Cactus Language Training

Show some love this Valentine’s Day with our special date and gift ideas

2012-02-01T09:25:44Z

Why not treat your Valentine to an experience they won’t forget this February? Instead of the usual clichéd hearts and flowers, surprise your loved one with Cactus lessons in the language of love!

For all Francophiles, Cactus is offering special “French Tuesdays” in partnership with Cafe Rouge. It’s a chance to learn the basics or brush-up old skills, while enjoying delicious contemporary French cuisine. The sessions are available every Tuesday from 6.30pm-8.30pm at locations in Hampstead, Knightsbridge, Leicester Square, Wimbledon and Brighton, until 21 February 2012. To book your place, simply visit http://www.cactuslanguagetraining.com/caferouge/

Or Cactus’ language gift vouchers make the perfect gift for all language lovers. Available in multiples of £10, they can be redeemed against any Cactus products. So if you want to whisk away your partner to romantic Rome for a language holiday to learn Italian, or simply fancy learning together with one of our many evening courses, there’s sure to be an option to spark your passion. Visit http://www.cactuslanguagetraining.com/en/promotion/gift-voucher

Fabulous TEFL Spring Sale!

2012-01-26T10:24:42Z

Want to kick-start your TEFL career this year? Cactus is offering discounts on an exciting range of international Trinity Cert TESOL and Cambridge CELTA courses starting in February. With up to £190 off courses in the heart of London, Seville and Prague, there’s sure to be a course to suit every teacher. Simply click on the links below to find out more!

4-week Trinity Cert TESOL Course in London - Only £845 in February & March

4-week Trinity Cert TESOL Course in London - Only £800 in March & April

4-week Cambridge CELTA Course in Prague - up to £190 OFF February-June

4-week Cambridge CELTA Course in Seville - £59 OFF in February

New French lessons at Café Rouge

2012-01-19T13:26:06Z

Our new French Tuesdays offer a unique dining experience, with a two-hour conversational French lesson and delicious supper, including a main meal and a drink, for only £30 per person.

The evenings are a fantastic opportunity to indulge a passion for France and enjoy outstanding cuisine, whilst learning and practicing the language. Whether you’re learning the basics or brushing-up on old skills, Cactus’ experienced teachers will tailor the session to help everyone learn and practice in a fun, sociable and relaxed setting.

French Tuesdays are available at Café Rouge restaurants in Hampstead, Knightsbridge, Leicester Square, Wimbledon and Brighton from 6.30pm-8.30pm until 21st February 2012. Sessions are limited to 10 people at a time in order to guarantee good quality teaching with enough face-time and interaction, so be sure to book your place. To book simply visit www.caferouge.co.uk/frenchlesson. Drop-in places may be available on the night, subject to availability.

Additionally you can WIN one of 10 free French Tuesday launch sessions. To enter, visit www.cactuslanguagetraining.com/caferouge Bonne chance!

Goodtoknow - January 2012

2012-01-01T10:02:14Z

Win! A Cactus language course

If you’ve always wanted to speak Spanish, French, Italian or German, now you can with our Cactus Language Training competition.

We’ve teamed up with Cactus Language Training to offer to 1 goodtoknow user and a friend, a 10-week evening language course in either Spanish, French, Italian or German at a local learning centre.

What better way to kick-start 2012 than by making a resolution to learn a new language?

You’ll be taught the 4 key areas of speaking, reading, writing and listening, with help from Cactus’ friendly and highly-qualified teachers. And with a choice of 12 language levels and over 40 locations around the UK, there is sure to be a course to suit everyone.

Every year Cactus helps more than 15,000 people learn over 30 languages in 60 countries and at 500 destinations worldwide.

To find out more about all our courses visit cactuslanguagetraining.com

http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/competitions/show/id/60410

AllNY.com - 30 December 2011

2011-12-30T09:52:11Z

Still deciding on a New Year’s resolution? How about learning a new language, or brushing up on one that you might have studied a millennium ago in high school? Cactus Language in New York City is offering fast track five- and ten-week language courses in a variety of foreign languages, including Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Spanish and Turkish. In less than two months, you’ll have gained a basic understanding of a language of your choice, and you will have successfully followed through on your New Year’s resolution, a double benefit.

As a traveler and restaurant writer, I’ve found that Cactus Language courses are perfect preparation for traveling abroad as you’ll acquire the skills necessary to communicate with locals in the various countries around the world. The classes are small so you can make yourself heard. It’s definitely much better than trying to learn a language from a computer with Rosetta Stone, or reading a Berlitz guidebook while you’re on the elliptical machine. I’m always looking for tips about where to eat or what to see when I travel, and chatting with the locals is one of the best sources for those “hidden gems” you’ll never find in a guidebook.

