Posts Tagged ‘learn english’

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Free Time Abroad: 10 Ideas of Activities!

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

So, you will be going abroad, but you are a bit anxious on what to do during your free time and how to take the most out of it? Stop worrying, here are plenty of ideas to enjoy your free time abroad!

1 – Before going, check how much free time you will have! If you don’t have many, select what you must absolutely see and what is not that important!

2 – Also, buy a guide of the city/country, they often offer ideas of activities or itineraries.travel books city guide

3- If you are in a language school, try to participate in the activities organized, since they are often cheap and interesting.

4- Try to discover the local culture: go to a bar, get acquainted with locals!

5- Please be sure to visit all cities’ must-sees, but don’t forget to discover typical, less-known places like a little, hidden restaurant!

6- Ask to locals if they can advise you about what to see or do. There may be activities you haven’t thought of!

7- If you love sports, try to book a ticket for a game during your trip! It will help you discover this city’s atmosphere from another point of view!

8- If you are in the city for a long time, take advantage of it to rent a car with friends and discover the countryside.free time shoping abroad

9- Take advantage of your stay abroad to take local cooking lessons! You can even sometimes book it in advance!

10- If you are abroad for a long time and love to help other, you can see if there are any volunteer opportunities…

This would be a great experience for you and also will help you get new local friends!

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Talent Show at the International High School Saint Paul!

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

Each year, the Saint Paul Preparatory School organizes a talent show. Students sing, dance, do tricks… Discover three new videos about past Talents shows!

I hope you have enjoyed these videos!

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Posted in Academic Year Programs, International High School, Language Travel Testimonials, More Incredible Stuff, Teenagers, Tips to learn languages | No Comments »

Tips to Improve a Language on Your Own!

Friday, July 10th, 2009

When it comes to learn a foreign language, there are many options. The most effective is a travel abroad to learn the language! But if you can’t afford to learn a language abroad or if you are planning to improve your language skills before your language trip abroad, you will find below some advices !

1-Internet gathers many self-learning websites. You can have a look at it! Many of them have fun level tests, quizzes, and activities that make it fun to practice the language!

2-Try reading a book in the language you want to improve!book learn language reading books

3-Watch as many movies or TV programs as possible in the language you want to improve!

4-Find yourself a pen friend! Many websites offer this possibility! Maybe your school does too!penpal travel abroad learn language

5-If you are particularly interested in something (sports, activity…), try to learn as much vocabulary related to this area !

6-Try to understand the lyrics of your favourite singers’ songs! This method is dramatically effective for the pronunciation and the vocabulary learning. Plus, you may be sometimes surprised by what they are singing!

7-Try to speak to yourself in the local language. Imagine yourself in some situation and try to practice it! No you’re not nut… As long as you don’t start speaking aloud to yourself when surrounded by others!

8-Find a podcast that interests you in the language you want to improve! This way, you will be able to improve your change language learn foreign languagehearing skills all day long!

9-If you are a bit extreme, you can change the language on your computer, cell phone, favourite video game… But before, check that: 1, this won’t bother anyone else; 2, you know how to put back your native language!

10-But don’t forget! The best way to improve a language is by living, even during a short time, in the country! Have a look at our travel abroad tips!

Have these tips been useful? Do you have another method to help self learning of foreign languages? Don’t hesitate to share it with us!

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10 Things You Should Not Forget to Bring During Your Language Trip Abroad!

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

When one choose to travel abroad to learn a language, there are things he should not forget to bring with him. Some of these things are optional and will only make your language trip abroad easier. Others are more important and should not be forgotten!

1- A Two-entry dictionary. A must-have that can save you from many misunderstandings!

2- If you will be living with a local host family, a little gift from your own country will surely please them. It is not mandatory, but it is a great way to start your exchange!

host family homestay gift idea

3- If you are taking electronic devices with you, check if you will need an adapter! It is wiser to buy it before going, since there is no guarantee you will find one once abroad!

4- Plan to take some medication for emergencies, for digestion troubles or pains (like Imodium and aspirin). Be sure to know how the medical system works in the country you are going to visit , should you see a doctor!!

5- Prepare a letter you will always carry with you with emergency information like phone number to contact, blood type, any medical conditions or allergy… This might be handy any problem should occur.

6- If possible, take your alarm clock with yourself. You already know how it works so you won’t have late waking-ups because of misuse of the local one!travel abroad alarm clock

7- Don’t forget to pack something to keep you warm, like a sweater, socks… Even if the country you are visiting is supposed to have a nice, hot weather, a bad weather can always happen!

8- You should always have copies of important document like passport, ID, … in case you lose yours. You can even scan these documents and have an extra copy on a USB key!

9- Money. It may seems an evidence, but having a little cash in the local money at arrival can help you with taxi, buses, small meals, etc, you may need to pay before being able to withdraw more money. Traveller’s checks are not always accepted, so having an international credit card is a good option!

