Language Holidays Archives | Page 3 of 3

St Valentine’s Day Special

St Valentine’s Day Special: 3 Destinations to Learn the Language of Love

True love is worthy of celebration everyday but there is no better way to demonstrate your affection than to share a learning experience in one of these three breathtakingly romantic cities – Paris, Venice or Rome. St Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and we can help you choose the perfect gift for your partner with our Valentine’s Day offers.

Paris: French & Free Theatre/Opera show

How about traversing the charming Parisian streets, with the Eiffel Tower in the background, while you fully savour the city and parle a little francais? Improve your French language and cultural knowledge all at the same time by taking advantage of free tickets for the theatre or opera. Exclusive accommodation is also included in the package price of £514 per person per week.
St Valentine’s Special Offer: French courses Paris

Venice: Italian & Cultural Programme

The City of Bridges, The City of Masks, Queen of the Adriatic… its multiple monikers tell a story of many faces. Discover Venice with your beloved and fall in love with its amazing architecture, magical streets, and each other – all while you learn the beautiful Italian language. Our package includes Italian classes and accommodation in a private reconverted cloister, all for just £450 per person per week.
St Valentine’s Special Offer: Italian courses Venice

Rome: Italian & Wine course

The Romans believed that no matter what happened to the world, Rome would go on forever and the Eternal City, with its enduring and historical landmarks, has defeated the test of time. Rome is a city that you need to visit at least once in your lifetime and in this eternal city you may just find eternal love. Taste not just the delicious Italian food but also the language of love, while you indulge in wonderful Italian wines. Could this be the perfect St Valentine’s Day option for you?
St Valentine’s Special Offer: Italian + Cooking courses in Rome

Contact Us

For more information on any of our worldwide language holidays please call us on 01273 830 960 or email us. Our multilingual team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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Cactus language offers the following types of language courses:

Evening language courses: 19 different languages in 10 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

Top 3 German Course Destinations this Winter

Winter in Germany: learn a language and immerse yourself in German culture

By Kathrin Schmitz

Germany, also known as ’the land of poets and thinkers’ is one of the most dynamic, multicultural and attractive countries in the European Union and a top tourist destination. The German language is spoken by over a hundred million people worldwide and the second most commonly used for scientific communications, as well as one of the more creative and widely employed business languages. Check out our top 3 locations for learning German in the country it is spoken.

Cologne

Internationally known for its famous Cathedral, Cologne is one of the cultural hotspots in Germany. The fourth largest city of the country offers something for everyone; visit one of the over 20 museums, go shopping in the city-centre, take a boat trip on the Rhine, or have a beer in one of the many pubs and try some Cologne specialities. If you visit Cologne in February, you can experience one of the craziest festivals in Germany, the Cologne carnival. The Kölsche Lück (Cologne accent for people from Cologne) will welcome you with open arms.
German courses in Cologne

Berlin

Many monuments in Berlin resonate the city’s troublesome past but the capital of Germany has reinvented itself into a trendy and cosmopolitan city. It has a broad music and art scene and attracts creative minds from all over the world. Experience this international flair first-hand by visiting the Berlinale, one of the most important International Film Festivals in Europe. A visit to the Olympic stadium, a day at the Zoo (which holds the most comprehensive collection of species in the world), a crazy night in the clubs … Berlin offers activities for anyone and it won’t leave you disappointed.
German courses in Berlin

Munich

Despite attracting millions of people during the Octoberfest, the most liveable city in Germany attracts many tourists from all over the world all year round. Historic buildings, squares, parks and castles define the charm of the city. With easy access to the Bavarian Alps, Munich is the top destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Another thing you can’t miss is a visit to the famous Hofbräuhaus to try one of Germany’s finest beers.
German courses in Munich

Contact Us

For more information on any of our worldwide language holidays please call us on 01273 830 960 or email us. Our multilingual team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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Cactus language offers the following types of language courses:

Top 8 Things to Do in Moscow in Winter!

By Teva Serna

February is one of the best times to visit Russia and Moscow, as you will get to experience the magic of a real Russian winter. In January and February, snow reigns over the city creating enchanting and beautiful panoramas. Wrap up warm, sip some vodka, and make sure you experience at least a couple of our top 8 things to do in Moscow in Winter!

The Kremlin

The most famous area in Moscow. Hidden behind high red stonewalls is the seat of the Russian government – a historic complex with colourful and impressive churches and palaces home to numerous artifacts and stories.

Ice Skating (Катание на коньках)

Have fun on one of Moscow’s many ice rinks. Whether you prefer the classic Red Square’s ice rink or the ice labyrinth in Gorky Park, you will find a place to glide over the ice throughout the capital.

The Red Square

Take a stroll around the most famous square in the world and currently the official residence of the President of Russia, then make your way towards the multicolour Saint Basil’s Cathedral.

The Bolshoi Theatre

A ‘must-do’ for many on a trip to Moscow. There is no better place to enjoy the ballet than at The Bolshoi Theatre and with all year round performances by some of the best dancers in the world the most difficult part is choosing which ballet to enjoy.

The Old Arbat

Stroll along Moscow’s main pedestrian street, once home to the country’s greatest artists. Stop in a restaurant to taste the savoury borscht (soup made of beetroot) after shopping for some matryoshkas (Russian nesting doll) to take back home as a souvenir. We like Café Mu Mu for an authentic Russian lunch.