I’m pretty advanced in certain languages, so I appreciate having the opportunity that Cactus affords to select advanced or beginner classes. I love chatting away in French or Spanish with others who have significant fluency in the language as well as struggling as much as anyone else to master the complexities of Mandarin in a beginner class.

The relatively small time commitment of a Cactus language course compared to the end results of foreign language proficiency make these classes a ‘must’ for anyone looking to quickly learn a new language in a short time span. Classes are suitable for all levels and meet for two hours either once or twice per week for a total of 20 hours. It’s social, there’s wine and chips on the first night to set the mood, and it’s a wonderfully challenging learning expereince

If you’re looking for a short-term program or need a condensed language brush-up, then the Five-Week Fast Track Program is ideal. Twice-weekly classes begin January 23 6:15-8:15pm. in French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.

The Ten-Week Program is available in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Spanish and Turkish. Classes start January 11, 17 or 23; or February 2, depending on the language selected, meeting once per week from 6:15-8:15pm. This program is great if you have a longer period of time to study.

http://www.cactuslanguagecourses.com; 330 5th Avenue (at 32nd St.); 1-888-577-8451

http://www.allny.com/blogs/todo/stuff-to-do/learn-foreign-language-nyc/

Billion Dollar Marketer - 22 December 2011

2011-12-22T09:46:42Z

People who learn Spanish in Mexico can convention their new language skills in everyday life situations. Mexico offers heavenly beaches and being at its best. You can visit the hulk of the ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations. You can enjoy the civilization and the food of Mexico, while you are learning the Spanish language.

Language Immersion Courses are Effective

Language absorption courses are considered to be the best way of learning a second language. Spanish absorption courses require you to communicate only in Spanish. Teachers discourage conversation in English, or any additional language. You learn Spanish by in fact using it to communicate, prefer than by studying it.

You can learn Spanish abruptly by joining a Spanish absorption bearing in a country anyplace Spanish is spoken. Mexico is one of the more catchy destinations in Latin America, anyplace citizen´s like to go to learn Spanish. You can look forward to glimpse seeing, cultural activities, weekend excursions and much more. You can even experience alive with a Mexican family.

Choosing a Spanish School in Mexico

If you want, you can learn Spanish in Mexico, you can consider the Spanish absorption schools, promoted by AmeriSpan. AmeriSpan was formed in 1993 and it has served more than 25,000 clients, since then. You can join a Spanish absorption school in Cancun, on the Southeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. It has miles of hoary sandy beaches and is surrounded by the warm waters of the Caribbean.

You can also join a Spanish absorption bearing in Cuernavaca, Guanajuato, Merida, Morelia, Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende. Specialized Spanish absorption courses are also available, for citizen´s who want to learn Spanish in Mexico. AmeriSpan offers you courses with curbed groups of learners and you can choose to stay in a private room, or with a host family.

To learn Spanish in Mexico, you can consider the Spanish courses available by Cactus Language. Cactus was formed in 1998, in the UK, and it offers language courses in 25 languages. It has some 150 destinations in 45 countries. Cactus has acquaintances with Spanish schools in Mexico City, Morelia, Oaxaca, Cuernavaca, Guanajuato, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta.

Choose a Spanish school which borders the enumerate of learners in each class. All Spanish schools may not afford you a college credit. Keep your objectives and budget in mind when you are deciding on a Spanish school. Seriously consider the language absorption approach. It is one of the most abrupt ways to learn the Spanish language.

http://www.billiondollarmarketer.com/2011/12/22/learn-spanish-in-mexico-while-visiting-ancient-ruins/

Going Places Near and Far - 21 December 2011

2011-12-21T09:38:44Z

Cactus Language Training Offers Fast Track to Fluency With Sessions in NYC
December 21, 2011

Cactus Language Training invites New Yorkers to learn or improve a foreign language in less than two months with their new five-week and ten-week evening programs. Beginning this January, 20-hour programs in 12 languages will be held at 330 Fifth Avenue at 32nd Street, Manhattan. Two-hour classes are designed to quickly build language skills and communication confidence. A small class size (maximum 12 students) and complimentary wine and chips on the first night create a relaxed environment for fostering language learning. Inclusive of course materials, tuition for both programs ranges from $299 to $329, depending on the language chosen. Start dates for the programs depend on length of program, language selected, and class level.

