How to Write a Personal Statement

How to Write a Personal Statement Tips for Writing an Effective Personal Statement ChaptersThe Purpose of the Personal StatementPersonal Statement ParticularsThe Effective Personal StatementWhat Not To Do on Your Personal Statement“Tell me about yourself.”Whether applying for a job or a spot in an undergraduate study program, the question above is the most dreaded. What are ‘they’ looking for? What should I include in my narrative?If I tell them about my awesome ski skills, would it sway a vote in my favour? Hint: probably not, but your dedication and perseverance in pursuing your sport might, if phrased properly.That simple question - 'tell us about you', evokes so much panic in applicants all over the world for a couple of reasons, one of them being that we’re taught not to brag on ourselves.Modesty is generally considered a virtue but it seems that the most pertinent question to get ahead in life â€" to land that job or win an offer from the university of your choice, the one that demands we make ourselves exceptional, goes against everything we’re t aught, doesn’t it?Still, there’s no need to despair over being asked to talk about yourself.Your Superprof wants to help put you at your ease; to give you some points to consider and tips to build an amazing personal statement. We’re also going to touch on the ‘don’ts’ of writing such a narrative. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Purpose of the Personal StatementWherever you encounter that question in any of its forms or settings, all you need to know is that it is designed to measure two of your personal qualities: maturity and authenticity.If you are a traditional student, meaning you’re following the standard ac ademic path â€" preparing to sit A-Levels (or the International Baccalaureate) while wading through the university application process, you might wonder how much maturity prospective students are expected to have.Maturity, in this sense, does not refer to wisdom beyond your years but to the trifecta of purpose, intention and direction, and your ability to operate within those parameters. The maturity required for admission to university is not in years but what you've learned from your life experiences Image by Free-Photos from PixabaySo, as you think of drafting your personal statement, think of it as an essay that describes why you want to pursue the studies you’re applying for, what you will do with the knowledge you gain from your courses and how it will influence the direction of your life.Conversely, if you have had an experience that has led you into a certain direction â€" the desire to study a particular field, you may touch on it in your narrative.It might read a bit like this:Our family has always had cats; our cats always hunted and brought home ‘gifts’. My attempts to nurse those offerings back to health and my heartbreak when it couldn’t be done convinced me that I have an affinity for animal care…Can you imagine the personal statement you could build on this premise?This glimpse into your history kicks off a satisfactory arc: animals in your life for as long as you can remember, an event that caused you to learn something â€" you can’t simply pet a dead animal back to life. Your exposure to the cycle of life and death at an early age fostered your desire to care for animals.You could then go on to project how animal caregivers are needed more than ever in the current environmental crisis â€" which conveys the idea that you are aware of current events and the wider world.In personal statement parlance, this is known as the ABC rule: Action, Benefit and Course.It also perfectly demonstrates your maturity as well as your authenticity.Personal Statement ParticularsWhether you are British or a prospective international student with sights on the UK, applying to university is done through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admission Service.In many ways, this online application system makes the process of applying easy: you only need to enter all of your information one time, after which you may apply for a place in up to five courses of study.A major part of your UCAS application process is the personal statement essay.Its parameters are set by the program: you will not be permitted to exceed 4,000 characters â€" that includes your words and the spaces between them. That limits you to roughly 700 words.You are further restricted to 47 lines â€" whether text-filled or blank is immaterial. Whichever limit you hit first marks the end of your essay.You will have to be concise yet sufficiently descriptive to get your point across while staying within those boundaries.Naturally, such constraints make formatting your text especially tricky. For instance, knowing that a blank line will cost you, should you insert one between paragraphs?Likewise indents: if you type up your statement in as a formatted Word document and then paste it into the UCAS field meant for it, the system will automatically strip your text of any formatting, including paragraph indents.You might find a happy medium by ending each paragr aph mid-line, as we did the paragraph above, so that your text has the appearance of paragraphing without sacrificing any precious space allotment.Now join the discussion: what is the best method for choosing a course? Brainstorming your personal essay and making a checklist is a great way to organise your thoughts Image by TeroVesalainen from PixabayThe Effective Personal StatementIn his book titled On Writing, American author Stephen King advocates for a ‘clean’ writing process: dispensing of frilly language and worn clichés, using active voice rather than passive verb constructions and varying sentence length.Considering the limitations imposed by the UCAS application system, that advice is on the mark: you have little room for elaborate descriptions.A great way to get started on your admission essay is to brainstorm ideas, writing salient points as bulleted statements. This exercise is both easy and fun; feel free to ask friends and family to toss out ideas, too.To demonstrate the concept, we return to our love of cats:Veterinary medicine â€" our proposed course of studyalways been around animals (1)love animals (1)Sat GCSEs and A-Levels in biology and chemistry (2)Watch a lot of animal do cumentaries (3)worked on a farm over summer holiday (4)worried about fires and their impact on wildlife (5)volunteer with RSPCA (4)worried about predicted extinction events (5)Now, it’s just a matter of putting these points in proper order and fleshing them out. To do so, you should number your bullets in the following order:Your introductory paragraph (1) should detail why you hope to gain a spot in that study programme.Bear in mind that, if you choose more than one course of study, perhaps in unrelated fields, your introduction should be general enough to address all of the subjects you’ve chosen.Next, you should present your academic background as it relates to your chosen course list (2), followed by how you’ve pursued that interest outside of the classroom (3).Immediately after, talk about any extracurricular work you’ve done that relates to your chosen subject (4).Briefly, discuss any hobbies and interests you might have, especially if you can relate them to your chose n field of study (5).Your essay’s conclusion should sum up all of the points you’ve made. It’s a good idea to mention your graduate school aspirations here, and how earning a spot in that programme will advance your career goals.You might shudder at this unabashed self-promotion but, rest assured: you are expected to sell yourself and your accomplishments.You have to put yourself in as favourable a light as possible on your school application but, then again, you’re not so much highlighting yourself as your accomplishments.Now that you have all of your points in their proper order, you may start writing â€" in Word or whichever word processing software you work in.For your first draft, don’t worry about the word/character counter; you can always refine your statement and trim away any excess in later drafts.In a sense, applying for university in general and, in particular, writing this statement is good preparation for all of the academic writing you’ll do later on! If you are applying for several courses, be sure your personal statement will be satisfying to all of the admitting committees that will read it Image by StockSnap from PixabayWhat Not To Do on Your Personal StatementBefore we leave you to ponder how best to highlight your strengths, we need to touch on what not to do when writing a personal statement.1. Don’t open with a bang; go for sincerity and get to the point: why do you want this course? You might give humour a pass too; often, it doesn’t come across well.2. Remember all of those ‘wow words’ that got hammered into our heads in primary school? Disregard them! Writing experts advocate using adjectives sparingly and only when absolutely necessary.3. Avoid quotes and chichés: the admissions committee want to read your words, not another’s, no matter how quotable s/he may be.In that same vein, avoid making lists (of books you’ve read, shows you’ve seen, etc.) no matter how pertinent they are to your subject matter. I nstead, highlight what you’ve learned.4. Don’t include any unnecessary information about yourself/your experiences, or anything that cannot be verified or proven. Selling yourself is good but over-selling is not!And do not plagiarise: UCAS will flag any text that has been copied and notify your prospective university.5. Grammar and punctuation are critical in this writing effort! Don’t forget to proofread your essay; you should ask at least three other people to go over it, too.It’s your writing skills that will give the admissions team their first impression of you; think hard about how you want to stand out â€" surely, it’s not for writing badly!With these tips, we hope you are better prepared to tackle writing a good personal statement.Your turn to chime in: when should students start applying for university?

