I just love watching dance films. That's why my absolute favourite film is 'Street Style', also known as 'You got served'!
The plot centres on a dance crew who are doing battles on the street. The crew are well-known in their city and most people like to go to the competitions they do as well as they love to celebrate their wins because the crew is always winning until the crew of the bad guy Kris appear in the city...
There is a lot of excellent choreography in this film. The story in general is very gripping. They show the hard life of kids and teenagers in the streets of the USA. Besides dancing professional, the soundtrack is perfect if you love listening to Hip Hop.
I have already seen this film around 15 times and I just enjoy it everytime more, even if I'm absolutely not a person who watches films more then once. It is well worth seeing if you are a fan of dance films.
Review contributed by Laurie Guidobono. Laurie is an FCE student at Languages International Christchurch
29 October 2008
Student Movie Review: You Got Served
28 October 2008
Restaurants in Auckland
In Auckland there are lots of international restaurants: Thai, Japanese, Indonesian, Malaysian, Indian, Italian etc. I’ve tried to visit all kinds of restaurants to have new experiences and help me enjoy living in Auckland more.
When I miss my family and friends, however, I usually visit a Korean restaurant. Not only to have a Korean meal, but also to feel comfortable in Korean surroundings. There are many Korean restaurants and all of them try to provide the best service possible. When my friends ask me which place I recommend I always suggest they go to ‘Bongane’ and most of them enjoy it there.
My Japanese friend likes ‘bulgogi’ and ‘nangmeon’. According to her it’s not too spicy so she can enjoy it. My Chinese friend likes ‘ddokbokki’, which she said is the most delicious food in Auckland. But in my case I prefer to have ‘dongtaetang’ because it tastes like my mum’s cooking. It’s a bit hot but really cool. If English had the same expressions as Korean I could let you know what it tastes like exactly, but it doesn’t. Therefore, my suggestion is that you go to Bongane and try it! Then you will understand what I want to say.
By Calla (Mi hee Kim) a student at Languages International Auckland
24 October 2008
Trip to Whangarei and Goat Island
On 26 of September, I took a trip to Whangarei. My younger brother has a car, so we were very comfortable except him. We left at 10, and first we went to Pakiri Beach. It was great. We took many funny pictures like jumping there…and for lunch, we ate Korean noodles which we already bring in the City and rice.
After lunch we went to Whangarei. When we arrived there, first we booked in a motel, and we had a dinner and drunk beer and Soju. We had a really good time with talking, smiling, and took pictures…etc.
Next day, we had to wake up at 6…. Because my friend needed to go somewhere in the afternoon. We ate breakfast with toast and chips. While we were coming to the Auckland, we visited Goat Island. It is kind of beach but instead of lots of sand, there are many stones. Also the water was very clean, so I could see many fishes in the water. I thought it is wonderful place for diving. If I can have a chance to come Goat Island again, I will scuba dive in here. Finally it was great day and good experience. I will never forget this time.
Story contributed by Lee Suyun (Soo), a student at Languages International Auckland
Skiing at Turoa
I hadn’t been skiing before I came to New Zealand, so I would like to like to write about my first time went skiing in New Zealand two months ago.
I was looking forward to skiing for a long time so I really hoped the weather during the trip was nice. It was a wonderful day when we set off for Turoa at three pm. When I sat on travel bus , I was imagining the snow was so beautiful and how exciting for skiing.
It was a long way from Auckland to Turoa that took us about six hours, then we arrived in the backpacker around ten pm, but I didn’t mind it because I was just waiting eight more hours on the bed the I could see beautiful snow and go to skiing, I couldn’t sleep well all night.
In the morning of next day, we got up very early. We saw absolutely excellent snow mountain when our bus was going to ski place. It was completely amazing snow mountain, I loved it so much. We bought beginner class of ski so we were studying skiing about two hours. After that, our teacher told us, we could ski by ourselves. It was snowing when I was skiing and heavy snowing more and more until I couldn’t see anything, so I tried to go back the restaurant to find friends and keep warm but it was very difficult walking in heavy snow.
