Love Music? Learn English in Malta this Summer

Whether you’re thinking about learning English in Malta, or are already working hard at EC Malta, then you’ll be happy to know that this sun-kissed Mediterranean island is the perfect place for music-lovers to be this summer. Here’s a quick look at just some of the hottest events of the season: 

Earth Garden | 1- 4 June 2017

Described as “Europe’s best-kept secret”, Earth Garden is a laid-back 4-day music festival set against a chilled, natural backdrop. With 4 music areas and over 35 live acts on offer, you’ll definitely find something to suit your tastes, so kick back, relax, and enjoy the weekend! Camping tickets are sold out, but you can still buy a single day ticket on their website.

Isle of MTV/ Malta Music Week | 23 – 28 June 2017

Image credit: MaltaToday

This free open-air music bonanza is a huge success year after year, with thousands of people coming together to watch  some of the biggest music stars in the world perform live at Isle of MTV, with the chance to discover new, lesser-known artists too. This year, The Chainsmokers will be headlining, with other acts to be announced soon.

Acts from previous years include: Akon, Maroon 5, Enrique Iglesias, Lady Gaga, OneRepublic, The Kooks, The Black Eyed Peas, David Guetta, Scissor Sisters, Kelis, Snoop Dogg, LMFAO, Flo Rida, will.i.am, Jessie J, Rita Ora, Afrojack, Rudimental, Hardwell, Nicole Scherzinger, Dizzee Rascal, Martin Garrix, Jason Derulo, Wiz Khalifa, Steve Aoki, Clean Bandit. 

United with Tomorrowland | 29 July 2017

For the first time ever, Unite with Tomorrowland will be bringing its electric beats to Malta! The show features a live connection with the Tommorrowland Mainstage in Belgium, meaning that you’ll get the chance to connect with music-lovers from all over the world, with synchronised special effects and the top-quality lineup you can expect from the iconic festival.

Glitch Festival | 7 – 8 September 2017

After its super-successful Maltese debut in 2016, Glitch Festival is back for another weekend of trance, house, techno, and electro insanity for you to enjoy! So grab your friends, get some tickets, and get ready to have some serious fun.

If you have any questions about learning English in Malta this summer, get just get in touch with our helpful team! 

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April Fool’s Day Around the World

Have you ever wondered what April Fool’s Day is all about? On April 1st each year, people around the world pull ‘harmless’ pranks and jokes on each other. This tradition dates all the way back to the 14th century, with history showing that even noblemen hundreds of years ago used to send their servants on silly errands on April 1st! Nowadays, even some newspapers and magazines will publish silly fake news stories, but have to tell everyone the next day that they are, in fact, not true. Let’s take a look at some of the funniest traditions from around the world.

In the United Kingdom, people shout “April Fool!” to reveal their prank, usually once it has been discovered. One of the most famous pranks was in 1957, when the BBC played a fake documentary film called the Swiss Spaghetti Harvest, which showed farmers picking “freshly grown spaghetti”. This resulted in many people calling in to find out where they could purchase a “spaghetti plant”, forcing the BBC to explain that it was actually just an April Fool’s joke.

People in Ireland traditionally prank each other by asking someone to deliver an important letter. When the letter is opened, it says “Send the fool further”, encouraging the person reading it to send the messenger to someone else who will perform the same routine until either someone takes pity on the messenger or he looks at the message himself.

In France and Italy, April Fool’s is called April Fish (Poisson d’Avril or Pesce d’Aprile). It’s named this because the tradition in these places is to prank your friends and family by taping a paper fish to their backs without the person realising. The person then walks around looking like a fool until someone else points it out.

Are you ready to take your cultural learning experience to the next level? Join us to experience first-hand the traditions of any of our destinations, all while improving your english skills!

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What to See and Experience in the “Queen City”: Part 1

If you are learning English in Toronto you probably know that just like all the exciting cities around the world, Toronto has popular nicknames, and ‘Queen City’ is one of them. It’s also often referred to as the ‘Big Smoke’, although that is more commonly associated with London.