Five-Week Fast-Track Programs – New York City, starting January 23, 2012

Comprising 20 hours of instruction, Cactus’s five-week Fast-Track programs begin January 23, meeting Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:15 – 8:15 pm. Fast-Track programs are offered in French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish, in beginner as well as more advanced levels, depending on the language selected. Each class session is two hours.

Ten-Week Programs – New York City, starting January 11, 2012

Also including 20 hours of instruction, Cactus’s ten-week programs begin January 11, 17, or 23; or February 2 with one two-hour class per week, from 6:15 – 8:15 pm. Classes are offered in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Spanish and Turkish. Beginner as well as more advanced levels are available, depending on the language selected.

For more information and to register, visit http://www.cactuslanguagecourses.com or call 1-888-577-8451.

Founded in 1998, with headquarters in New York and the UK, Cactus’s expert team delivers quality language training to individuals and businesses. Cactus helps more than 15,000 people every year learn more than 30 languages, in 60 countries and at 500 destinations worldwide. In addition to evening and part-time group language classes, Cactus offers language vacations for both adults and children. mixing classes with tours and activities (such as dance, yoga, wine tasting, cooking, music, art, diving, surfing and photography); cultural awareness training; and full-immersion language holidays. http://www.cactuslanguagetraining.com/us 1-888-577-8451.
http://goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com/tag/cactus-language-training/

Jetsetter - December 2011

2011-12-07T14:46:00Z

New destinations, plus special offers ranging from free weeks in France to bonus cultural lessons in Spain, await aspiring linguists

http://www.jetsettersblog.com/blog/2011/04/16/cactus-language-training-cultural-immersion-vacations/

In the same way that authors such as Colin Thurbron, Peter Mayle and Elizabeth Gilbert have won legions of fans by capturing the true spirit of culturally authentic travel experiences, the most passionate travelers long to immerse themselves fully in their chosen destinations. This is the core of Cactus Language Training’s philosophy. One of the world’s leading language training companies, Cactus teaches more than 30 languages in 60 countries at 500 destinations worldwide, each year adding new destinations, immersive cultural opportunities and enticing incentives that enhance the process of learning a new language through culturally enriching vacation experiences. With an emphasis on affordability and authenticity, Cactus’s new vacation programs in 2011 include learning Spanish and Latin Dance in Leticia, Colombia at a school on the banks of the Amazon; studying German in the low-key, less touristy Bavarian town of Lindau overlooking the Swiss Alps; and mastering Russian in culturally diverse Kiev, Ukraine near Belarus.

The new Colombia location is one of 70 destinations in which Cactus offers Spanish language instruction; others include Argentina, Costa Rica, and two in Spain. Likewise, those who seek to speak French fluently can choose among 26 destinations, including coastal Biarritz, Bordeaux, and Monaco in France; or Montreal, Canada. If ease with Italian is the goal, Cactus offers 22 locations across Italy. Thai, Turkish and Brazilian Portuguese (the current passion of Cactus founder Rich Ambler) are among the 30 languages offered by Cactus.

Incentives and Special Offers – all prices for all Cactus programs are guaranteed in US dollars.

A variety of appealing incentives are available for aspiring linguists, including:
• A free week with the purchase of a two-week French language program in Nice (for programs through May 30), starting at $682 for a 3-week course;

• Five free cultural lessons with the purchase of a Spanish language program in Madrid (plus a discounted rate for programs over 12 weeks in length), starting at $284 for a course-only.

• A free excursion to the glass-blowing island of Murano with the purchase of an Italian language program in Venice, starting at $312 for a course-only. Available throughout the year.

Cactus believes that “one size does not fit all” and tailors its broad range of programs to fit the individual needs of the learner. Adding a further dimension to its in situ programs, Cactus incorporates cultural experiences, ranging from wine tasting and cooking to dance and diving, to strengthen and reinforce the day’s language lessons. Cactus also offers courses for children, teenagers, families and mature travelers, as well as executives.

About Cactus Language Training and Language Vacations

Cactus is one of the world’s leading language training companies. Founded in 1998, with headquarters in New York and the UK, Cactus’s expert team delivers quality language training to individuals and businesses. Cactus helps over 15,000 people every year learn more than 30 languages, in 60 countries and at 500 destinations worldwide.