Finally, we stayed at the restaurant and ambulance corps told us, we meet a very strong snowstorm so we have to stay here and wait snow bus to pick us up down the mountain. We were hungry and worrying in the restaurant. After ten minutes, ambulance corps told us, we could eat chips and coffee for free, and then we were eating a lot of chips and drinking coffee until ten pm.
It sounded really terrible for my first ski, but I was grateful to ambulance corps because when we were going to snow bus from restaurant, there were 50 people who hands by hands to protect us in heavy snowstorm.
They are my heroes!!!
Story contributed by Chun Yi Lu, a student at Languages International Auckland
Travel in New Zealand
Last week, me and two of my best friends resolute that we go to Rotorua at the weekend. We went to the Stagecouch Bus office and booked six tickets to Rotorua and back, it costed each of us 72 Dollar. We asked before some guys from our school if they would to come with us. Then we were six guys, one Brazilian, one Korean, two Swiss girls, me and another Swiss guy. So we didn`t go to school last Friday and we started our journey at 8 o` clock near the Sky Tower. We drove with the bus four hours via Hamilton to Rotorua. Arrived in Rotorua, we searched for a backpackers for two nights. Fortunately the backpacker was nearly booked up so they gave us a four bed Suite and a double room for the girls. The owner of the backpackers was extremely friendly and the rooms were very comfortable. Two minutes next to our rooms was a very big shopping center where we bought our dinner and other stuff. After we went to the kitchen in the backpackers and cooked spaghetti and tomato sauce. We enjoyed our evening by six in our suite. I think this was the best evening I have had in New Zealand. On Saturday morning after not much sleep, we ate breakfast and went to the info center in Rotorua, there we got some information about activities in Rotorua. We resolved to go to the luge. You drive in extreme modern gondolas (fabricated in Switzerland) ;-) on the top of the mountain and there you drive with little black cars down. After the funny rides we went back to the backpacker and waited of the bus which picked us up and took us to the maori-village. We saw some rituals there, dance shows, how they lived and in the end, everyone could help himself to a long buffet. After our stomachs were full we drove back with the bus and everyone sung his national anthem which was very amusing. In the backpackers we reminisced our funny evening from Friday and got in late. After only few hours sleep we hurried up to the info office and caught the bus back to Auckland.
Story contributed by Michael Zund, a student at Languages International Auckland
Travel in the South Island
Two months ago I went on a trip to the South Island of New Zealand. I visited Christchurch and Queenstown . In Christchurch I went for a ride on a gondola. I saw a very beautiful view of the ocean and Canterbury plains. Also, in the distance, I could see some mountains. If you visit Christchurch , I recommend that you take a gondola ride as well.
In the second day I went to Queenstown , from Christchurch to Queenstown drove a car ,for 7 hours. It was really freezing. Surrounding the big mountains is a lake. It is so very beautiful. Also, I went for a ride on a gondola and drove luge. It was good because I could see all of Queenstown and I`m interested in driving luge. I heard that Queenstown has a lot of activities. For example sky diving, snow boading , bungy jumping , etc. so I would recommend you try sky diving. Maybe you will feel amazed and fantastic. I am sure you will have a lot of fun.
Story contributed by So Young Park (Annie), a student at Languages International Auckland
Travel in NZ
I arrived in NZ 5 weeks ago , I haven’t been on lots of trips, yet! But, I’ve been to Mission Bay and Corn-Wall Park. Mission Bay has an extremely good ocean view and clear water. I think It’s really worth visiting!! Also, there are many nice restaurants. I had a glass of beer. That was very soft and delicious. You can choose various foods and drinks. And then, Corn-wall Park was also good choice! Because, I could see lots of sheep and then took a picture with them. On top of hill, I saw a complete Auckland’s view, it was soft wind and light. I felt so good!!! The most important thing is my next trip. I’m going to Rotorua with my friends , next weekend. I heard Rotorua is absolutely amazing area. We can do many extreme sports and take a hot spa. I love them, so I’m looking forward to taking a trip. I will stay in NZ for 6 months. While I stay here, I want to travel, many times. It’s getting warm, I like spring and summer. That is good season to travel. And, when I am travelling, I will study about travelling skills in ENGLISH, but I don’t have international driver’s license, so I have to go to travel with friends. Otherwise, I must take a bus or train. That’s a only problem. There’s no another one.