 

 

Let’s move on to your Canadian adventure and all the things that you can see and experience in Canada’s largest city. The list of options is endless, but there are a few places and activities that are really worth investing your time on!

CN TOWER

Not going to the CN Tower in Toronto is like travelling to New York and not visiting the Statue of Liberty. Firstly, it’s practically impossible to explore the city without catching a glimpse of the famous tower, which stands at almost 500 metres tall. Formally the tallest building in the world, it is still classified as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World as it remains the tallest, free-standing man-made construction in North America.

Here you can also experience the incredible EdgeWalk, which involves walking around the external part of the tower at 356m high to admire the city. There is always more going on inside the tower itself, and you can check out the latest schedule at the official website.

 

 

Opening Times

The CN Tower is open every day of the year apart from Christmas Day. For the exact opening hours, depending on what you want to do at the tower, check their official schedule.

Ticket Prices    

A tour of the tower costs $35, but you have a variety of options and discounts if you want to see more and do more (e.g. the EdgeWalk). Find more information here.

How to get to The CN Tower

The CN Tower stands right in the heart of Downtown Toronto on Front Street, just north of Bremner Blvd. It is located right between Rogers Centre and the Metro Convention Centre.

There are a number of options to get there. If you travel by subway, stop at Union Street and go West along Front Street. Drop-off buses and Go Transit trains and buses stop near the tower. The exact address of the CN Tower is: 301 Front St. West (& John St.), but it’s hard to miss.

 

ROGERS CENTRE

Located close to the CN Tower, the Rogers Centre is a multi-purpose stadium where some of the most exciting sporting events in Toronto take place. The stadium used to be called SkyDome and is totally state of the art.

 

It has the world’s first fully-retractable roof, which opens and closes in 20 minutes and weighs 11,000 tonnes! The Rogers Stadium is a gigantic, modern venue (although opened 27 years ago) specifically built for entertainment and sporting events.

The stadium is truly the place to go and be; for sporting events as it is the home to the (US) National Baseball League’s Toronto Blue Jays, the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts, the site of the annual International Bowl American college football game, and as of 2008, it has also become the National Football League’s Buffalo Bills’ second playing venue in the Bills Toronto Series.

You can find out what’s on at Rogers Centre at their official website, also don`t forget to check out .

 

 

Opening Times
The centre has different opening hours depending on the section you are visiting. For the correct timetable check the website.

Ticket Prices
This depends on what you want to do at the Rogers Centre. The best place to find information is at their ticket information page. 

How to get to The Rogers Centre
Rogers Centre is located in downtown Toronto. You can easily access it via subway, Go Transit or car. The closest subway stations are Union Station and St Andrews Station. The exact address for the Rogers Centre is 1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto, ON M5V 1J1.

 

TORONTO CITY HALL

One of the hottest spots in the city, the Toronto City Hall is an impressive modern site dating back to the 1960s.

The City Hall serves multiple purposes in addition to being home to the municipal government of Toronto. It is one of the hottest places for festivals and events, including the annual New Year’s fireworks display.

Visit the official website for more information about Toronto City Hall.

 

 

Opening Times

The hall is open from Monday to Friday, 8.30 am – 4.15 pm. Find more details here. 

Ticket Prices
Although you can take a tour inside the building, the best part of the City Hall is its exterior: free of charge and accessible 24/7. Make sure to experience it both by day and night, as it is uniquely stunning in the sunshine as when it is lit up by city lights.

How to get to Toronto City Hall
Located on Queen Street West, Toronto City Hall is very easy to find. It’s a few minutes’ walk from Queen Station and Osgoode Station. It is easily accessible with all forms of public transportation. The exact address is: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N2.

 

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Don’t forget to download our full Toronto Travel Guide for FREE to fin out much more!

