The students of St Paul Preparatory High School in Minnesota (USA) have just been graduated!
Enjoy the picture of this multicultural promotion!
You’re interested in taking part to this unforgettable experience? You can enrol at St Paul Preparatory High School too!
You’re eagger to learn English, thinking of Great Britain but you’re not fan of rain? Don’t worry, there are so many locations in the world you can go to learn English, you cannot even imagine! Forget rainy United Kingdom, we’ve got a very interesting suggestion for you…
Have you ever heard of “Malta”? Even if you have, you might not be able to locate it on a world map, am I right? =)
Malta is a small island located in the Mediterranean, 100 km south of Sicily and 280 km north-east of Tunisia. Its national and official language is Maltese (an Arabic based dialect written in the Latin alphabet). English is a co-official language in Malta due to its strong British influence, since Malta has been a British colony between 1814 and 1964. Other languages are also spoken in this small island such as Arabic and Italian.
If you decide to learn English in Malta, you’ll be able to improve your English skills and enjoy sunny holidays at the same time. Indeed, Malta is famous for its Mediterranean/Subtropical climate and its wonderful historical monuments as well as its typical villages. You’ll enjoy the beautiful sea where you can dive. There are also very original villages such as Its nightlife is also known to be great.
Don’t wait any longer and book your English course in Malta!
Next June 25th 2010 will take place an open doors day at Notre-Dame International High School which is about to open in September. This will enable you to visit this unique school and its facilities as well as meet the staff!
Interested in enrolling at Notre-Dame International High School or just curious about it? Don’t miss this opportunity! Notre-Dame International High School organises an open doors day on June 25th 2010, from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm for students interested in enrolling at this American school next to Paris. Students from all over the continents are already enrolled, we’re just waiting for you! Take part in this open doors day!
If you need further information about Notre-Dame International High School or its open doors day, contact this American boarding school near Paris.
Some days ago we introduced you to the Work and Travel program in New Zealand. The same program also exists in Australia! Have you ever dreamt of visiting Australia? Make your dream come true! Let’s work and travel in this big country!
Australia has had a very long past history related to languages. Indeed, before European people settled there Australia had been inhabitated for more than 40 000 years by about 250 different indigenous languages. Nowadays, English is the official language of this huge country located in the Pacific ocean.
Australia is also known for its wonderful landscapes and unique wildlife: kangaroos, koalas, ostriches and many other species. Its Christmas that some people usually spent on the beautiful beaches getting a suntan or surfing is also very typical!
Moreover Australia is a real cosmopolitan country since you can meet not only Asians but also Europeans, North and South Americans or Russians as well… among other nationalities of course! So if you’re eager to discover cultures from all over the world, Australia has been made for you…
Tell me, what’s better than working in an English-speaking country if you definitely want to improve your English skills? And if you could enjoy the beaches and the sun at the same time to relax? The Work and Travel in Australia could be the perfect program to do so!
Work and Travel program is availabe for citizens of the following countries: UK, Canada, Netherlands, Japan, Ireland, Korea, Malta, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Hong Kong, Finland, Cyprus, France, Italy, Taiwan, Estonia, Chile, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey and the USA. NEW IN 2010! Bangladesh; Indonesia; Iran.
Don’t wait any longer and take part in! Seize this great opportunity! The kangaroos’ country is waiting for you!
Have you ever heard about New Zealand? Maybe you have, but what do you know exactly from this beautiful wild country next to Australia? It’s high time to enjoy a trip to New Zealand! That’s a perfect way to improve your English in wonderful conditions, all the more so as if you get a job over there!
New Zealand is located in the South Pacific Ocean, 1200 miles southeast from Australia. Its name in Maori language is Aotearoa, which literally means “land of the long white cloud”. Most of the people in New Zealand are European descendants. The indigenous Maori are in reality the largest minority of the island, even if people living in New Zealand come actually from all over the world… it’s a wonderful multicultural English-speaking country!