Story contributed by Joanna from Scott's class at Languages International Auckland.
Waiheke
My trip to Waiheke was very cheap, I used just $60 for the whole day. I was with a friend there and I recommend to go there alone or with not too many people. At 8 am drove the ferry and at 8.30am we arrived in Waiheke. It’s easy to travel with the bus there, but I think it’s to expensive. We took the bus to Palm Beach, it’s a very beautiful beach with few tourists. Then we walked a track to Onetangi Beach. It was a 2h walk, but very interesting. You could see a lot of sheep and really strange houses. It was quiet and you have a really good view. By Onetangi Beach ( a big beach) can you eat a good lunch, if you want I recommend bring own food for picnic.
After our lunch we tried to hitchhike and the first car already stopped. The driver was very friendly he showed us the cheapest and the best Vineyard, really fantastic. After 10 tastes ($10) we preferred to chance the place to Mt. Maungahui( highest point from Waiheke) and visited some other Vineyards. It was a really nice day and also the gorgeous nature is well worth seeing.
Story contributed by Mirjam Mueller, a student at Languages International Auckland
Trip to Rotorua
Two weeks ago I went with friends to Rotorua. We booked a bus from Auckland to Rotorua and back. The trip started on a Friday morning, we actually needed 4 hours to arrive in Rotorua. First we searched the Backpackers and found a very good one. We were 6 students and booked two rooms. On Friday Evening we didn’t do anything, we enjoyed the evening in the Backpackers called Funky Green Voyager. Saturday we visited somewhere like a kart drive. You can rent a luge an drive down the hill, it was great and funny! For the evening we booked a tour to the wood to meet some Maori. It was expensive but very interesting and fantastic. They sang , danced and cooked for us. We could also take a look in their houses. After this trip, it means like 11 pm. We enjoyed the evening like Friday. The time was gone very fast because on Sunday we left Rotorua at 11.45 am.
Story contributed by a student from Scott's class at Languages International Auckland
Student Movie Review - Don't Mess With The Zohan
I was positively surprised by the movie "Don't mess with the Zohan". The main character is acted by Adam Sandler. I expected quite a normal comedy but in fact it was a movie full of hilarious scenes and especially Adam Sandler himself seemed to fit absolutely perfectly in this role.
The plot is about an Anti-Terror-Soldier of the Israeli army called Zohan Dvir, who wants to leave the army to become a famous hairdresser in New York. While in New York he meets Dalia who is going to teach him how to cut hair. Although she is Palestinian, he falls in love. An enormous fight between religion and love begins.
I like this film because it is based on a religious problem and nevertheless the director was able to put in a lot of humour. As a comedian Adam Sandler is one of my favourite actors. He's funny as soon as he opens his mouth. This movie is just great. I was laughing so hard I was crying during it. I can only recommend it to everyone.
Go to the cinema and take a seat. You will enjoy it!
Movie review contributed by Reto Wagenbach from Switzerland.
Reto is an FCE student studying at Languages International Christchurch.
Maori Culture Weekend
The actual weaving was done with 3-day-old strips, which are more flexible and pliable. A lot of patience is a must - especially in the beginning, but I instantly began to enjoy the calming feeling when doing no more then centering on my hands and the flax.
The weather was great and the sun was shining on Sunday, so that one activity we could join was a Waka tour on the sea. This boat with six seats has been used by Maori as a transport vehicle during battles and is still used today.
After our guide had said a Maori prayer to the God of the sea to ask for protection, we left the beach. The rowing wasn't as easy as I'd expected and the good timing of the whole group was demanded. Because the boat wasn't that big, its speed depended on the rowing on every single member of the crew. If somebody was out of rhythm, the boat didn't float smoothly anymore. Although we had to work hard to move on we enjoyed the trip. Every time when there was time for a rest we admired the delightful view of the sea and it felt like holiday.
by Eva Batschmann.
