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Posts Tagged ‘english’

Come to a Boston English School

November 29th, 2009

If you’re looking for a good English language-learning school, Boston is the perfect city to find one. With a long history and unique culture, Boston provides an excellent opportunity to learn both about English and American culture. If you move here, you’ll be speaking English fluently in no time!

Who wants to go somewhere to learn English without having a good time? Boston provides just that opportunity: a chance to travel, to sight-see, but also to interact with people and learn American English. Don’t miss out! There’s so much to do, you’ll be grateful for such a personally-enriching experience.

Practice makes perfect, so when you come to Boston be prepared to meet new people and talk, talk, talk! It is the only way you’ll hone your skills and become a natural-sounding English speaker. And, of course, don’t forget to listen. One of Boston’s strengths is a strong community of people from all different avenues and walks of life. The people are generally patient, so don’t hesitate to ask questions or make mistakes. It’s how you learn!

People who come to Boston do so for a variety of reasons, but one of the main ones is that there is so much to do! Never a silent moment, there are events happening everywhere you turn. This makes learning English so enjoyable. Sure, you have to work hard on your studies, but when you’re not in school you can go out and experience a very fascinating culture!

Boston is unique from many other cities. No where else will you be able to both interact with the community and enjoy the sight-seeing as much as you will in Massachusetts’ capital. There are so many schools in Boston, which means thousands upon thousands of students from all different backgrounds and locations. Many of them stay, which makes Boston a diverse and culturally-rich city.

My name is Shawn Everett and I currently live and study English at Boston Academy of English in Boston, MA… The best place on Earth to learn English! Find out more about Boston English Schools at this website == www.BAElive.com

Shawn Everett Travel , , , , , , ,

How to Ease your Job Search Process with Resumes and Cover Letters

October 6th, 2009
by Amy Nutt

The purpose of the resume and cover letter is to make the job search process quicker and easier. In order to make your job search much easier and increase your chances of securing your dream job, you have to think of the resume as a marketing tool and you are the product that is being sold.

The following are a number of tips to help ease your job search process using resumes and cover letters:

1. Statistics have shown that the likelihood of acquiring employment through a job ad is 1 out of 20, and the chances of acquiring employment through networking are 1 out of 4. These statistics will help you narrow your job search by submitting your resume and cover letter to the most appropriate potential employers. Check with people you know such as family, colleagues (current and former), professors, managers, etc for leads on job openings. As well, review your qualifications and experiences, education, and skills, to see what types of jobs you are suitable for. Identify the most important employers in your area and contact their human resource departments to find out how and where to apply for job openings. As well, contact local government departments and agencies to find out where they list their job openings. Once you have narrowed your search, you can then work on your resume and cover letter.

2. Cover letters are an essential element of getting a job interview and they make your resume stand out from your competition. Always send out a cover letter with your resume, as it will be the difference between getting a job interview, or throwing your resume in the waste can. A cover letter should not be a duplicate of your resume, but a complement to it. The purpose is to add a personal touch to your resume and give the employer a sense of who you are and what position you are seeking. It is the first written contact with the employer so you must make a good impression and catch the employer’s eye. It should state the position that you are applying for, the reasons why you want the job, and highlight the most important skills that would make you a valuable asset to the company. It shows that you understand the position, and have the knowledge and experience in that type of work. The cover letter should summarize why you are the ideal candidate for the position. It should be one page with a minimum of three paragraphs.

3. Your resume must be professional and easy to read. It should also be interesting with no long sentences. Important skills, achievements, and experiences that are relevant to the job must be noted. It must not be overly detailed as you will give more explanations during the interview. You should write effective and eye catching statements. As well, your descriptions should be clear and interesting. For resumes that are scanned by companies and entered into a database, make sure your resume has relevant keywords which will bring up the resume in a search.

Because of increased competition and minimal job openings, acquiring a job is now a step-by-step process. You can ease the job search process by knowing what jobs you are suited for and creating a resume and cover letter that targets these jobs.

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Amy Nutt Education , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Getting Involved in Your Child’s Education: Four Easy Tips

September 24th, 2009
by Byron Jonas

Parents always hope for the very best for their children, providing them with whatever they need for long, healthy, happy and prosperous lives.

What is highly important in ensuring these elements is education.

