Why stay with a host family? Advantages

By living with a host family you will not only learn the host family’s native language, but also many values such as tolerance.

Not all families are the same, of course. You can find from families with children, to single parents, older couples without children in the house … but all with the same common goal: To welcome and treat their international guests as one of the family. So people who pass through your house will be treated in the same way as your real children, if you have any. In addition, they will have a room that meets all the basic needs they may have.

 

Intense immersion in the language

First of all, just taking a trip abroad and staying with that native family allows you to learn a language by being immersed from morning to night in the native language and culture of the country in question. Apart from the fact that you’ll be taking college classes in one batch, and in another you’ll be with your family. In short, it is an intense immersion in the language.

 

You will learn the native language of that family in a fun and relaxed way.

Learning to speak English with a host family is like receiving intensive lessons from a native teacher (the family) in a relaxed way. The student will be able to share meals with their host family, participate in household chores and do activities together, all in the native language, which will help you progress without being overwhelmed.

You will learn without feeling like you have to study entire books to learn English grammar, irregular verbs and vocabulary. It will be much more effective than watching movies in the original version. Much more practical than theoretical. However, you will have classes in the centre you choose to study in, but the experience will be totally enriching, as you will also study at home without realizing it, talking to your host family.

 

Living with a host family is much cheaper than doing a regular program!

Secondly, this type of course abroad is much more economical than a program of classes in a language school, since it is usually much more expensive to study in a university or university campus, than in a host family, which sometimes does not have a price other than the student covering his or her own living costs.

 

You will learn a unique accent, whatever country you go to.

Even if you start at a beginner’s level, speaking a new language every day is, in fact, the best way to learn by acquiring a fluent level of the language and the accent used in the region in question. So, another advantage is that we can learn different accents depending on the country we go to: American English, Scottish English, Irish English, Australian English, etc.

Also, you will avoid the ease of speaking your native language by being surrounded by natives of your country in a backpacker hostel, a very widespread option among those who go to study.

In addition to memorizing the language with your host family, you will be able to gradually make yourself understood and make daily progress in intonation, accent stress, pronunciation in the language, idiomatic expressions, and get used to thinking in the language.

We can also, every day and at any age, ask questions to discover the family history or the social culture of the family that welcomes us, to better understand the history of the countries, and possibly their traditions (birthdays, meals, excursions, daily life and culture). Also, asking questions to satisfy your cultural curiosity will help you progress quickly in English, because you will be speaking it often.

Who better to explain the culture and the different customs of a country than its own inhabitants? By living with a host family you will discover many customs from the inside, which will will make your experience abroad much more enriching.

 

You will learn the language without even realizing it!

Not only will you learn English during your classes or your outings around the city, you will also speak English while you are with the family, i.e. from early in the morning to ask how you can help prepare breakfast, to late in the evening to say goodnight. You will have to force yourself to use the language whenever you want to communicate with your host family, and you know that nothing is better learned than when you have no choice or when you need to. You will learn without realizing it.

You will learn about everyday situations that may not be so familiar to you, useful phrases used in colloquial language, about the different times in another country for example for lunch or dinner, and you will have the opportunity to try local food cooked by your host family every day. You will be fully immersed in the country you are in and all it has to offer.

 

Here are some other advantages of staying with a host family:

  • Do intensive courses adapted to the schedule you are with your family.
  • To begin with, going abroad allows you to make friends and feel like you’re on holiday.
  • Improve and prepare for an English test such as TOEIC, TOEFL or IELTS.
  • Fluency in English is a plus for interviewers. It’s a plus on your resume.
  • Work there: You can choose to look for a job to finance your stay, and learn other more technical lexical fields, at the same time you can combine it with the learning that you would have in the language course and with the host family.

 

A stay abroad can effectively improve our level in the language of our choice, thanks to the linguistic immersion we undergo. But if you want this immersion to be even greater, living with a host family is the best option, You will create very special bonds with your family and at the end of your stay you will realize how important this family has been in terms of learning the language, but also in many other aspects.

At YNSITU we will offer you all languages, in all countries, with this type of homestay accommodation. Try this type of English course in the UK!

6 Tips for Learning German

6 Tips for Learning German

We’ve always heard that learning German is not easy at all. While it’s true that it’s a challenge, it will also open up endless opportunities for your future.

If you are thinking about learning German, we bring you 6 tips to put into practice while you learn German.

1. Memorizes the structure of the sentences

There are different grammatical and sentence structure rules. Therefore, we recommend memorizing the order of prayers so that you do not have to translate it directly from your language, as this will lead to confusion.