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10 Ways to Practise Your English in Toronto

You’ll learn a lot about the English language in class, but what’s the best way to put your newly-acquired skills to use outside the classroom? The busy streets of Toronto offer many fantastic opportunities to practise your English language skills. Let’s take a look at 10 ways to challenge your knowledge of the language and learn to use it in a variety of real-life situations.

1.  Find the hidden gem on the 5^th floor of the Toronto Reference Library

Check out the Language Centre on the 5th floor of the Toronto Reference Library, which can be found at 789 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4W 2G8.  Here, you can practise your listening and pronunciation skills for free, since the centre is equipped with headphones and audio/DVD/video-players.

This is also the perfect place to make some new friends! You’ll be surrounded by other students just like you, looking to connect and practise English. Find out more info about this at the official website for the Toronto Reference Library.

 

2. Join an English conversation circle

You should also visit the TPL (Toronto Public Library) and hang around for an English conversation circle. This is open to anyone who would like to practise their speaking skills, and is designed to help speakers immerse themselves in Canadian culture. Find out more about this program and how to join on the official TPL website.

3. Go on an art tour at the University of Toronto

Do you want a 3-in-1 experience when you visit the University of Toronto? Go on a free art tour of the Hart House, hosted by a university student.

As you are guided through the 650-piece art collection at the University, you will get to practise your listening and speaking skills. Don’t forget to interact and ask questions!

Find out more information about the Hart House at University of Toronto, and the schedule for the free tours, at the Art Museum`s official website.

 

 

4. Watch a movie in unique surroundings

Watching a movie at a drive-in theatre surrounded by water is certainly a quirky way to practise your listening skills. You can enjoy this at the Polson Pier Drive-in Theatre.

 

5. Go to a live concert

There is an unlimited supply of live music to suit all tastes and moods in Toronto. This is a perfect environment that will help you feel comfortable interacting with locals and practising your English skills! Don’t shy away if you don’t speak much English, instead, talk to the fellow music-lovers next to you, and try to make friends.

 

6. Shop at St. Lawrence’s Market

Markets are more personal than bigger shops, giving you the opportunity to practise your conversation skills. Why not try visiting the famous St. Lawrence Market in Toronto and make a promise to yourself to buy something only if you made a conversation with the vendor.

 

 

7. Order up at the restaurant

When you eat out in Toronto, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to use your English skills by reading menus and ordering your food. This is the time to use all of that that ‘at the restaurant’ vocabulary you have learnt in the classroom.

 

8. Go on a street-art tour

When you think of art, galleries and museums immediately come to mind. Well, Toronto has a special treat in store; you can enjoy a Graffiti Tour at the famous Graffiti Alley on Queen St. West (the only place in Toronto where graffiti is legal).

It’s great to be able to practice English by going on a guided tour. There are many organizers that offer FREE tours. ‘Tour Guys’ is a company in Toronto that organizes free or ‘pay what you like’ tours of the famous alley. You can check out their Facebook page here.

 

9. Go to the Islands

Feel like a tourist and learn like a student by joining a guided tour to the Islands. You can either take along some friends (and it will be very beneficial if the group only speaks in English), or join an organised group which is a great way to make new friends.

Make sure you take a boat tour to the Islands that also includes live narration, which will help you practise your listening skills in a fun and interesting way. Toronto Harbour Tours organizes trips to the islands, and there are many other tour providers to choose from.

 

10. Read and watch CTV

One of the best way to practise English is to read and listen to things in English. What better way to learn about the city than to watch the local news?

You can follow the news channel for Toronto (CTV Toronto). Check out their website or download their free app on your smartphone (search for CTV).

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Are you planning to learn English in Toronto soon? Download our FREE travel guide to find out hot to explore the city as a student, including tips on how to improve your English skills.

