Language Travel News: Cactus Language Study Abroad Programmes

Get the Work Flexibility of Your Dreams with TEFL!

‘An estimated 14.1 million people in Britain want flexibility in their working hours’

Do you dream of a job that allows you to control your own timetable? Where you can take a mid-morning yoga class, avoid the rush hour or spend the afternoon on the beach? Where you get to choose the hours that you work, around the other important aspects of your life?

Flexibility is said to be the future of how we work but in reality jobs with flexible hours are far and few between. Many people are looking for a way to improve their quality of life by gaining control over their working hours, but the options for achieving this are currently very limited. One of the best ways to get more work flexibility in your life is by becoming an English language teacher. As an English language teacher you have the power to choose your hours, work from home, freelance on multiple jobs and fit in everything else that is important to you.

Improve the Quality of Your Life: Jobs with Flexible Hours

When you start working as an English teacher, regardless of where in the world you are, you will be able to consider different types of flexible working options and choose one that feels right for you. From working from home to working part-time, from job-sharing to freelancing, you will gain total control over your schedule by doing the job when it suits you, without jeopardising your work-life balance.

Nowadays, whether you want to work from the beach or your bedroom, technology makes it easier to work from anywhere. The TEFL industry is at the forefront of embracing this opportunity as flexible working arrangements benefit both parties – the employees and the companies. Many jobs in the Education and Training sector, due to seasonal demand and the nature of the work, require people that can commit to a flexible working solution.

Many English teachers now combine a variety of jobs in a freelance capacity to support their lifestyle. Examples of this are: teaching online across continents and time zones, examining for short periods in other countries, marking exams online, delivering private tuition online and face to face, teaching pre-sessional courses at universities, hosting and teaching students in their homes.

The opportunities are endless and taking a TEFL Course to become a certified teacher is a great choice if you are looking for a better work-life balance, looking to improve your well-being, or looking for a career change. It even gives you the option of moving abroad to pursue that goal of working from the beach!

How to choose the right TEFL Course?

It’s important to have the right certificate that will allow you to pursue your dream job. Within the TEFL industry there are several certificates you can pursue but only a few will give you an official certification that is recognised internationally. It’s important to gain the right qualification if you want to give yourself the best chance of being hired for the most desirable roles.

The two internationally recognised English teacher training qualifications are the Cambridge CELTA and the Trinity CertTESOL. There are just a few differences between these two qualifications – “Cambridge CELTA and Trinity TESOL, What’s the Difference?” Both are accredited by highly respected institutions: CertTESOL by Trinity College London and CELTA by University of Cambridge English Language Assessment.

Where can you take a TESOL or CELTA Course in 2018?

You can take these courses anywhere in the world, from a dreamy destination to the city of London, from Barcelona to Buenos Aires, Athens to Prague. With Cactus you can choose from more than 90 different locations. Cactus only works with high quality, accredited institutions. A CELTA or TESOL course of 120-plus hours with teaching practice will provide you the toolkit you need to start teaching. If you would like to know if you are eligible to take a TEFL Course – take our TEFL Eligibility Test. For all your English teaching and TEFL related questions simply contact us, or call us, one of our multilingual team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Get Qualified with Cactus TEFL

If you are not yet qualified as an English language teacher but would like to find out more click here. Cactus offers CELTA and TESOL courses in various locations across London and the UK, and the rest of the world. To book any of our courses please call us on 01273 830 960 or email us. Our multilingual team will be happy to answer any questions 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

To book any of our courses please call us on 01273 830 960 or email us. Our multilingual team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

5 of The World’s Best Surf Destinations For Beginners

The Best Surf Destinations In Europe and America For New Surfers

When anyone talks about surfing typically people think of the big waves of California and Hawaii. However, for those who are interested in surfing for the first time, there are numerous great destinations in Europe to catch your first wave, as well as less well-known spots in the California area that are not just for the pros and that make our list for best surf destinations.

On top of that, if you are considering learning a new language or improving your language skills then you can combine surfing with a language course – ensuring that you know how to ask the locals where the best surf spots are! Here are our 5 best surf destinations in Europe and US!