2. Find the context of words

Whenever you learn a language, you tend to write long lists of vocabulary that you end up forgetting over time. Therefore, we advise you to try to find a context for each word to give it meaning and to be able to internalize the meaning.

3. Pay attention to prepositions

The structure of prepositions in this language are very complex. Therefore, you must identify in which case they are used (accusative, dative, or both) and to do so, it is helpful to memorize the fixed structures.

4. Remember plurals and articles

Even for the German speakers themselves, knowing which article accompanies each word is most complicated for them. However, there are different methods to identify which article should accompany each word. For example, the words finished in “-heit” are feminine. Similarly, it would happen with the formation of the plural.

5. Check any questions online

Today there are multiple tools to be able to find the meaning of words, practice and exercise, listen to songs in another language, watch series in original version and a long etc.

Therefore, we recommend you go to them to be able to develop your learning in the language and achieve all your goals.

6. Speak, speak and speak

Speaking is the best tool when it comes to learning a language. If you have the opportunity to talk to a native, we recommend that you do so. Practicing will make you less and less wrong and become fluent. Don’t be afraid to be wrong!

We hope that these tips will help you to enter the magnificent world of German. Do a daily learning so that you can enhance everything you have learned and feel satisfied.

If you are looking to acquire this language in the best possible way and faster, we recommend you to take a German course abroad. You’ll be able to reach your goals while traveling and having fun. Discover all the types of courses you will find in Ynsitu and the different destinations available to you. Learning and having fun has never been easier!

How to persuade your parents to allow you to take English courses abroad

How to persuade your parents to allow you to take English courses abroad

Convincing your parents to let you take English courses abroad can be a pretty complicated task. But you must explain to them that, in this globalized world, knowing other languages is not a luxury but a necessity. Being in an environment where news, music, movies and conversations are in English will help you learn the language easier and more effectively.

Tips for convincing your parents

If studying English abroad has become one of your life purposes, you should prepare to refute with very good arguments all the reasons your parents will set out not to give you permission. So cheer up and organize your project very well. However, start by improving your current behaviors so they see that your interest is genuine.

Explain the benefits of studying English abroad

Let your parents know that learning English outside will allow you to access more and better opportunities. Research and present the information clearly, let them see that you are actually passionate about it. Tell them, for example, success stories of people close to them who, thanks to their knowledge and language management, have been able to aspire to better jobs and are being successful.

Also, tell them how well this information will look in your resume. It won’t be the same as writing that you did an English course, that you traveled to another country to learn it and practice it with native people. It’s going to be a great plus!

Calm them down and promise them you’ll be in touch with them

Generally, what your mom and dad are most afraid of when you propose to travel to learn English is that you’re not under their supervision and that they can’t know what you’re doing and who you’re hanging out with. So, be very angry in clarifying that you will be in touch all the time, both by phone and by your social networks.

Make a serious commitment and start from now on. When you leave, call them often to let them know how you are, what time you’ll be back and meet. Let them see that they can trust you and that you will be responsible, even if you are far away.

Show them you’re ready and engaged

Start by getting a part-time or weekend job and save what you earn. When you propose to learn English in another country,tell them that you already have some cash and that you will continue to work to contribute your expenses, because you do not want it to be a hard economic blow for them. It will be a way to show them that you are ready and that you are taking it very seriously, that it is not just one more of your whims. Do not hesitate to convince them that it will be an investment that will not disappoint them.

Highlights the importance of meeting new people

Let your parents see that you will meet people crucial to your future. You will be able to have contact with companies that can offer you a great job later. Likewise, you will be in another environment, learn from other cultures and discover other customs.

One point where you have to make special relevance is that you will be able to learn the idioms and jargons that will not teach you in a regular English course. All this will contribute to yourtraining, as you will be living outside your surroundings and your comfort zone.

Show them they’ll have a more mature boy back

Make your parents aware of the importance of facing only those circumstances that come your way, without them solving everything. This experience will definitely make you mature and be more responsible, without them having to continually remind you of what to do.

But don’t be left alone in words, from now on change your attitudes, perform your tasks without them demanding it, fix your room, help with the toilet of the house and even do the shopping. May your parents be pleasantly surprised by your change and believe you when you show them your desire to take English courses abroad.

Travelling and getting to know other places is important

That your parents understand that visiting other countries and living with people you always treat is valuable, because the world has become a global village to which we all belong. You can’t stay in one place and isolate yourself from the rest, you have to get used to what modernity demands and get out of your bubble as a boy of the house.