Using Spanish Podcasts to Learn Spanish

Using Spanish Podcasts to Learn Spanish How Can a Spanish Podcast Help you Learn the Spanish Language? ChaptersListen to Spanish to Learn the LanguageWhy Opt for a 'Learn Spanish Podcast'?The Best Podcasts for Learning Spanish: Coffee Break Spanish and Many MoreAlternatives to Spanish PodcastsAn estimated  440 million people on our planet speak Spanish as their first language â€" in Spain, and in the Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America. Another 80 million or so individuals also speak Spanish as a foreign language.Spanish is one of the most widely taught languages in schools worldwide. This is due to the number of Spanish speakers in the world, and the importance that they hold internationally.Do you dream of a cultural trip to Spain or South America, but don’t know how to speak Spanish?Before you start, there are some things that you'll need to know about improving Spanish skills. One of the most important is that, to become bilingual in English and Spanish,  an effective and fun method available to all levels (absolutely beginner, basic Spanish, intermediate level and advan ced) is essential.There are many different fun and effective ways of learning Spanish, but there is one that often doesn't get the same attention as the rest; the podcast.But what are the most interesting Spanish podcasts, the most popular, and the best suited to learn about the Spanish language and culture?Here at Superprof, we have put together this handy guide to answer these questions for you, and to suggest some other ways that technology can help you learn Spanish in an innovative way.This means that listening to Spanish is a great way to improve your other competencies, and subsequently your overall Spanish level. But how can you go about listening to Spanish?Instead of walking around with dozens of CDs â€"  and who even listens to CDs today? â€" not to mention heavy books and magazines for your Spanish classes,  the “invisible” podcast  could revolutionise  your linguistic training.Why? Because it’s simpler, faster, more fun, more interactive and infinitely lighter to transport!Why Choose a Podcast in Spanish?It gives you access to a large variety of free shows and channels in SpanishIt gives you the possibility of learning how you want, when you want, wherever you wantYou can benefit from the off-line option, which allows you to download Spanish audio shows in advance to listen to them with no Internet connectionThe focus on listening will improve your listening comprehension, pronunciation and accentDiversity in language learning resources will prevent you from becoming boredYou’ll have the opportunity to revise your Spanish courses in your free timeYou can learn without having the impression of making an effort or workingAlso, podcasts work as a complementary resource for other ways of learning Spanish. For example, you might do the majority of your Spanish learning with a Spanish tutor or through Spanish YouTube videos, but podcasts can add another way of practising and learning which could benefit you in the classroom or at home.How to Use a Podcast in SpanishDiscover the best free podcasts to learn Spanish! source: visualhunt.comPodcasts allow you to become your own Spanish teacher and to study Spanish through a variety of digital mechanisms; tablets, MP3 players, Smartphones, and computers.You just have to subscribe to a channel or download recordings, and listen to them where and when you want, peacefully, and at your own rhythm.Here is a  guide on how to subscribe and have access to the latest available shows. All you have to do is click on “Play” and start the lesson that you want!It’s practical, fun, and most of all, you can enroll and listen to a large number of Spanish classes. You can multitask: listen while you cook, go jogging, shopping or driving, etc.It’s ideal for listening regularly to the language of Miguel de Cervantes and Pablo Picasso, which could subsequently help you to hold conversations in Spanish with a native speaker and attain fluency!Why Opt for a 'Learn Spanish Podcast'?Sevilla, An dalusia… if you go, you’ll need to interact with the locals! source: visualhunt.comIf you’re wondering whether it’s important to study Spanish everyday, then we can reassure you that  speaking Spanish is the key to opening many doors. As we have already mentioned, Spanish figures today as one of the most widely spoken languages.Whether you’ve never spoken before, your memories of 9th grade Spanish class seem like a far flung memory, or you constantly seem to be getting nowhere with your Spanish course, there is ALWAYS a means to improve your Spanish learning experience.If you don’t have the time to go to school to learn Spanish (or even take free Spanish lessons), podcasts are a valuable tool to extend your linguistic skills, and provide you with ‘tricks’ for speaking the Spanish language fluently.Since Spanish is a ‘living’ language, it must be spoken and lived! This is why podcasts and videos are an ideal method for learning how to speak Spanish.Podcasts help y ou learn Spanish fast because you can:Say good bye to paper: sonic memorization is often more efficient than visual memoryWork your ear and active listening by immersing yourself in the spoken Spanish languageLearn conversational Spanish by listening to other Spanish conversations and picking up the pronunciation and way of expressing yourselfAchieve a Spanish cultural immersion from the comfort of your