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Why learn English in Toronto? | Infographic

If you’re thinking about learning English in Canada, then Toronto should definitely be one of the top 3 options on your list. As Canada’s largest city, this multicultural hotspot is a network of quirky neighbourhoods, colourful, friendly locals, and all the art, museums, sport, and music you could possibly wish for when you’re studying English abroad. This iconic city is a student favourite, welcoming more than 10 million tourists and over 800,000 students each year; this means that when you’re going to learn English in Toronto, you’ll have the chance to meet new people from all over the world! EC Toronto is a stunning, modern school centrally located in the city’s vibrant midtown area, right in the heart of the action, with spacious classrooms and all the resources you’ll need during your EC experience.

 

 

Would you like to find out more about this amazing city?

Download our new FREE Toronto Travel Guide to discover the most amazing ways to explore the city while improving your English.

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Like our infographic? Don’t forget to share with your friends!

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Montreal crowned world’s best city for students

The city tops the list of top 100 study abroad destinations around the world

 

Congratulations Canada, you’ve got yet another reason to party! In the same year the country celebrates its 150th birthday, Montreal, its capital of culture, has been voted the best student city in the world. So If you’re looking to study abroad, why not learn English in Montreal?

This charming bilingual city is currently the world’s best place for students to live, according to a global rating of 125 cities conducted by QS World University Ranking 2017.

The results are based on the responses of 18,000 students surveyed using these six metrics:

• Rankings: the quality of local higher education institutions


• Student mix: the amount of students including international students


• Desirability: good qualities such as safety and cleanliness


• Employment opportunities


• Affordability


• Student opinion and experiences

On Montreal’s placing, Ben Sowter, head of the Intelligence Unit at QS, said, “It seems likely that smaller, friendlier places are a little more popular in the student view context”.

 

“For Montreal and other Canadian cities, the actual experience that people are having when they go there is much more positive than the imagination or expectation of it before they go,” he continued.

There’s even more good news for anyone planning to learn English in Canada, with stunning Vancouver and Toronto ranked 10th and 11th respectively. Curious about other incredible destinations? EC has English language schools in four of the world’s top ten student cities!

QS Best Student Cities 2017:

 

1. 
   

   Montreal
   

   
   


2. 
   

   Paris

   
   


3. 
   

   London

   
   


4. 
   

   Seoul

   
   


5. 
   

   Melbourne

   
   


6. 
   

   Berlin

   
   


7. 
   

   Tokyo

   
   


8. 
   

   Boston

   
   


9. 
   

   Munich

   
   


10. 
    

    Vancouver

    
    

 

Why Learn English in Montreal?

Multicultural, student-centred and inclusive, Montreal offers English learners a truly unique experience. Students enjoy a relatively low-cost of living and access to top cultural attractions, all in a friendly, welcoming setting, with the perfect mingling of old-world European charm and progressive North American energy.

 

 

Our popular Montreal English school is located downtown, on St Catherine’s Street, the city’s main shopping area, and offers both English and French courses in this bilingual hotspot.  EC Montreal also provides free language workshops including interview and IELTS skills, and round table discussions!

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NEW! Conversation Partner Programme

When you’re studying English abroad with EC, there are loads of opportunities for you to improve your skills and meet some of the lovely locals in your chosen destination. EC San Diego and EC Boston recently launched their awesome Conversation Partner Programme, a fantastic initiative that brings together students and local senior citizens to spend some time together, have a chat, and share some of their best stories.

What is the Conversation Partner Programme?

Students at our Boston and San Diego schools are invited to local retirement communities each month to meet older Americans and share stories and conversation about their backgrounds, interests, and cultures. This allows students to not only build relationships with native English speakers, but also to practise their speaking skills while helping the community by keeping the elderly company! It doesn’t matter what level of English you are at, this amazing opportunity is open to students enrolled in any course and of any level of English.

It’s easy to sign up for these visits, just watch out for volunteer opportunities in the weekly announcements at school. Then simply visit the front desk of your school and inform the staff that you are interested in going to volunteer at the retirement community. Trips are organised once per month and each visit lasts approximately one hour.

Which homes do students visit?

EC San Diego students volunteer at Casa de Manana, an award-winning retirement home located in the heart of La Jolla, stunning suburb of San Diego.