If you go to New Zealand you’ll first enjoy its cosmoplitan aspect, but it’s not its only wealth. New Zealand enjoys unique natural resources such as mountains, wild forests, white sand beaches… be sure that you’ll fall in love with this unique island country and its so numerous landscapes’ beauties…
What do you think of these wonderful beaches? Want to have some holidays over there? And if you could work at the same time to improve your English and earn some money? Interesting, isn’t it? That’s totally possible. Indeed, the program called Work and Travel in New Zealand offers an incredible opportunity to combine tourism and work in this wonderful and unique island country. Come on and take part in this unforgettable experience!
The Work and Travel program in New Zealand is now available for citizens of UK, Canada, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Thailand, Norway, Italy, Japan, Argentina, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland.
NEW IN 2010! Citizens of Estonia; Korea; Latvia; Malaysia; Malta; Mexico (from March 31st 2010); Peru; Poland; Singapore; Slovenia (from April 5th 2010); Spain (from April 20th 2010); Taiwan (from June 1st 2010); Brazil (From September 1st 2010); China, USA; Uruguay (from October 1st 2010) can also apply for a Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand.
So if you are citizen of one of the above countries, don’t wait any longer and ask for further information about the program!
Some weeks ago we introduced you to a new American boarding school in Paris called Notre-Dame International High School. The opening is now official!
The official opening of the new American Nacel School “Notre-Dame International High School” was sealed by Dr Frank Tarsitano, PhD President of Nacel Open Door and Yves Le Saout, Principal of Notre-Dame Les Oiseaux. Danièle Thevenin, Deputy Head, Steve Murphy, Director of the American school and Gerard Avundo, Director of Nacel Programs also attended the meeting.
The asset of Notre-Dame International High School relies on the fact that it combines an American curriculum with the French environment of the sister school Notre-Dame Les Oiseaux, a French school that provides an excellent education for many years now. Students will then become proficient in both languages and interculturally skilled!
Furthermore, this American High School in Paris will welcome students from many different countries. Some of them are from Brazil, Ukraine, Philippines, USA… Students will soon come from all continents! And you, where are you coming from?!
The school is due to open early September 2010 as planned.
You’re interested in taking part in this great project but want to know more about it? So don’t wait any longer, you’re about to live the most unforgettable experience of your life! Come on and join Notre-Dame International High School’s multicultural student body thanks to a High School program!
And what about fun and leisures? These are surely two keywords if you want to enjoy your academic year abroad.
At St Paul Preparation School the students’ self-development is fundamental, that’s why it offers a pleasant school life through a wide range of extra-curricular activities!
Talent shows as we’ve already seen, pumpkins making for Halloween, sports with a boys soccer team and a girls soccer team, basketball, clubs where students can enhance their global and specific skills, and so on!
Hope you’ll enjoy the video!
And you, are you ready for the adventure? >> Join this private American high school now and enjoy yourself! <<
Combining secondary school studies and homestay in an English speaking or French speaking host family… it’s the best way to dramatically improve your English and/or French language skills, don’t you think?! Maybe you should consider enrolling in an Academic Year in Canada…
Canada is not only famous for its natural scenic beauty and wonderful landscapes, but also for its ethnic diversity and warm-welcoming people. Just enjoy the video!
Maybe one of the greatest experiences of YOUR life? Improve your English with an English Academic Year! Or your French with a French Academic Year! And why not both at a time with a Mixed Academic Year?! Come on!!!
You wish to complete your studies with a practical component abroad?
Get ready for an international experience!
But how to apply? Getting an interview for an internship placement can depend on how good your CV is… It is the opportunity for you to show the employer that you are the right person for the placement!
Have a look at the following guidelines!
How long? Don’t write more than 2 pages! Writing “CV” or “Curriculum Vitae” is no more necessary. Don’t worry, employers know what a CV is! This kind of unuseful information definitely has to be avoided. Your CV must be clear and readable, so don’t forget the importance of spaces between the different sections!
