Language courses abroad
Séjours Linguistiques
Campamentos de verano

Germany: a country full of treasures!

September 15th, 2011

Do you like the sea, mountains, cities that are constantly moving and historic small towns of Germany full of history with an incredible architecture? Each of the 16 states of Germany has its own history and scenery all different but all beautiful.

Germany recently became a real success model. Many international companies have their headquarters in Germany and many brands come from Germany too.
It is a country that is at the forefront of new technology and it is not car enthusiasts who will tell you the contrary! Indeed, many beautiful cars are made in Germany such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche…

You are not fond of beautiful cars? Germany has plenty of other assets well hidden …

Germany is famous for its classical music, but there are contemporary artists whose careers began here, such as the famous violinist David Garrett (or more recently Tokyo Hotel). Germany is an inspiration!
In addition, there are over 4000 museums in Germany where you can explore the art and history, technology and architecture.

In Germany, there is something for everyone: whether cities with their famous architecture, historical monuments or shopping, meals (the Sauerbrate, the Kartoffelkloesse …), the medieval houses or nightlife.

Germany is home of the finest monuments qualified Unesco World Heritage such as the castle and park of Sanssouci in Potsdam, Cologne Cathedral and the city center of Dresden.

The Berlinale is to Germany what the Oscars for the United States: the International Film Festival of Berlin but also the largest cultural event in the capital. Stars, rhinestones and sequins … The Berlinale is a major event film and media. Each year, 20,000 professionals from 120 countries, including 4,200 journalists flocked to Berlin to attend this event.
If you’re more athletic than glitz and glitter, just run the marathon in Munich and take the opportunity to visit the royal castles: Neuschwanstein and Linderhof!

Go ahead and discover Germany with Nacel!
You can for example choose to study German in Berlin . Younger students could attend am Summer Camp in Germany to study German and have fun! High School students can choose to live in a German host family and attend an academic year in Germany.

Some tips for your means of payment abroad

August 15th, 2011

Cheques, Traveller’s cheques, credit card, withdrawing money from an ATM… What is the best way to pay when you are abroad? There are often several details that we forget when for example we buy a little souvenir of our language course in a foreign country!

Currently, the fastest and most secure means of payment is the international credit card. However, it should not be overlooked that when you pay by credit card, banks charge a fee proportional to the amount paid. And sometimes, it adds fixed costs (€ 1 per transaction).

If you want to withdraw money abroad, remember that each bank will automatically invoice you banking fees. Sometimes prefer counter withdrawals rather than ATM! To know this, check with your bank who will advise you the best way for opening a bank account with international credit card while abroad.
Once you have your placement finalized you will also see if there are local partner banks of your bank of your home country available in the neighbourhood in order to limit the costs of withdrawal. Talk to your bank and at the same time, check on the maximum amounts of your credit card, that is to say, how much you can withdraw per day, per week and at the same time, and also check how much you can pay per day and per week. If those amounts are not suitable, adjust your accounts with your bank before departure.
Do not forget to check if you are insured for theft too. Make sure you bring the phone number in case of emergency to do a so called “opposition”.

If you want to bring your national currency and exchange it with the local currency on location, pay attention to the exchange rates! You must compare offers. The exchange rates in airports or in tourist areas may be much less favorable than in local banks, especially if they take an additional commission.
Of course you can change money in your home country, for example, buy USD in a bank in France. This can be good to have some cash on arrival in a foreign country but you cannot buy all currencies: USD, EUR, GBP are the ones that can be generally exchanged everywhere.

We advise you to withdraw money at the beginning and then use this money during your stay, to avoid too many banking fees. Plan a budget between 200€ and 250 € per month. It is very difficult to give a precise figure because each student is different and doesn’t spend her/his pocket money the same way!

We also recommend that you bring some Traveller’s Cheques with you (no more than € 350) which can be your “reserve fund” on arrival or during the school year. On site you can exchange them against cash. These checks will help you out too if you are robbed your credit card. Note that if you lose or if you are stolen, they will be refunded.