They must allow you to know and enjoy the incomparable beauties offered by the universe, of course, with a clear intention: to learn English in a place where they speak it as their own language.

Show them the diversity of possible destinations

Surely your parents will have their reservations with some places, so show them a wide variety of destinations to choose from. Don’t pawn on a place you think you think you like or prefer. Invite them to review and choose with you, that will give them more confidence and peace of mind and they will feel really involved with your idea.

Emphasize that they will have more time for them

If despite all your efforts your parents continue to hesitate to give their consent for you to learn English elsewhere,make them realize that while you study and prepare, they will have more time for their relationship. They’ll be able to go to the movies, have dinner, on vacation and, anyway, do a lot of things that maybe they put aside because they’re fulfilling their role as parents.

Nothing will stop them from enjoying the way because they won’t be watching you all the time. Take it as a second honeymoon! You can seduce them with this argument, finally collapse, and with logical reasoning all their doubts.

As you followed these tips to realize your purpose, you probably managed to convince your parents to go take English courses abroad. To help you in your plans, in Ynsitu we offer you the best alternatives for you to make excellent language tourism. We have an unbeatable range of international options and destinations for you to learn this remarkable language that, yes or yes, you must speak so as not to lag behind the demands of this competitive world in which we live today. Discover all the language courses abroad that you can find in Ynsitu.

10 tongue-twisters to improve your English before taking a course abroad

Trabalenguas que ayudarán a perfeccionar tu inglés

If you want to study English courses abroad,you need to know that there are many tongue-twisters that will help you express yourself. Know the best!

The importance of tongue-twisters when studying English abroad

Studying English abroad can be one of the best options that you have at hand to get by naturally in speaking this language. Even though you’ll have to practice, the truth is that there will also be some cases where you can get confused, especially with certain complicated words.

Therefore, learning and practicing with tongue-twisters will be of great help. This is because they are sentences that are designed to understand the different uses of words that may sound very similar, but mean diametrically opposed things in varied contexts.

That is, English tongue-twisters will give you guidelines so that when you read the sentences, you know that each word has a different meaning from the others. Likewise, when you read it, you will notice that they will sound similar, so you will have to practice the differences they have. Let’s look at the best cases!

The 10 best tongue-twisters in English

1. Three witches watch three Swatch watches. Which witch watches which Swatch watch?

In the first case, we have one of the most common tongue twisters, where the vocal difference between words very similar in sound, but with opposite meanings, is put into practice. The translation would be: “Three witches look at three Swatch watches. Which witch looks at which Swatch watch?”, ideal for understanding the difference between the words whichwitch and watch.

2. Fuzzy Wuzzy, Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear. Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair. Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn’t very fuzzy, was he?

A little more abstract,since here you play between own names and adjectives. Basically, the translation would be: “Fuzzy Wuzzy, Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear. Fuzzy Wuzzy had no fur. Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn’t very confusing, was he?” It is useful not so much for differentiating words, but for improving reading.

3. How can a clam cram in a clean cream can?

We lowered the difficulty a bit with a very interesting tongue twister. In Spanish, I’d say something like, “How can you put a clam in a clean cream?” It will help you to understand the difference between words that are very similar in sound, like clamcram, cleancream and can.

4. I saw Susie sitting in a shoe shine shop. Where she sits she shines, and where she shines she sits

Perfect prayers to understand verbal times. Translation can be understood as: “I saw Susie sitting in a shoe cleaning shop. Where she sits, shines, and where she shines, she sits.” In this way, we understand the difference in meaning that can occur in very similar expressions.

5. I have got a date, I have got a date at a quarter to eight; I’ll see you at the gate, so don’t be late.

The best thing about this case is that it’s a tongue-twister, but it’s not sloping at all. On the contrary: they are expressions that are used in daily life. Translating it, it could look like: “I have a date, I have a date at a quarter to eight; I’ll meet you at the door, so don’t be late”.   So, words like dategate late can be confusing, so using them in the same context will help you differentiate between them.

6. I thought a thought. But the thought I thought wasn’t the thought I thought I thought.

Unlike the previous one, we have a case that nobody would say in orality, but that is one of the best for understanding sentencestructure and how certain words can mean different things in certain contexts. The translation is: “I thought of a thought. But the thought I thought was not the thought I thought.” There you will realize that thought takes on a different meaning depending on where it is located.

