Category Archives: Student

Variety Is The Spice Of Language Learning

The Language in Group today claimed that the secret to the successful teaching of English as a foreign language was variety. The complex and varied demands of international students wishing to study English in the UK and Ireland today means that success must lie in catering for the many and varied objectives of students.

With more than 40 years’ experience of the changing face of language learning the directors of the Language in Group have seen the sector develop and mature. Along the way there has been much recognition of the innovative approaches the schools in the Group have adopted – including the accolade of being the first school to receive a British Council award for innovation in English language teaching. Whilst innovative approaches and excellence in teaching remain core goals the Language in Group today commented that what international students most needed was a variety of approaches to teaching English to meet their many and varied needs and goals. It is because there is no such thing as a typical international student that the language school’s provisions must be varied and multiple. Variety is the spice of language learning.

The range and approach of courses available within the Group has never been broader ranging from cultural experience holidays, where teaching may take place informally in a museum or day-trip out, to intensive exam-based courses, where more traditional classroom-based methods are used. Work-experience modules allow students to focus their language learning vocationally whilst IELTS courses help students prepare for further academic study. There are courses aimed specifically at the mature student and provision is made for those studying with families. The Group can now provide English language teaching courses for teachers looking to pick up on best practice.

Variety is also provided in the choice of where to study, and where to live whilst you study. The Language in Group offers schools based in a choice of three radically differing locations: London, Dublin or Totnes. The “variety is the spice” approach also includes the options open to students regarding where they live. Younger students may prefer the security of a homestay, whilst others may wish to rub shoulders with fellow students in hostels and apartments. Families can even have self-contained cottages.

The Language in Group is committed to providing a variety of courses, approaches, locations and accommodation to meet the increasingly complex needs, demands and goals of international students studying English. For them variety is the spice of language learning. Whether students study in a Language in Group London school, or one in Totnes or Dublin the same varied approach is offered. The Group provide language learning experiences that are as varied as students’ needs.

Via EPR Network
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Education in America: Homeschooling on the Rise

The homeschooling movement continues to gain momentum as home-educated students and graduates demonstrate success academically and socially.

Gray, TN, March 7, 2011, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC — Boasting an increase of 74% since 1999 and now in its fourth decade, the modern homeschooling movement is gaining followers at an astonishing rate. Homeschool, for the most part an unfamiliar term only thirty years ago when the movement began, has become a household word. U.S. educators from both public and private school arenas are very much aware of the movement and its impact, and today popular media frequently make mention of “homeschoolers,” from characters in CBS’s #1 show, NCIS, to homeschool grads who appear as contestants on shows such as Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Homeschooling has firmly established itself as a mainstream education alternative.

Homeschoolers are here to stay, because homeschooling works:

• Homeschoolers (K–12) score an average 37 points above the national average on standardized achievement tests. (HSLDA, 2009)

• “Homeschool students possess higher ACT scores, grade point averages (GPAs) and graduation rates when compared to traditionally-educated students.” (Journal of College Admission, citing a 2010 survey of homeschoolers)

• Homeschool grads are “more likely to vote, volunteer for political campaigns, participate in boycotts or write letters to the editor. . . . Seventy-one percent of homeschool graduates participate in an ongoing community service activity compared to 37% of U.S. adults of similar ages.” (NHERI) Homeschoolers are definitely impacting the political scene, as evidenced not only by the recent election of Jaime Herrera, formerly a homeschooler, as a U.S. Representative (R-WA) but also by the enthusiastic participation of homeschooled students in grassroots organizations such as HSLDA’s Generation Joshua.

• Research conducted by multiple sources has found “the home educated to be developing as well or better socially, emotionally, and psychologically than institutionally schooled children and youth.” Homeschool graduates are excelling in their occupations, contributions to their communities’ welfare, and their own families.

The U.S. economy is benefiting too. For example, homeschooling families obviously are committed to equip their students to keep abreast of technological advancements, as statistics show that the use of computer technology in their families nearly tripled that of the average U.S. family, based on national norms. As homeschoolers graduate and enter the workforce, U.S. industries who hire these well-prepared, independent thinkers are thriving.

And there are even more winners—taxpayers benefit as well, because home educators receive no government funding, thus reducing the burden on taxpayers. “If there were 2 million homeschool students in the United States in 2009 and the direct per-pupil expenditure was $10,100, then the homeschool community saved American taxpayers $20.4 billion . . . .” (Dr. Brian Ray, NHERI).