1. Biarritz – Learn French & Surfing in France

Biarritz, on the Bay of Biscay, is one of the best places for new surfers to find their feet on the board. This French coastal area is a year-round surf location and the famous reefs of Guéthary and Lafitenia are one of its main attractions. From the beautiful beaches and coves in Anglet to the winter reefs around Guéthary, there is always something to look forward to in the French Côte Basque, regardless of the season. Check out our French + Surfing course in Biarritz imparted by certified professional surfing instructors.

Explore our French and Surfing Courses in Biarritz

2. San Sebastian – Learn Spanish & Surfing in Spain

San Sebastian, with its oceanic climate and the characteristic Gulf Stream of the Basque Coast, provides all levels of surfers with good waves throughout the year. Although the warm summer in the Basque Country is the perfect time of the year to visit San Sebastian, the water temperature rarely goes below 11 degrees during autumn and winter. Places like Mundaka, Orrua or Lemoiz are well-known for their optimal weather conditions and great waves. Learn Spanish and Surfing in San Sebastian with us and discover all the Basque Coast has to offer.

Explore our Spanish and Surfing Courses in San Sebastian

3. Tenerife – Learn Spanish & Surfing in the Canary Islands

The warm hospitality and weather of the largest of the Canary Islands all year round make it a visitors heaven that rarely drops below 20 degrees during the day. In addition, its world-class surfing spots place Tenerife as one of the best surf destinations for anyone who wants to be at one with their board and the water. The city hosts remarkable international competitions as well. The volcanic island has a lot of beautiful dark sand beaches that produce good left and right hand walls of water for beginners such as El Arenal, El Conquistador, La Tejita or El Lobo.

Explore our Spanish and Surfing Courses in Tenerife

4. Lisbon – Learn Portuguese & Surfing in Portugal

Lisbon is a favourite in Portugal for visitors as well as for surfers. Its relaxed atmosphere, wonderful white sand beaches and some of the best waves in the world, attract surfers from all over the world, especially those escaping the cold winter of northern Europe. Lisbon enjoys a good weather all year-round, making it perfect to surf anytime of the year from the nearby beaches in Guincho (Cascais) to Ericeira (north of Lisbon).

Explore our Portuguese and Surfing Courses in Lisbon

5. Los Angeles – Learn English & Surfing in the US

California has one of the best conditions for surfing during any season, probably only beaten by Hawaii. Its excellent sunshine, Santa Ana wind and swell exposure bring countless locations and opportunities for both learners and seasoned surfers to catch great waves. Some of the best spots for beginners in Los Angeles area are the accessible El Porto in Manhattan Beach, Zuma Beach, just north of Malibu, Sunsets or Bolaa Chica State Beach.

Explore our English Courses & Surfing in Los Angeles

How to Book a Language Course?

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 Surf Destinations.

For information on any of our Best Surf Destinations, 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 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

10 things you might not know about New York

The most interesting facts about the Big Apple

New York City, also known as The Melting Pot because of its great variety of ethnicities and languages, has so many famous highlights that visiting the city for the first time is very much like watching a movie become real life. For those returning a second, third or fourth time the city will continue to amaze you with its little wonders, present on every street corner you turn.

Everyone identifies New York, with its yellow cabs, famed skyscrapers and the Statue of Liberty. But we wish to explain a few less well-known things that will probably surprise you about the city that never sleeps.

1. The city was a 17th-century Dutch settlement called New Amsterdam until the English conquered it and renamed it.

2. Half of all New Yorkers speak a language other than English at home.

3. Over 200 languages are spoken in New York City.

4. The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the US in 1886. It became the symbol of immigration during the 19th century often being the first thing millions of immigrants saw when they arrived by boat.

5. New York City has the largest Chinese population of any city outside of Asia.

6. Times Square is named after The New York Times daily newspaper which moved its headquarters to that place in 1904.

7. The first pizzeria in the country was opened in New York in 1895.

8. The strange nitrogen gas tanks you may see on the corners of some streets are used to keep underground telephone copper wires dry so phone and internet services can run without problems.

9. The island of Manhattan derives its name from the language of a Native American tribe that lived in the area. Its meaning is “island of many hills”.

10. You can be fined $50 for placing your bag on an empty seat on the subway because using more than one seat is not allowed (even if the train is not full).