You can also transfer money through Western Union or the Post Office. This practice has grown significantly recently. You must go in one of Western Union offices or mail with your ID and you will be asked to complete a form and submit the amount you want to transfer cash. You will be given a number. Then the receiver can recover the money with his ID and the number you would have given him.

We encourage you to spread your cash, your traveler’s cheques and your credit card in different places (pocket, bag, backpack, suitcase, in your host family etc…) because in case of theft, you will have not lost everything and you will keep some financial resources.

Remember that your host family, the local coordinator or the language school are not requested to lend you any money. We advise you to avoid money transaction with your host family. If you borrow money from someone on location, please be sure to refund this person before you leave the country.
Travel in peace thanks to Nacel International!
Book now your course in a language school abroad!

The Music Day in France!

July 30th, 2011

Music Day is the celebration of music and a way to discover new talents. This day has evolved from a few scattered in the streets to a major event of the early summer.

The Music Day has been initiated by the Culture of Minister Jack Lang June 21, 1982 with the slogan “Make Music, Music Day .”
The concept is simple: “the music everywhere and the concert nowhere” (Maurice Fleuret, 1981). In 1982, five million people,among them the half are young people, play a musical instrument; the idea is to get people on the street at the Music Day. The date of June 21 is generally the first day of summer (northern hemisphere) and is also the longest day of the year.
In addition, this day refers to the old holiday tradition of St Jacques which is still celebrated in other countries.

The success of this day is the one of all its actors, such as theaters, orchestras, bands, music festivals.

 

Experience this unforgettable French celebration in France and take the opportunity to get French courses in one of our French schools.
Learn French in France in Lyon with its historical and cultural richness or learn French in Rouen, in the old medieval city where you can venture out on the trail of Joan of Arc …
Use this opportunity to practise your French skills!
Learn French in France in June and enjoy the Music day!

Required exams and testing for admissions in US Colleges and Universities

July 15th, 2011

University admission or college admissions is the process through which students enter tertiary education at universities and colleges. Systems vary from country to country, and sometimes from institution to institution.
In many countries, prospective university students apply for admission during their last year of high school or community college. In some countries, there are independent organizations or government agencies to centralize the administration of standardized admission exams and the processing of applications.
Most colleges in the United States require prospective students to send SAT or ACT scores for admission. International students may also be required to send TOEFL scores to show their English proficiency. AP courses and exam scores are important because they demonstrate that students are able to handle rigorous classes. In addition, some colleges give college credit for an AP exam score of 3,4,5”.

ACT- The tested areas in the American College Test include English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning. Scores in each are range from 1 to 36, with 36 being the best. The composite score is the average of the four areas.

AP- Advanced Placement exams are offered once a year, which usually in May. Students who earn high enough scores receive credit for an undergraduate college course. Scores in each content area range from 1 to 5, with 5 being the best.

SAT- The Scholastic Assessment Test is a standardized test that includes Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. Scores range from 600 to 2400, with 2400 being the best.

TOEFL- The Test of English as a Foreign Language is a U.S. college admissions test required for students if English is not their first language. Sections on the test include Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Scores range from 0-30 in each section, for a total score of 0-120, with 120 being the best.

To prepare your admission in US Colleges and Universities, you may complete your High School diploma in one of our American Schools, member of the Nacel International High School USA system:

Choose to live in a host family abroad!

July 6th, 2011

You want to learn a language abroad? The best way to accommodate is the host family. Immersing yourself in another culture, you will quickly improve your language level and enrich your vocabulary.
That’s why, Nacel is in charge of recruiting host families so that everyone lives a complete and unforgettable experience.

Indeed, our host families are not randomly recruited. Each volunteer family receives a visit from a local coordinator who decides with predefined criteria, if the family meets the requirements or not. The criteria are the quality of care, availability, comfort and willingness to welcome a foreign student. When we talk about host family, this may be a couple with or without children and maybe also retirees.
You can get the details of the host family between 3 to 10 days before departure. If you join your child at the last moment it is possible that you do not have contact information for the family before the last day before departure.
You can of course contact the family before the departure of your child.
Most of the time when we are invited to visit friends, we always take some present as a matter of politeness. Therefore, we recommend that you provide a simple gift to the family. Remember to avoid food or drinks.
The local coordinator who selected host family will take care of your child’s placement after having seen his/her application form. Therefore, it is important to complete it carefully, mentioning any potential health problems for example.
Finally, activities represent a cost to families, so the host family is not required to provide outings and activities on weekends.