What should I definitely include? It sounds basic but your CV should include sections like contact information, education, work experience, and skills.
Start with your Personal Details: your name, address and contact details. It is up to you whether you include your age, marital status and nationality - it’s not essential but some employers would like to know, and it can sometimes be an asset for you!
Don’t forget how essential it is to order information according to what’s the most important! Education or Work Experience? Well, it actually depends on the work placement you’re applying for! For some positions your experience may be a real asset for you while for others qualifications will be more important.
Keep in mind that if you have already been working for a while, you should put your Work Experience first, all the more so as it is relevant. Create bulleted lists showing not only your main duties and responsibilities, but above all highlighting your specific achievements and skills you used and developed. This is the information the employer uses when deciding whether to interview you or not.
If you are younger and do not have much work experience, focus on your Education and training, don’t worry, we hardly all went through this stage! The fact is that you have to make this section attractive with key information.
Include then Other Skills that might be useful to an employer according to the work placement you’re applying for - Driving, Languages, IT Skills etc. You can also have one specific Languages or IT Skills’ section for example. Once again be specific above all regarding your levels in languages. If you already passed some certificate such as TOEIC, for example through an English course in Cambridge or other, specify it! An employer will appreciate. You can use words such as ”fluent”, “intermediate”, “beginner” (if not bilingual!) but it won’t be as relevant.
And of course, don’t forget your Hobbies and Interests! They’re also important because they help the employer to understand which kind of person you are. As well as in the other sections, information must be relevant to the work placement you’re applying for. Avoid activities that are too general and be specific. For example, if you’re keen on dancing or music, specify which types! If you play tennis say for how long, if you already played in tournaments etc. Don’t forget that your hobbies show who you are!
Be consistent in style! When talking about CV consistency is a key word. Determine the way you want your CV to look and be consistent with your font (pick a quite standard one in general) and setup each section in the same way. For example, titles of the different sections must all be alike.
Tailor your CV to the job! The words you choose are important. You should adapt the content of your CV for each work placement you’re applying for to reflect certain key words the employer will be looking for. Think about what the employer is asking for. Take some time to find out about the main activities of the company.
And last but not least, proofread your CV! If you don’t want your CV to be thrown into the “No” pile immediately, proofread it! Mistake and CV are two words which are not compatible! So don’t hesitate to ask somebody else to review your CV again before applying!
More tips!
DO’S 
* use positive language and power ‘doing’ words like ‘launched’, ‘managed’ and ‘improved’. Quote figures if possible to back up your claims.
* use good quality paper - first impressions count!
DON’TS
If you don’t want to pull such a face, just don’t:
* lie - employers have ways of checking if what you wrote in you CV is true. If they find out you’ve lied to them, consequences can be severe for you!
* delay responding to contact made by prospective employer. You shoud contact them only in the way they requested to (don’t phone them if they only gave an email address for example).
Now that you are ready to apply for a work placement, what about an internship in England? Or maybe you’d prefer an internship in Canada? Let’s go!
Enrique comes from Chile. Last year, he spent a semester at St Paul Preparatory School. Here is his testimonial of what he considers to be ”the most important experience of his life”. This unique experience not only enabled him to improve his English, but also to make friends from all over the world!
And you, how would you like to have a meeting with the world? Maybe here is the answer!
Such a rewarding once-in-a-lifetime experience! And what about you? Do you feel like taking part in? Join this American private High School!
Want to get general information about American life, especially in an American host family? This article is for you!
About customs
If you get in touch with the police, always stay calm and polite. 
Regarding clothes, American are very tolerant, but monokinis are forbidden.
You have to behave really carefully with people of the opposite sex, since something that would be considered as usual in a Latin country could lead you to the Court in the USA!
In many American States, weapon’s possession is legal. It is highly recommended to stay calm in all situations.
