29 July 2011

What's on this week? (1 - 5 August 2011)

Here's what Languages International students can do on the Social Programme this week (1 - 5 August 2011.)

In Auckland, there's lots of shopping on offer. On Wednesday, we are walking to K Road for coffee and to visit the shops. On Thursday, we're catching the train to Sylvia Park shopping mall. On Friday, you can join the pub trip. (You have to be 18 or older for this trip.) There will be non-alcoholic drinks, alcoholic drinks and snack food available. At the weekend, you can go snowboarding, skiing, surfing or wine tasting, or you can visit Rotorua, Taupo and Waitomo. See pdf this week's Social Programme activities for Auckland.

In Christchurch this week there is something for everyone. You can play touch rugby on Wednesday. This is for male and female students. If you have seen the All Blacks play, don't worry, touch rugby is different! Gus will teach you the rules. On Thursday, you can make some beaded jewelry with Denise. On Friday, you can end your week with a lovely horse trek. We'll be going horse riding from 3pm to 5pm. See pdf this week's Social Programme activities for Christchurch.


Here's a jewelry making activity at Languages International Christchurch from a few months ago:


Written by: Hannah Robinson at Languages International

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28 July 2011

LTM Star Awards - Languages International Shortlisted for 5th Consecutive Year








Languages International is delighted to have been shortlisted for the Language Travel Magazine (LTM) Star Award in the Southern Hemisphere category for the 5th consecutive year. Thank you very much to our partners for your ongoing support and for voting for us again this year!

The Southern Hemisphere category was created in 2007. Every year, language travel consultants around the world vote for their "Star" school in Australia, South Africa or New Zealand, and 5 schools from the region are shortlisted. Languages International has been in the top 5 every year, and in 2008 won the award.

  • 2011 - Shortlisted
  • 2010 - Shortlisted
  • 2009 - Shortlisted
  • 2008 - Winner
  • 2007 - Shortlisted
This year's winner will be announced in September.

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Fun in the Snow at Languages International Christchurch

Yesterday Languages International Christchurch students and teachers made the most of the snow by going outside for a friendly snowball fight.
national Christchurch students & staff with their snowballs

making snowballs

snowboulder

You can see more photos of the fun in the snow on our Flickr Page and on our Facebook Page.

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26 July 2011

Snow at Languages International Christchurch!

Here are some photos of Languages International like you have never seen it before. Yesterday was one of the coldest days on record for some parts of New Zealand. According to the NZ Herald, we had the most widespread snow since 1995. Christchurch had the heaviest snowfall, and people were advised to stay indoors. Classes at Languages International Christchurch were canceled. However, one of our teachers, Sally, and her husband managed to get some photos of this rare event. Here are our alternative premises in Merivale blanketed in snow.

snow at the gate

winter garden

decked in white

silver fern

cotton wool

bicycle

iced ginger bread house

wrapped up warm

Written by Hannah Robinson at Languages International

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25 July 2011

What's on this week?

There is plenty for Languages International students to do on the Social Programme this week.

In Auckland, all the after school activities are free this week! You can go for a walk up Mt Eden - get great views of the city and some exercise while practicing your English. There is also a NZ nature talk. Don't forget to book at reception for these activities. Then on Friday we have our school BBQ. Come along and have lunch with your classmates and teachers. There will be halal sausages, salads and bread. See pdf this week's Social Programme activities for Auckland.

In Christchurch this week, we have lots of activities to warm you up. You can go for an Indian meal at Little India, dance salsa (no experience necessary!) and play badminton. The salsa dancing is free and the badminton only costs $5 - $6. See pdf this week's Social Programme activities for Christchurch.

Written by Hannah Robinson at Languages International

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21 July 2011

New Zealand ranked 2nd most peaceful country in world

New Zealand peaceful country

New Zealand has been ranked the 2nd most peaceful country in the world. According to the 2011 Global Peace Index (GPI), the only country more peaceful than New Zealand is Iceland. The GPI ranks countries by their ‘absence of violence.’ It takes many factors into account including levels of violent crime, potential for terrorism, political stability and number of wars fought. In 2009 and 2010, NZ was ranked 1st. NZ has been in the top 5 most peaceful countries every year since the GPI began in 2007.

The GPI’s 5 most peaceful countries in 2011 were:

Rank
Country
1Iceland
2New Zealand
3Japan
4Denmark
5Czech Republic










Written by Hannah Robinson at Languages International
Photo credit: Hapal

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15 July 2011

New Videos of Languages International

Take a look at our 2 new school videos. What do you think? Please let us know in the video comments on YouTube! The more views, likes and comments we get, the better the videos will do on Youtube, and the more students will discover Languages International. Please take 30 seconds to share your thoughts and help us out!





Comments on this post are closed. Please leave your comments in the video comments on YouTube.

Written by Hannah Robinson at Languages International

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14 July 2011

New Zealand Cheaper than Australia - 1 More Reason to Study in Auckland or Christchurch

Auckland and Christchurch are 2 of the most affordable places to study English. The 2011 Mercer Worldwide Cost of Living Survey shows that Auckland is cheaper than any of Australia's big cities. The survey compares the cost of more than 200 items in each city, including housing, transport, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment. Auckland was ranked 118th out of the 214 cities surveyed. (1 = most expensive, 214 = least expensive)


Compare the cost of living for various study destinations popular with English language learners:

Auckland, New Zealand (118)
Los Angeles, USA (77)
Vancouver, Canada (65)
Toronto, Canada (59)
Adelaide, Australia (46)
Canberra, Australia (34)
New York, USA (32)
Brisbane, Australia (31)
Perth, Australia (30)
Melbourne, Australia (21)
London, United Kingdom (18)
Sydney, Australia (14)



Written by Hannah Robinson at Languages International

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13 July 2011

Christchurch is Ready for Travellers says Lonely Planet

New Brighton
New Brighton Pier, Christchurch (July 2011) by Jayden Elley

Lonely Planet says Christchurch is "back on its feet as far as welcoming travellers." In their recent article, they note that there are plenty of sights and activities and places for tourists to stay and to go out to eat.

Read the Lonely Planet article here: Back to Christchurch

Written by Hannah Robinson at Languages International

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