10- And above all! Don’t forget to bring your enthusiasm, a will to discover a new culture and an open-mind!

travel abroad with enthusiasm

I hope this article will be helpful when packing-time will come! Have we forgotten something important one should take when he travels abroad? Send us a comment!

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Talent Show at the International High School Saint Paul Preparatory School!

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

At Saint Paul Preparatory School, it’s not only about learning, it’s also about having fun or build new or already existing skills!
For all gifted or adventurous people, there are Talent Shows organized on a regular basis!

Below are two videos of these talents shows!

The first video is about two students breakdancing!

 

The second video is the musical comedy “Annie” students played last year!

Do you feel such a high school would be perfect for you? Contact us! Stay tuned for new videos about learning language abroad!

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Discovering London and Learning English at the Same Time?

Monday, June 15th, 2009

Have you ever dreamed of visiting the United Kingdom? Discover London, its worldwide famous places, see changing the guard, visit the Royal Palace…Nacel offers an exceptional program that combines language courses and a visit of London and its surroundings.

But enough talking… The best way for you to picture yourself there is by watching a little video of our past participants!

 

 

So, did you enjoy the video? Have you ever been in the UK or in London? What did you like? Share your experience with us!

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17 Advices to Get Along With Your Host Family Abroad!

Friday, June 5th, 2009

In many travel abroad programs, participants are hosted in a local host family. If this is a tremendous experience, here are a few guidelines you should follow in order to enjoy this trip!French host family travel abroad

1-Be polite! This may seem to be an evidence, but always use “please”, “thank you”, and such words (in the local language naturally)!

2-Don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you are not sure if you can do something, or how you should do it, just ask!

3-Try to communicate! Even if you don’t speak perfectly the language, you’re here to learn! Tell them about your day at school, your own country…

4-Discuss issues! If there is something that is a problem for you, speak about it. Don’t go snapping around, but takes a polite tone and try to explain why this is bothering you, and what could be the solution.

5-Take time to get to know your family! You may have a first impression after arrival, but a few days after, when you’ll get to know them, this is likely to change for the best!

6-Help with housework! You will be surprised how much your family will appreciate if you offer your help! It will help with communication too!housework-rules-posters

7-Spend time with your family! Don’t stay alone in your room, try to spend time with your hosts, participate in family activities, watch (and help) cooking… If you feel like relaxing alone, just explain that you are tired, so that they don’t minsunderstood your behaviour!

8-Show interest in your family’s habits, way of living…

9-Ask what the rules of the host family are: how long you can have a shower, if dinner time is flexible, and whatever comes to your mind. This will help avoid problems!

10-If you can’t be home for a meal or plan to come back late or stay out overnight, just phone the family to tell them!

11-If you break something, offer to pay it back.host family abroad broken

12-If you have a key for the house, take care of it. If you loose this key, let the family know immediately!

13-If you don’t know how something works (electronics, shower, or whatever) ,ask to the family. They will understand that it is different in your home country!

14-Keep your room and the common places you’re using tidy!

15-If you are cold, dare asking the family if they have more blankets, or put more clothes. Don’t let yourself catch a cold!

16-Ask to the family what the food policy is, if you are allowed to help yourself or not…

17-Finally, don’t forget to relax, have fun and put things into perspective! You’re here to discover new things, so don’t forget that the main purpose of this trip is to change your habits!host family family life

I hope these tips will have helped you to go along well with your host family abroad! Don’t forget that most of these tips can be useful once back home with your family or in a shared flat! If you have some tips to share with us, don’t hesitate to let us a comment!

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10 Reasons to Learn a Foreign Language

Friday, May 15th, 2009

Feeling like learning another language could be interesting but you need to be totally convinced? Read these reasons and you’ll want to start learning a foreign language right away!
learn foreign language kitty
1-You will be able to increase your global knowledge, understand better other cultures, and open your mind.

2-You  will be able to understand and be understood in many foreign countries.

3-This will dramatically increase your chance of employment in the current economy.

4-You will be able to live or study abroad!

5-Just imagine how many native speakers you could date if only you could speak their language!multicultural-sutdents

6-Maybe you have forefathers coming from that particular country where the language is spoken… This will help you understand better your origins!

7-Like Nelson Mandela said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart”.

8-As said Goethe, “Those who know no foreign language know nothing of their mother tongue”. Understanding another language will help you with understanding yours too!

9-To be able to understand your favourite songs or movies in original version!

10-Because you like it! This is the simplest reason, you can have a lot of fun, satisfaction and challenge from learning to speak another language! An it can sometimes be useful :) reasons to learn foreign languageConvinced? Visit our website to see which language courses abroad could help you to learn another language! Also, if you have found other reasons to learn a language, share it with us!

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10 Reasons to Learn English

Monday, May 11th, 2009

Learning English is almost an evidence for many people around the world. We wanted to give you some reasons why learning English is so important!
reason learn english abroad fun
1-English is the most spoken language around the world. 1 out 5 persons understands it!