From nursery school to secondary school to college, the things they learn in these institutions will have a huge influence on their lives.

And though a good education is important, it is not necessarily a guarantee. This is where parents come in. We must play an active role in ensuring that our children receive the necessary formation they need. Not sure how? Take some cues here:

1. Ask for References Reference-requesting should begin as soon as you start to think of sending your kids off to daycare or nursery school. Not only is this a way to make sure that the place you’ll be sending your son or daughter off too is reputable, but it’s also a way to make sure it is safe as well. Talk to friends with kids who are a bit older than your own to see what they say about the institutions to which they’ve children to send their children. Don’t be afraid to ask schools for references as well – they’ll be sure to have a list of fellow parents happy to talk to you about whatever questions or concerns you may have.

2. Encourage Involvement School is not just about what goes on in the classroom. In fact, many of the most important experiences children get in school comes from extracurricular activities. Encourage your child to get involved in at least one activity – a sport, a club, a student government entity, whatever interests them. There’s no need to be too forceful, but let them know how important such activities are. Not only are they great ways to make social connections and learn new things, but they also look great on resumes.

3. Know What’s Going On Know what’s going on in your child’s personal and academic life. There’s no need to be a snoop or to make a visit to the principal’s office, a simple ongoing conversation will do. Know what classes your kids are taking and ask them how things are going. Offer to help them with homework or hire a tutor if they’re struggling – you don’t want a little bit of confusion to lead to a failing grade. Find out when parent-teacher conferences are and go to them, and keep lines of communication open at all times.

4. Learn About Your Child Knowing what it is that makes your child really tick is important, especially when it comes to the later years of their education. Talk to your children about their interests and hobbies, about what it is they think they might like to do with their lives. They probably won’t have any definitive answers, but let them know that’s okay. The idea is to get the ball rolling when it comes to thoughts of future plans and goals.

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Byron Jonas Language , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Four Important Steps to Take When It Comes to Your Child’s Education

September 22nd, 2009
by Byron Jonas

All parents want what’s best for their children – the best values, the best experiences, the best belongings. What is at the top of that list of “best” wishes is education.

As parents, we know that our children will have the best chance at happiness and prosperity if they have a solid education.

The education they receive at all ages and at all levels is an important factor in rendering them happy, healthy and successful adults.

An excellent education is imperative. Unfortunately, it is not guaranteed. This is why we as parents must be constantly actively involved in our children’s schooling. It is our job to make sure that they are sufficiently equipped with the tools they will need later in life to become happy and prosperous adults. Here are four ways to do so:

1. Ask for References The decision of where to send your children is a vital one, one that should be informed. The best way to make a good decision regarding where to send your children to school, all the way from preschool to college, is to seek out references. You’ll want to guarantee that the place you’ll be sending your children is highly-regarded and safe. Ask friends and acquaintances what they know about institutions in your area, ranging from direct experiences to rumors. While you’re at it, request a list of references from schools themselves – they should be more than willing to help you.

2. Encourage Involvement School is not just about what goes on in the classroom. In fact, many of the most important experiences children get in school comes from extracurricular activities. Encourage your child to get involved in at least one activity – a sport, a club, a student government entity, whatever interests them. There’s no need to be too forceful, but let them know how important such activities are. Not only are they great ways to make social connections and learn new things, but they also look great on resumes.

3. Know What’s Going On You don’t need to be doing your child’s homework or in constant contact with his or her teachers. You do, however, need to be aware of what is going at school. Ask your kids for a copy of their schedules and talk to them about how their classes are going. If they’re having trouble in a class, you may be able to head off catastrophe by acting early on. Attend parent-teacher conferences and be available to help with homework (if you can).

4. Learn About Your Child You’ll be surprised to find out how much you can find out from your children just by asking. Establish a dialogue with them about their goals and interests. Don’t expect any definitive answers regarding their futures, but do know that they probably have a few things in mind. Let your children know that they should feel comfortable coming to you when the time arrives to start thinking about the future.

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Byron Jonas Language , , , , , , , , , , , ,

English: The Global Language of Communication

August 10th, 2009
by Amy Nutt

There are many different languages in the world, and there are simply none more that cause more impact than the English language. The English language is an amazing language, and it is beautiful. The shear amount of people who speak it are breath-taking, and there are many countries that teach the global language of communication in primary schools.