People less than 21 can’t smoke or drink, and are not allowed to buy such things. If they want to do so, they will have to prove their age. Smoking is not really appreciated in the US and is strictly forbidden in many places.
Social life
Social life and communities are a really important component of American society. As an ambassador of another country, you will arouse a lot of interest, maybe you will even be interviewed by a local television: always answer positively to such manifestation of interest!
American houses
Most American houses are made of wood.
American houses are generally open: the kitchen, dining room and living room often communicate.
In most houses, toilets are in the bathroom. So, if a member of your American host family tells you he has to go to the bathroom, he may not be speaking of having a shower!
Most American houses have a front and backyard, and the front yard often communicates with neighbors’one.
American Host Families in Florida
Florida is home to many hispanic families. If you are going there, you may see the parents speaking Spanish, and the children speaking English: it is a good opportunity to practice both languages!
Sundays
In many families, Sundays are dedicated to church. Even if you don’t share your family’s beliefs, if they offer you to accompany them to the service, they would be pleased to make you discover their own culture. Your family could not understand your refusal to accompany them. However, if they are “proselyte”, don’t hesitate to signal it to your local coordinator if that bothers you too much and make you feel uncomfortable.
Distances
USA are a big country: you will have to use public transportation a lot, and expect journeys of around 60 to 90 minutes!
If you have other useful information about American life, don’t hesitate to share it with us!
You are going to best hosted by an Irish or British host family, and you are a little bit afraid of what to expect? Here are some general advices about the behaviour that the family with expect from you, as well as general information about life in England and Ireland.
Bristish and Irish families specificities:
-In many families, there will likely be a pet. Don’t be disrespectful toward it.
-You are an ambassador of your country abroad so don’t forget to stay polite and have a perfect behaviour! For example, ask to the family before doing any action like switching on the TV, inviting friends…
-Ask to your host family what is the most appropriate time for you to take your shower.
-Usually British and Irish families host students on a regular basis. This allows to get a better knowledge of the family, even if the hosting is not always as spontaneous as when the family is volunteer.
-Always be polite and ask nicely to repeat if you haven’t understood something.
-Don’t contradict your hosts, this wouldn’t be decent. If the family organizes some activities for you, thank them!
-Sunday is a special day in UK. British people like to take it slow on that day: they go to the religious service, meet family or friends… Enjoy it and use this special occasion to get to know better your hosts! Lunch will be served later on that day, around 2pm. The traditional Sunday meal would be Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding. At the end of the day, British people usually have sandwiches and cakes made for the occasion.
-Regarding religion, most Irish families are Roman catholic, whereas British families tend to be Anglican. Scottish people are generally Presbyterian, and the Welshs are generally Methodists.
About general life in England and Ireland:
-Whatever the season is, it is highly recommended to bring a cloth item to protect you from the rain. The general temperature is 15.5° (Celsius) in summer, and room are usually not heated a lot, so don’t forget to bring items to keep you warm!
-Banks are usually opened from 9.30am to 4pm. In big cities they will likely be open on Saturday, whereas in the rural areas they will be closed.
-Post offices are opened from Monday to Saturday, from 9am to 5.30 pm, except on Saturdays where they closed at noon.
-Shops are opened from 9am to 5.30 pm generally. It is recommended to keep your receipts so you won’t have any problem or misunderstandings while leaving a shop.
-Don’t forget that in the UK and in Ireland, people drive on the left side of the road!
-To be able to enter a pub, you have to be 16 years old at least. However, if your host family goes to lunch in the pub, you will be able to accompany them, even if you’re not 16. Pubs generally close at 11pm.
-Coin machines near the beaches always attract suspicious-looking people. Try to avoid these places. Also, clubs and pubs surroundings around close time are also a place to avoid.
-If you are travelling with a group of foreigners, try to avoid speaking loudly in the public transports. You would be targeted as an easy prey to thefts.
I hope these advices and information have been useful for you!