Programs include language vacations for both adults and children, comprised of classes mixed with tours and activities (such as dance, yoga, wine tasting, cooking, music, art, diving, surfing and photography); cultural awareness training; and full-immersion language holidays. For those unable to travel, evening and part-time group language courses are also offered. http://www.cactuslanguagetraining.com/us 1-888-577-8451 Twitter: @cactuslanguage Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cactuslanguagetraining

Top 10 things to see and do in Québec City

2011-12-06T13:32:54Z

Although Québec’s mixed heritage and geographical location has made it largely bi-lingual, French remains the clear the language of choice, and there are several types of French language course available in the city. Anyone who chooses to take a language course there will be spoilt for choice when it comes to free-time activities, but here are our recommendations for ten great ways to fill your time.

1. Take a walk around Vieux Québec (Old Québec)
The historic part of Québec City dates back to the 17th Century. The upper part, referred to as ‘Upper Town’ (Haute-ville) is walled with ramparts and makes Québec the only remaining walled city north of Mexico in the Americas.

The lower part of the old city, referred to as ‘Lower Town’ (Basse-ville), contains the historic church Notre-Dame des Victoires and a variety of shopping options in very old and attractive buildings.

2. Visit the Morrin Centre
Built over 200 years ago as the city’s first prison, this unique place now contains one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. Visitors can walk through jail cells and browse the array of books in the attractive Victorian library. The centre also stages various productions, concerts, readings and lectures, many of which are in English.

3. Go to see the Basilique Cathedrale - Notre-Dame-de-Québec
Originally built in 1647, the Basilica-Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec has twice been destroyed by fire, but always rebuilt on its original site. Guests can take guided tours of the basilica and its crypt, which is the final resting place of former bishops of the Québec diocese and four Québec governors.

Schedules for self-guided visits and guided visits vary based on season and day, but entrance to the Basilica-Cathedral is free.

4. Head out to the Montmorency Falls Park/Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
Located just a few minutes from Old Québec, the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is a fantastic place to visit. There are numerous things to see there, including the elegant Manoir Montmorency and a waterfall that is actually one-and-a-half times higher than Niagara Falls! There’s also a cable car which offers stunning views over the city.

5. Visit the Chateau Frontenac
The Chateau Frontenac is probably Québec City’s most iconic landmark. Designed by architect Bruce Price for the Canadian Pacific Railway company, the hotel opened in 1893 and has since become the most photographed hotel in the world. It is now part of the prestigious Fairmont group, but you don’t have to be a guest to go in and take a look around.

6. Explore the Quartier du Petit Champlain
Set at the foot of the cliff below Chateau Frontenac, this area dates back to the mid-17th century, and is said to be the oldest commercial district in North America. With its narrow streets and unique boutiques, galleries and bistros, it’s an attractive area which is particularly nice to visit in the winter.

7. Take in some lovely views from the Terrasse Dufferin
Terrasse Dufferin is a beautiful terrace along the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, built in 1879 under the direction of Lord Dufferin. The walkway extends for a long way down the St. Lawrence River, and offers stunning views of the city and the river. In the summer months the terasse becomes a hub for street entertainers, giving it an extra buzz.

8. Visit the Citadel
Located on the heights of Cap-Aux-Diamants overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the Citadel of Québec is a fortified enclosure of 37 acres built in a star-shaped plan. It is a military installation and official residence and is part of the fortifications of Québec City.

9. Discover the Musée de la Civilisation
Located close to Place Royale, in the old part of the city, this museum is known as an innovative and unique place where the focus is on participation and interaction. There, you’ll get a dynamic outlook on all of human experience in its whole, and on civilizations from all over the world.

10. Go to the Plains of Abraham (Battlefields Park)
The Plains of Abraham lie to the west of the old city overlooking the St Lawrence River. It’s a historic area where the Battle of the Plains of Abraham took place in 1759, in which the British defeated the French for control of the city.

In 1908, the law creating the National Battlefields Commission (NBC) was sanctioned to highlight and preserve this site, unique in the world not only because of its size and geographic location, but also because of its historical role. The Battlefields Park, which groups together the Plains of Abraham and the Des Braves Park, was developed in memory of both French and British soldiers and these days offers a vast and pleasant space for inhabitants and visitors to enjoy.

Cactus offers a range of French courses in Québec City and Montreal, at a variety of levels. For full details, or to book, please visit http://www.cactuslanguage.com.

New Year’s Eve traditions in Europe and South America

2011-12-05T15:10:32Z

Marking the end of a past year and looking forward to the next is something that evokes celebration, and there is normally an overriding sentiment of ‘out with the old and in with the new’.