Students studying at EC Boston have the opportunity to volunteer at Hale House, a care-focused community in the centre of Boston.

Learn more about our schools

EC San Diego is a beautiful, modern school located in La Jolla, an area known for its idyllic beaches and great shopping. Find out more about the English courses available in San Diego here!

The city of Boston is famous for its long list of world-class educational institutions, and EC Boston is no exception. Learn more about the different English courses available at our Boston school located just minutes from the waterfront.

Still searching for a school? Don’t forget to check out our free guide to choosing an English language school!

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Dani & Basti: Falling in Love, Learning English in Malta

When you’re getting ready to study English abroad, you know that a whole load of exciting, new experiences just waiting for you at your EC destination. There’s a brand new city to explore, new people to meet from all over the world, and incredible memories to make – but did you know that you might even find that special someone and fall in love during your #ecexperience?

 

It might sound like something right out of your favourite romantic comedy, but it can actually happen!  Just look at Dani and Basti, two lovely students from Brazil and Germany who met while learning English in Malta! We sat down with this adorable couple to ask them about how they met, what they’re doing now, and what they think about their time at EC Malta:

 

1. Please tell us a little about yourselves – what you do back home and why did you decide to learn English abroad?

Dani: I wanted to increase my English level for travelling and for finding a job outside of Brazil.

Basti: To have more chances to find a job in Germany, because for good jobs in Germany you have to have good language skills in English too. And right now we Skype every day, so we practise English every day

 

2. Why did you choose Malta as a destination to learn English?

Dani: Malta was cheaper than other countries like Canada or the United States. Furthermore, I thought that in Malta there would be less Brazilians, because I didn´t want to speak in my native language during my study time in Malta.

Basti: I chose Malta because of the weather. I wanted to do this English course and so I had to choose a place for it. My last ideas for places were London and Malta. And, thank God, I chose the right one.

 

3. What were your goals and expectations when you came to study English here? Did you achieve them?

Dani & Basti: Both of us wanted to improve our language skills. And we think that our courses helped us to improve it.

 

4. Tell us about how you both met. What did you think the first time you saw each other?

Dani & Basti: We met on the first day, when we had our tour to get to know the places around EC. All the time we saw each other in the corridor of the school building, and smiled at each other like we were in a stupid ‘love’ movie with Julia Roberts! But on the first Private EC Party, in a club called Soho, the spark jumped over. We danced, laughed and became closer at this party. We spent the last days with each other and decided to try a long-distance relationship between Germany and Brazil. Right now, we are planning our wedding in Brazil in 2017!

 

5. How long did you stay in Malta for?

Basti: Dani has been there for four weeks and I was in Malta for 2 weeks.

 

6. Would you recommend EC to your friends? Why?

Dani & Basti: 100%!!! You´re able to find international friendships, have a great time even after the classes, and the teachers were really great!

 

7. What’s your advice to anyone who is learning English?

Dani & Basti: We think that you shouldn´t be afraid of speaking, even if you´re not sure about the correct words. So speak, speak, speak… In our case it was totally necessary to speak to each other, so our motivation was maybe a little bit higher

 

8. Is there anything you would like to say to the staff and teachers at EC Malta?

Dani & Basti: Greetings for Tristan and Nick J… The most powerful Teachers we ever meet in our live. Full of motivation to train people!

 

About EC Malta

 

 

A charming, sun-kissed island in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta is a fun and friendly place to learn English. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, or visiting one of the island’s countless historical sights, you’ll always find something new to explore. EC Malta is located right in the heart of St. Julian’s, a bustling tourist area with a small bay and surrounded by all the nightlife and entertainment you could possibly need during your stay. EC Malta is bright, modern, and buzzing with activity throughout the year – you can always expect a warm welcome from our teachers and staff. Courses available include options like General & Intensive English, English in the City, Exam Preparation, English for Work, and many more!

Check out our English language courses available at EC Malta!