If you would like to experience any of the above then why not take an English courses in New York with Cactus Language. We also offer English courses across the US that are available from one week to a year-long and will give you a great insight into American culture and all that it has to offer.

Contact Us

For more information on any of our worldwide language 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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Cactus language offers the following types of language courses:

The Oxford And Cambridge Boat Race: Experience British Culture At Its Best

What is The Boat Race?

The Boat Race is the side-by-side annual contest between two rowing crews from Oxford and Cambridge universities. It takes place on the River Thames between Putney and Mortlake in West London and this year it will be held on 2nd April.
The first men’s Boat Race took place in 1829, borne out of a challenge between old school friends. Women had to wait until 1927 to have their own Boat Race. However, it only became permanent in the mid 1960’s and they faced the hostility of those who thought women should not be allowed to row or race.

How are the teams and the Championship Course?

Each university team is formed of eight rowers and a cox who sits in the stern of the boat (which is the only person who faces in the direction they are moving). The Oxford crew wears dark blue and the Cambridge team wears light blue.
The Boat Race course, also known as the Championship Course, is 4 miles and 374 yards long. The record time set by Cambridge in 1998 (16 minutes 19 seconds) is still unbeaten.

Where to watch The Boat Race?

The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race is one of the biggest free sporting events in the world. In the UK, the Races are shown live on BBC1 but there is nothing better than seeing them in London from one of the many vantage points along the riverbank such as Putney, Hammersmith, Barnes or Chiswick. Big screens, stalls and bars are located in several places of the city to follow the race as well.
Attending such an exciting and traditional occasion will give you a great insight into the old-fashioned famous rivalry between the two prestigious universities and a special chance to experience British culture.

Find out more about our different English courses in London, Oxford and our other UK locations.

Contact Us

For more information on any of our worldwide language 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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Cactus language offers the following types of language courses:

Easter Escapes to Spain, Portugal or Italy

Easter brings some of the most flamboyant celebrations to Spain, Portugal and Italy, and is a great time to visit these countries. Good weather, ancient traditions, delicious Easter-inspired dishes and fascinating processions mark an unforgettable week for those, religious or not, that have the luck to experience one of these destinations in Europe for Eastertide: Seville, Porto or Salerno.

Easter in Spain: Seville

Holy Week (Semana Santa) is a long-awaited time of the year in Spain to mark the beginning of Spring. Traditionally, people take to the streets and watch spectacular reenactments (pasos) of Holy week, with live music and the participation of the town. Seville celebrates one of the most outstanding Holy Weeks in Europe, including La Madrugá, (Maundy Thursday), an evening filled with thrilling processions and the best Spanish tapas. Immerse yourself in authentic Spanish culture this Easter and learn some of the language by taking advantage of our 5% discount – valid until 7th April. Please contact us to apply your discount.
Spanish courses in Seville

Easter in Portugal: Porto

The northern Portugal city located across the Douro river estuary wasn’t elected The Best European Destination in 2017 for nothing. Its historical centre was proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996 and its famous wine cellars and caves are a must-see attraction for those interested in the praised port wine. During Easter, Portuenses and visitors tour the Cathedral and the several churches of the city, especially on Good Friday, when devoted followers recreate the journey Jesus endured before his crucifixion. Many of them also go to the nearby town of Braga (just 45 minutes from Porto) which hosts the most famous Easter processions in Portugal since the 4th century. Book one of our Portuguese courses in Porto before 7th April and get a 5% off. Please contact us to apply your discount.
Portuguese courses in Porto

Easter in Italy: Salerno

The sunny coastal city of Salerno with its stunning views, medieval streets and welcoming atmosphere, is a perfect starting point for those that wish to explore the Amalfi Coast. Throughout the Easter holidays, Salerno fills with the sights of amazing processions as well as food fairs and different folk traditions related to Holy Week. Our school in Salerno has created a special cultural programme that allows you to learn Italian and make the most of your Easter experience including; cultural workshops, a visit to a Mozzarella factory, cooking lessons with Easter recipes, and excursions to Arechi Castle, Amalfi, Ravello and Pompeii. Book one of our Italian courses in Saleno before 7th April and get a 5% off. Please contact us to apply your discount.
Italian courses in Salerno

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