7. If the thought I thought I thought had been the thought I thought, I wouldn’t have thought so much.

It can be considered as a slightly more difficult and complex version than the previous one. The meaning would be, “If the thought I thought I thought had been the thought I thought, I wouldn’t have thought so much.” Again, we see that thought is often one of the most confusing terms for those beginning to study English, so it is useful to understand all its uses.

8. The big black bug bit the big black bear, but the big black bear bit the big black bug back.

The degree of difficulty is increased,as it is a text in which confusion occurs in almost all words, but it will also be of great help to us. The Spanish translation would be: “The big black insect bit the big black bear, but the big black bear bit the big black insect.” In this way, we will practice together the different expressions finished in “ar” or “ack”.

9. One-one was a race horse. Two-two was one too. One-one won one race. Two-two won one too.

In this tongue twister we will practice, mainly, the possibility of saying two equal words stuck together, without the need to get stuck. In Spanish it can be translated as: “One-one was a racehorse. Two-two was one too. One by one he won a race. Two-two won one too.” It’s not difficult and it will help you express yourso more naturally.

10. If Stu chews shoes, should Stu choose the shoes he chews?

Finally, we have another example that could well be used in everyday English. In Spanish, it would be something like, “If Stu chews shoes, should Stu choose the shoes he chews?” The main contribution is in the sound difference between words ending in pronunciations with the letter “u”, which usually complicates those who are just beginning to learn this language.

In short, these tongue twisters will help you to have a better oral use of English, and you will be prepared to master the language with Ynsitu, where we offer you the best English courses abroad so that you can develop and express yourself as if you were a native in this language. Practice and learn with us!

Improving Your Phone Conversation Skills

Improving Your Phone Conversation Skills

When it comes to learning English or any other language, a strong vocabulary and good sense of grammar are important. The best way to learn is to speak to other English speakers and observe how they use phrases and sentences. Learn to listen and listen to learn. To get a good understanding of the language, you must understand formal and informal speech and how it is used in different types of conversations. This is important, especially over the phone, because you cannot see the other person and vice versa.

A larger vocabulary means that you will have more expressions to work with. This will make your conversations more interesting and will let you express yourself clearly. Expressing yourself clearly is important to convey the exact meaning of what you are trying to say. Non-native speakers of English face the problem of a loss in translation. This is because they think in another language while speaking in English. To overcome this problem, it is important to think in English as well as be able to understand what others are saying.

Phrases that can be used in telephone conversations

While speaking on the phone, there are some common phrases and expressions that you can use to initiate conversations. Learning these simple expressions and applying them will make your phone conversations easier. You’ll find that speaking in English is not as difficult as it seems!

Introducing yourself

If you are introducing yourself informally, with say friends or family, you can say the following.

“Hello! This is Joe.”

“Joe Speaking!”

If you wish to use a more formal way of introducing yourself, it is common to include your full name.

“Hello, this is Joseph Smith.”

“Joseph Smith speaking.”

If you are answering the phone for a business or a company, you can use the following phrases.

“Good morning, this is the Smith Company. How may I help you?”

“Smith Trading Company, my name is Joe. How may I assist you?”

Asking who is on the other line

Sometimes, you might have to ask who is speaking on the other line. Because you do not know who it is, it is best to be formal and ask them politely.

“May I know who’s calling, please?”

“Who might I say is calling?”

Asking how they are

A polite way of starting a conversation is trying to find out how the other person is. It shows that you are interested in them. Informally, you can do so like this.

“Hey Sally! How have you been?”

“So nice to hear from you Sally! How are you?”

If it is a business or work related call, you can use a more formal approach.

“Hello Mr. Dawkins. How are things with you?”

“Always a pleasure speaking to you, Mr. Dawkins. How is everything?”

Asking to speak to someone

Sometimes, the person who answers the call may not be the person you wish to speak to. In such cases, you must ask for the person you want. Informally, you can do so like this.

“Hi! Is Sally there?”

“Can I speak to Joe? Tell him Sally’s calling.”

If it is a more phone conversation, you can use the following. Remember that in the case of formal conversations, it is best to use your full name or your last name.

“Good morning, may I speak with Mr. Dawkins please? This is Joseph Smith.”

“Hello, is Mr. Dawkins available? Joseph Smith speaking.”

“Could you connect me to extension 349, please?”

Making a request

Sometimes, you might have to make a request of some sort. For example, asking someone to repeat something or getting an answer to a query. In such cases, you can use the following expressions.

“I’m sorry, my English is not very good. Could you repeat that, please?”

“May I know when Mr. Dawkins will be in?”

“Can you please let me know by when my order will be done?”

“Do you mind if I call you back by 4? I’m in a meeting right now.”