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Making a phone call in English: 8 Useful Tips

The telephone is still a useful and common means of business communication especially with the arrival of very low-cost calls through social media and specific apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, Facebook & Yahoo Messenger to name a few. Let’s take a look at 8 great tips to help you make phone calls with confidence!

1 – Be prepared

Make notes, write down what you need to say. Make sure you have the right documents, emails, or correspondence at hand so that when you actually make the call, so that you won’t have to look for things. Think about the words and sentences you want to use, and make sure they are appropriate and correct. Practise these sentences beforehand so that they will sound natural when you speak.

2 – Speak clearly

Have you ever spoken to someone on the phone who spoke so softly you that you could not hear them? Was it frustrating? Often when we feel nervous or uncomfortable, we speak softly. This can be very challenging for others on the telephone. In order to improve your ability to speak clearly, practice! Practicing what to say on the telephone will help you to develop confidence and become comfortable with the words and sounds in English. A great way to do this is to record yourself and listen to yourself speak. Use your smart phone or laptop to record yourself. It will help you:
• Perfect what you want to say
• Improve your pronunciation
• Correct grammar mistakes
• Become comfortable with your voice in English

3 – Use a professional greeting

A friendly, professional greeting is always a good way to answer the phone at work. If you need to do it in English, here are some suggestions:
– Keep it simple with: Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon.
– Be helpful by providing your name, your organisation/company, and an offer to help with whatever they need. For example: “Good morning. This is Claudio with EC School. How can I help you?”

4 – Ask to put someone on hold, don’t just do it!

If you’re speaking to someone, but you need a few moments to review information, it is best to put them on hold for a moment. You might need a moment to:
– answer another call
– talk to a colleague
– take a moment to think about what you want to say in English
These are all good reasons to put someone on hold. But it’s important to ask first. You can do that by simply saying: Could you hold for a moment? Do you mind holding for a moment? May I put you on hold?

5 – Have paper and a pen handy

Simple, but useful! Of course, you’ll need a piece of paper and a pen if you need to take notes or write important details from the phone call. but it’s also useful for your English skills. While you are listening, you can write down words or expressions you want to use when it’s your turn to speak. This will help you avoid forgetting what to say. And it will help you organize your thoughts clearly.

6 – Show you are listening

Have you heard your English-speaking colleagues say things like:
– “Hmmm”
– “Yeah”
– “Oh, I see”
– “Right”
– “Exactly”
Why do they do that? Well, On the telephone, we can’t see the other person, so you can use these filler words or sounds to show that you’re paying attention to what’s being said.

7 – Repeat back important details

Do you write notes during a call? Never be afraid to repeat important information to check that it’s correct. To do this politely, simply use one of these expressions: “Great. I’d like to repeat that back to you to make sure it’s correct” or ”can I repeat that back to you?”

8 – Practise English dates

Dates and times seem simple, but when you’re on the phone and have to think or speak quickly, it’s easy to get confused or make a mistake. Once again, practise is your friend – practise saying dates and times out loud, because doing that will help you remember how to say these more easily when you’re on the telephone.

Remember – don’t be afraid to ask for clarification, repetition, or to slow down! The most important thing is clear communication.

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How to Write a Professional Email in English

Email is definitely the most popular form of written communication in the business world. Writing emails in anything but your mother tongue can be stressful and a little scary at first, but don’t worry – practise makes perfect and we’re going to look at a few ways to help you conquer writing emails! If you’re getting ready to send an email in English, you might be:

• writing to your English-speaking boss about a situation a work


• a new, international client


• a colleague from another country


• your professor at an English-speaking university


• applying for a new job at an English-speaking company

In every one of these situations, you’ll need to use ‘different’ vocabulary than the kind you use in informal situations. Emails are slightly less formal than business letters, but there are still some rules you should follow when you want to sound more professional.

1 | Use the Email Subject Line

The subject line is the first thing your reader will see, and should be clear and short to catch their attention and help them know what your email is about.