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Flat Classroom Project Creates Globally Minded Students at Yew Chung International School of Beijing

Once a week, Coco Yu walks into her Year 4 classroom at Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing), logs onto a computer and starts communicating with other children her age who are located in schools stretching from England to India.

Yu is one of dozens of students at YCIS Beijing who are participating in a global collaborative project that joins together primary students from around the world via the Internet and Web 2.0 technologies, including Wikispaces and Ning, an online service that allows members to create social networks.

The project is called Flat Classroom. It is part of an emerging trend in internationally aware schools, like YCIS Beijing, that embrace a holistic and full-rounded educational approach to work collaboratively with others around the world in order to create students who are competitive and globally-minded. One of the main goals of the project is to “flatten” or lower the classroom walls so that two or more classes are joined virtually to become one large classroom.

“In Flat Classroom, we work a lot with computers and we go to Wiki, and we type what we do in Beijing. Maybe we Skype, and we talk to other children around the world, for example, we have a school in Mumbai, a school in England and Mill Creek and the US,” Yu, who is 9years old, said.

YCIS Beijing teachers who take part in the program say they can immediately see the perceptions of their students about the world and their place in it change as a result of participation in the project, which incorporates themes and lesson plans from “The World is Flat,” a ground-breaking book authored by the New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman. Students also work collaboratively on projects with their peers located in different schools around the world. On February 21st at 8am, students used Skype to video chat with the primary students and parents at a US primary school who were attending their back-to-school night. It was an exciting link for both primary classes involved who exclaimed cheers when the video connection occurred, followed by a question and answer period that bounced back-and-forth between times zones.

“Of course, students have discovered similarities between themselves and other students located at the other participating schools,” said Primary Year 4 teacher, Heather Davis.

“They also note the differences as well. It is through these similarities and differences that our students have expressed the most learning. They find it fascinating that the same hobbies, food or entertainment enjoyed by them is enjoyed by other students as well. Conversely, they are intrigued by the holidays and traditions of different countries and are surprised when preconceived notions they had about other countries are challenged and clarified with reality.”

The Flat Classroom Project is incorporated mostly during IT time at YCIS Beijing but also crosses over into other subject areas, including English, math, history and Chinese. Students, for example, learn how to correspond in English with their counterparts in different countries or study the history of the countries in which their peers are living.

From February 25 – 27, a special Flat Classroom Conference will be held in Beijing. It will include students and educators discussing the future of education through the integration of technologies, including wikis, blogs, social networking and multi-media storytelling, into learning environments.

About Yew Chung International School Beijing
Located in the scenic Honglingjin Park in the heart of downtown Beijing, Yew Chung International School of Beijing celebrates 15 years of educating students of the city’s expatriate community. YCIS Beijing is a fully accredited school by CIS, NEASC and NCCT, and is part of the Yew Chung Education Foundation with over 5,000 students across campuses in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Chongqing, Qingdao and Silicon Valley (USA). Providing Beijing’s expatriate community a quality education across a broad spectrum ranging from early childhood to senior secondary education, the school offers a unique richness and diversity of both Eastern and Western cultures that equip students to be bilingual, academically competitive, caring and globally-minded individuals. For more information, visit www.ycis-bj.com.

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Foreign Language Courses Help Teens Assert Their Independence in a Healthy Way

Teenagers constantly seek independence from their parents. They assert themselves in the familial situation with new and strong opinions. Whether these opinions are about what is or is not cool to wear, how long they should be allowed to go out or which rules were made to be broken, teenagers want to show they aren’t children anymore.

The Royal College of Psychologists says it is normal for adolescents to want to prove that they can survive in the world and make their own decisions. It is common, they explain, for teenagers to have and express strong opinions contrary to those of their parents. This can be hard on parents who imagine that their now teenage daughter or son is still the loveable and pint-sized child of their memory. Unfortunately for attached parents, an essential part of adolescence is this very act of gaining independence.

For most the summer is an unstructured time. Sons and daughters run about town with their friends and hang around the house during holiday. This is a wasted opportunity because the summer can be a great way to foster independence by enrolling your child in courses or camps. Being away from home will allow them to feel as if they have control of their daily life but will also encourage them to participate in structured activities.

