For millennia music has been a tool which allows humans to connect, express and celebrate. With the vast array of cultures and peoples in the world it is no wonder that genres of music differ across the globe. We have taken a look at some of the most unique, popular and interesting music from around the world.
From the rock and pop world through to classical and traditional music, this list only scratches the surface of the differing music styles across the planet. You can take a language course plus music in different places across the world.
The Best Italian Language Schools – From Naples to Venice!
Can you imagine a better way to learn Italian than to immerse yourself in ‘la Dolce Vita’ and to head to the promised land of pizza, pasta, wine and romance? Neither can we! A language holiday in Italy at one of the Best Italian Schools is an incomparable opportunity to get to know the Italian culture, cuisine and lifestyle, all whilst learning the language.
With Cactus you can travel to more than 10 cities across the country. We know how important it can be to choose the best school that fits your specific needs and that’s why our team of experts has put together a list of the Best Italian Language Schools to help you select your perfect Italian language learning get away!
Central Naples: our Italian Ministry of Education accredited school offers both standard general Italian courses and the possibility for you to combine language learning with Italian cooking lessons. Indulge in homemade authentic Italian pizza in the very birthplace of pizza!
Situated in the heart of the university district of Naples, close to both the seaside and the main attractions, the location offers a relaxed, youthful atmosphere. Naples is a truly charming, authentically South-Italian city where you can live like the locals. You can also visit Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast and also the Islands of Capri and Procida.
Campo Santa Margherita: our EDUITALIA accredited school offers general Italian language courses of different intensities, as well as a standard course combined with cooking, art or history. Our Venice school offers a chance to learn Italian in this fairy-tale like floating city built on 118 islands, connected to each other by 354 bridges.
Venice is a magical city characterised by bridges, canals, masked festivals and romance. Make your Venice dream come true by booking an Italian language course in this one-of-a-kind destination.
Ponte Vecchio: is a unique location overlooking the river Arno as well as Ponte Vecchio, one of the most famous sights of the city. Our EDUITALIA accredited school offers general courses, as well as a combination of Italian and cooking. There is also a course aimed for more mature language learners over the age of 40.
The 40+ course combines Italian lessons with a variety of cultural activities, such as visits to museums, vineyards and artisanal shops. In addition to these activities you can take a Tuscan tales-programme, where you study in Florence for one week, and then take your second week on the stunning Island of Elba.
Roma Termini: undeniably has a lot to offer its students, situated right next to Rome Termini, just walking distance from the Colosseum and many more world-renown landmarks that will all be on your ‘must-see’ list for Rome.
Our Italian Ministry of Education and EAQUALS accredited school offers general Italian courses both in the morning and in the afternoon. The school offers language plus courses that combine Italian with either cooking or cultural activities, and the school also specialises in 50+ programmes.
Central Sorrento: this school offers a standard course, an Italian + cooking course as well as a fifty plus programme. Outside of class the school offers a range of activities! You can choose from cooking and gelato-making sessions and visits to local mozzarella, olive oil and limoncello factories. Even though Sorrento is a small town, there’s a lot to do!
Sorrento offers a warm small-town atmosphere and stunning views. Sorrento is also close to the stunning Amalfi Coast where the impressive rocky cliffs meet the sea. The Amalfi Drive, or SS163, in undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous road-trips in Europe.
Please check our How to Book page for more information on the simple secure and easy online booking process. Check the location links to find more information on the Best Italian Language Schools.
For information on any of our Best Italian Language Schools, please call us on +44 (0) 1273 830 960 or contact us. Our multilingual team will be happy to answer any question you may have.
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Cactus language offers the following types of language courses:
Evening language courses: 19 different languages in 15 UK locations Language holidays: worldwide immersion courses in the country of the language Private tuition: tailor-made and corporate language training solutions throughout the world TEFL: teacher training courses for both English and other languages all over the world
Online courses: for teacher training, English and French
Are you looking to go abroad and learn a new language? Are you thinking of how to make the most of you money when abroad? Where you can learn a language and enjoy your summer holidays?
Choosing the best language holidays on a budget is an important task so it’s more important than ever to be clever about your budgeting and spending on your language holiday. Follow our top 7 tips for a language holidays on-a-shoestring and you can still take your language holiday abroad, have a fantastic time and improve your language skills, without breaking the bank.
1. Different Schools, Different Prices
Different schools are priced differently according to their location, size and facilities available to the students. Cactus Language only offers schools with high quality tuition and accommodation however, there is a range of prices so check online for the different locations and school to make sure you find the best deal.
If you are not sure, one of our advisors can help you find the best option for your language holidays on-a-shoestring.
2. Check the Special Offers
Cactus Language always has some great special offers available for a wide range of languages and locations. Often these special offers are unique to Cactus and cannot be found anywhere else, so make sure you check out our offers page.