homeDiscover popular Spanish and Latin American expressionsPretend a podcast is your private Spanish teacher:  each listening session replaces a home tutoring sessionMix learning with pleasureDownloading Spanish podcasts also brings numerous other benefits.You hear native speaker interlocutorsYou simply have to repeat the sounds you hear to perfect your accentYou can choose the subjectYou’ll learn about all sorts of other disciplines while learning Spanish online (science, astronomy, arts, humanities, etc.)You make your own schedule!The Best Podcasts for Learning Spanish: Coffee Br eak Spanish and Many MoreIf you want to improve your Spanish skills, you can rely on a plethora of podcasts that exist on the web. It’s not always easy to separate the good from the bad to find the right podcast to learn Spanish fast. So Superprof has made a selection for you!News in Slow SpanishThis is definitely one of the best podcasts for learning the Spanish language.It offers high quality Spanish classes for beginner to advanced levels. This podcast allows you to listen to useful subjects and master Spanish vocabulary that covers a variety of themes, including:economypoliticsecologyleisureSo you’ll absorb a wealth of relevant information each week, all in a clear, simple and “slow” rhythm, for a better assimilation. No need for those flashcards anymore!What’s more, on the website of the  podcast, you can find vocabulary sheets and complete texts for each show. This will be useful for making sure you heard the right Spanish words and phrases.Notes in SpanishThis podca st offers progressive classes with a larger selection of courses for an advanced level. It’s ideal if you are looking to assimilate Spanish vocabulary and grammar to attain a better level in spoken Spanish, even fluency. Your knowledge of conjugation and tenses should already be intermediate.Coffee Break SpanishThis is a podcast that offers 80 shows for beginner Spanish speakers, each between 15 and 20 minutes. There are also some for more intermediate level speakers to improve their vocabulary and conversational Spanish.This podcast is unique as it’s presented by two people: Kara, a student who is learning at the same time as you, and Mark, your teacher. This is ideal language learning training for children in particular.Free Spanish apps are great, but have you considered listening to a podcast?ATTENTION:  some content might require payment such as PDF cards for vocabulary, Spanish audio exercises on grammar points.Showtime SpanishThis podcast is a logical suite to Coffee Brea k Spanish, addressing people who already have a solid Spanish foundation. You’ll find the two professors of Coffee Break Spanish in these shows of about 25 minutes or so, very practical for learning to speak Spanish!Audio-linguaThis podcast offers very short recordings (no more than two minutes at most). Led by native Spanish speakers, it presents pertinent content that you can download or listen to in a podcast. We think it’s a fun and interactive site, as users can add to the database by sending in their own MP3 recordings.Audiolibros AlbalearningThis is another high quality site that site that proposes completely free audio files, which include Spanish literary extracts (especially poetry). You’ll be sure to impress your date with some romantic Spanish conversation now!Proyecto SherezadeThis is an entertaining website that allows you to listen to and learn tales and stories in Spanish. Also, each file comes with exercises and quizzes, to test your listening skills.Radialist asThis podcast is by the Ecuadorian association “Radialistas apasionadas y apasionados” and also offers a wide array of audio files in the Spanish language.These files address many themes from daily life, especially concerning Latin America and the Caribbean: history, geography, civic education, biology, etc. The text of the files are also available on the website, so you can make sure you got all those Spanish verbs and adjectives just right!SSL4You (Spanish Segunda Lengua para Todos)This is the blog, entirely presented in Spanish, is by Teresa Sanchez, and it proposes different thematic podcasts accompanied by a transcription. Each podcast addresses a particular aspect of daily life such as rites, meals, and traditions, as well as current affairs topics such as ecology.This is an efficient blog with which you can learn Spanish online. It offers an excellent way to complete your training before you visit one of the 20 Spanish speaking countries worldwide, such as Spain, Argenti na, Colombia, and Mexico!How about a trip to Bolivia to improve your Spanish?AudiriaThis site proposes files in “baladodiffusion”: they are easily accessible, free and downloadable. Several themes are offered such as daily life, food, culture, geography, arts, and history.Furthermore, each file includes targeted exercises to work your oral comprehension for optimal Spanish conversation skills. You will work on your pronunciation via active listening and be able to revise Spanish vocabulary words, idiomatic expressions, short phrases, all while following your progression online.ComunicandoThis site proposes podcasts centred around technologies, the internet, video games and cyber culture. All the audio files are downloadable as MP3s. This one is perfect for the tech savvy Spanish online learner!Online TVThis is a very practical directory with hundreds of TV and radio channels, which you can listen to and watch live or download from the internet.Each