31 January 2011

Food explosion

Written by: an FCE student at Languages International


Albert Park, Auckland


Let’s go and grab some lunch! Certainly you all know that feeling: you put all your effort in your English studies but at the end of the morning class all you can think about is FOOD!!!


A nice place to satisfy your appetite is the Uni food court, nearby our school. Thanks to a wide variety of international food, everybody can easily find their favourite dishes. Although the quality is not good value for money, it’s the easiest way to get something warm quickly.


If you don’t mind spending a bit more for lunch, you could go to a restaurant in the city centre. Because of Auckland multiculturalism, you can enjoy a piece of Asian culture and taste Indian cuisine, try some Sushi or spicy Chinese delights.  


There are also heaps of well-known sandwich stores, like Subway. You can choose any fillings you want, even the kind of bread. Be creative by making your own special sub!


That way, you can not only stay healthy, but also have a nice picnic in the stunning sunshine on the grass of fabulous Albert Park!!!


This article was taken from the magazine that our teacher, May Anne's FCE class created.  To read more, download the magazine: pdf Martina's FCE Class Magazine (22.4MB) 

30 January 2011

Should I stay or should I go?

Written by: Lucy, an FCE student at Languages International


Languages International Students in Class Christchurch New Zealand


These days, it is generally said that going to an English speaking country is an effective way of studying English. However, some people argue that it can result in disadvantages as well as benefits. Personally, I think learning a language overseas outweigh the drawbacks.


To begin with, there are some difficulties that international students can have due to the different cultures and surroundings, such as new food, customs and language. As a result, they may well suffer from serious homesickness. The high cost of living and other expenses can also be a big problem for most of them.


In contrast, learning English in another country gives students a good chance of gaining lots of new experience; for example, they can become friends with foreigners. Therefore, there is more possibility to practice English in their everyday life than in their country and learn it from native speakers.


In summary, studying English abroad can be a good way for some learners, whereas it might bring about disadvantages for others. From my own experience, I am strongly convinced it is more successful than in my country.                                                                     


This article was taken from the magazine that our teacher, May Anne's FCE class created.  To read more, download the magazine: pdf Martina's FCE Class Magazine (22.4MB) 

29 January 2011

How to be a geek

Written by: Sarah, an FCE student at Languages International


geek magnets


The aim of this report is to present how your vocabulary knowledge can be improved efficiently.


Suggestions
• You could focus on studying phrasal verbs and collocations. In the Learning Centre there is a very helpful resource book called Essential Idioms in English. It provides plenty of sentences which you use every day, like get on/off the bus or get over an illness. Being familiar with those idioms let you feel more confident, and your English sounds more natural and fluent. 


• While reading English books, you discover a lot of new words, especially adjectives and verbs. If you focus on some words, which you think are helpful or which you like, your vocabulary could get better rapidly.  


•A good way to memorize new vocabulary is to write it on little sheets: on one side is the English explanation and on the other side the word. That way you can test yourself. 


Recommendation
In conclusion, there are many different strategies you can use to learn vocabulary; so find out which one fits best with your learning style. 


This article was taken from the magazine that our teacher, May Anne's FCE class created.  To read more, download the magazine: pdf Martina's FCE Class Magazine (22.4MB) 


Photo credit: Geek Magnets by pillowhead designs

28 January 2011

Top 5 Must Dos in NZ

Written by: May Ann's FCE class at Languages International


Goat Island Reserve
Goat Island Reserve


Well, ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seat belts and welcome to our top 5 places. You should visit them while you are in New Zealand. We promise that they will spice up your life.


Goat Island
For all sea life enthusiasts, Goat Island is an extraordinary spot where you have to go. This was the first marine reserve in New Zealand and is also the best place for everybody who likes snorkeling. Here you can observe a lot of different kinds of multicolored fish like huge snapper, giant crayfish, nice sting-rays and the famous blue maomao. The town of Leigh is also a very popular site for summer holidays and can be crowded at the weekends.


Bay of Islands
One of the best places in the North Island  is the Bay of Islands. You can see the most gorgeous scenery from there. There are also exciting activities you can enjoy such as swimming with dolphins and sailing.


Rotorua
If you come from Auckland you have probably already climbed a volcano. Even though Rotorua is also situated in a volcanic area don’t expect to observe the same landscape. This is totally different. But what we strongly recommend is to enjoy the short Bush Walk which begins at the Huka Falls and finishes by a relaxing natural spa.


Queenstown
What?? You are in New Zealand and you haven’t been to Queenstown?? You can’t imagine what are you missing... amazing landscapes and sights. It is where you can try over 100 activities. Skiing, fishing, bungy jumping are some of them and I would leave the others to your imagination.


Kaikoura
Have you ever seen whales in the wild?  Kaikoura is the most popular place in the South Island to enjoy this fantastic aquatic life. You’ll get a chance to swim with dolphins, to dive with sharks or to see seal colonies. The whales are closer than you expect, an adventure you will never forget!


This article was taken from the magazine that our teacher, May Anne's FCE class created.  To read more, download the magazine: pdf May Ann's FCE Class Magazine (19.52MB) 


Photo credit: Goat Island Reserve by ccheviron

27 January 2011

Student's photo published by national newspaper

Languages International student, Dominik Imhof has taken some beautiful photos of Cornwall Park at One Tree Hill. One of his photos was published by national newspaper, the New Zealand Herald.  Congratulations Dominik!

Cornwall Park
Photo by Dominik Imhof

26 January 2011

This made our day...



Tuesday was Students' Day in Russia, and we received this lovely message from Moscow:


Dear Larissa,


Warm greetings on the coming Student’s Day!


I am also writing to say a big hello from our past student Maria who was extremely happy with her stay at Languages International. Maria said that your school is the best she’s ever been to (she previously studied in the UK, USA and Australia)


We would like to thank you for the great work you do!

Wishing you all the best for the future,

Lidia

FreeWay Russia
25.01.11.
Moscow


Thank you Lidia and Maria, and a belated happy Russian Student's Day to all our students!

25 January 2011

Is it really better to study English in a native-speaking country?

Written by: Joe Park, an FCE student at Languages International


Languages International Students in Class Auckland New Zealand


People have argued about studying English in native speaking countries. Although some people believe it is a waste of time and money, my opinion is that it has more advantages than drawbacks.


To begin with, some people insist students don’t have to go to foreign countries to study English because a large number of native teachers already teach English in non-native speaking countries. Moreover, studying abroad generally requires higher expenditure than studying locally and more time because of taking time off from their studies or work.


Nevertheless, studying abroad should provide more benefits. For instance, experience in a native culture can help you to understand English. Furthermore, meeting people who come from other countries might also be helpful things such as in developing relationships, learning different expressions and so on. Above all, students can easily learn English by heart in real situations.


To sum up, it is possible for people to study English in their own countries. However, my opinion is that studying in foreign countries is the best way to enhance your English ability even if it has some disadvantages.


This article was taken from the magazine that our teacher, May Anne's FCE class created.  To read more, download the magazine: pdf May Ann's FCE Class Magazine (19.52MB)