Exhibitions (Выставки)

If you are passionate about contemporary art, head to the modernist Garage Museum in Gorky Park for exhibitions, artistic performances and film screenings.

Banya (Баня)

Warm up, relax and pamper yourself in one of the traditional Russian bath houses for a true winter experience. We like the Sandunóvskie Baths or Sanduný, which is a cultural and architectural landmark in downtown Moscow, just near the Central Bank of Russia.

Your Stay in Moscow

Take advantage of our special offers and save up to £235 when taking a Russian language course in Moscow this winter! Standard course (20 lessons per week) with homestay (bed and breakfast) or shared flat accommodation included from £650 for 2 weeks. Intensive course (25 lessons per week) with half-board homestay accommodation included from £855 for 2 weeks. These offers are available when booking before 31st January 2017, for a course between 1st February 2017 and 28th April 2017. Want to do a Russian tour? Why not combine one week in Moscow and one week in St Petersburg? Simply let us know at the time of your booking. Transfer costs between the two cities are not included.

Contact Us

For more information on any of our worldwide language holidays please call us on 01273 830 960 or email us. Our multilingual team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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Cactus language offers the following types of language courses:

Join the Magic in Venice: Don’t Mask your Curiosity

It’s Carnival Time in Venice: Enter the Magical World of Masks

by Kathrin Schmitz

The Carnevale di Venezia (Venice Carnival) is an almost one thousand year old tradition, after being banned for almost 200 years under the rule of the King of Austria, the Carnevale returned to the streets of Venice in 1979. Since then, the carnival in Venice has became one of the most popular celebrations in Europe with approximately 3 million visitors per year. Venice carnival always takes place between February and March. Explore the city of Venice, take an Italan language course and discover the magic of Carnival!

What happens at Carnevale?

The historic carnival was a colourful and spectacular event with theatre shows, ropewalkers, jugglers, exhibitions of exotic animals and fireworks. The streets of Venice Carnival were full of people in masks, and no differentiation could be made between nobility and the common people. Today’s carnival still tries to convey the flair of the 18th century when the Venetian carnival was at its height. The celebrations start with water parades through the canals of the floating city, artistic performances and celebrations in San Marco square. You can still see some acrobatic arts during the Volo di Angelo (flight of the angel) when an artist flies from the clock tower down to San Marco square.

The most distinctive and popular feature of the Venetian carnival, however, are the masks. Masks have always been important in the Venetian culture and mascheraro (maskmaker) was a reputable profession. As masks were also allowed on Ascension and from October 5th to Christmas, people could spend a large portion of the year in disguise. Nowadays there is a competition every year for la maschera più bella (the most beautiful mask).

Types of masks

Volto – the modern Venetian mask. Covers the entire face but doesn’t allow wearer to eat. Mostly worn with a cloak and tricorn.
Bauta – covers the entire face but still enables the wearer to eat, drink and talk. Often combined with a black cape and tricorn. Originally worn by men
Colombina – a half-mask often decorated with gold, feathers, crystals. Originally worn by women
Medico della peste (The Plague Doctor) – very distinctive mask with a long beak. Originally used by doctors to prevent spreading of the plague
Moretta – a black oval mask which didn’t allow the wearer to speak. Therefore also called Muta (mute). Was mostly worn by women.

Why Study Italian in Venice?

So pick your mask and dive into the fantastic world of the Carnevale di Venezia. Discover the famous canals on a gondola, try the Italian delicacies and go on wine tasting sessions. If you would like join people from all over the world at the Carnevale and to combine your masquerade adventure with learning Italian, Cactus Language offers Italian courses in the centre of Venice! You can study Italian from 1 week up to 52 weeks and choose from general Italian courses to Italian and Cooking courses. All courses are delivered by accredited Italian language schools.

How to Book an Italian Course in Venice?

Please check our How to Book page for more information on the simple secure and easy online booking process. Check the link to find more information about any of our Italian courses and discover the Venice Carnival.

For information on any of our language courses or to study Italian in Venice, Italy, 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.

BOOK YOUR ITALIAN COURSE TODAY

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Cactus language offers the following types of language courses:

Meet Hannah – Our Portuguese Language Holiday Winner

Our Portuguese Language Holiday Winner is off to The Algarve!

by Maria Ansede

During the Language Show 2016 Cactus Language offered visitors the chance to win a language holiday abroad. Having received 100s of entries we selected one name at random and we are happy to announce that the winner of our Portuguese Course in Faro prize is Hannah from the UK! Hannah visited us on our stand at the Language Show and will receive one week Portuguese language group lessons with accommodation included in the beautiful Algarve’s city of Faro.

Where will Hannah study?

Hannah will study at our partner school in Faro, based in the centre of the town, just a short walk from the beach. She will attend Portuguese classes with a native speak and will be joined by people of all ages from all over the world. Faro is a perfect blend of Portuguese culture, history and nightlife.

What does Hannah say?

“I study Spanish and German at university and have a passion for languages. After travelling in South America in the summer and visiting Brazil, I decided I would really like to learn Portuguese. I don’t really know any Portuguese, just a few phrases, so this course will be perfect! I love travelling, experiencing new cultures and learning new languages, so I am really looking forward to the course.”

We wish Hannah the best of luck on her language learning adventure, and you can follow her experiences in Portugal on our Facebook page.

Contact Us

For more information on any of our Portuguese Courses please call us on 01273 830 960 or email us. Our multilingual team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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