Maintain a permanent communication, direct contact with another culture, mentality and lifestyle of a foreign family! Choose one of our Homestay programs!

ESTA procedure to enter the United States

June 22nd, 2011

Study, work or travel in a foreign country often requires a lot of paperwork and especially for the U.S. territory. Indeed, the ESTA procedure is one of the necessary administrative procedures to study in the United States.

Since 2009, participants must obtain the ESTA authorization prior to boarding an airline for the United States.
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an electronic registration system requiring travelers who are part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) (27 countries) to register before boarding an airplane or a cruise ship bound for the United States. This recording allows the government to do a pre-selection before granting them the right to enter the United States. ESTA now costs $ 14 (since August 10, 2010). However, this authorization is valid for 2 years (multiple entries) and can be made by third parties (travel, family and friends). It is possible to update personal data at any time. A response will be given immediately in most cases. Permission will be granted or not authorized or is “pending” (response sent within 72 hours). When permission is not granted, the participant will move to an embassy or consulate and apply for a visa. The ESTA does not mean, however, that access to the United States is guaranteed.
Registration must be done on the following website:
ESTA procedure

Some private websites pose as government sites in the United States. These websites charge their customers to apply for ESTA for them. Make your own actions, you do not need to use the websites to apply. Remember if you let someone else do the application for you, you may get an invalid authorization.

These administrative measures can ensure the security of the United States and somehow, your safety. Do not waste time, go and register on the website and fly in peace!

Choose to learn English in the United States with Nacel!

Welcome to the United States !

June 14th, 2011

We want you to have a very good experience studying in the United States with your host family, so here are some shrewdnesses to help you become the best young foreign guest:

-Above all, allow yourself the opportunity to experience a new culture and open the door to communicate with your host family. Therefore do not consider your host family as a hotel.

-Nobody is immune to moments of sadness so do not you withdraw into yourself and open yourself to your family. Do not hesitate to confide in them and if you prefer a neutral person, contact your chaperone or your local coordinator.

-Make a maximum effort to express yourself using symbols if necessary and remember that a smile can be very infectious!

-Go beyond a simple “thank you “, show your appreciation with enthusiastic participation, positive attitude and an inquiring mind.

-Be adventurous, motivated and enjoy the differences.

-Do whatever you can to make of your stay a positive experience. If you are introverted and shy, force yourself to change for a month!

-Plan to use some of your pocket money to please your host family during your stay. Host families are pleased when you offer to pay for a soda, ice cream, cake, outings.

-Do not plan anything without the agreement of your host family and remember that this program would not be possible without the generosity of host families who planned to welcome you.

-Taste new foods, do not hesitate! You can even prepare a typical national dish for your host family. Share your culture with them it is an exchange!

-Also remember that you are a representative of your country, so be a good example of it!

- Do not expect to do activities every day because activities have a cost for the family who can maybe not afford to do activities all the time.

-This program is non-smoking. In the United States, it is illegal to consume alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 years, so do not ask to consume alcohol during your stay.

- Of course, do not forget to write a letter of thanks to the host family upon your return!
At the end of your stay you will complete an end-of-stay questionnaire, your host family will do the same. We wish you a memorable stay and that your host family will believe you are the best young foreign guest in the world!

Choose our Homestay in France or our Homestay in Argentina!

Read our FAQs before travelling abroad!

Beating the Language barrier in Florida

April 1st, 2011

Florida is more than just the sunshine state or the home of Disney. It is one of the most diverse and cultured states too.
According to recent Census the largest reported ancestries in the state were English (16.9%), German (11.8%), Irish (10.3%), Italian (6.3%), French (2.8%), Polish (2.7%) and Scottish (1.8%) so it’s a great place to come to practice your languages too!

