Monthly Archives: March 2010

Spanish classes in Cadiz

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Spanish classes in Cadiz

Language International initiates collaboration with K2 INTERNACIONAL

Language International, a leading provider of language study abroad programs, is excited to announce our new partnership with K2 INTERNACIONAL in Cadiz. The partnership will extend Language International’s presence in Spain and establish Cadiz as a language immersion destination for Language International’s students.

Cadiz has a long and rich history, dating back to the Phoenicians over 3000 years ago. It was one of the most important Spanish ports due to its privileged geography on a narrow peninsula surrounded by the sea. It was also here that Columbus left for America on several occasions. Today Cadiz is known for its carnival and charming city center with markets, cafés, and narrow streets as well as beautiful sea views and long promenades lined with palm trees, shops, museums and restaurants. Cadiz has over 10 kilometers fine sand beaches and enjoy approximately 3200 hours of sun a year. Furthermore, Cadiz is unaffected by the mass tourism seen in other Spanish beach towns, allowing the students to immerse themselves completely in Spanish language and culture; in the real Spain.

 “Language International is very thrilled by the amount of inquiries we receive every day from students from all over the world who wish to go to Barcelona, Cadiz and Valencia to learn Spanish. Under this partnership with K2 INTERNACIONAL, Language International students will have access to a wider array of Spanish language learning destinations,” said Karen Ong, CEO and founder of Language International.

Ángeles Castro, Director of K2 INTERNACIONAL, is excited about the partnership with Language International: “Language International offers students exceptional customer service and has substantial experience in matching students with the right school. Outstanding customer service is also the focal point of K2 INTERNACIONAL, and therefore we have high expectations for the collaboration.

Italian classes in Siena

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Italian classes in Siena

Language International signs a partnership with Dante Alighieri

Language International is excited to announce our new partnership with Dante Alighieri in Italy. The partnership will establish Language International’s presence in Siena and promote Siena as a language immersion destination for Italian students.

The Lonely Planet describes Siena as “one of Italy’s most enchanting cities”. Siena has a charming medieval centre teeming with majestic buildings. The city’s center, a Unesco World Heritage Site, oozes with history and is filled with old narrow streets to explore. Students studying Italian in Siena will have fun practicing their Italian while wandering the city.

“Language International is very encouraged by the amount of inquiries we receive each day from students all over the world who wish to study in less-touristy cities in Italy. Siena offers the perfect destination for these students. Under this partnership, Language International students will have access to a wider array of Italian language learning destinations,” said Karen Ong, CEO and founder of Language International.

Luca Bonomi, Director of Dante Alighieri, explains the importance of this partnership with Language International: “Language International is one of the few agents nationwide in the United States that offers unsurpassed reach and unparalleled customer service… .” He also noted, “With this partnership in place, American students will be eligible to receive course credits, making it even more attractive for Language International students to study in Dante Alighieri in Siena.”

Spanish classes in Valencia

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Spanish classes in Valencia

Language International signs a partnership with AIP Language

Language International, a leading provider of language study abroad programs, is thrilled to announce our new partnership with AIP Languages in Valencia. The partnership will extend Language International’s presence in Spain and introduce Valencia as a language immersion destination for Language International’s students from all over the world.

Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and known for its relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. The city has one of Europe’s largest intact historic centers, countless gardens, marvelous beaches and a world famous cuisine. Valencia is a historic and festive city with a university life that makes it an ideal place to study Spanish. Famous for the easygoing and extroverted character of its people, Valencia also has fiestas and cultural activities throughout the year.

“Language International is very pleased by the number of inquiries we receive every day from students who wish to study in Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid. Under this partnership with AIP Language, Language International students will have access to a wider array of Spanish language learning destinations,” said Karen Ong, CEO and founder of Language International.

Fernando Ribas, Marketing Director of AIP Languages, explains the importance of this partnership with Language International: “Language International offers students exceptional customer service and has un unsurpassed reach. We can identify with the focus on customer service and look forward to partner with Language International.

Minimum language level for the UK Tier 4 General Student Visa (GSV)

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Two weeks ago, we wrote  a post about the new UK Tier 4 General Student Visa (GSV). It has come to our attention that there has been some confusion regarding the new minimum language level introduced by the UK Border Agency for students who want to apply for a General Student Visa (GSV).

Please note that students DO NOT need to be at B2 level upon entry.  The UK Border Agency clearly states that a student must be at CEFR Level B1, ready to study a course to attain Level B2.

The UKBA website provides further information regarding this matter:

We have raised the minimum level of English language course that Tier 4 (General) students can study, to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Before you can apply to study an English language course in the UK, you will need to show that your English language skills are at CEFR level B1 or higher. (There are exceptions if you are a government-sponsored student or if you want to study a pre-sessional English course that meets certain requirements.)

Below is a summary of the CEFR levels:

Level Description
A1 Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
A2 Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
B1 Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
B2 Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
C1 Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
C2 Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.

Learn more about CEFR Levels.