channel is sorted by theme, an d a search box is there to help you make a selection quickly. With 140 radio stations and over 900 TV channels online, you’ll have a lot to stimulate your Spanish linguistic knowledge, whatever your level.FluentuThis site lets you learn Spanish with total cultural and linguistic immersion for free, online! After quickly creating your own personal account, you can access a mosaic of videos that you choose according to your taste! We think this is much better than free lessons!English conversations are often subtitled in Spanish, which pushes you to perfect your Spanish reading skills, while you watch the video.Just like learning Spanish through Spanish films, you can pauses and rewind the videos to catch any bit that you may have missed. If you become lost at any point, the site allows you to click on each word, and a pop-up box appears with explanations (i.e. definition, translations, illustrations). What a great way to learn a new language!The Internet is today’s temple of know ledge. It’s a goldmine of free access, with thousands of sites being created daily.The Internet opens the doors to the world: studying a language for free has become easy!This is not an exhaustive list, however. Here are 13 more of our favourite podcast channels:Hablemos: English and Spanish podcast: it’s a Mexican’s account of his new life in the United States. You can download files in MP3 format.Canciones de tuna: an immense repertoire of hundreds of Spanish songs, of which you can download the music scores and texts.Ivoox: Hispanic podcasts that are organised by themes, such as sports, health, blogging, technology, games, and the arts, etc.Spanish Audio Gazette: this provides podcasts read by narrators native to Latin America.Lengalia: these are podcasts with audio and video files in Spanish, perfect for the average learner.Radipaz: this is a Latin American radio station that partners with UNESCO to deliver news of peace culture.Tiflolibros: this renowned digital library h elps you learn Spanish with texts read by the author and recordings of well-known authors including Borges, Cortazar and Benedetti. This is a fantastic way to learn a new language!Spanishpod 101: This site offers access to over 1620 Spanish courses in audio and video formats, with vocabulary and listening comprehension exercises in Spanish.Nomadas: These podcasts are selected for those for whom Spanish is a second language. Picking up on various subjects, including travel, nature, music, history, they allow listeners to discover the different Spanish accents from around the world.Fallo de sistema: These weekly podcasts propose scientific and science fiction content, including debates, interviews with writers, researchers and philosophers.Futuro abierto: This site provides podcasts with a broad interest in society in general, with different themes each week, including urban sidewalk interviews created by Hispanic journalists.La historia del mundo  (History of the world): this is a ch annel with shows dedicated to the history of Asian, African, European, North American and Latin American history.Edufone: This provides free Spanish courses each day made by native Spanish teachers. A list of downloadable podcasts allows users to learn grammar and tenses (present, imperfect, subjunctive, past, simple past), as well as discovering the culture of Central and Latin America. The files are aimed at all levels, from beginner to advanced.Alternatives to Spanish PodcastsHave you skimmed the essentials of the downloadable files and acquired a higher level in your Spanish language training?Felicitaciónes! However, you can always go further in any foreign language instruction.Are you looking for another way to learn and practise? Well there are many other digital resources that you can try out to perfect your Spanish!Watch Hispanic TV OnlineIf you want to learn Spanish quickly, you'll need to immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Thanks to the internet, you ca n now watch international TV from the comfort of your home, as well as listen to radio shows from around the world.So why not bring Spain to your living room! There are loads of Spanish language television channels from Spain and Latin America.However, please be warned that if your grasp of Spanish is not the best, this may not be the best way for you to learn the language. This is because, depending on your television and its set up, you may not be able to get subtitles, meaning you will need to understand everything just from the audio.YouTube VideosThe main advantage of learning Spanish with Youtube videos is obviously that they are numerous and free of charge.The sheer number of YouTube videos dedicated to learning Spanish means that you can find something that you are looking for, to help you learn at at rhythm that you want.Often, these videos are created by native speakers so you can pick up a lot about the use of vocabulary, and more importantly, the pronunciation.You will f ind videos that give classes, and others which focus on a specific part of grammar or vocabulary. This makes them extremely accessible to all audiences.What's more, the can offer a great compliment to the Spanish podcasts, too. This is because of the different approach to teaching and learning offered, meaning that your studying is kept fresh and engaging, and thus reducing the chance that you'll get bored.You can also sign up for Superprof's Spanish courses London or Spanish classes Glasgow!