Although New Year celebrations in some cultures take place at other times of the year (usually to mark the end of a religious or lunar year) most European and south American countries celebrate the coming of the new year according to the Gregorian calendar – on 31st December.

Below are examples of how the end of the year is celebrated in some of these two continents.

Germany
New Years Eve in German is called “Sylvester”. Fireworks at midnight are an integral part and people are generally outside at or shortly after midnight to watch or set off firework themselves. The lights and noise are considered to oust all bad spirits, so that you start the New Year with good fortune.

Just before midnight it is customary to count down the seconds, and then toast “anstoßen” at midnight, wishing each other “Ein frohes Neues Jahr” or for short “Ein frohes Neues”. German people also make “gute Vorsätze” new year’s resolutions and some people write them on paper and burn them to help make them come true.

There is also a tradition in Germany known as ‘Bleigießen’ – this happens after midnight, and involves heating lead in small pans over a candle and then dropping it into a bowl of cold water – you are supposed to be able to tell the fortune for the coming year from the shapes that form.

A common present for guests and friends to exchange on New Year’s Eve is a ‘Glücksschwein’, a marzipan pig considered to bring good luck for the coming year.

Italy
La Festa di San Silvestro as it’s known in Italy is celebrated, as with most Italian festivals, with food, family and fireworks! Families and friends get together for huge feasts, which often include dishes with lentils and sausage, or a zampone, stuffed pig’s trotter, and of course a glass of spumante or prosecco.

Most towns and cities have public displays that include music and dancing, often with appearances from well-known bands, but Naples in particular is known for having an impressive New Year’s firework display.

An old custom that is still followed in some places, especially in the south, is to throw your old things out the window as a symbol of your readiness to accept the New Year.

Scotland
Hogmanay is one of the best-known New Year’s Eve celebrations in Europe. Both 1st and 2nd January are Bank Holidays in Scotland, which gives people a chance to recover from the lively celebrations that Hogmanay is so famous for! Edinburgh is particularly well-known for its festivities, which include concerts, processions and some fantastic fireworks displays.

There are a number of traditions associated with Hogmanay, one of which is “First footing”. The custom is said to bring good luck and dictates that the first person to visit after midnight on New Year’s Eve (usually a friend or neighbour) must bring coal, whisky, salt or shortbread. Traditionally ‘first footers’ are supposed to be tall, dark-haired men, which is believed to date back to the Viking days when blond strangers arriving on your doorstep usually meant trouble!

Other traditions include cleaning houses on 31st December and taking out the ashes from the fire and clearing debts before the bells ring for midnight. Singing Auld Lang Syne, Robert Burns, just after midnight is also traditional in Scotland.

Brazil
In Brazil, New Year’s Eve is known as ‘Reveillon’, similar to its name in French. Brazil is a country that has become synonymous with a party spirit, and the New Year’s Eve celebrations certainly reflect this! All along the coast, cities plan fireworks displays and concerts, with Rio de Janeiro and other beach-side cities competing to offer the best every year.

New Years Eve rituals include going to the beach, all dressed in white, and lighting candles, putting them in little paper or polystyrene makeshift boats and sending them off as an offering to Iemanja, the goddess of the sea, so that they can have a good year to follow.

Spain
Noche Vieja as it’s known in Spanish is a party night like everywhere else in the world. As is so often the case in Spain, celebrations start late on the evening and continue all the way through to the morning!

One tradition specific to Spain is the eating of 12 lucky grapes at midnight – one with each chime of the clock.. If you eat them all, it is supposed to bring you good luck for the following year. This is known as the only event that all Spaniards do together at the same time!

Greece
January 1st is an important date in Greece because it is not only the first day of the New Year but it is also St. Basil’s Day. St Basil was one the forefathers of the Greek Orthodox Church and his remembered for his kindness and generosity to the poor.

New Year is perhaps even more festive and important than Christmas as it is the main day for gift-giving and for stories of St Basil’s kindness to children.

There are many special dishes that are prepared at New Year but the most important dish is Vassilopitta or St Basil’s cake, inside the cake is placed a silver or gold coin.

Peru
There are lots of customs relating to bringing good luck for the new year in Peru – a country that is known for its mysticism and spirituality. Some such customs include dressing up effigies with old clothes and then burning them. New clothes are also popular representation of the new, and markets often appear in the streets in the run up to New Year. If you haven’t got new clothes, underwear is a very popular alternative. The colour of your underwear is also important - yellow is the most popular (for happiness and luck), followed by red (for love) or green (for money). Candles in these colours are also often bought and lit in people’s houses.