2-Many of the most famous movies or songs are written in English! You’ll be able to understand them!

3-If you learn English, you’ll be able to visit most websites!

4-Speaking English is a tremendous asset for your professional career!

5-English is not hard to learn, compared to many other foreign languages!

6-Nowadays, we are surrounded by English (in non English speaking countries of course…). Understanding this language becomes more and more important!learn english reason travel abroad

7-If you are a student, or just eager to learn, to understand English is almost mandatory since many publications are in English!

8-You will be able to visit the 45 countries where English is the official language!

9-But you will also be able to travel around the entire world! Even if you’re not going to an English speaking country, it is very likely that locals will understand you if you speak in English!

10-For the pleasure! Learning a language, especially English, is rewarding when you see you’re improving!

I hope that now you are convinced to learn English! Do you have any reason to learn English? Share these reasons with us!

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International Prom at Saint Paul Preparatory School!

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

Prom night is a very famous tradition from the American High Schools. Many teen movies have a prom night inside, from “Grease” to “Twilight”. Who has not dreamed of living one of these parties for real?

Students at the Saint Paul Preparatory School have the chance to live an International Prom each year!

Below is a small video from the 2007 Saint Paul Preparatory School!

Did you like this video? Maybe you could be in the next Saint Paul Prom!
Have you already have a prom? Tell us about it!

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A Truly International High School in the USA!

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

Did you know that some high schools were truly international? In these high schools, students from the whole world study together. We are going to present you one of these high schools today, the St Paul Preparatory School in Minnesota!

The Saint Paul Preparatory school is a private American high school located in St Paul, Minnesota. This private American high school welcomes each year international students as well as local American students, in a pleasant, international atmosphere.

This high school is part of a network of international high schools throughout the world: USA, but also Korea, Poland, China, Kenya… These private American high schools gives students the opportunity to get an American education, to improve their knowledge of English, and to increase their global and cultural understanding of the world, by sharing their everyday life with students from the whole world!international high school school trip

The Saint Paul Preparatory School in Saint Paul is located in Galtier Plaza, in the downtown of Saint Paul. This exceptional location allows students to have many extra curricular activities, and provides an access to many facilities!private american high school in Galtier Plaza

During their international program at Saint Paul, international students are hosted by an American family. This allows them to be fully immersed in the American culture, and it’s also a great help for students to have a host family to support them during their stay! Their American host family is really like another family, and will support students during their stay abroad!

At the Saint Paul Preparatory School, students receive an American education in a very individualized way: there are between 6 and 25 students in a class. Students not only learn academic knowledge, but they also have the opportunity to get a unique experience of life.

Students come from many countries and this is a perfect ground for international understanding!

Students enrolled in the Saint Paul Preparatory School also have many extra curricular activities. There are many clubs where students can enhance their global and specific skills: student leadership council, math club, Model UN, Mock trial, Theatre Club, Science Club, Art Club, Speech Club…

Students are also offered the opportunity to participate in many of the traditional American festivities: special animation during elections, Prom night, Halloween, Thanksgiving… Students get unforgettable memories during these events!

Many schools trips are also organized, in order to enable students to discover USA and their culture during their stay at the Saint Paul Preparatory School!international high school school trip Washington

Students from the whole world have enjoyed their stay at Saint Paul for years! In the next weeks, we will publish some of their videos or a picture, showing what life in an international high school is! Stay tuned for these articles!

If you are interested in this unique opportunity and would like to study in an international high school too, I encourage you to contact us to get more information about it!

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Posted in Academic Year Programs, International High School, Teenagers | 2 Comments »

High School in England : Students’ Testimonial

Wednesday, April 15th, 2009

At Nacel we really value our student’s satisfaction. We recently received a testimonial from 2 students, Alex and Iris, who are currently on an academic program in the United Kingdom, where they are learning English while studying in an English “high school”, along with English students!

This testimonial shows what their goals are and explain a bit more about their experience in the UK! The picture allows you to get a night glimpse of the school’s student residence!academic program uk study abroad

 

Dear Nacel,
 
            Me and Iris are writing this letter to you to tell you about our experience in England.
 
Our goals and motivations before applying to this program were to learn English and to get to know English culture. We chose to come to England and not to go to USA because England is closer to our country and we can learn the most spoken language. As we are an EU country we didn’t have to request visa for UK but we had to fill in the forms for applying at college.
When we arrived in UK we were welcomed by the college staff and we met our new mates. Boston is a small town with a big supermarket and lots of nice people. The good part of this program is that at the end of the year we will have an Academic IELTS certification for English language and some degrees in the subjects we studied that could help us for university application. Our future plan is to apply for university here and maybe to continue the college here.
 
Best regards,

Alex and Iris

Admit it: you would like to be there too ;) To receive information about an academic program abroad, contact us!

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