“Can you please pass this message over to Mr. Smith?”

Taking messages

Often, you will have to write messages to be passed on to other people. Some common phrases can be used if that is the case.

“I’m afraid Mr. Dawkins is not in at the moment. Can I take a message?”

“Would you like to leave a message?”

If you are taking down a message from a friend or family member, you can use a more informal approach.

“Joe’s not here right now, would you like to me tell him something?”

“I’ll ask him to call you back.”

Ending the conversation

Ending a conversation is as important as introducing yourself. Because you are on the phone, it is a less intimate means of communication and you must sound polite and approachable. In an informal conversation, you can use these phrases.

“I guess I’ve got to go now. Let’s speak soon.”

“Bye Sally, take care of yourself! I’ll see you soon.”

If you are putting an end to a formal conversation, you can use the following.

“Thank you for your call, Mr. Smith. It was a pleasure speaking with you.”

“Goodbye Mr. Dawkins. We look forward to working with you.”

By using these common phrases correctly, you will find that you can have proper conversations with all kinds of people. As you speak more and more, you will increase your vocabulary and use of grammar. This will make it easier for you to express yourself in the most efficient way possible. Remember that it is important that the meaning of what you are trying to say is expressed well by you and understood well by the other person.

Did you find this article interesting? There’s so much more that you can learn! Why not learn different languages and cultures while living an adventure! Look at this and much more that Ynsitu can offer you. Our different English language courses are perfect for you to master your skills. We make learning fun and easy!

Interview with Anita Locke, Marketing Manager of Cork English Academy: “Undertaking a study abroad programme can be a life changing experience”

ANITA LOCKE, MARKETING MANAGER, CORK ENGLISH ACADEMY

Why would a student choose your school?

We aim to help our students to succeed in their English language learning by exceeding their expectations and delivering value in everything that we do. Whatever your reason for wanting to improve your current level of English we have an English language course for you.
We receive great feedback about the school Academic Team, course content and friendly and fun teachers.
You should choose CEA if you want to see fast and efficient level progression in a fun and caring environment.

In your opinion, what are the main benefits for a student to study abroad?

I think the main thing is the confidence it brings to your life. I love this quote from famous Psycholinguist Frank Smith ”One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.”
Studying abroad gives the ability and confidence to study, work and live in an English speaking environment.
Undertaking a study abroad programme can be a life changing experience. Taking that big step is inspiring

How do you see the future of language tourism?

I think in ways the COVID pandemic has united the world. All countries are working very hard with the common goal of getting case numbers down and rolling out an efficient vaccine programme. One of the main goals is so international travel can start happening again… allowing people freedom and choice to travel and experience new cultures and learn new languages.
Flora Lewis famous international journalist said ”Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things”. I think the future of language tourism is as bright and important as ever. It unites us and makes us stronger!

What types of courses do you think will be most in demand in the future?

I think the General English language course will always be in high demand. The course is designed to give you the English language skills to live, work, study and travel in an English-speaking environment. The group course allows you mix with other nationalities, making great friends along the way. Level progression offers you a specific goal and focus – one that is always moving and keeping you on your toes 😉 .

THE SCHOOL


Name of School

Cork English Academy

Country/City

Cork/Ireland

 

The most significant things the school can offer

– Cork English Academy is Recognised by the Accreditation and Coordination of English Language Services (ACELS), through the service of Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).

– CEA is a member of Marketing English in Ireland (MEI) which is a further badge of quality and assurance.

– We offer both morning and afternoon options. Course are 5 days per week Monday to Friday and you can choose either a morning timetable or afternoon timetable. The afternoon courses are offered at a discounted price.

Types of courses taught at school

General English Courses

Academic Year (Work & Study Programme)

– Business English

– Examination Preparation Courses (IELTS and Cambridge FCE)

Attractions around the school and in the city in general

– Learn English in Cork City Ireland, the internationally recognized and voted friendliest city in Europe. Cork City offers a friendly environment that gives students the opportunity to use the English language with native speakers and locals and practice with each others while gaining a greater understanding of Irish life and culture.

– The CEA Social Programme encourages students to discover the beautiful places of interest in Cork city. We organise 3 activities/tours per week, visiting some of the most famed places in Cork City and Ireland.

St Finbarre’s Cathedral
Crawford Art Gallery
Cork City Gaol
The Lewis Glucksman Art Gallery
Shandon Bells & Church
The English Market
Blarney Caste
Blackrock Castle
Triskel Arts Centre
Franciscan Well Brewery