As in Spain, eating grapes as the clock strikes 12 is also a popular way of bringing luck - one grape for each of the twelve upcoming months.

If you have experienced New Year celebrations in other countries in Europe and South America, please leave your comments below!

Fun in the snow…Québec Winter Carnival!

2011-12-05T10:37:42Z

It may be cold in Canada, but they sure know how to use the weather to their advantage. For two weeks each year, the snow and ice so familiar of a Canadian winter transform Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, into a magical winter wonderland, as visitors and locals wrap up to celebrate the Québec Winter Carnival.

Celebrated in 2012 between January 27th and February 12th, the Québec City Winter Festival is the largest winter carnival in the world. Anyone who missed out on a white Christmas or who just can’t get enough of the white stuff will not be disappointed, for you can’t help but get swept up, rosy-cheeked, in the joie de vivre of this huge outdoor party.

Perhaps the most important feature of the festival is the shimmering Bonhomme Ice Palace, built from some 5,000 blocks of ice, and home to a maze of towers and exhibits as well as a magnificent son et lumiere (light and sound) show. Bonhomme himself is the ubiquitous carnival mascot, a large smiling snowman with a red stocking cap who will welcome you in both French and English (as is common practice in Québec) and pop up cheerily at various points throughout your stay.

Also unmissable during this 2-week period are the colourful night parades, when some half a million spectators brave the sub-zero temperatures to line the streets and watch marching bands, floats and clowns pass by. Pile on the layers and huddle within the crowds and it will be an unforgettable few hours.

If however you’d rather be snuggled up in your ice hotel and wrapped in a bearskin by night – which is entirely possible, given that they build a new Ice Hotel each year for the very purpose - there are plenty of activities to enjoy by day. You may not rush to join in the snow bath, which is exactly as it sounds except you wear nothing more than a swimsuit, but you should certainly catch the legendary canoe race on the St Lawrence River. Not to be thwarted if the water is frozen, teams may resort to pulling their wooden canoes across the ice rather than through the water, and the race will inevitably be completed to much merriment and cheering.

It goes without saying than anyone with kids cannot go wrong by bringing them to Québec during the festival. There are countless activities to keep the little ones entertained, including a huge Children’s Village at The Plains of Abraham, former site of the battle in which the British fought the French and conquered Canada. With intricate snow sculptures lining the entrance, this wonderful playground for families offers dogsled and sleigh rides, snow slides and tunnels, snowmobiling, aerial trampolining, an obstacle course, an ice climbing wall, and more.

Other activities going on throughout the festival, for adults and children alike, include snow rafting, the opportunity to spend the night in a tepee or to learn ice fishing, and sampling of traditional Canadian food (the chocolate crepes always go down well).

The list of entertainment goes on, but needless to say this is one way to enjoy all that winter has to offer and see this usually dark and cold time of year in a completely different light. Take the kids or just go and play in the snow yourself – just remember to pack the woollies and you may find that you don’t really notice the cold too much after all.

Our top ski locations: fun in the snow

2011-12-04T13:48:29Z

As soon as winter arrives I start dreaming of mountains, breathtaking vistas across snow-capped peaks and cups of warming gluhwein - the things that ski trips are made of.

If you’re like me and you’re itching to hit the slopes, there’s no better time to take your pick from our fantastic selection of worldwide ski destinations. The only question is, where to go?

Annecy, France

Less than half and hour from Geneva, the beautiful lakeside town of Annecy is a great spot to learn French and enjoy the stunning surrounding landscape. Our special ski programme includes 20 language lessons and 2 ski trips per week, transfers to and from ski resort and ski passes - ski equipment is not included, but can be hired in resort.

General French Course with Weekend Skiing in Annecy

Chambery, France

The great advantage about Chambery is that it has its own airport, so you can fly there directly and, with our combined French and Weekend Ski programme, use this as your base for access to the French Alps. 20 language lessons and 2 ski trips per week, transfers to and from ski resort and ski passes are all included - ski equipment is not, but can be hired in resort.

General French Course with Weekend Skiing in Chambery

Chamonix, France

Little probably needs to be said about this world-class ski resort in the French Alps. Home to Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc, Chamonix has many high-altitude slopes and is particularly well suited to the intermediate and advanced skier. Whatever your level of skiing, you will enjoy Chamonix’s buzzing nightlife and great atmosphere, which make it a fantastic place to learn the language and then hit the slopes after class.