The accomodation on the Marae was situated next to the beach, which was excellent and beautiful. The wharenui, where everybody slept was quite big. After putting all the matresses in order, there was still enough space for all the luggage. But don't forget, there were some strict rules.
21 October 2008
Sheep-shearing Trip
Did you know that to shear is an irregular verb? Thanks to Annette we do now:
shear, shore, shorn.
Just after Kirwee still in the direction of Arthur’s Pass we left the car next to the remote newly built house. The usual gusty wind of the
In the shearing shed loud radio music and the continual whirring of razors made it difficult to understand each other. Armed with our photo cameras we watched the procedure. Three people were shearing. After hardly a minute every sheep left its fleece behind and trotted back where its fellows were jammed together. Looking completely naked several cuts and smaller wounds were visible Annette warned us about this beforehand.
One fleece of a Romney sheep weighs over five kilograms and has an estimated surface of four square metres. Six people were busy sorting and evaluating the wool including Annette’s father who manages the whole business. In the end the wool was compressed and packed into huge bags.
After the highlight of the day Annette led us through pastures back to their house. There she invited us inside the living room where we were offered a cup of tea and a special but absolutely luscious piece of cake without additional sugar and fat.
On the way back home I realised that it often does not matter which lane one takes because there is hardly any traffic outside the cities. Consequently Annette took both. While I enjoyed watching
Finally we arrived back at school safe and sound.
Contributed by Swiss CPE student, Daniel, from Languages International Christchurch
Advice from TESOL Students
The Languages International TESOL is a four-week course for non-native speakers who want to have teaching experience. These courses include input seminars on language teaching methodology, observation of experienced teachers, peer teaching and language development at a higher level.
Are you thinking about doing the TESOL course? Here is some advice from some previous students. We hope that it’s useful.
“Welcome to the TESOL course. It’s a very interesting and helpful course if you want to improve your English, or want to be a teacher in the future. I hope you enjoy becoming an awesome teacher with this course.” - Eugene
“Even though it was only a four week course, I had so much fun, and it gave me more teaching abilities. Also, it was good to start early and finish early. There were good teachers, and good people in my class, which was lucky.” - Jenny
“Not only your teaching skills, you will also see an improvement in your English fluency.” - Sophie
“Hello to all of you who are currently reading this message. Being able to learn another language means that you are privileged. So learn hard, study hard and get your money’s worth! (laugh) Well, one word of advice: don’t miss out on class, and stay on time! (laugh)” - Mist
“The TESOL course will be good for you. I had no confidence at the beginning. After this course, I have more confidence. It is good for speaking.” - Hannah
“The lesson finishes at 1.10pm, so take some food and drink for the break time. Good luck!” - Julie
“Hi guys!!!!! I would like to say to you: “Don’t worry too much!”, “It’s not as difficult as you’re thinking!”, “Don’t be afraid, and enjoy this time with your classmates!”. Good luck with you and your course. Cheers.” - Chanhee
“You can get as much as you want from this course, to help you when you are going to be a teacher.” - Judith Han
“Prepare your assignments from the first day! Good luck.” - So Yeon
“It’ll be really helpful for you. But don’t forget about the TKT exam during the course. (smile)”
- Jiwon An
“People take the TESOL course for many reasons: not everyone wants to become an English teacher afterwards. Doing this course can give you practical experience of current teaching methodologies, and classroom ideas. People find that doing this course also helps them to become a better language learner: learning about teaching English helps with learning English.”
- Michael (TESOL teacher)
“Enjoy! You can do it. Your teacher can help you if you don’t know something! Don’t worry and enjoy all your life!! All’s well that ends well!” - Sandra
Story contributed by Michael's TESOL class
Advice for New Student from Languages International Christchurch Elementary Class
Sam is new to Christchurch and to our class, so we want to tell him what he can do in Christchurch at the weekends:
The Avon river is good for punting. You can relax in a boat and have a nice view of the trees. In New Brighton, you can see the beach and you can study English in the beautiful library. In Sumner, you can go hiking and see the lovely ocean view and a lot of sheep. At the Dux de Lux, you can eat and drink a lot of beer. In Lyttelton, you can eat a big ice cream for $2 and you can see the dolphins. The gondala has a beautiful view. The Botanic Gardens has a small lake and lots of gardens. There are big places to play rugby and soccer.