Foreign language study can be a great way to this. Here they will make new friends, live away from home (in a safe environment) and build their confidence through learning and exploring a new language and culture. Depending on the language your child wishes to speak, there are several course locations across Europe that could be right for him or her.

For summer camp Switzerland and France could be great places to learn French, while Germany is a great place for a teen to take German courses. When looking for courses and camp, it might be important to look for programmes that are not just language programmes but that also offer extracurricular activities. Perhaps they have courses on the local cuisine or offer sports and outdoor excursions as part of the camp. You can incorporate other interests you son or daughter might have this way.

Who knows, maybe allowing your child to attend French courses in France will mean that you have your own personal translator for holidays and, if they manage to squeeze in some French cooking courses, your own personal chef.

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English Students Prepare for Exams and Better Opportunities

It is no secret that the ability to understand and properly communicate in English is necessary for anyone who wants to succeed professionally, academically or, in many cases, even socially here in the UK. In fact, throughout the world, even in countries where English is not the main language, strong English skills are becoming more and more important. Nearly everyone wants to speak English well. But as a motivated person with goals, you probably have a busy schedule and a lot of things you need to do. Chances are that you don’t have time for anything else. Fortunately, one English language school here in London is helping students learn English and achieve their professional and academic goals at the same time.

At Malvern House, students can choose to study General English or take English courses that specifically focus on academic or professional goals. Malvern House English courses can help students prepare for UK university undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. They also offer 2 year Business Degrees and Tourism Degrees. The UK offers wonderful educational opportunities but obtaining a degree here often presents challenges. Malvern House offers the necessary support to help students achieve their academic and professional goals.

Malvern House also offers courses that help students prepare for a wide range of English language exams. The Malvern House language school in London offers preparation courses for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), Preliminary English Test (PET) and the LCCI English for Business. Such courses are given at the school’s Bloomsbury Centre. Students enrolled in General English courses can easily move to the exam preparation courses as soon as they have reached the required level. Students who prepare for such exams are usually working toward getting a better job, being admitted to a university or obtaining a certificate of proof of their level of English.

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Launch of Students Cloud Network, Learn, Distribute and Advance

Launch of StudentsCloud.com : Students Cloud is a platform where Students, Parents, Teachers, Schools and Administrators of Campuses, Colleges and Universities can network and collaborate worldwide

Students Cloud strengthens and extends your existing network of trusted contacts. Students Cloud is collaboration and networking tool that helps you discover inside connections to Professionals, Students, Parents , Teachers and Administrators, Service Providers, Customers, Prospects, Partners and Industry experts. Professionals Use Students Cloud platform to build their own students focused education ecosystem. Members use the Students Cloud platform to discover a new way to manage their profile, answers , and groups, eLearning, Distance Education, Training and Events . Use the platform to build a network, share ideas, and improve opportunities, share students reviews, ratings and customer case studies, Perfect Teacher Index

Features:
Students Cloud platform supports a fundamental shift In the way Students, Parents, Teachers, Schools, Campuses, Colleges and Universities communicate and collaborate worldwide. The main features of Students Cloud are as given below.
1. Global Networking of Students, Parents, Teachers and Administrators of Schools, Colleges, Universities worldwide
2. Cloud of eLearning, Distance Education, Training and Events. Build your Students-Focused and Community-Powered Education Ecosystem
3. Get Answers From Experts, Parents, Teachers and your Peers. Share Reviews, Ratings and Case studies

About Students Cloud

  • Get the most from Your Networking and Efficient Collaboration
  • Community-Powered Education Ecosystem help Institutions, Companies and their Partners build their Education Ecosystem
  • Perfect Teachers index, Reviews, Ratings and recommendations help Teachers and Administrators to showcase their Service Offerings in a better way
  • CRM Pro, Mail Box and Collaboration Pro features help Teachers and Administrators to build their Network with Students and Parents Community
  • Latest Updates from many News Channels – News
  • Students Cloud Profile Management System enables Individuals, Students, Teachers to maintain their Integrated Profile Information System

You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnNF-okH9ug

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HomeschoolBlogger.com—Largest Blogging Community for Homeschoolers—Up for Sale!

