Cactus Worldwide Blog

  1. Cactus TEFL launches 2009 Suzanne Furstner Foundation Scholarship

    • Thursday, 25th June, 2009

    Cactus, one of the world’s leading language training companies, today announces the launch of 2009’s Suzanne Furstner Foundation Scholarship, one of the TEFL industry’s top annual writing competitions. 

    This year’s lucky winner will jet off to a location of choice in Italy and embark upon a four-week TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualification and a two-week Italian language course. The prize also includes accommodation and return travel to the UK.

    Scholarship entrants simply have to write an original 1000-1500 word assignment on the topic ‘Six weeks in Italy’, interpreted in any way they choose.  In addition to this creative writing project, candidates are also required to complete a short language awareness task to assess their grammar skills ahead of taking a TEFL qualification.

    Jenny Johnson, Head of Cactus TEFL, comments: “The Suzanne Furstner Foundation Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in becoming a teacher of English as a Foreign Language. We’ll fly the winner to their choice of location in Italy where they will learn the ins and outs of TEFL in inspirational surroundings, and enjoy a truly life-changing experience.”

    Winner of last year’s scholarship, Georgina Newcombe, adds: “I don’t know of any other scholarship like this. To be given the opportunity to become a qualified English language teacher is one thing, but being able to study in another country means that what might otherwise seem like a purely academic task turns into something far more exciting. I loved being immersed in a different culture and a different language, whilst sharing my adventures with the friends I made on the course.”

    Georgina continues: “Not only did I have the chance to teach, but the extra two week language course offered me the experience of what it’s like to be on the other side of the table. I acquired a deeper understanding of how it feels to learn a language from scratch, helping me to become a better and more empathetic teacher. I would advise anyone thinking of a career change to enter this competition, because you never know where it might lead you!”

    In addition to the annual scholarship, the Suzanne Furstner Foundation also provides support for educational projects in the UK and overseas, for adults and children. This includes assistance in the funding of state school study trips and the provision of new language learning aids such as books and DVDs.

    Candidates have until 1st October to draft their creative assignments and enter via the Cactus TEFL website. The winner for 2009 will be announced at the London Language Show at the end of October. 

    For further information, please visit http://www.cactustefl.com or call 0845 130 4775 and select option 1

  2. Cactus launches own-brand French study books

    • Wednesday, 24th June, 2009

    Cactus has developed a range of study books specifically designed to complement its hugely successful French evening classes.

    Working with Difusion SL, the Cactus-branded books have been designed to reflect the syllabus of Cactus’ Beginners and Beginners Plus French courses. The books will come into use in July.

    Based on a framework of 20-30 hours of learning, the new books will help learners express themselves through practical and cultural examples, as well as increase their understanding of the language through a variety of listening exercises on the accompanying CD.

    “We’re always looking for ways to improve our language learning services,” commented Chris Moore, Head of Cactus Language Training. “We started by introducing our own-branded Spanish books, and following positive feedback from our students, we saw a need to develop a range of books to suit our French evening courses too. Looking ahead, we do plan to further extend our range of books to include other languages and accommodate a wider variety of levels.”

    With courses in 24 languages available at 38 locations around the country, Cactus is the UK’s leading provider of evening language training.  Each 10-week course is taught by a native-speaker teacher in a dynamic and friendly environment, with a focus on conversational skills, speaking and being understood.

  3. TEFL open evening in Brighton – 14 May 09

    • Friday, 15th May, 2009

    Held at the Jubilee Library on Thursday 14th May, it was a must-attend event for anyone interested in becoming an English language teacher overseas or travelling the world, and a great chance to learn more and be inspired.

    As usual, the evening was fully booked. People came along to learn more about the wonderful world of TEFL and to get advice on how to put their plans into action. The evening included informative talks and presentations about all aspects of TEFL, with expert speakers giving useful overviews of the various courses, from pre-TEFL prep courses, short tasters, weekend courses, online courses through to full four-week industry standard intensive and part time courses. We also talked about TEFL jobs, with information about employment in different parts of the world, how to find jobs and what is expected of you as a TEFL teacher.

    First on the line-up were Cactus TEFL’s Jenny Johnson and Neil Stawarz who went through the various types of courses available and how to choose the best one for you. Guest speakers included Cambridge CELTA Tutor & Assessor Mike Williams, who gave an insightful talk on the benefits of doing one of these four week courses, and Huan Japes from Trinity College London, who provided information on the ins and outs of the Trinity Cert TESOL course along with other important factors to take into consideration when you sign up. Last to speak was Robin Fry, HR Manager from ISIS Education and Travel, who gave an entertaining talk on summer jobs in the UK.

    After a short break, Fran Perry from Saint Giles International in Brighton gave a demo lesson in Korean, to give the audience an idea of how it feels to be a student and a teacher. Fran soon had her class, comprising volunteers from the audience, ordering wine and beer using their new language skills.

    At the end of the evening three lucky winners were picked from the prize draw. The fantastic first prize was a free place on a Cambridge CELTA course at Brighton Portland Road, worth over £700 and generously sponsored by GEOS Brighton. Second prize was Cactus’ very own new online TEFL course and third prize was the Cactus English Language Awareness course. Congratulations again to all the winners and best of luck with your courses!

    One down, one to go! We’re now looking forward to our second Fringe event, a Language Taster Evening on Tuesday 19th May. We’re offering 2-hour introductory language lessons for beginners in French, Spanish, Italian and Japanese on 19th May at St Giles College, Brighton.  These taster classes are designed to give anyone wanting to attempt a new language a real insight into what our classes are like. They are taught by our professional, native-speaker teachers, in a fun and friendly environment, with nibbles and drinks provided! There will also be a prize draw to win a 10 week evening language course. Tickets are just £3 and can be booked online at http://www.languagecoursesuk.co.uk/bff09

  4. Language Holidays Abroad

    • Monday, 11th May, 2009

    Have you dreamed of speaking like the locals on your next holiday?

    Cactus’ specialist language travel agency can help you broaden your horizons and give spending time in a foreign country a whole new meaning.  We sell English and foreign language courses on inspirational holidays abroad or in UK. Courses may be executive, intensive or for leisure purposes and can include activities such as dance, wine tasting, cookery, water sports, photography and relaxation.

    Why you should book your language holiday with us:

    • Expert advice
    • International groups
    • Cultural immersion
    • Social programs and activities

  5. Living Abroad Magazine

    • Friday, 1st May, 2009

    This article for Living Abroad Magazine focuses on relocation with children abroad and equipping them with important language skills before a move. The feature includes top tips and highlights various language courses - including those offered by Cactus - and other language tools.

  6. The Telegraph

    • Saturday, 18th April, 2009

    This half-page article in The Telegraph’s Family & Education section focuses on the ins and outs of TEFL, and considers why TEFL is no longer just attracting new graduates, as increasingly more people are turning to teaching English abroad following redundancy or as a middle-life career change. It includes an interview with Jenny Johnson, Head of Teacher Training at Cactus. The article also appears on the Telegraph website

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