With about 400 million people who speak it as their primary language, and the total of English speakers at nearly 2 billion people around the world, it is no wonder why this language is the global language of communication.

Background and Origins

Historically, the language that is language is one of West Germanic descent, with origins in Anglo-Saxon England. The language is a culmination of many words from many pre-existing languages around the world, but specifically influenced by the Old Norse language of the Vikings. After the Normans conquered, where we had Old English, it transformed into what we called Middle language, which was borrowed mostly from their language, as far as spelling and vocabulary are concerned.

Shortly thereafter, Modern English was developed, coming along with what was called the Great Vowel Shift, which happened in 15th century English, where they incorporated words from a great score of different languages and dialects. In this, it is where we started using more and more words that were rooted in Greek and Latin, especially in the use of technical words.

The Significance of English

English is considered something called the “lingua franca”, the world’s first. This basically means that the language of English is something that is basically an international language of people not speaking a mother tongue. So, it’s not uncommon around the world for people to speak English if they want to communicate with someone not from their country. It is also the dominant language in many fields, such as business, science, entertainment, radio, and diplomacy.

The use of the English language is something that is considered a requirement in many fields of business, especially in the higher echelons. Even in countries where English is not the country’s primary language, a basic knowledge of English is generally required. This fact is definitely true in the fields of medicine and computing, where one is bound to have to communicate with someone that was not born in the same country that you were. And in these fields, having a “lingua franca” is something that definitely something that can come in handy.

English is something of a beautiful language, and people around the world have been studying it for a number of years for them to learn it as best as they possibly can. In learning English, there can be many things that can be achieved than if not. Chances there will more than likely be a time where a person would need to communicate with someone from another country, and if it’s the global language, a person definitely could be benefit from learning it! And with this global language of communication, it will definitely not be an effort in vain.

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Amy Nutt Education , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Is Learning English Today Easier Than In The Past?

July 19th, 2009
by Amy Nutt

There are many reasons why people choose to learn English. They may want to gain access to English information such as in books, magazines, and newspapers. Having English can open the doors for a prosperous career path. It will also help when communicating with people when traveling abroad. As well, people can enjoy English entertainment such as television, music, and movies. In the past, learning English consisted of reading textbooks in a classroom setting. Nowadays, technology has made learning English much quicker and easier.

The evolution of the Internet has resulted in a host of creative ways to learn the English language. People from all over the world now have access to such communication channels as internet radio and television where they can sit, listen, and watch English speakers. They will learn common idioms that are used and can get a better understanding of words and phrases and their context which is a feature often lacking in standard English learning text books. There are also many sites that offer English learning programs. These programs are flexible so people can learn anywhere, any time, and at their own pace. The programs utilize games, conversational English learning, vocabulary and pronunciation exercises, quizzes, and many have places where English learners can meet others so they can practice writing English in chat rooms and on discussion boards. There are also speaking chat rooms where learners can converse with each other in English. It is a comfortable environment and learners will not feel embarrassed if they make a mistake. As well, there are many English newspapers, journals, and magazines available online. Learners can access the subject they are interested in so they will enjoy learning

To understand and speak English properly, one has to listen to a native English speaker. The internet is full of native English speakers who offer English conversational learning. Online instructors converse with learners in English allowing them to listen and speak.

Learners now have many English audio tapes and English audio CD that allows them to learn just about anywhere, including the car. All you need is a Cassette or CD player. One can also find many English electronic devices that will help in learning the language. Such devices include MP3 Audio Programs which they can take anywhere with them, English learning software that can be downloaded on their computers that includes translation programs, electronic translators or electronic dictionaries which can be used with a Pocket PC, Palm OS, PDAs, smartphones, and much more. There are also talking electronic dictionaries. Most of these devices can be taken anywhere. Many devices contain text-to-speech and voice recognition technologies, and a wide range of range of vocabulary. There are also dictionaries that contain common expressions and phrases, grammar references, a study list, SAT word list, complete grammar guide, exercises, tests, and language improving games.

With the vast array of tools available, learning English has never been easier. You will gain a great deal of satisfaction as you grasp the English language. Many people have taken advantage of the new learning tools available and have been amazed at how quickly they learn the language. Learning English is now fun, fast, and most importantly, very rewarding. As well, it gives people a proud sense of accomplishment.