20 Spanish Hispanic Culture Traditions from Spain, Mexico, Latin America

20 Spanish Hispanic Culture Traditions from Spain, Mexico, Latin America Maile Proctor One of the best ways to improve your understanding of the Spanish language is to learn more about Spanish traditions. A major aspect of any culture is its traditions. Spain, and other Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, have very unique traditions that are fascinating to learn about, and they might just inspire you to plan a visit soon! No matter where you are in your Spanish lessons, you will love learning about the Mexican and Spanish traditions, holidays, and customs on this list. Click through this table of contents if youre looking for something specific: Spanish Traditions Mexican Traditions Christmas Traditions Holiday Traditions Spanish Customs Superstitions Spanish Traditions Piñatas You may have already seen cardboard piñatas decorated in brightly colored paper-mâché at childrens birthday parties. Blindfolded participants try to hit the piñata with a stick, to break it open and spill out fruits, candies, and other treats hidden inside. Theres a lot of speculation about the true origin of the piñata.  Some believe they  originated in China,  in animal shapes like cows and oxen. Other reports claim that piñatas  originated in Mexico  with the Aztecs and Mayans, and were originally clay pots made in the shape of the gods. When piñatas first came to Spain, the first Sunday of Lent was called the Dance of the Piñata.  While the first piñatas  in Spain were made of clay, decorations and bright colors were eventually added to the design. Even though the history of the  piñata  has spiritual significance, modern-day piñatas are mainly used for games during parties and celebrations. Its also one of the most widely popular Mexican traditions.  Quince Años For girls in Hispanic countries, the 15th birthday signifies a coming of age. The family throws a big party, called a Quinceañera, which begins with a Misa de acción  de gracias, or giving thanks for completing childhood.   The festejada (birthday girl) wears a formal dress and receives gifts from family members. Common  Quinceañera  gifts include tiaras, bracelets,  and earrings. A  traditional Quinceañera begins with a church ceremony, followed by a party with food, music, and dancing.  This is also one of the most common Mexican traditions. Carnival In Spanish-speaking countries,  Carnival celebrations are held between late January to early March, the time leading up to Lent. Carnival is generally recognized as the final chance to celebrate before Lent. There are many festivities, including dancing and music, throughout the day and night. Spanish traditions for carnival also include dressing up and wearing masks. SEE ALSO: 50 Interesting Facts About Spain Mexican Traditions Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe Devout Catholics in Mexico make a pilgrimage to the Basilica de Guadalupe in Mexico City every year on December 12th. The date commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego in 1531. According to the story, no one believed that Juan Diego had seen the Virgin and asked him to return with proof. The Virgin reappeared and told Juan Diego to collect flowers in his coat. He returned to see the archbishop of Mexico City and dropped the flowers. A miraculous picture of the Virgin had formed on the material, which today is displayed in the Basilica. Many Mexican traditions such as this one have religious significance. Día de la Independencia Dia de la Independencia  (Mexican Independence Day) falls on September 16th, but begins the night before when the President of Mexico rings the bell at the National Palace in Mexico City and shouts  Viva México! This is one of the most widely celebrated Mexican traditions. There is a national military parade ever year on September 16th, and to celebrate Mexicos independence from Spanish rule, people decorate their homes,  dress in the colors of the flag, throw confetti, and hold parties where they feast on traditional foods. San Judas Tadeo This is another one of the many Mexican traditions with spiritual significance. San Judas Tadeo (St. Jude Thaddeus) is known as the Saint of Lost Causes. On the 28th day of every month, people gather at  San Hipólito Church, the church dedicated to St. Jude in downtown Mexico City. People bring icons and statues of St. Jude, and  ask  for his blessing and help in difficult circumstances. The same events are held every October 28th, which is St. Judes saints day. Spanish Christmas Traditions  Posadas Originally Spanish Christmas traditions, Posadas  are now also Guatemalan and Mexican traditions. In Spanish, posada means inn, and in Mexico,  people  hold candles and sing songs as they  reenact Mary and Josephs search for shelter in Bethlehem. Christmas Posadas last from December 16 until Christmas Eve. Nochebuena Nochebuena (the Good Night/Christmas Eve)  is a family event, celebrated with a feast. Traditionally, families would have lechón (pork) for dinner on Nochebuena, but in more recent times, the meal varies depending on the region. Dinner generally incorporates music and gifts, and many families also attend Misa del Gall0 (Midnight Mass) on Nochebuena.  