French courses in Chamonix

Munich, Germany

With a handful of ski resorts within an hour of the city, and many more in the surrounding mountains, Munich is an ideal place to base yourself to explore some of the finest ski areas in the Alps. The resorts closest to the city may not have an international reputation or jet-set clientele, but the beauty is that they are smaller and cheaper than better-known Alpine resorts, and are frequented by locals ‘in the know’. So ample chance to practise your German, whether on-piste or enjoying some apres-ski…

German courses in Munich

Zurich, Switzerland

The orderly and picturesque city of Zurich is perfectly placed to enjoy winter pursuits in the beautiful Swiss Alps. It boasts numerous ski resorts within easy reach of the city and is also a wonderful city in which to learn German, with a high quality of living and plenty of cultural activities to keep yourself entertained after class.

German courses in Zurich

Les Sciernes, Switzerland

If your kids are itching to get out on the slopes with others of the same age, then this unique language camp in the Swiss Alps will fit the bill perfectly. In a stunning south-facing location looking out over the mountains, the International Centre where this programme is based offers tuition in French, German, English, or a combination of all three, an excellent ski programme run by fully qualified instructors, comfortable on-site accommodation, and a wonderful activities programme including team and individual sports, sledging, cookery, arts and crafts, fancy dress discos, karaoke nights, and excursions to nearby towns such as Gstaad and Montreux. 1st Jan - 1st April 2012.

Language & Ski camp for 11-18 year olds in Les Sciernes

Whistler, Canada

Those learning English have the enviable chance to do so in one of the world’s top ski resorts, Whistler. Students taking a course here receive discounted lift passes and ski and snowboard lessons and can even combine their English classes with the Canadian Ski / Snowboarder Instructors’ Certification. A must for anyone who loves the big outdoors!

English courses in Whistler

Bariloche, Argentina

It may be winter in the Andes over our summertime, but we can’t write about skiing without mentioning our top South American ski spots. If you really do have the ski bug then you will be delighted to learn that you can ski year-round! Our programme in Bariloche includes 16 group Spanish lessons + 2 individual Spanish lessons per week, as well as 2 ski passes per week (one for a weekday and one for the weekend) and transfers to and from resort. Ski tuition can be arranged in resort. The ski season runs from mid-June to September, snow permitting.

Spanish & Ski programme in Bariloche

Mendoza, Argentina

Our programme in Mendoza includes 16 group Spanish lessons + 2 individual Spanish lessons per week, as well as 2 ski passes per week (one for a weekday and one for the weekend) and transfers to and from Penitentes resort. Ski tuition can be arranged in resort. The ski season runs from mid-June to September, snow permitting.

Spanish & Ski programme in Mendoza

Santiago de Chile, Chile

20 Spanish lessons + 2 free ski passes per week for El Colorado resort + free transport to the slopes. Tuition can be arranged in resort and, although not very challenging for advanced skiers, El Colorado is ideal terrain for beginner and intermediate skiers. The ski season runs from mid-June to mid-Oct, snow permitting.

Spanish & Ski programme in Santiago de Chile

Cactus offers language holidays in over 500 locations worldwide, many of which can be combined with exciting activities ranging from diving and surfing to cookery, wine tasting and photography.

How to say ‘Happy Christmas’ in 20 languages

2011-12-02T15:31:10Z

Catalan	Bon Nadal
Croatian	Sretan Božić
Czech	Veselé Vánoce
Dutch	Prettige Kerstdagen
Finnish	Hyvää Joulua
French	Joyeux Noël
German	Fröhliche Weihnachten
Greek	Kala Christougena
Hungarian	Boldog Karácsonyt
Icelandic	Gleðileg jól
Italian	Buon Natale
Norwegian	God Jul
Polish	Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia
Portuguese	Feliz Natal
Romanian	Crăciun Fericit
Russian	С наступающим Новым Годом (S nastupayuščim Novym Godom)
Spanish	Feliz Navidad
Swedish	God Jul
Turkish	İyi Noeller
Welsh	Nadolig Llawen

Another great way to say ‘Happy Christmas’ is to surprise your loved one with a Cactus gift voucher for use towards a language course of their choice. Call one of language course advisers on 0845 1304775 for more information…

Top 10 Christmas gifts for language and travel enthusiasts in North America

2011-12-02T14:07:06Z

1. A language course

Language courses make not only a very useful, but also a very original present for any friend/relative/partner who is interested in learning or brushing up a foreign language. There are hundreds of languages to choose from, and lots of ways to learn – evening courses in the US, immersion courses abroad, or even tailor-made tuition. Give us a call on 1-888-577-8451 (US toll free) for more information.

2. Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2012’

A great book for any keen traveler, this guide presents the best destinations, journeys and experiences for 2012. Full of inspiration!

3. Lessons in foreign cooking

Anyone who has visited foreign shores will have tasted new and exotic flavors. Bring some Mexican spice into the life of a loved one by presenting them with a Spanish & Cookery course on Mexico’s beautiful Riviera Maya, in Playa del Carmen, where they will learn how to create some of Mexico’s most delicious dishes in an exotic garden kitchen.

4. Contribution to air travel

If you know someone with impending travel plans, why not help them out with the cost of their flight, or even buy the flight for them? Air travel is not cheap and any contribution will surely be gratefully received.

5. A pocket translator

Anyone who is travelling to countries where foreign languages are spoken could find a pocket translator very useful in a whole range of situations…

6. Downloadable language learning tools for your iPod

If free time is in short supply, a flexible and convenient way to learn a language is to download learning materials on to your MP3 player or iPod. With iTunes vouchers and the like, your friend or relative can download as much material as they like.

7. A travel journal

Lots of people like to write a journal while they travel, and it’s a great way to ensure that once-in-a-lifetime experiences overseas are never forgotten. A leather-bound journal to write in will make a great gift for anyone about to embark on world travels.

8. A charity donation in their name

Donating money to a charity is something that a lot of people would like to do, but is not something that everyone can feasibly afford. Making a donation on their behalf therefore might make a fantastic present. Donations to charities such as World Vision and UNICEF can be made via the Donation4Charity website.

9. A dictionary / phrasebook

They may not be as exciting as downloadable podcasts and other online resources, but dictionaries, verb tables and phrase books are an essential tool for anyone hoping to learn a language.

10. A TEFL course

Gaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) qualification is a great idea for anyone wanting to get out there and see the world. Teaching opportunities exist worldwide, and working in this type of capacity means that you can truly experience the culture of the country in which you are teaching. If this is something that your friend/partner/relative is interested in, why not book them on a weekend and online TEFL course in the location closest to you? New York, San Francisco and Boston are just a few of the locations where such courses are available.

Get the year off to a cracking start with an evening language course in North America

2011-12-02T12:17:30Z

* New courses start January 10th onwards in locations across the US & Canada *

1. Cactus is welcoming in 2012 with courses in 16 languages and 6 locations across the US and Canada, so there really is something for everyone! Choose from Boston, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Toronto or Vancouver.

2. Learning a language is an excellent resolution as it will give you a skill that will last way longer than the average resolution – and one that will come in handy on vacation later in the year!

3. If you’ve had a hectic festive season, then it’s proven that giving your brain a workout is the perfect way to de-stress. Learning a language stimulates your mind, stretches your imagination and, ultimately, helps your brain to relax…in fact it can be as effective at reducing stress as opening a bottle of wine.

4. If you’ve decided to de-tox in January then going to an evening language class – and doing home study during the week, if you’re diligent - will take your mind off going out. It will also save you from spending money!

5. We have improved our levels structure so you can be sure of a consistent teaching framework that falls in line with other internationally-recognized language level systems. So what you learn on our courses will be more easily recognized outside of Cactus.

6. When times are tight employers will be looking for that little extra in job applicants. Knowledge of a foreign language is an asset in itself, but it also shows initiative and an appreciation of other cultures, which is valuable in today’s global society.

7. Learning a language enhances your ability to learn in other ways too. If you need a kick-start after the Christmas break, learning a language will encourage cognitive development in areas such as mental flexibility, creativity, problem-solving and reasoning.

8. There are some excellent foreign language movies coming out in 2012, and there’s no better way to appreciate them than with an understanding of the language and culture. Here are 10 foreign language movies to rent on DVD in 2012.

9. With a reduced number of children learning a language at school in 2011, let’s lead by example and show that learning a language is a passport to other cultures and a huge asset when you travel.

10. Let’s face it, January can be a bit depressing sometimes. The excitement of Christmas is over, yet the days are still short and the weather can be miserable. If there was ever a time to take an evening course it’s now. Having a goal such as learning a language will make the weeks pass quickly and make you feel that you’re using the dark evenings productively!

Cactus runs evening and part-time language courses in centers across the US and Canada. Courses run on regular start dates throughout the year, starting in January.