Four years into publishing The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine (TOS), owners Paul and Gena Suarez recognized a need for an easy-to-use, FREE, online community where homeschool moms, dads, kids, and grandparents could interact and launched HomeschoolBlogger.com (HSB). Within the first month of its existence, HSB hosted more than 30,000 visits! By the first quarter of 2008, HSB was hosting almost 400,000 unique visitors and averaging more than 9 million page views monthly. Currently, HSB logs more than 500,000 page views per month, hosts about 11,000 new posts per month, and registers 25 new users daily. For many homeschoolers—both teachers and students—a visit to HSB has become part of their daily routine.

Obviously, TOS has identified—and met—a vital need within the homeschooling community. The success of HomeschoolBlogger.com has proven it.

So, why sell HomeschoolBlogger.com and its counterpart, HomesteadBlogger.com? “We’re narrowing our focus at The Old Schoolhouse®, and we’ve fulfilled our original goal: to provide a ‘mini blogosphere’ for homeschoolers around the world,” explained Gena Suarez. “It’s time to hand over the reins to someone else. We’ve simply decided to invest our time and resources in other opportunities that have our attention.”

The site almost exclusively uses open source code, thus effectively sidestepping most licensing fees. Last year HSB rolled out a brand-new platform on WordPress, which offers lots of bells and whistles. More than 140 themes are available, including plugins that provide both secure and feature-rich styling of any of the themes. The platform changes also enabled TOS to minimize maintenance costs and support time.

The current platform makes it possible for a new owner to easily assume control of the site on the existing server. Surprisingly, even if the new owner switched to a different server, migration should require downtime of 8 hours or less! The site could grow to power more than 8 million users before a rewrite or change in platform would be necessary.

HSB operates correctly within any current browser and operating system; therefore visitors can “come as they are” from their mobile devices, Wii, PSP, and others. Use of the Anti-Splog API automatically terminates accounts used for spamming, ensuring that the site quality remains high.

HomeschoolBlogger.com has, in essence, succeeded in creating an international virtual neighborhood of homeschooling families, a neighborhood supported entirely by advertising revenue, enabling users to enjoy the perks at no cost to them. As the billion-dollar homeschool market continues to grow, the potential for profitable expansion—for everyone—appears to be unlimited.

Interested buyers should contact the owners of HomeschoolBlogger.com, Gena and Paul Suarez, or the company’s Director of Marketing, Julie Nott, directly for more details (publisher@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com). HomesteadBlogger.com, a user-friendly, customized network for the homesteading community, is also for sale.

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Schools Unite To Form UK’s First Schools Co-operative

More than 100 primary, secondary schools and colleges in England are set to pool resources, expertise and buying power in the first organisation of its kind in the UK – the Schools Co-operative Society (SCS).

The announcement comes at a time when the Government is encouraging greater independence in education as part of major reforms and is designed to help schools help themselves in accordance with co-operative values and principles.

Already registered as a co-operative, the organisation’s governing body is now working on a strategy that will include:
• Sharing best practice in terms of teaching and management.
• Advancing the co-operative cause in the field of education.
• Using combined buying power – estimated at £100 million plus – to purchase a range of goods and services including energy, administrative services.

All the schools and colleges involved employ globally shared co-operative values such as self-help, democracy, equality, honesty and social responsibility both in their governance and in the curriculum. They are part of the Co-operative Schools Programme, one of the community projects which has been run by The Co-operative Group, the UK’s biggest mutual retailer, and the Co-operative College, the Movement’s educational charity, for the last eight years.

Dave Boston, head teacher of Sir Thomas Boughey Co-operative Business and Enterprise College in Newcastle-under-Lyme, has been appointed Chair of the SCS Board.

He explained: “Co-operative values and principles are more relevant than ever at a time when people are being urged to be more independent and less reliant on the state.

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Saint George International Students Are Looking to the Burns Night in London for Language and Fun

Saint George International students are looking forward to the Burns Night in London because it allows them to immerse themselves in the language and the culture of the British Isles.

After 50 years, St George knows the importance of not only teaching and drilling grammar but also exposure to the culture that surrounds the language. The Burns Night in London is a celebration of one of Scotland’s greatest poets; bring Scottish culture and food to the heart of this capital.

Hundreds of restaurants are participating in this night, making menus that feature Scottish classics like haggis and Scottish whiskey. Comedy venues have invited some of Scotland’s best comedians to come down for that night and there will be poetry readings and folk music across the city.

Some less traditional celebrations are happening as well. The London Cyclist Campaign has a fundraiser every year on this date for their organization and many restaurants are running interesting deals for unusual guests. Kettners, for example, is giving away a free glass of champagne to each customer who comes in a kilt.

Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, was born 252 years ago on January 25. He pioneered both the Romantic poetry movement and also what would be later the political concepts of liberalism and socialism. His English poetry was highly critical of the political climate in which it was written and he enjoyed a huge celebrity during his lifetime. Some great poems of his include “Auld Lang Syne”, “A Red, Red Rose”, “A Man’s A Man for A’ That”, “To a Louse”, “To a Mouse”, and “Ae Fond Kiss”.

For English language learners these London festivities can be a great way to learn about the multiple cultures and identities that exist within the United Kingdom. Even for English speaker in London, this festival is a great way to celebrate one of Scotland’s greatest poets. With festivals like these if you are looking to learn French London is a great place to do so because you get access to great schools and events. This is true of any language. If you want to learn Spanish London and SGI make a great combination.

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Homeschooling with Heart

The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC — The Old Schoolhouse® (TOS) is taking the potential of the Internet to new boundaries. Promising “tips, tricks, and tools to enhance all phases of your homeschool journey from the preschool and elementary years to high school, college, and beyond,” their Homeschooling with Heart Schoolhouse Expo will feature sessions about the high school years and provide information for entrepreneurs.

Valerie McCafferty, a recent Schoolhouse Expo attendee, summed up her experience this way: “I can’t tell you how much more convenient it was to attend online. That was the most wonderful part of all. I didn’t have to pay for a sitter, could still answer my students’ questions, … didn’t have to drive anywhere, find or pay for parking, or sit in uncomfortable chairs. … I am so looking forward to the rest of the webinars!”

The weeklong 2011 Schoolhouse Expo will feature an impressive lineup of 16 dynamic speakers: authors, teachers, business owners, and researchers, and give participants an opportunity to ask questions and chat with other guests via the live text system.

Gena and Paul Suarez, owners of The Old Schoolhouse® and homeschooling parents of six children, are excited about the success of the Schoolhouse Expos: “We knew that online homeschool webinars would be great for our audience. They love being able to hear their favorite speakers, the Q & A sessions, chatting with other homeschoolers around the world, the discounts offered in our online vendor hall, the amazing freebie package, and of course the fun door prizes! It has been a winner for both our readers and our vendors!”

In addition to the privilege of attending approximately 20 live, hour-long sessions, all registrants will receive a one-year membership to the Homeschool Legal Advantage and a free will, valued at $65; 21 downloadable gifts worth more than $200; access to MP3 files of the sessions, for future reference; door prizes; access to a virtual vendor hall jam-packed with the market’s most outstanding vendors; and a whole lot of fun!

The Door Prize Extravaganza, in which prizes such as books, curricula, and games will be given away to guests, will be held on the final day of the Expo. The biggest prize offered will be a family vacation at one of the twelve Great Wolf Lodge locations in North America, a $450 value!

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Atlanta Executive Coach Interviews Top Woman Executive in Free Leadership Teleseminar

Co-author of inspirational books for women, Martha Forlines, invites all aspiring women leaders to start off 2011 on a proven path to leadership success! For female professionals, entrepreneurs, executives, and even small business owners, a new year is a time to re-assess leadership challenges and devise ways to excel in their professional lives. Forlines, who is an Atlanta executive coach at BSI, continues the Inspiring Women Interview Series on January 14, 2011 with top woman executive, Ann Cramer.

Cramer, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, is Director for IBM Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs for the Americas. She started with IBM as a Systems Engineer in Jacksonville . After being “retired” from IBM for ten years, Cramer returned to IBM in External Programs, now Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs. In support of IBM ‘s primary focus areas, Cramer currently serves as chair of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education (GPEE) and the Carter Center Board of Councilors. She is past Chair of Communities in Schools -Georgia, Georgia Chamber’s Education Committee, Voices for Georgia ‘s Children, and is on the Executive Committee for the US Chamber’s Institute for Competitive Workforce.

Attendees on this FREE leadership teleseminar will get a chance to ask questions and receive answers from Ann Cramer, live! Learn more and register here.

“Our free Inspiring Women teleseminars continue to gain popularity because of the depth of information that is shared,” states Forlines. “attendees get to listen to these interviews live, and then ask pressing leadership questions. This series is a rare opportunity for women leaders, and it’s completely free.”