Misa del Gallo Another one of the religious traditions in Spain, the midnight mass on Christmas Eve is called Misa del Gallo  (The Mass of the Rooster). This event is known as The Mass of the Rooster because its believed that a rooster crowed at midnight the day that Jesus was born. In Spain, attendees first light small oil lamps in their home before setting out to the church. In Bolivia, people only eat after mass, usually a traditional dish of picana de pollo, a  chicken stew with carrots, peas, and potatoes. Reyes Magos Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) starts on January 5th with a reenactment of the arrival of the Three Kings. The Spanish Christmas tradition features a parade,  Cabalgata de los Reyes,  where the Three Kings arrive on horseback or on decorated floats, and throw treats and presents to the children. Before bed that evening, children leave goodies for The Kings, and leave their shoes out for The Kings to fill with presents. Spanish Holidays Día de los Muertos In Hispanic cultures, its important to remember family members and friends who have passed. Día de los Muertos is a particularly significant holiday in Mexico, where its observed on November 1st and 2nd. Mexican traditions for  Día de los Muertos combine Catholic elements with Aztec rituals. People create altars in their homes with photos, foods, and other objects that have some link to the deceased. They also visit the graves of their loved ones, where they may spend hours or even the entire day. Art related to the holiday depicts skeletons enjoying life on the other side. Semana Santa Semana Santa (Holy Week) runs from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, and is one of the most important events of the year in Catholic countries. While all of Mexico celebrates Semana Santa, different regions have different events. Many Semana Santa celebrations include cascarones (colored egg shells), church services, and the Passion Play the reenactment of the Passion of the Christ. Spanish Customs  Las Serenatas One of the more romantic traditions in Spain, this unique custom involves hiring a band of mariachis, or arriving with a group of friends, to play music below a lover’s window. Traditionally, the recipient of the serenata keeps the light off during the first song, turns the light on for the second, and comes out to the balcony (or at least opens the window) for the third song. “Provecho” This is the Hispanic tradition or custom  of wishing someone a good meal. Its similar to bon appétit in French, but its not restricted to fine dining. You can say provecho when you sit down to a meal with family or friends, or you can use it in passing, if you see someone you know who is about to eat. RELATED: 20 Easy Spanish Words and Phrases Siestas A siesta, or afternoon nap/rest (between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.) is one of the classic traditions in Spain and other Hispanic countries. The three-hour siesta doesnt necessarily mean nap time for everyone. Some people will take a long lunch, while others will  use the  break to spend time with their family. La Mordida La Mordida is one of the Mexican traditions for birthdays. While friends and family sing La Mordida, the birthday boy or girl must take a bite of birthday cake without using his or her hands. This generally results in a face full of cake. Spanish Superstitions  Mal de Ojo Theres a great fear of the mal de ojo (evil eye) in some Hispanic traditions. The superstition dates back to medieval Europe and the belief that a look can curse people, or cause children to become ill. There are different remedies, like amulets and bracelets, for mal de ojo, and some more specific cures in different regions. For example in Central America, people believe that mal de ojo can be cured by rubbing around the eye socket with an umbilical cord. La Mal Sal La mal sal  means bad salt or bad luck. Many people refuse to take a saltshaker, when its handed to them, as this is seen as receiving someones bad luck. Instead, you must place the salt shaker on the table, within reach of the person who wants it. Sweeping Over Feet Some Hispanic traditions say that if you sweep over someones feet, that person will never marry. Also, it is believed that leaving an upside down broom behind your door can ward off unwanted visitors. Cutting Babies Hair You may want to think twice before cutting your babys hair. According to Spanish superstitions, cutting a babys hair before he or she learns to walk, will prevent him or her from learning to do so. Also, if you want your son or daugther to learn to speak in Spanish, do not cut his or her hair before they turn one. If you want to experience these Spanish traditions firsthand, consider taking a trip to a Spanish-speaking country soon. To get ready for your trip, you can also take some free  online Spanish classes so you know how to communicate with the locals. Do you know of any other customs or traditions in Spain? Share them with us in the comments below! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Joey Parsons

