couldn’t have been nicer; sun everyday and an average temperature of 25 degrees..and during the last week of September! The school, the program, the studio, the progress I made and the full experience itself, made of this language trip to Berlin, one of the most amazing holidays I have ever had. I look forward to my next one which I expect to take in June.

Find out more on German courses in Berlin

Top 10 things to see and do in Vienna

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1. Visit the Hofburg and Schönbrunn Palaces

Vienna’s famous Hofburg Palace has housed some of the most powerful people in Austrian history, including the Habsburg dynasty, rulers of the Austro-Hungarian empire. It was the Habsburgs’ principal winter residence, as the Schönbrunn Palace was their preferred summer residence. The Hofburg Palace currently serves as the official residence of the President of Austria.

Both palaces are stunning in appearance, and will give you a great insight into how the rich and powerful lived in centuries gone by. The Hofburg Palace is located in the city centre, but you’ll need to venture a little further out to see the beautiful grounds and gardens of the Schönbrunn Palace, and the world’s oldest zoo that sits within them.

2. Take a tour of St Stephan’s Cathedral

Originally constructed in the twelfth century, ‘Stephansdom’ as it’s known in German, was rebuilt after a fire in 1258 and was heavily damaged during World War II, but the restored cathedral is considered one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. It contains an exquisite collection of religious art and carved altars, and climbing the 343 steps to the top of the south tower, or Steffl, will give you an amazing view of the city.

3. Walk around the Ring

A good way to see Vienna is to take a stroll around the Ring, a series of roads that surround the old city. A city wall once stood here, but the Ring now forms a border around the area, which contains many of Vienna’s most popular sights and attractions. If it’s cold or raining you could choose to take a tram around the Ring, and you’ll still see the main attractions, which include the Hofburg (Imperial Palace), the Museum of Natural History, the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts), the Burgtheater, and the State Opera House, as well as Vienna’s City Park.

4. Spend some time exploring the Museum Quarter

Don’t be fooled into thinking that the museum quarter is sleepy! Enjoying a very central location in Vienna, the museum quarter is in fact known for its vibrancy and for the wealth of bars and restaurants that sit in between and alongside the 12 museums that give the area its name. 

Amongst the many art galleries and city museums located in this district, the Leopold Museum, home to a a prestigious collection of paintings by local Austrian artist Egon Schiele, is a particular highlight, as is the Vienna Museum of Modern Art (Moderner Kunst).

5. Watch a performance at the Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School of Vienna, is a traditional riding school for Lipizzan horses. Lipizza is a small region in Slovenia, and is famous for producing what is widely regarded to be the best classical type of race horse. It’s from this region that the horses have been taken from since the founding of the school in 1572.

Aside from being a centre for classical dressage, it also offers public performances as well as public viewing of some training sessions.

6. Take a coffee break at one of Vienna’s famous coffee houses image

Vienna is famous the world over for its coffee houses (Kaffeehäuser). They offer a fantastic place to relax, watch the world go by, and escape the cold in the winter! Of course, they also give you an opportunity to sample the delights of Austrian baking…of which there are many.  Some of the typical cakes and pastries include:

Strudel – sweet pastry with apple, nut or sweet cheese filling

Beugel – pastry croissant with nuts

Rehrücken – chocolate cake

7. Take a stroll around the Saturday Naschmarkt

The Naschmarkt is Vienna’s largest and most popular outdoor market. Located at the Wienzeile over the Wien River it spans about 1 and a half kilometres and has existed since the 16th century. Nowadays, you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables from around the world, you can sample delights from local restaurant stalls and there is also a flea market to peruse.

8. Visit the State Opera House

Vienna is quite simply synonymous with opera, and even if you don’t appreciate the art form itself, the opera house is well worth a look in its own right. One of the top opera addresses in the world, the famous place offers a different programme every day, with over 50 operas and ballet works on around 300 days per season. There is actually a museum dedicated solely to the opera house, which has been in existence for 140 years.

9. Watch the world go by in Stephansplatz image

Stephansplatz is situated right in the heart of Vienna and is home to the magnificent St Stephan’s cathedral. Sitting in the square you can indulge in a spot of people-watching, and of course, enjoy the street performances and the coming and going of the gothic-looking horses and carriages that offer tourist rides around to city too . The main shopping streets in Vienna are very close to Stephansplatz as well, if you fancy pampering yourself for an afternoon!

10. Enjoy a ride on the Wiener Reisenrad

The Wiener Riesenrad is a Ferris wheel at the entrance of the Prater amusement park in Leopoldstadt, the 2nd district of Austria’s capital Vienna. It is now one of Vienna’s most popular tourist attractions, and symbolises the district as well as the city for many people.