Best Online MBA Programs

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Best Online MBA Degree Program

Over the past month, we’ve received a lot of inquiries from business executives all over the world who are looking for intensive business English programs in New York and London. For our business students looking to brush up their English and acquire an MBA degree from an English-speaking institution in the US or UK, you can find and compare the best online MBA programs, see online MBA rankings and costs, and get advice on the best online MBA programs for you.

An online MBA is the perfect program for international business executives who are busy and can’t take two years off to pursue a full-time on-campus MBA abroad. It’s also a great way to practice your business English skills, as these MBA programs are taught in English and students come from all over the world. These programs are typically 100% online, although a few schools also have local study centers and offer some on-campus component. Though the program is mostly online, teamwork with other students is part of the MBA program, providing more opportunities to interact with other students in English.

For those interested in this, check out online MBA costs and contact our partners directly.

Last Minute Deal: 10% Discount Off Young Learners Courses at LSI Chichester

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Our partners at Language Studies International are offering a great deal at their new Chichester location. Now through April 16th, you’ll receive 10% off the weekly package price for the 2010 Young Learners courses for 12-17 year olds. The package includes:

  • 20 lessons per week of English
  • Full Board Accommodation
  • Daily weekday Activities
  • Saturday Excursions
  • Health Insurance

Spacious and green, the vibrant University of Chichester campus provides the beautiful backdrop for this residential course. Structured morning classes, designed to engage and stimulate, are followed by informal afternoon activities presenting students with further opportunities to practice their English language skills. The surrounding countryside, quirky seaside towns and beaches offer a fascinating array of excursions and activities for our social programme. This is a summer experience not to be missed!

If you are thinking of sending your children to learn English this summer, don’t miss this great opportunity at LSI Chichester! But remember, the offer expires April 16th. To find out more about studying English in Chichester, please contact us.

New on-campus housing now available at Seattle Central Community College

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Seattle Central Community College now offers an exciting new on-campus housing option for international students: The Studios on Broadway.

The Studios on Broadway are located directly across the street from Seattle Central Community College, only blocks away from shops, coffee shops, restaurants and movie theaters on Capitol Hill, one of Seattle’s most vibrant neighborhoods. This brand new, state of the art building offers 28 furnished apartments and houses up to 79 residents. Units come in a variety of sizes and floor plans, and can accommodate as few as two people, or as many as four. The building includes many great features, including laundry rooms on each floor, secured access, on-site maintenance, wireless internet access, views of beautiful Mt. Rainier and Cal Anderson Park, and optional parking or bike storage.

Starting Spring quarter 2010, the Studios on Broadway will provide short-term housing for new international students aged 18 or older when they first arrive in Seattle and enroll at Seattle Central. Students can live in The Studios on Broadway for a two quarter license period: Fall and Winter quarters or Spring and Summer quarters. Housing fees vary depending on the duration of the license period (5.5 months for the Spring/Summer or 6.5 months for the Fall/Winter) and the number of people per unit (2 to 4), and range from $4,385 to $5,515. Housing fees include utilities (electric, water, garbage, sewer, and high speed internet), as well as basic furniture and appliances (bed, desk, chair, clothes storage unit, stove and refrigerator). During each license period, information and resources are provided to residents to help them find and transition into permanent housing for the rest of their stay and studies at Seattle Central Community College.

Applying to live in the Studios on Broadway is easy! Once they have received their F-1 student visa, students can submit their Housing Preferences & Application Form. Applications for the Studios on Broadway are accepted each year starting April 15th for Fall/Winter quarters license periods or November 15th for Spring/Summer quarters license periods. Upon reception of a student’s housing application, our office will reply with a placement proposal and information on how students or parents can process payment by wire transfer to confirm and secure booking.

In order to help residents feel comfortable in their new environment, a mandatory orientation will be held after moving in. During this fun event, students will not only get a chance to meet other residents and develop a sense of community, but also review building rules and safety information, learn laundry and cooking tips, and receive valuable advice for living with roommates. Student residents will also be introduced to the staff of Community Assistants, a group of student workers who will be responsible for assisting them with getting used to living in the Studios on Broadway, check-in/check-out, and concerns. Detailed information about the new resident orientation will be provided to residents in their Acceptance Packet.

To learn more about The Studios On Broadway and Seattle Central Community College, please contact us.

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What is a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)?

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A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a requirement for obtaining a UK Tier 4 General Student Visa (GSV).  Since February 22, visa letters are no longer be valid. The UK has started using an electronic system.

The electronic system will use a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Unlike the Form I-20 used for US visa applications, this is not an actual paper certificate – it exists only as a number on the UK Border Agency website. What will happen is as follows:

  1. You register for an English course in the UK on our website
  2. We’ll send you confirmation documents, but instead of a visa letter we send you a CAS reference number
  3. You must quote the CAS reference number when applying for the UK visa

In many ways, this new electronic system will be an improvement. In particular, the CAS will be available for use as soon as we’ve processed it, so there will no longer be any need for us to send you visa letters. Students will therefore save money on hefty express mail fees!

Please remember that a CAS costs £10 and we will add this to your invoice. The £10 fee is non refundable, compulsory in all cases where a CAS is required. It is not an administration charge we have added but the actual cost of the process.

None of these changes affect Student Visitor Visas. They will continue to be processed using visa support letters.

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