Peter Pearson, Santiago de Cuba

"The 'school' is actually Raquel's living room and the classes took place in the corridor of the teacher's
ex-husband's house. But everything is totally different in Cuba, due to the economic difficulties of the country, and in this very different context everything was fine.

For me, the accommodation was perfect. I was with an elderly couple, Experanza and Joel, and from the beginning I was treated like one of their sons. What I particularly liked was the fact that I was part of the family and they were always around to talk to or to joke with. They adapted the food to my tastes and did everything they could to make my stay enjoyable.

I loved the fact that I was given an opportunity to discover what the real Cuba is like by living with a family and having lessons from someone who knew about all aspects of Cuban life. I would hate to go as a tourist and come away not knowing anything about the history or culture of the place."

For more info on Peter's course in Santiago de Cuba >>

Alison Bell Jones, Milan

"Excellent location close to the Centrale Station of Milan. The beginners course was excellent and pitched at exactly the right level, with a great combination of grammar, conversation and games so we never got bored. Barbara was a fantastic teacher (as reflected in our end of course exams!) and it was great the way we were not allowed to speak English in the lessons, just Italian, which meant you were totally absorbed in Italian every morning."

For more info on Alison's course in Milan >>

Laura Woodhead, Vichy

"Vichy is perfectly situated between the mountains and rivers in the Auvergne region. It has lush green parks & gardens and a stunning lake - truly 'une belle ville'. Vichy is a spa town which boasts exceptional sporting facilities and is famous for its sulphurus springs, which are said to cure all types of ailments. A 'séjour' in Vichy will really give you a healthy body and mind!

Tthe school has outstanding facilities for students including a large mulit-media centre, cultural and leisure activities and a library. Themed dinners, sporting activities, visits to castles and cultural events such as concerts, ballets and conferences are just some of the activities available. Accommodation options range from host families and students residences to private studios and hotels."

Laura is Head of School Groups at Cactus Language. If you would like any more information on Vichy or any of our locations in France and Italy, please send an email >>