The Riesenrad was one of the earliest Ferris wheels, erected in 1897 to celebrate Emperor Franz Josef I’s golden Jubilee. At this time it was the largest in the world with an overall height of almost 65 metres. Not only will it enable you to experience a slice of Viennese history, it’ll also give you a fantastic view over the city.

Cactus offers a range of German courses and accommodation options in Vienna. For full details or to book please visit the Cactus Language website.

Top 10 things to do in Boston

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Amongst the list of things that you should definitely do during your stay in Boston are:

1. Walk the Freedom Trail

Boston has huge significance in American history, and the Freedom Trail is a path that leads through downtown Boston and passes 16 of the city’s most significant historical sites. Included amongst them are the Old State House, from whose balcony the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed in 1776, the Granary Burying Ground where many notable Revolutionary War-era patriots were laid to rest, and finally, the Bunker Hill Monument, a granite obelisk that was built to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Walking the trail (2.5 miles in length) will give you a great insight into the history not only of Boston itself, but also into the foundation of the United States of America as it is today.

2. Visit Harvard and MIT

Boston is well-known worldwide for its academia, in particular for being home to the prestigious universities of Harvard and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Harvard is not only one of the world’s best universities, it’s also one of the oldest, and a trip out to Cambridge to see its 210-acre campus is well worth the effort. To walk takes over an hour, but the subway will get you there in 10 minutes, so unless you have very comfortable shoes, this is probably a better option!

Although a more modern establishment, MIT also has a fantastic reputation worldwide. MIT buildings are scattered along Massachusetts Avenue, which leads out to Harvard, so can easily be visited in the same trip.

3. Take in a baseball game at Fenway Park

Aside from Harvard and the Independence Movement, Boston is also famous internationally for its beloved Red Sox baseball team. The Red Sox are one of America’s best baseball teams, and one of which Bostonians are hugely proud. The atmosphere at any Red Sox game will be electric and will give you an insight into one of Boston’s true passions.

4. Take a stroll through Boston Common and Boston Public Garden

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As the starting point for the Freedom Trail, you will be guaranteed a glimpse of Boston’s attractive Common, but just next door is the beautiful Public Garden, which is well worth a visit in its own right. Aside from the historic monuments and statues, and the botanical park, there is also the famous lagoon with its swan boats. Even if you don’t want a ride on them, just sitting by the side taking in the views will keep you entertained. The park is particularly nice in the autumn as the leaves turn a mix of vibrant red and orange.

5. Spend an evening in one of Boston’s Irish bars

Boston is home to a huge number of Irish people, and people with Irish heritage, and there remains today a massive amount of Irish bars in and around the city. An evening in an Irish bar might not teach you an awful lot about the history of immigration, but you’ll be assured a really fun evening and some good ‘craic’ as the Irish would say!

6. Enjoy some mouth-watering delights in Quincy Market

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Any food-lover who visits Quincy Market in downtown Boston will quite simply be in heaven. In fact, you could easily turn up at midday and be wheeled out 4 hours later! The indoor market houses food stall after food stall, all serving up some delicious offerings – whether you want local fare like clam chowder or New England lobster, or more exotic delicacies like Japanese noodles, there’ll be something to tickle your taste-buds…

7. Visit the Boston Aquarium

Another of Boston’s top attractions, the Boston Aquarium is located on the city’s waterfront, and is credited with revolutionizing the modern aquarium experience for visitors through its emphasis on a more natural setting for aquatic life. Visitors can see sharks, turtles, stingrays, penguins and even a Giant Pacific Octopus.

8. Have a pizza at Figs Restaurant

Boston is brimming with quality places to eat, but one of the best has to be Figs restaurant on up-market Charles Street. The restaurant has a nice intimate feel, and the pizzas are fantastic. It’s probably worth sharing though, as the size of a standard pizza would beat even the mightiest of appetites!

9. Have a beer at the original Cheers bar

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Although it’s been off our tv screens for a while now, the sitcom Cheers was a worldwide favourite for many, many years. Just to the side of Boston Common is the original bar that the Cheers bar was based on (the Bull and Finch pub), and above it, a reproduction of the Hollywood set where the series was filmed. The atmosphere and the food are good, and anyone who remembers the series will especially enjoy the experience.

10. Take a day trip to Salem

Whilst there’s plenty to keep you entertained in Boston itself, if you fancy getting out of the city for a day one good option is a trip out to the town of Salem. Only half an hour or so by train from Boston, Salem was one of the most significant seaports in early America, but is better known for being the location of the infamous Witch Trials of 1962. A lot of the attractions are seriously kitsch, but it’s nevertheless an interesting spot to visit.

Cactus offers a range of English courses in Boston at a variety of levels.