Facebook Madness! Advanced Listening Exercise

Facebook Madness! Advanced Listening Exercise Last week was a big news week for Facebook, as the company began trading publicly on the NASDAQ on Friday. Im not sure how it was in other countries, but here in the U.S. it was an important topic.A lot of people wondered, and still wonder, if Facebook is really worth $100 billion. Over the next few months well watch and see. In the meantime, I know a lot of our students are interested in the tech world, and especially the startup world that Facebook helped to create in many ways, so Ive made a listening exercise with a video about the company going public.The video is a little difficult, but its short, so you can watch it a few times. Below youll find listening questions.You can write the answers below in comments, and well give you the results.What information about Facebook were people trying to download from the internet?Apparently there were so many people that had _____ ____.What does the phrase from the sentence above mean?How many monthly active users does Facebook have?Thats basically __ ____ _____ almost everyone that has a computer in the world, has internet access in the world. (note: Shes wrong. There are about 2.45 billion.)What was Facebooks warning about these numbers?What did Zuckerberg say in his 2,000 word letter?Why would this bother investors?

LOI Participates in English Day at Swedish School

LOI Participates in English Day at Swedish School LOI recently took part in  an English Day at  the request of a longtime student, Frank. Frank teaches English and Spanish to middle school students in Sweden. He  asked  LOI to offer our live classes to  a group of his 13 and 14 year old students as part of English Day, so that they would have the chance to talk with native speakers.We were excited to have the opportunity to work with Frank and give this  group of young learners the chance to really use their English.We broke them into six groups of 4 students each. Each group  met an LOI English teacher by Skype. The classes were focused around conversation and dealt with topics interesting to teenagers, like violence and bullying in school, dress codes and appearances, the importance  of education and whether  money makes you happy. Here is what Franks students had to say about our classes:The teacher’s name was David. He was the British teacher and he was very  funny. He made a lot of jokes and was very open and polite. He talke d all the  time and asked us a lot of things and was very good at making the  conversation flow. So we think the teacher was very good and funny and I’m  happy that we got him. The good thing was that we lost track of the topic and  talked about many other things in a natural way. Anyways this idea with  Skype was very fun and a great way to learn English. It was funnier to speak  on Skype instead of writing and stuff.  We used the video so we could see each other and that was a lot easier.    Julia, Linn, Elliot and Filip (group 3).Everyone in our group think that it was very funny to talk to someone who  just speaks English and not understood Swedish. In that way we had to speak  English and it turn into a real conversation. Muireann was really kind and she  talked so we could understand her. We understood what she said and it was  really easy to talk with her. We would love to do this again. We recommend  this program to other schools because we learned a lot by talking. It w as easy  to use Skype.  Elsa, Fillipa, Felicia and Linus (group 2).Our Skype teacher was Mark. He is an American, from California. He is funny and really  cool. We discussed different topics and when we could not find words he helped us. It is  much better than learning English in class. It is also better to speak with somebody from  a country where they speak English. It is also better because you can ´t speak Swedish  with that person so you have to speak English whole the time.  We think that using Skype for learning English in school is awesome and we would love  to do it again.  Alva, Magdalena, Isak and Hampus (group 6).If you are interested in having an English Day with your students, or have other interesting ideas for our classes, please contact us!

How soon can I teach abroad

How soon can I teach abroad Our friends at University of Toronto TEFL Online  published a great post about how soon you can teach abroad:You’ve decided to teach abroad...let the adventure begin! But hold on before squeezing your life into a tiny suitcase and booking a cheap flight, because the process is not always as straightforward as it might seem. Whether you're looking to teach English abroad or teach your chosen subject specialization, making the big move can take anything from a few weeks to a few months and even over a year if you want to secure the job you really want. How long it will take to prepare to teach abroad depends on your answers to the following questions:Do you have the right qualifications to teach abroad?If not, you will have to allow some time to take a course, which could take anywhere from a few months to a few years depending on the kind of teaching career you’d like. To get a well paying job with a good school, you’ll need to set yourself apart from hundreds of other teachers. The best way to do this is with qualifications from reputable institutions that make you stand out. The kinds of teaching jobs available abroad can be split into two categories which require different kinds of qualifications:ESL jobs: Positions teaching English in language colleges, and sometimes schools. Although you don’t need experience, many institutions will require teachers to have some teacher training under their belt in the form of a TEFL certification. A TEFL certification is considered the standard for applying to teaching jobs overseas and can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to complete.Certified teacher jobs: Positions teaching children and young adults a variety of subjects in public and private schools. These kinds of jobs normally require a Bachelor’s degree in Education, or a degree in a specialist subject, and require you to hold a teaching credential. It takes several years of study and practical teaching to become a fully certified teacher.It is important to note that although you don’t need any teaching experience or formal teaching qualifications to teach English abroad, a lot of countries require you to have a Bachelor’s degree in order to work there legally. You should search the work visa requirements of the countries you would like to travel to. What region are you interested in teaching?Some countries are well known for having strict requirements that must be met to work as a teacher there. The Middle East is known for requiring a higher level of qualification, such as a BEd or other formal teaching qualification, and requiring candidates to have more experience as a teacher. This has gained it a reputation for being a difficult region in which to find a teaching position. If you’re set on moving to Dubai, for example, it might be worthwhile working on gaining your teaching experience for a few years to improve your chances of employment. Asia tends to be more relaxed when it comes to teaching job requiremen ts. Jobs with language schools and some public and private schools will happily welcome applicants with a basic TEFL certification. As an enormous country with a booming population, demand for English teachers is especially high in China, and therefore there is also somewhat less competition for jobs and a better chance of scoring a last minute position if you’re keen to start soon.When do schools in your desired country hire teachers? True, there is no shortage of opportunities out there to suit your timeline -- whether you’re looking for a short notice role or whether you’re still saving up the money, or waiting until you graduate. However, you should take into consideration the time of year you’d like to find a teaching job abroad. If you’re hoping to work at a public or private school overseas, check when the school year starts in the country you’d like to live in. In the Middle East and Asia, this can be January or April. Language colleges for children and adults ma y hire teachers year-round, but tend to concentrate their hiring at the start of the school year, and mid way through the school year. How soon would you like to teach abroad?If you fill qualification requirements, there is a good chance you’ll be able to find a good position at short notice. There is growing global demand for English teachers throughout the year and with some basic teacher training under your belt, you will be a desirable candidate for many schools. If you have a longer time line - perhaps you need to save or finish your studies - you can also make this work for you too. Plenty of schools hire for their next intake up to a year in advance. Registering with a teacher recruitment agency, such as Teach Away, is also a good idea as you will be notified about any relevant opportunities that come up in the future. View Current Teaching Positions >