The special offer are valid for Adult courses, 50+ courses and Junior summer camps.
3. Change Currency Before you Go
Ordering money online or going to the Post Office is a great way of avoiding those high commission charges at the airport or when you take money out of a cash machine. Plan ahead and you could save yourself a bundle when planning a language holidays on-a-shoestring.
4. Use a comparison website
There are some great comparison sites such as Skyscanner and Edreams that will give you the best priced air tickets. If you are flexible on your dates then you will have even more chance of getting yourself a bargain on your airfare.
5. Get Funding from Your Employer
This is not one many people consider but it’s definitely worth asking. Most companies have an allocated training budget and if improving your language skills will help you in your job then you have a great case for getting some, if not all, of your language course paid for by your company as part of your professional development training.
6. Stay with a Host Family
Staying with a host-family means a higher degree of cultural integration and an improved opportunity to practise the language you are learning. In addition to these great benefits staying with a host family is generally cheaper than staying in a shared apartment or studio, and the host family will provide breakfast or breakfast and dinner for a cheaper rate than eating out or buying your own groceries.
7. Download Travel Apps like Time Out
Travel apps give you a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips, from maps to historical information, free events to the coolest bars and restaurants, it’s great to be in the know when you are new to a city. Download these before you go and you could even try using the app in the language you are learning.
How to Book a Language Holidays On-a-Shoestring?
Please check our How to Book page for more information on the simple secure and easy online booking process. Check the location links to find more information about language holidays on-a-shoestring and start learning a language.
For information on any of our language courses or language holidays on-a-shoestring, please call us on +44 (0) 1273 830 960 or contact us. Our multilingual team will be happy to answer any question you may have before you start a summer adventure.
Cactus language offers the following types of language courses:
Evening language courses: 23 different languages in 11 UK locations Language holidays: worldwide immersion courses in the country of the language Private tuition: tailor-made and corporate language training solutions throughout the world TEFL: teacher training courses for both English and other languages all over the world
Online courses: for teacher training, English and French
There is no better way to learn or improve your Japanesethan by fully immersing yourself in the language and taking a course in Japan. Japan is an exceptional country, offering a unique language and travel experience. Not only will you learn the language, but also understand more about Japanese traditions, culture, and landmarks. Choosing the right Japanese language school for your goals and needs is important. Our team of experts has put together a list of the Best Japanese Schools Japan including popular destinations such as Tokyoand Kyoto!
Tokyo – Shinjuku: offers a great location in the heart of Shinjuku with flexible classes and both traditional culture courses and popular culture courses. The courses at our Tokyo school are unlike most Japanese language courses as they are aimed at speakers of non-kanji languages including most European languages. The school has been offering courses for a many years and is an IALC and Yokoso Japan accredited centre.
Tokyo gives you a wonderful mix of cutting edge, futuristic, high-tech, modern living alongside old-fashioned traditions and manners. Visit the Sensō-ji temple, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Skytree or Tsukiji fish and seafood market whilst learning Japanese. New and exciting adventures can be discovered on the streets of Tokyo each and every day. Why not study Japanese at one of our best Japanese schools Japan in Tokyo.
Gion District: located only a couple of minutes away from the great Gion district. This school is an IALC and Yokoso Japan accredited centre. With their small classes and qualified teachers they will give you individual and personalised attention, making it easier and faster for you to learn Japanese.
Kyoto is a great place to discover the traditional Japanese culture with its Buddhist temples, shrines, castles and gardens. But this city is not just about history and tradition, it is also the home of great technology companies such as Nintendo. Pick up one of the latest gadgets in one of the technology shopping malls and take advantage of the great activities programme and explore nearby Kobeand Osaka.
Motomachi – Kobe: is in the centre of the shopping district and in the middle of all the action. This school gives you a unique study environment with a cutting edge curriculum. This friendly school will ensure you improve your Japanese in a short period of time.
Kobe is one of Japan’s most attractive cities with really friendly and open-minded locals, and is also close to Kyoto and Osaka. At first glance, Kobe is a modern, vibrant metropolitan centre, but it doesn’t take long to see the unique personalities of the many villages that make up the old town. Enjoy Kobe’s stunning mix of old and new and join one of our Japanese courses in Kobe.
Central Fukuoka:located in Tenjin, in the heart of Fukuoka and close to many of Fukuoka’s main sights. This school is modern, with fantastic facilities, highly qualified teachers and is accredited by IALC and Yokoso Japan. You can choose from a wide range of different courses such as Standard Japanese, Traditional Culture and Pop Culture.
Fukuoka is therefore a great location, not only to learn the language but also experience the fascinating Japanese culture. Enjoy the temples, gardens, the nightlife, and also the world famous sumo-tournaments. The city enjoys pleasant weather all year round which means you can take advantage of its beautiful beaches, which are some of the best you can find in Japan. Why not also try some famous dishes connected to Fukuoka such as Tonkotsu Ramen (pork bones and noodles) and Motsunabe (boiled offal)? Combine all these amazing experiences with a Japanese immersion course in Fukuoka.