The Inspiring Women interview series continues on Friday, January 14, 2011 at 11:30am EST, with Ann Cramer. Register here now.

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Colleges Nationwide Recruit Homeschool Grads

The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC — As the modern-day homeschool movement confidently marches forward into its fourth decade, colleges and universities are opening wide their doors to welcome its mature, prepared graduates to their ranks. Homeschoolers score an average of 37 percentile points above the national average on standardized achievement tests and typically score above average on the SAT and ACT, statistics that apparently have caught the eye of college admissions personnel. Since 1999, the number of homeschoolers in the United States has increased by 74%, and today thousands of young men and women are graduating from high school—at home.

Colleges are employing a wide variety of strategies aimed at recruiting homeschoolers, including strong representation at homeschool conventions, direct mailing campaigns, and promotions in catalogs, on their websites, and in publications such as The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, the nation’s most popular print magazine for homeschoolers. Colleges sponsor “Homeschool College Days” for juniors and seniors, and at Wheaton College, where nearly 10% of the freshman class is represented by homeschool grads, applicants can even be put in touch with current Wheaton students who were homeschooled. Regent University’s website heralds the school as “the right choice for home-schooled students,” and the U.S. Air Force Academy’s website includes guidelines addressed specifically to homeschooled applicants.

A number of institutions have appointed “homeschool liaison and recruitment specialists” to serve incoming freshmen and their families. In her 2009 article titled “‘We Love Homeschoolers!’ Prominent Colleges Jump on the Recruiting Bandwagon,” author Claire Novak, herself a homeschool grad, quoted one such specialist, who said, “As the number of homeschooled students grow, colleges are finding it’s a market you can’t ignore.”

Nearly 30% of Bob Jones University’s current students were educated at home. BJU’s website reports: “As a group, our homeschooled students are among the best students in the entire university student body. They have added a fresh dimension to the body of conventionally schooled students. We consider them a real asset.” Stanford Magazine reported that “among the nation’s elite universities, Stanford has been one of the most eager to embrace them [homeschoolers]. . . .[H]omeschoolers bring a mix of unusual experiences, special motivation and intellectual independence that makes them a good bet to flourish on the Farm.” Savannah College of Art and Design“welcomes home-schooled students and recognizes the outstanding talent and achievements of this diverse group of well-rounded individuals.” And these are just a few examples of the favorable reputation that homeschooled students have earned.

Recent studies confirm the academic success of homeschoolers who attend college. Citing results of a 2010 survey, the Journal of College Admission reports that “homeschool students possess higher ACT scores, grade point averages (GPAs) and graduation rates when compared to traditionally-educated students.”

Seth Back, a homeschooler who took and passed the GED test at age 15 and is currently enrolled at Harvard, is confident that he was “better prepared for certain college situations than students who had been through the public/private school system.” During the past five years, Seth earned a juris doctor degree, passed the California Bar Exam, earned a master’s degree in church history, and studied at Oxford—all while managing his own consulting business. He credits homeschooling with fueling a love of learning and teaching him to take personal responsibility for his education, which included pursuing a wide variety of opportunities for his personal enrichment. He is but one example of the thousands of motivated, successful, visionary students who have benefited tremendously from their home education.

Colleges are looking for young people like Seth. They are excited about the exceptional potential presented by homeschool graduates and are vigorously pursuing their attention.

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Learning French in Picturesque France

Learning French in a French city is proving to be an attractive option for many in England. It is an opportunity to master a second language holistically, by living and learning in the country of its origin.

London, December 2010 – 21-year-old Sofia Preston and her mother, Sarah, are packing their bags for an extended holiday in France. After beginning the new year in Paris, the mother-daughter duo will head to Lyon to enrol on French language courses.

‘I took a couple of years off after secondary school to work. It was then that I realised that, if I wanted to do well professionally, I would need to improve my communication skills. Knowing more than one language is a big asset in any customer relations job. That’s when I decided I was going to learn French,’ explains Sofia. Sofia’s mother, too, found the idea of living in France to learn French appealing.‘We did an online search for French language institutes for Sofia. Initially the idea was that Sofia would stay in France for a year to learn French. Then we found out ESL has French courses for those above the age of 50, too. That was when I decided that I would tag along with Sofia for the three months to brush up my French, adds Sarah Preston.