Examples:

• Meeting date changed


• Question about the conference


• Can you meet on Monday?


• Suggestion for your presentation

2 | Always Use a Professional Greeting

You should always start your emails with a friendly (but professional) ‘hello’! If you start without one, your reader will definitely notice something was missing. An email without a greeting, or with a greeting that is far too informal, is seen as rude and overly-familiar.

Examples:

• Hello [first name],


• Good morning / Good afternoon [first name],


• Dear [first name],

3 | Keep it Simple

Try to keep things short and simple, especially if you’re not confident in your abilities yet. Just make sure that all the information your reader needs to know is included in the email.

• Avoid long, complicated sentences,


• Try not to write many long paragraphs


• Use bullet points for important details or lists

4 | Always Use a Professional Closing

Just as you open an email with a greeting, you should always include a few closing lines to be friendly, polite and show that you’re at the end of your email. Without a closing, the end of the email feels abrupt and rude.

Examples of professional closings:

• I look forward to hearing from you.


• Best wishes,


• Sincerely,


• Thank you for your time,


• Warmly,


• Kind regards,


• Best regards,

5 | Proofread, proofread, and proofread 

When you’re writing to your employer, colleague, or lecturer, it becomes even more important to check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation before hitting ‘send.’ If you’re uncertain about something in your email, try reading the email out loud or ask a friend to check your email for you!

 

Want to learn more? Download our FREE eBook and take your English to the next level! 

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The World’s First Reality TV Show on Snapchat Comes to EC Miami

This June, EC Miami is proud to host the world’s very first reality TV show to be shown on Snapchat, Les Lambdas Débarquent! Co-hosted by Snapchat-famous Mark Abdelli, who attended EC Miami himself, and French reality star Amélie Neten, this French-speaking show will follow five Francophone students on their journey to study English in Miami for two weeks. Read on to find out more about the cast and the experiences they will have, but don’t forget to add the show on Snapchat: @tvleslambdasoff 

The Cast

Allan

Hailing from the Paris region, Allan is 18 years old wants to experience the American dream. He dreams of exploring the world, from the Grand Canyon to the pyramids in Egypt. He’s most excited to try out the American way of life and enjoy the sunshine on Miami Beach.

 

Amandine

Amandine is 22 years old and comes from Picardie, just a few hours north of Paris. She believes learning English will not only help her in life, but allow her to go anywhere in the world. She can’t wait to try swimming with dolphins and seeing Disney World!

 

Habib

From Le Havre, in northern France, Habib is a 22-year-old who can’t wait to step into the American business world. He’s excited to live a unique adventure and fulfill his dream of learning English.

 

Kevin

Kevin is 27 years old and from Paris. He’s most eager to enjoy the scenery, the ocean, and to experience American everyday life. He wants to use his English skills in the business world, as owner of his own company.

 

 

Virginie

What brings Virginie, 36 years old from Grenoble, to EC Miami? She wants grow professionally, but also to discover more about American culture. And to maybe swim with dolphins.

The Experiences

The show will follow the students as they make the most of everything Miami has to offer, including visiting Disney World in Orlando, Florida, jet skiing on Miami Beach, and even a trip to Key West, famous for its gorgeous beaches and exciting nightlife.  

EC Miami

Learn English in an iconic historical building, located in the very centre of South Beach. The pristine white beaches of Miami wait just a few minutes’ walk down Lincoln Road, famous for its bars, restaurants, and shops.

Miami English courses offered include:

• General English


• English for Work


• English in the City


• Academic Semester/Year


• Cambridge Exam Preparation


• One-to-One

 

Mark Abdelli, the show’s creator, says his goal is to show everyone that it is possible to attain their dreams, no matter how big. Learning English can help you achieve these dreams, whether you want to join the American business world, or simply the freedom to travel.

Don’t worry if you miss any episodes on Snapchat, extended versions of each episode will be available on YouTube in the fall with subtitles in multiple languages for those who don’t speak French!