Story contributed by the Elementary Class at Languages International Christchurch.
Photo: Students relaxing by the River Avon, Christchurch city centre.
15 October 2008
New Zealand Wins UK Travel Award
New Zealand has once again been voted a favourite destination by British travellers, Tourism Minister Damien O'Connor said today.
Readers of the Guardian, the Observer and Guardian.co.uk voted New Zealand their favourite long-haul holiday destination in the recent annual Reader's Travel Awards. New Zealand also won this award in 2006.
Mr O'Connor said the win reflected the effort New Zealand's tourism industry had put into providing a world-class experience to international visitors. "Our international visitors are obviously extremely satisfied with the experiences they have had here." continued Mr O'Connor.
New Zealand Voted Country of the Year
Jules Lund describes why New Zealand deserves the accolade of Getaway Country of the Year
Popular Australian TV travel show Getaway has named New Zealand "Country of the Year" for 2008.According to the show's presenter Jules Lund, New Zealand "really does have an adventure for everyone, incredible scenery, great cities, gourmet food and wine, world class accommodation, friendly locals and of course a friendly exchange rate. It's no wonder it’s a personal favourite of the Getaway crew too."
Getaway produced a one-hour TV special highlighting some of the many attractions visitors will find in New Zealand.
For further information on the show and more videos about New Zealand, visit NewZealand.com
14 October 2008
Advice for New Students - from a Student
Manuel is studying at Languages International Auckland. He has kindly written some advice to help new students get settled in during their first few days in Auckland:
Hey! Did you have a good flight to New Zealand? And in your homestay family, is everything OK? I hope so.
OK, the first two things that you have to do are buy a SIM card from a Vodafone shop for your mobile, and get a monthly bus pass. Now, you should go downtown and walk around. You can see Queen Street, the port, the Sky Tower and many other landmarks.
If you have time, catch the ferry and go to Devonport for a short walk. On the ferry you have a great view of the Auckland skyline, which you can also get from Devonport.
Also go on some of the school Social Programme trips.
I think this is a good program for the first week. Enjoy it and have a good time.
See you!
Story contributed by Manuel, from Alex's Morning Intermediate class
Photo by Michelle
And the Winner is...
Students enjoying a BBQ & cake in the sunshine near the school.
To celebrate the recent success of winning the LTM Star Award Languages International Christchurch had a typical kiwi-style BBQ. The event was held at Hagley Park, the largest public park in the South Island.
The weather was fantastic, and the turnout was impressive.
Students enjoyed a simple yet tasty BBQ in addition to carrot cake and chocolate cake.
Lastly, to burn off the extra calories, the students got together for a game of touch rugby. It was a great finish to such an enjoyable day.
Story contributed by Isaac Savage
Kia Kaha!
Languages International student, Rolf Wegmuller of Switzerland, recently had a pleasant yet painful experience of traditional New Zealand Maori art.
This took 2 hours. The tattoo is one of a kind. There is not another one like it in the world. The designs illustrate strength, happiness and an easy going nature.
Rolf decided to undergo this pain to get a true taste of kiwi culture and showcase his New Zealand experience to the rest of the world.
Photo: Swiss student Rolf Wegmuller and his new tattoo
Story contributed by Rolf Wegmuller
Languages International Alumni Reunions in Russia
Students who attended Languages International in the last two years gathered for a few wonderful reunions in Russia in September and October this year.
Let’s hope that these reunions and other alumni events will continue to happen around the world. If you are interested in attending the next Languages International student reunion in your home country, please email marketing@languages.ac.nz
01 October 2008
Languages International CEO Completes MBA
All of us at Languages International would like to congratulate our CEO, Darren Conway, on completing his MBA. This latest accomplishment adds to an already impressive resumé which includes a Masters in Applied Linguistics and DTEFLA. Darren gained his MBA from Auckland University, where he also lectures in Language Teaching Management on the Masters in Language Teaching.
We are very proud of his achievement. From all of us at Languages International, congratulations to Darren!
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