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Amy Nutt Education , , , , , , , , ,

The Importance Of A Thank You Note After A Job Interview

July 15th, 2009
by Amy Nutt

A job interview is something that is nerve-wracking, just to say the least. There is really nothing that is going through the mind except one can do with this opportunity, the possible money, and possible relationships with co-workers. Before all of that, there is the thought of the man or woman sitting across from you, asking a battery of questions. There is tension there, and in most cases, just a little bit of fear that you will not get the job.

Stand Out

Questions such as, “what can you bring to the company?” and “where do you see yourself in 5, maybe 10 years?” are things that are expected and prepared for. For some reason, even though you rehearsed the question time and time again in the mirror, the second they are asked, the mind can go blank. It’s normal, as they maybe a few years ago they’ve done the same exact thing.

But in a lot of cases, one of the best things that a person can do is stand out from the pack. The best things that a person can do for further consideration is to send a thank you note after the job interview. One would be surprised at how much that can make or break a job interview, because it leaves a lasting impression, something that is tangible instead of a resume or job application. It leaves your name on their tongue, which is something that you want to happen.

The Element of Surprise!

In a word, the thank you note is something that many people are losing the art of constructing. It doesn’t have to be a literary masterpiece, and in fact, simplicity is the best. The interviewer probably has a lot of things to do, and they don’t necessarily want to turn pages to hear you gush on about how much you loved spending time with them as they asked you a few questions. Something short and sweet is the key, and it can be something that as short as a paragraph.

Most people do not even send thank you notes anymore, which is also something to be aware of when you’re constructing it. People can go their entire lives being interviewed and never send one. This is what makes it vitally important, the fact that people are neglecting them. There are countless stories floating around that basically say that they only have the job that they do because they were willing to write up a quick thank you note to their current boss. It shows that you really want the job, you’re respectful, and you’re considerate of their time. Remember, they did not have to choose you to interview.

The thank you note is something that is quite important for those people who really want the job, as there are many people who came in before you and may have said the same things that you did, and they may have even said them a thousand times better. So, if you really want to be considered for the newest position, especially in this economy, you may want to slide a thank you note to your next interviewer.

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Amy Nutt Career , , , , , , , , , , ,

Information on Being an English Teacher

July 10th, 2009
by Matthew Kepnes

Teaching English overseas is a great way for people to experience the world. The job doesnt require many qualifications and positions are abundant in all parts of the world. Many of these jobs pay very well and are a great way to spend a year or two after university saving money and paying back the loans. Moreover, youll be able to learn a new culture and language and have an experience that few people experience.

In order to be a teacher overseas, you need three things: be a native speaker, have a university degree, and have a TEFL certificate. If you want to teach business or at an international school, youll need a higher level degree too. A TEFL certificate or the British counterpart, the CELTA, is a certificate course that potential English teachers take that teaching them how to teach English. The course lasts 120 hours and usually takes about a month. If you are a licensed teacher, you dont really need to take this course. However, if you dont have a teaching degree, most places want you to have a TEFL.

One of the biggest advantages of being an English teacher in a foreign country is that you can make a lot of money doing it. Teaching isnt that hard and the pay is very good. For recent graduates, the best place to go is Asia. In the part of the world, you will find that you can earn a few thousand dollars a month in countries that only cost a few hundred to live in. It is realistically possible to save around 15,000 USD in one year. If you have more experience, you can teach in the middle east where your earnings are tax free.

do all the functions of a normal teacher. You will have to lesson plan, grade papers, hold office hours, and attend events. While these tasks are not overtly challenging, they are time consuming. Be prepared to spend extra time beyond just classroom hours doing work. Moreover, remember as a teacher you need to be energetic so that your students are not bored. Teaching is easy compared to many other fields but very tiring.

A lot of information about teaching English can be found online. Online youll be able to research visa rules, find jobs, and use forums to ask other people questions and get advice. There are plethora of websites that deal with regions and countries that provide a wide depth of knowledge. You can also contact recruiters who will help you find a job.

Being an English teacher overseas is a very rewarding experience. Youll get to live in a new culture, learn a new language, and make international friends. Teaching English is a wonderful way to earn a lot of money too as English teachers are very well paid. These jobs are paid and perfect for people with an adventurous spirit looking to do something new and exciting with their life.