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5 Things Every Student Thinks Before a Test

Whether you’re learning English abroad or just studying for those end-of-year tests, you know that there are certain things that every student experiences in the run up to exam day. Sure, you’ve studied (or sometimes, maybe not), but that doesn’t mean you’re free from those horrible things called ‘nerves’. Between coming up with plans for summer and revising for final exams, this is a busy time of year for students – but we’re here to have a little laugh about it all. Here are 5 things you’ve probably thought about before a test!

 

1. I’ve got so much time, I don’t have to study yet.

This is the stage you’re on a few days before the test, when you’re still deep in the procrastination zone (procrastination is the act of saying you’ll do something later, because you just don’t feel like doing it now). Once you’ve cleaned your bathroom from top to bottom, re-organised your wardrobe, and binge-watched everything on Netflix you reach the next stage… actually sitting down and studying.

2. I’m OK. I’ve totally got this.

You’ve started making flashcards or reviewing your notes, and you’ve started to feel like you really understand the material. Well done! It feels like you’ll be able to get it all finished in time for the exam without a problem. Have a biscuit.

3. I AM NOT OKAY.

This feeling sets in after you’ve been studying for what feels like hours and realise that you’re barely a third of the way through your notes. This usually comes with a feeling of dread and a feeling that maybe you should have paid more attention in class.

4. What is the lowest mark I can get on this test without failing the class?

You start frantically using your calculator app to figure out the minimum grade you have to get on the test, doing more math than you probably have in years.

5. It’ll be fine. I just need some sleep.

After taking the test the next day you assume you’ve failed it, only to get it back a few weeks later and see you’ve gotten an A. Don’t worry so much next time! You’re awesome.

 

If you want to ace your next English test or just want to brush up on some of your skills, visit out online library and get FREE materials! 

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7 Reasons to Learn English in Malta this Summer

If you’re wondering where you should go to learn English abroad, then the Mediterranean island of Malta might just be the perfect place for you. Want to find out why? Here are 7 reasons to make the island your home this summer!

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1 | Fantastic Summer Weather

When people think about Malta, they think about days filled with golden sunshine and gorgeous sunsets that make the sky look like it’s on fire. Malta doesn’t just have great weather – you’ll also be able to enjoy the island’s countless bays and beaches, where you can spend the day swimming and working on your tan!

2 | Beautiful Beaches

 

We’ve already talked about Malta’s many beaches – but make sure you visit these top student favourites while you’re here:

St. Peter’s Pool | Blue Lagoon | Golden Bay | Ghajn Tuffieha |Little Armier

3 | Gozo!

Just a short ferry ride away from Malta, you’ll find the charming sister island of Gozo. Your time in Malta is definitely incomplete without spending at least one day there visiting its stunning natural sights – don’t forget to visit Ramla l-Hamra, an incredible red, sandy beach with amazing views!

4 | Amazing Nightlife

St. Julian’s and Paceville are two of Malta’s top entertainment hotposts, with all the nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and cocktail lounges you’ll ever need just minutes away from EC Malta. If you’re in the mood for something a little more relaxing, Valletta, the capital, is a great place to visit whether  you’re looking for some yummy food or delicious drinks!

5 | Rich History

Did you know that Malta’s ancient Megalithic temples are older than the Pyramids of Giza?! The Maltese Islands are alive with thousands of years of history, from the temples to the Romans, Normans, and Knights of St. John, and right up to British rule later on. If you’re interested in history, you’re sure to find something to inspire you there.

 

6 | Everybody Speaks English

Don’t worry about any language barriers here – everyone speaks English, Maltese, and even a little bit of Italian! Need to ask a local for help? No problem – get ready to practise your new English skills and ask away.

7 | Value for Money

The Euro (€) is the only currency used in Malta, and the cost of living there is generally cheaper than anywhere else in the Eurozone.

 

If you’re interested in knowing more about this stunning place, you can download our Malta Travel Guide –  designed especially for English students – to find wonderful tips on how to live and learn English in Malta! 

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