Florida’s Hispanic population includes large communities of Cuban Americans in Miami and Tampa, Puerto Ricans in Orlando and Tampa, and Central American migrant workers in inland West-Central and South Florida. The Hispanic community continues to grow more affluent and mobile. Between the years of 2000 and 2004, Lee County in Southwest Florida, which is largely suburban in character, had the fastest Hispanic population growth rate of any county in the United States.

There is a large German population in Southwest Florida, a large Greek population in the Tarpon Springs area, a sizable Italian, Spanish, and Russian communities in Miami.
These concentrations of nationalities mean that there are a wide range of restaurants to be found and flavours to sample across the state.

Some great bars exist and Miami in particular has some great latin sounds wrapped up in the vibrant colours that cover a lot of the buildings and the brilliant sunshine it’s hard not to get in to the party mood during your visit.

Study Abroad Programs in Japan Cancelled

March 27th, 2011

Due to the recent events many Universities and private institutions will not allow students to study abroad in Japan this spring. There is regret about suspending the program, but under the circumstances it is only prudent. The recent tsunami and ensuing nuclear crisis leaves no other choice.

“This has been a challenging situation for the students, resetting their expectations for what they’re going to be doing this spring and needing to make a decision quickly about whether they wanted to spend the spring term at Dartmouth and trying to figure out which courses they could take,” said Ben DeWinter

Dartmouth has a strong program in Japanese language and literature and they were able to accommodate them because it operates on a quarter system, with the spring quarter starting on Monday.

Check out other language courses abroad alternatives available on nacel.org

“Provisional content”: Coach

Miss Understanding Explores Foreign Languages

March 14th, 2011

Miss Verständnis (German for Miss Understanding) is all about the fun and often completely crazy misunderstandings caused by the German language. There’s no better way to learn a language than in the country of its origin so Miss Verständnis tells all about her daily encounters and struggles while learning German in the country of Goethe.

Written by a great language lover, the blog is devoted to all the tidbits connected with German and other foreign languages. The posts are inspired by the author’s day-to-day adventures with words, grammar and idioms. There are also articles dedicated to funny and inspiring cultural shocks and differences.

The author observes the world surrounding her, meets new people from different countries and learns to communicate with them in German. Every once in a while she encounters very interesting translational issues which she tries to resolve using online language dictionaries and then describes her conclusions on the Miss-Verständnis blog.

All students of German will certainly recognize their own doubts and questions about the German language in the blog posts so it is a wonderful place to find the answers and also share own experiences about Germany, its culture, language and people.

Study Abroad Student in Japan Shares her Story on the Quake

March 13th, 2011

A study abroad student from Notre Dame, Massiel Gutierrez currently studying at the University of Nanzan tells about her experience during the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on Friday.

She said “I was in a second-floor computer lab when I felt like I was coming down with an intense case of vertigo”, “It took someone getting up and looking out the window to realize that it wasn’t just us…”, “it was still about a 4 on the Richter in this area.”

Click here to read more about Massiel’s experience during the earthquake and tsunami.

Live in a host family abroad and discover a new country!

March 7th, 2011

You wish to get acquainted with a civilization and a culture different from yours? You look for an accommodation during a traineeship abroad? You wish to improve your language knowledge but independently, without attending any language course? This student homestay program is for you!

Available from 18 years old only, this program allows you to live in a host family living in the below destinations:
- England: South suburb of London or Plymouth.
- Scotland: Edinburgh
- Malta: Sliema
- Germany: Augsburg, Berlin, Bonn, Köln, Koblenz, Gresden, Freiburg, Hamburg, Hannover, Lübeck, Mainz, Munich, Regensburg, Ulm, Weimar and Wiesbaden
- Spain: Barcelona, Cadiz, Granada, Huesca, Madrid city centre and suburb, Sabadell (North of Barcelona), Segovia, Seville.
-Etats-Unis: New York, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, and Seattle.

ACCOMMODATION

In host family: breakfasts as well as dinners are included.

Your days will be free (no activity planned). So, we advise you to collect information before your departure on the city or the region which you will have visit. Contact us if you need any additional information!
Dates and duration of the stay are free (minimum at 5 nights).