A number of international students are now enrolling for language courses with specialised language institutes such as Ecole Suisse de Langues (ESL). These institutes offer specially designed courses that make learning languages such as French easier and more enjoyable. Students can choose from four different courses – standard, intensive, super-intensive and one-to-one – that offer differing degrees of training. For those looking to improve their professional language skills, the intensive and super-intensive courses are highly recommended.

For those interested in studying at a French language school France is somewhere that offers culture and excitement. Lyon and Nice, where the classes are conducted, are bustling tourist destinations accustomed to catering for foreigners. This ensures that foreign students find it easier to acclimatise and settle in to their new surroundings and academic lifestyle. Moreover, there are a number of smaller courses offered by ESL institutes that help students to understand the local culture better.

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ICS Provides Inclusive Educational Opportunities For Pupils Aged 3 To 18

The International Community School (ICS) in London has been educating children for over a quarter of century. The school uses an international curriculum with aspects of the English National Curriculum and the best of other international programmes. With International Baccalaureate (IB) World School Status in its primary- and middle-years programmes, the school intends to be an IB Diploma School for students at all levels.

The ICS curriculum is strongly focused on teaching English, providing for special educational needs in an inclusive environment and developing an environmental literacy in its students. For parents looking for high-quality IB schools in London, an excellent choice is ICS.

For parents concerned about what kind of autism education UK schools offer, a close look at ICS could be quite rewarding. No matter what the learning disability, the school provides educational opportunities, with individual learning plans tailored to each student’s needs.

IBS offers a Primary Years Programme for three- to eleven-year-olds. This programme uses a holistic approach in teaching mathematics, language, science, social studies, the arts, information technology, as well as personal and social education. For students for whom English is an additional language, the Foundation Courses Primary and Secondary teach English skills and allow the student to be a fully integrated member of the school with parallel classes, as well as individual or small group support. These programmes start at the nursery and reception level and progress through to age twelve.

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Malvern House Students Speak to The BBC About Learning English

In June, the team behind the BBC series Better Speaking came to Malvern House with some questions for its Chinese students. They wanted to know what kinds of challenges the students faced in their language studies and what kind of advice they could offer to other students trying to overcome those challenges.

The students were delighted to speak to the BBC and talk about their experiences to help others with their language studies. Most of their comments focused upon issues such as confidence when speaking and writing, the problems of vocabulary, and the specific pronunciation problems that Chinese students face when learning English.

Malvern House teaches several English language modules and assists students from more than 100 countries in their language learning. Situated in the heart of London with classrooms near Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square and in Bloomsbury, Malvern House recognises the value of coupling a classroom experience with time among native speakers. They offer varied courses that cater for a variety of language needs. Some courses provide a general overview of the English language while others are more specialised. There are courses for university preparation, as well as ones for those in the business sector.

Moving abroad to take English courses in London can be daunting – both the language and the city are unfamiliar. The streets wind in unexpected ways while the city stretches on for what seems like forever. Different boroughs offer diverse experiences and have their own specific personalities. Each student at this English language school is adventurous and ready to take on the challenge of learning the language and living in this city. This is what attracted the BBC.

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Eastern Kentucky University Launches Online Bachelor Of Science In Occupational Safety

- Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is proud to announce the new online Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety Degree Program, with classes starting in January 2011.

EKU’s online Bachelor’s in Occupational Safety arms current safety professionals and those interested in pursuing a safety career with the skills and knowledge to succeed within this evolving industry. The program’s comprehensive curriculum provides students with a solid safety foundation including: OSHA inspections, education and training, workers compensation, and auditing.

The new EKU occupational safety program provides students with relevant, real- world learning applications, from industry-leading faculty members. EKU’s faculty members have many years of safety experience. They incorporate that experience into the courses by directly applying theories to practice. Additionally, the professors use cutting-edge teaching tactics in the courses. For example, they have incorporated videos of construction safety and OSHA inspections into coursework for online students.

“The faculty truly makes this degree program stand out. They give a strong foundation and enhance the curriculum with their industry experiences, which makes our graduates untouchable,” said Program Coordinator, Dr. Michael Schumann.

In addition to the traditional Occupational Safety Curriculum, the EKU Online Bachelor’s in Occupational Safety program offers a minor in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology, which keeps EKU students at the forefront of the safety industry and makes them more valuable candidates to employers. Due to EKU’s strong reputation, employers actively seek EKU graduates to fill safety jobs.

