Cactus Language Training Blog - Cactus Language North America

  1. Jetsetter - December 2011

    • Wednesday, 7th December, 2011

    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

  2. Business Traveler Executive - November 2011

    • Wednesday, 2nd November, 2011

    Cactus Worldwide is offering complimentary language “taster” classes for executives in New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Diego, Toronto and Vancouver. The hour-and-a-half sessions can be taken in person or via Skype; in individual or group settings.

    Cactus offers tailor-made courses for executives in 25 languages, from traditionally popular languages such as Spanish and French to more difficult languages such as Hebrew, Korean and Hindi. All Cactus teachers are native speakers of the language they teach. As such, they are able to quickly adapt and alter the course design to suit the objectives of the individual or group.

  3. Cactus launches new Exam Preparation Course for German, Spanish and French learners

    • Tuesday, 1st November, 2011

    As one of the world’s leading language training companies, Cactus is constantly developing new and innovative products and services. Its latest language offering, launched in Fall 2011, is an Exam Preparation course for German, Spanish and French learners.

    The course has been specially designed to provide students with extra help ahead of exams and upon completion, they receive a certificate to fit the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR; http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/CADRE_EN.asp).  This is equivalent to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines, and all certificates are recognized internationally by employers, universities and other educational bodies.

    The key areas covered by the course are reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar and vocabulary.  With small class sizes and lessons taught by Cactus’ highly experienced teachers, students are able to learn quickly and effectively.

    “Since I was learning German for fun, taking the Exam Preparation Course was an opportunity to receive certification for all the time spent so far”, says course participant Keri Ellis in New York.  German teacher, Uschi Niethammer, adds: “The achievement of holding a certificate in your hand which proves your skills and can be presented, helps to motivate many students to enroll.”

    The Spanish DELE A1 and DELE A2 as well as the French DELF A1 and DELF A2 certificates will enable holders to apply for employment and/or for university.  Just as the German Start Deutsch 1 (A1) and Start Deutsch 2 (A2) certificates who will also be recognized when applying for permanent residency in Germany.

    Visit http://www.cactuslanguagecourses.com/courses/exam-preparation.php for more information about Cactus’ Exam Preparation Courses and reach the next level in your education and employment.

  4. Cactus named ‘Agent of the Month’ by IALC

    • Tuesday, 18th October, 2011

    The International Association of Language Centres (IALC) is a global network of independent language schools. Cactus works closely with IALC schools in locations all around the world including destinations in the UK, the US, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Ecuador and Australia.

    Each month, IALC nominates a school and agent of the month, and Cactus has been specially selected to be ‘Agent of the Month’ for October.  Rich Ambler, Founder of Cactus, comments: “We are delighted to have been awarded this accolade, especially given the number of partner agents that IALC works with globally. We very much enjoy working with our IALC partners, not only because of the professionalism and efficiency of the staff, but also because of the high quality courses that they offer. IALC schools ensure quality through regular inspection, a code of ethics and a commitment to continuous improvement. On top of this, they provide a high level of attention to students, and a large range of language courses with accommodation and cultural activities included.”

  5. Executives can accent their skills with Cactus Language Training

    • Sunday, 2nd October, 2011

    Free “Taster” Class Offered to Professionals Working in New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Toronto and Vancouver

    NEW YORK, NEW YORK – (October 2011) One of the world’s leading language training companies, with years of experience immersing travelers in more than 30 languages in 60 countries worldwide, Cactus Language Training also offers tailor-made programs for urban executives to complement their business acumen with a dose of linguistic skill and sophistication. Currently, Cactus invites professionals residing in or near New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Diego, Toronto and Vancouver to experience a complimentary language “taster” class which showcases the effectiveness and academic quality of Cactus’s teaching and course design in an informative hour-and-a-half session. Perfect for frequent flyers as well as in-office executives, the classes can take place via Skype or in-person.

    Classes can be arranged both individually or in a group setting, and programs are customized to meet learners’ specific communication needs.  Scheduling is flexible, with no charge for last-minute changes, and busy executives can even arrange sessions with their Cactus instructor via Skype. To schedule a complimentary individual or small-group session, call 1-888-577-8451; or contact Rich Ambler at 646-964-6746 or via email, .

    Cactus Training for Business Executives

    Global companies ranging from JP Morgan and Coca Cola to Burberry and Fidelity turn to Cactus to help their executives master foreign languages. All Cactus teachers are native speakers of the language they teach, a difference that is at the core of Cactus’s methodology. As such, teachers are able to quickly adapt and alter the course design to suit the objectives of the individual or group. From traditionally popular languages such as Spanish and French to more difficult languages such as Hebrew, Korean and Hindi, Cactus offers tailor-made courses for executives in 25 languages.

    Emphasizing authenticity and affordability, Cactus is well-known for its immersive language programs taught in 60 countries and over 500 destinations worldwide. One of the keys to Cactus’s success is crafting culturally enriching vacation experiences that enhance the process of learning a new language. Cactus applies that same expertise to helping executives acquire the skills they need to succeed in business internationally.  For more information, visit http://www.cactuslanguagetraining.com/tailormade/us/. 

    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 more than 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.

  6. National Geographic - 15 September 2024

    • Thursday, 15th September, 2011

    While simply traveling abroad makes you a more enlightened global citizen, you can deepen the experience through language immersion programs that offer cultural excursions. These four provide a range of activities and stays with local host families. Note: Rates listed below are for a family of four.

    France › At Coeur de France, families enjoy the rich medieval history of Sancerre, a village in France’s wine country, without even leaving the school. The 400-year-old La Thaumassière château houses both families and French classes. Parents take either group or individual classes, and children can have one-on-one instruction. In the afternoon, families spend the day in the French countryside, including visits to vineyards, farms to sample goat cheese, and the Loire River for fishing and kayaking. Back at the château, kids learn to make crêpes suzette during hands-on cooking classes. Two-week family packages from $6,385.

    Costa Rica › Spanish Abroad‘s location in Tamarindo on the Pacific coast means that after morning language classes, the whole family can enjoy a range of beach activities—surfing lessons, swimming, volleyball, boat rides—in addition to birding and zip-lining tours in the rain forest and visiting the monkey park and aquarium. Families live with a host family or in two-story bungalows grouped around a swimming pool and within walking distance of both the school and the beach. Children should be seven years old to participate. A summer language camp is available for families with children ages five to 12. Two-week program with host family accommodations from $3,225.

    China › Cactus Language teaches young adults (and families) Mandarin Chinese classes in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, and Xian. Along with morning classes, each school offers a range of afternoon activities, including dumpling-making and calligraphy (in Shanghai), and visits to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square (in Beijing). Weekend day trips include a visit to Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius, and the Great Wall of China. Two-week program in Beijing with host family accommodations from $4,140.

    http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2011/09/15/family-speaking-in-tongues/

  1. Page 1 of 5

  2. Next