4 Things You Will Do as a Summer Camp Counselor

4 Things You Will Do as a Summer Camp Counselor Image via: www.pexels.com Plan activities As a summer camp counselor, your job will be planning out fun excursions and activities for your kids to partake in. The best part? You might even get to plan and host events specific to your own individual interests. For instance, one day might be all about outdoor pursuits, like hiking, kayaking, camping, and more. The next day could be something more laid back, like arts and crafts, movie nights, and miniature cooking classes. The ability to plan activities for the kids allows you the chance to share something of yourself with them: your passion. If you are studying art, imagine how much more excited you would be to teach kids how to make macaroni sculptures than having to teach campers how to put a tent together. On the flip side, if you are a person who especially enjoys the outdoors, imagine how excited you would be to show kids how to build a campfire rather than how to mix primary colors. No matter who you are or what you are interested in, being a summer camp counselor will allow you to share those interests with groups of kids ready to learn. Teach skills After your time working as a summer camp counselor is over, your legacy will live on. As corny as it sounds, your work will live on through the kids you worked with. If you can say that your summer camp counselor did not teach or show you something unforgettable during your time in camp and maintain a completely straight face, then you should call Lady Gaga and tell her that your poker face will give her a run for her money. Seriously. As a summer camp counselor, you will essentially be providing a “home away from home” for the kids who attend your camp. They will look to you for guidance and authority. As a summer camp counselor, you will provide just that. You will teach kids how to do arts and crafts, like wicker baskets and food art. You can show kids how to play games like hopscotch and Red Rover, or better yet, show them YOUR version of hopscotch and Red Rover. Teach them basic survival skills, like how to build a fire or how to decipher between poisonous and safe berries. By the time summer comes to an end, your kids will leave summer camp completely different from how they were … and so will you. Image via: www.pexels.com Provide support You probably remember how tough it was to be a kid. Back then, adults seemed as though they were completely oblivious to the emotional problems we faced as kids. While whatever struggles you are currently facing might seem more challenging in comparison to those from your childhood, back then those were the biggest hardships you had to face. The same thing goes for the kids that you are going to work with. As a counselor, your job is exactly that: to counsel. You have the chance to be a listening ear and a figure of support to young and developing minds. Summer camps allow kids to interact with other kids in situations and circumstances that could prove challenging or emotionally exhausting. On top of it, some kids may find themselves becoming homesick. As a summer camp counselor, you must keep their morale high and their faith in you even higher. The paycheck at the end of every hard work week will be rewarding, but the feeling of supporting and impacting a child’s life is a million times more rewarding. Have fun Last and most importantly: have fun. Summer camps are a place for kids to relax and enjoy fun activities with fun people, such as yourself. While the temperatures might be hot and the pressure might be high, keep the purpose of this position in mind. As a summer camp counselor, your job will be to keep your kids happy and having fun. In the meantime, you will probably find yourself doing the same.

Nanjing Experimental School

Nanjing Experimental School Nanjing Experimental School Executive Foreign Principal Job Description: Benefits: 1. Paid school holiday and national public holiday 2. Annual salary package between 400k-500k RMB( before tax) 3. Flight allowance 4. Visa application 5. Accommodation 6. Insurance Requirements 1-bachelor degree or above 2-at least 5 years of managing a school in primary/middle/high school level. 3-easy going personality as you will be doing a series of public activities and marketing campaign 4-able to take pressure and have a strong sales driven mind 5-a strong logical thinking skill 6-Excellent verbal and written communication skills 7-Willing to be proactive in implementing curriculum -- Main Job Responsibilities 1 American Curriculum Development including organizing and leading a curriculum team to design and implement a diversified curriculum as to fully maximize students potentials. 2 Professional Staff Development including training both Chinese and Foreign teachers in teaching management, educational research and teaching innovations. 3 Student Recruitment Responsibilities including participating in students and parents interviews. 4 Admission Activity including visiting various schools to promote school motto, meeting perspective parents, overseeing admission paperwork, procedures etc. 5 Foreign Teacher Recruitment including in-person/Skype interview, class demonstration and contract negotiation. 6 Student Management and Service to ensure students are developed emotionally, physically and academically healthy throughout our various programs and club activities. 7 Academic Promises to ensure students meet/exceed both the local and foreign subject based benchmarks in accordance to curriculum standards. 8 Cross Cultural Immersion aiming at building a harmonious and collaborative political culture for the entire department including establishing public relationships with communities and parents.