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Eastern Kentucky University Launches Website For The College Of Justice And Safety Online Programs

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), safetymanagement.eku.edu, is proud to announce the launch of a new website hosting all of the online degree programs available through the College of Justice and Safety. The new website will be a resource of information for current and prospective students, as well as industry professionals. Vital information on a suite of online programs including Bachelor’s programs in Fire Protection Administration, Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology, and Occupational Safety and a Master’s program in Safety, Security and Emergency Management is presented throughout the website. Working professionals within the fire and safety industries will also benefit from the information on this website, including fire resources, safety resources, and a collection of course videos.

In conjunction with the new website, EKU will also launch social media. Check for updates and current news on:

• Twitter: http://twitter.com/ekuonline
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/EKU-College-of-Justice-Safety-Online/170281136295

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Ohio University Launches A New Website Showcasing Two Online Programs – Masters In Coaching Education And Masters In Athletic Administration

Ohio University (OHIO) is proud to announce the launch of a new website featuring the Master’s in Coaching Education and Master’s in Athletic Administration programs. This new website will serve as an excellent resource for prospective and current students, as well as industry professionals. Information on the site includes individual athletic administration and coaching education program information, college specific information, relevant new articles, pertinent website resources, advisor and faculty contacts, and a peek into the course offerings.

Coaches at every level will be able to find out why the Master’s in Coaching Education degree from Ohio University would be the right fit for them, how this program could open the door to new coaching opportunities, and how it will provide them with the skills they need to take their coaching to a new level.

For professionals in athletic administration positions, the Master’s in Athletic Administration degree is designed to prepare its students for the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association certification exam and is truly tailored for athletic professionals who want to become highly effective athletic directors and administrators at the interscholastic level.

In conjunction with the new website: http://coaching-athleticadministration.ohio.edu/

OHIO will also launch social media pages on Facebook and Twitter. Check for updates and current news here:

Facebook: Facebook.com/OHIOCoachingAthleticAdmin
Twitter: twitter.com/OHIOu_CoachAD

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uCertify’s SPOOK-tacular Halloween Sale: Save 50%

The full moon has cast a spell on us! uCertify is offering Un-BOO-lieveable, SPOOK-tacular savings on ALL our IT certification exam Prepkits Oct 23 – Oct 31, 2010! In celebration of this season, uCertify is offering an amazing discount of upto 50%! Check out the offer!

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To download a PrepKit, click the link below:
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UK Boarding School Alexanders Provides Cosmopolitan Experience For Students

Established in 1975, Alexanders International School is an international boarding school for students aged 11 to 17 from all over the world who wish to receive high-quality English language tuition in combination with school subjects. The school is a member of the SKOLA group of schools, which also includes London’s International Community School (for pupils aged 2 to 17), English Study Tours for children (for pupils aged 11 to 17), and English in London and English in Exeter (which cater for adult learners). Alexanders is based at Bawdsey Campus on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, opposite Felixstowe. The school is accredited by the British Council for teaching English to children and specialises in residential academic, IGCSE and English language courses with activities for young students.

French students have long favoured attending British boarding schools, because of the proximity of the two countries and the high standard of English language tuition available. Increased interest from Chinese students has been recorded, with a 3 percentage point rise seen in 2008-09 from the 2007-08 figure of 13%. Russian students registered a 2 percentage point increase from the 2007-08 figure of 11%. Other nationalities include Kazakh, Japanese, Korean, German, Spanish, Italian, Ukrainian, Polish, Greek and Thai, just to mention a handful. Students attend Alexanders from all over Europe, Asia and the Middle East, which translates to an international education with high academic standards and the experience of a different lifestyle. Regarded by many students as the first step to university in the UK, British boarding schools build academic knowledge and prepare students with the correct grounding to successfully complete IGCSEs or A-levels, as well as Cambridge exams.

Some of the extracurricular activities available at Alexanders are football, golf, horse riding, sailing and tennis – all with coaching from professionals. Football, sailing (in their RYA-accredited Watersports Centre) and tennis take place on campus. Golf and horse riding take place on nearby courses and at a well-known equestrian centre.

As well as intensive English language tuition in preparation for boarding school, Alexanders provides education in the key areas of mathematics and sciences, as well as in other curriculum areas: geography, history, arts and sport, for example. In addition,Alexanders International School offers shorter (two to six-week-long) English for Education courses during the academic year and English plus Multi-Activities from March onwards.

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