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Matthew Kepnes Language , , , , ,

For People Considering Working At Hess In Taiwan

July 3rd, 2009
by Cami Adair

Due to an unfortunate series of events which caused a major lack of funds, I ended up signing on to work at Hess language schools in Taiwan.

During Training in Taipei(which was informative but annoying) I found out that I was not going to get the contract I wanted (contract C, two kindergarten classes) and that instead I would be working split shifts, beginning at 8:30 am and ending at 8:30 pm, and teaching classes I did not want to teach.

I refused to sign the contract but said I would try out the new schedule anyway. At the end of training I got another surprise which was that Hess had made no arrangements to transport my surfboard with me to my new home even though they had repeatedly promised that they would do it. When I became suspicious and asked about it they told me to stop worrying – if they would have just told me the truth (that they weren’t planning to transport it) then I could have made my own arrangements.

Arriving at the branch I discovered that the job which paid ‘hourly’ required you to work way above and beyond your paid hours- and that my two co-workers were working 12-14 hour days and only getting paid for 6 of those hours. I refused to work so many extra hours but soon found that the only people who suffered when I didn’t do the extra work were my underpaid co-teachers and the children- so I ended up working hundreds of unpaid hours for Hess.

After 10 months of increasingly ridiculous work situations, I finally left Hess (but not until after they threatened to take 20,000nt from me, told me I’d have to leave the country, neither of which happened). And now I am much happier- the end. Oh and by the way there are of course good things about Hess- it’s just a pretty raw deal for the teachers. I write more about the positive things at Hess in my long version.

If you want details, keep reading. I do get pretty long-winded though- I figure this is cheaper than therapy =) For the sake of reading ease, this blog is kind of written backward- meaning the beginning posts are at the top, and if you want to continue reading, you have to click on ‘older posts’. Go to my blog to read more.

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Cami Adair Career , , , , , , , , , ,

Why Should You Take the TOEFL Test?

June 30th, 2009
by Amy Nutt

TOEFL, or the Test of English as a Foreign Language, is a test that measures your ability to speak, read, and write in English at a college or university level. This test is one of the best measures of whether or not you are ready to attend college at an English-speaking school. Even though you may think that you speak and write English well, doing so on the college level is entirely different, especially if you have learned it as a foreign language.

What Is Contained in the TOEFL?

The test is either Internet-based or paper-based. Both test the same things, but in a slightly different format. These assessments test your ability to read, listen to, speak, and write English. You will be asked to read passages and then answer questions on them. You will also be asked to listen to a lecture that is a college-level lecture, followed by more questions. A few tasks will require a verbal answer, and you will be asked to write two passages. The lectures, reading passages, and questions are all designed to reflect the types of tasks you would be asked to perform at the college level.

Who Needs the TOEFL?

Students who wish to attend an English speaking university or college but have learned English as a foreign language should take the TOEFL before applying to their chosen school. Many schools require the scores from this test for admission. Even if your school does not require it, having a good score can help you have an advantage over other applicants if there are limited openings available.

Outside of the admission requirements, the TOEFL will help you assess whether or not you have the skills necessary to deal with academic situations in your chosen school. You will need to be able to hear lectures, write papers, and communicate verbally with teachers and classmates. The TOEFL will show you whether or not you have attained this level of English fluency. If you need more practice, preparing for the test will give you that practice.

Benefits of the TOEFL

The TOEFL is the English language fluency assessment accepted by over 6,000 institutions. You might assume that all of these are in America or the United Kingdom, but they are actually spread across the world in 110 countries. Almost every university in the major English speaking countries, such as the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, use TOEFL scores to determine whether or not non-English speakers can be admitted to their programs, receive scholarships, or enter graduate school to learn English.

Another benefit of the TOEFL over other English proficiency tests is the fact that there are over 4,000 test centers you can use. If you do have to travel, you will save time and money because the test can be completed in just one day.

Finally, this test gives you an unbiased measure of your English speaking ability. Tests are scored anonymously, and no interviews are included as part of the process. If you know English well, you will score well, plain and simple. The TOEFL is the best measure of your ability to succeed in an English speaking college program.

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Amy Nutt Education , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,