Do you dread the day the clocks go back and spend the next 6 months waiting for summer? Or do you like to snuggle up when the cold sets in and relish the thought of all the snow and festivities? We thought it was time we gave you a little help (seeing as we have so many holidays to choose from)...

1. Do you live for the summer, or is the winter a great excuse to wrap up and be cosy?	a) A holiday is no holiday without any sun b) I like warm weather but don't need to sit in the sun all day c) Furry coats, woolly scarves & warm fires...mmm
2. Do you fancy yourself as a bit of a John Travolta or does the thought of dancing fill you with dread?	a) Show me the moves b) I'd need a few beers before hitting the dance floor c) I'd prefer to watch any dancing from the safety of the bar
3. Do you go on holiday armed with novels or travel guides?	a) Call me Dr. Jones: the more there is to do the better. b) I need things to do but I also like time to relax. c) Lonely Planet? Danielle Steele don't you mean?
4. Are you a city slicker or do you crave the great outdoors?	a) Lie me on a beach, slide me down a mountain or surround me with monkeys b) I like a beer at the end of the day but want to be able to wear my flip flops to the bar c) I'm packing my party clothes and credit card to hit the shops and clubs in style

Now tot up your scores, find out your language holiday personality below & click on the pics for more info...

Mostly a)s The Holiday: Hot & Spicy	Spanish & Tango in Buenos Aires - 1 week £179   Spanish & Skiing in Chile - 2 wks £339   Volunteer Costa Rica 8 weeks £1049 OR OR
Mostly b)s The Holiday: Pick 'n' Mix	Italian in Venice 1 week £159   French & Wine Tasting, Bordeaux - 2 wks £539   Spanish in San Sebastian 1 week £139 OR OR
Mostly c)s The Holiday: City Chic	Russian in St Petersburg 1 week £119   German in Berlin 2 weeks £309   Czech in Prague 1 week £169 OR OR

Sarah Spencer: Senior Language Holidays Advisor

Where: Puerto de la Cruz + Costa Adeje, Tenerife

The Cactus Opinion: "Puerto de la Cruz: We had a lovely shared flat, very spacious and clean and in a quiet residential area. The school itself is located right on the seafront in the heart of town. It's in a lovely building with a beautiful circular courtyard inside and lots of light, conveniently located just above a friendly Spanish bar. There are good facilities in the school and free internet use for students. The Director of Studies and admin staff are very friendly and helpful, ready to anwer your questions. I was placed in a group a little harder than my level, but this challenged me and kept my attention! I did improve my Spanish but it was hard work!

Costa Adeje is very commercialised, only a little less than Las Americas. It mainly consists of large tourist hotels and seafront restaurants so you do have to try hard to practise the language. The school is very modern and bright and is inside a complex of apartments, shops and restaurants, directly in front of a large swimming pool. Most of the students stay in apartments in the complex or nearby so its very convenient. Ideal really only for those wanting a Spanish and Sun holiday!

Overall, the main place of interest on the island is the majestic El Teide volcano. We visited it about 4 times from different angles and were lucky to have clear skies. Its well worth a trip to the Island's capital Santa Cruz to get the permit to climb the summit, and at 3,718m it's not for the faint-hearted! I would certainly recommend hiring a car and exploring the hill-top villages and national park."

More Info on Spanish Courses: email Sarah

Jessica Hartridge: Creative Designer

Where: Sorrento, Italy
The Cactus Opinion: "Autumn and Sorrento make a very good mix. The gentle sun makes the old town shimmer in a magical glow. Here you have the best of many worlds: turquoise waters, sandy beaches, majestic Italian architecture, mountains and designer shops…not to mention the ice-cream. My accommodation and school exceeded my expectations; authentic AND modern. On reflection I’ve decided that it was my teachers, Luana and Felicita, who gave me the best insight into Italy and what it means to be Italian."
Special Offer: Until 30th Nov - 20% off Italian & Cooking Course in Sorrento!
More Info on Italian Courses: email Laura

François Chevalier: Accounts

Where: Brighton, UK
The Cactus Opinion: "This was the perfect course for people wishing to get started in business English or expand their existing knowledge. You cover a various range of topics like negotiation, finance and management, and you will certainly be able to use the majority of what you learn in the business world."
More Info on English Courses: email Anna

Sarah Gooding: Head of Creative & PR

Where: Taormina, Sicily
The Cactus Opinion: "Taormina is beautiful and it's hardly surprising it attracts so many visitors. The views of Mount Etna are stunning and the town itself has plenty of cafés, bars and pizzerias where you can relax after class (and, of course, practise your Italian). The school is small and friendly and there is an activity on offer every day, which is a great way to meet other students! You could easily spend a few weeks in Sicily exploring Taormina and the rest of the island - one week didn't seem long enough!"
More Info on Italian Courses: email Laura

Christmas Courses in Spain

How it got to November is beyond us. But the shops are full of tinsel and we're already being told how to cook the perfect turkey. Does this do as little for you as the thought of all that drizzle and cold weather? We have the solution - read on...

From 20th Dec - 31st Dec our 2 week Christmas Courses in Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, Salamanca and Marbella offer the unique opportunity to study Spanish and take part in a whole range of typical Spanish Christmas activities, such as visits to nativity exhibitions and the Epiphany parade. It also goes without saying that is the party season, so where better to sip your champagne than on La Rambla, in a late-night tapas bar, or overlooking the Mediterranean? We think you'll agree that £239 is a bargain price for Christmas with a difference.

For more details please click on the location links above or email our resident Spanish expert, Elvira.

2005 Prices

We're also delighted to report that most of our 2005 prices are now up on our website and courses are still great value for money. Why wait for the new year? Get booking now and have something to look forward to once the festivities are over.

Visit our website and Book Now!

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