Please check our How to Book page for more information on the simple secure and easy online booking process. Check the location links to find more information on the Best Japanese Schools Japan.
For information on any of our Best Japanese Schools Japan, please call us on +44 (0) 1273 830 960 or contact us. Our multilingual team will be happy to answer any question you may have.
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Cactus language offers the following types of language courses:
Evening language courses: 19 different languages in 15 UK locations Language holidays: worldwide immersion courses in the country of the language Private tuition: tailor-made and corporate language training solutions throughout the world TEFL: teacher training courses for both English and other languages all over the world
Online courses: for teacher training, English and French
Our Top 7 Places to Learn Spanish in Spain and Latin America
There are many fantastic places to take a Spanish language course, from capital cities and historic towns, to tropical beaches and local villages. Spain, home of Castilian Spanish, is the first choice for many, however, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous then Latin America offers many wonderful and fascinating locations to improve your español! Find our Top 7 Places to Learn Spanish!
Bocas Del Toro is a little-known archipelago of Caribbean Islands with a hippy-beach-vibe combined with world-class diving. A fantastic place to kick-back and relax but also home to one of the best schools in Central America. Improve your Spanish in a small group setting during the day, and dance the night away at el Barco Hundido – a bar set right over the sea with its own shipwreck!
Havana is a splendid city, there is a nostalgic charm to its dilapidated exterior yet is so beautiful the photos can never do it justice. From impromptu salsa dancing in the street, to mojitos with the locals, you will be awed and inspired by their energy and enthusiasm, for their lives, and in particular for their country.
In Havana all Spanish courses are held in the homestay accommodation, with the teacher delivering classes in the living/dining area of the accommodation. This is a great immersive experience as you not only get to live with Spanish speakers but also have the structure of more formal training with your teacher. And in your free time you can explore the fascinating Havana at your leisure.
Buenos Aires is culturally in a class of its own. Its traditions and attributes are strong, and cannot be confused with any other city on the planet. Argentinian tango, asado (Argentinian steak cooked the Argentinian way), Argentinian red wine (Malbec) and Argentinian football (Boca Juniors or River Plate) are all a key part of Buenos Aires, its people and their way of life.
If you are unfamiliar with the Argentinian accent you will find there are some differences in the pronunciation but given the friendliness of the people you will be chatting with the locals in no time, becoming the best of friends.
If you went to Barcelona and fell in love, then Valencia should be next on your list. Valencia has fewer tourists and more affordable prices than its neighbour up the coast, but keeps the great beaches, fantastic food and chilled vibe.
Our school in Valencia is unique in its decor and arguably offers the best Spanish language teaching in the country. Being so close to the rest of Europe and with such good flight connections there really is no reason not to squeeze in a cheeky week in Valencia.
OK, forget Narcos, that’s Medellín anyway. Cartagena is the perfect place to learn Spanish if you want to combine your learning experience with an unforgettable beach experience.
Cartagena has many faces and the one that cannot be missed is Cartagena’s Old Town, a Unesco World Heritage site, lying within 13km of centuries-old colonial stone walls. Historic, colourful and vibrant, this alone is enough to warrant Cartagena a place in our top 7 places to learn Spanish.
Cusco is a pretty colonial town, with a great night life and the starting point for many a person wishing to trek up to Machu Picchu. Cusco appeals for its size and local feel. This is not a big city and in just a few days you will feel like a local. Cusco is a great jumping off point to discover other parts of Peru and Bolivia, yet it is also the perfect place to stop for a few weeks, and get that Spanish up to scratch. There are also plenty of fabulous bars and restaurants to experience the drink of Peru – the pisco sour.
No top 7 places to learn Spanish list would be complete without the ever-popular Barcelona, an amazing location to learn Spanish. Worth a visit any time of the year as a city-on-the-beach Barcelona really comes into its own during the summer months.
Gaudi, the old town, great shopping and the Catalan air of sophistication that is unique to Barcelona, gives the city it’s ‘encanto’ that has made it so popular. With a busy language student population Barcelona is the place to go to meet like-minded people.
Please check our How to Book page for more information on the simple secure and easy online booking process. Check the location links to find more information on the Top 7 Places to Learn Spanish.
For information on any of our Top 7 Places to Learn Spanish, please call us on +44 (0) 1273 830 960 or contact us. Our multilingual team will be happy to answer any question you may have.
Cactus language offers the following types of language courses:
Evening language courses: 19 different languages in 15 UK locations Language holidays: worldwide immersion courses in the country of the language Private tuition: tailor-made and corporate language training solutions throughout the world TEFL: teacher training courses for both English and other languages all over the world
Online courses: for teacher training, English and French
