Teaching Life Experience in Cambodia with TEFL TESOL LanguageCorps Asia

Teaching Life Experience in Cambodia with TEFL / TESOL LanguageCorps Asia. 

When I think back to life changing moments, boarding that 747 on a cool August morning in Boston is among the most definitive. I have always had the desire to explore this small world, intrigued by opportunities that enable such exploration. Teaching turned out to be a great way to travel the world and make some money. Beyond that, it is a job where you can make a positive impact in another person’s life. No matter how I rationalized it, teaching abroad seemed like the right decision to make. And with one blink of the eye, I was landing in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, grabbing my luggage and driving through the dirty streets, wide-eyed and ready for the adventure.

After doing the research on how to go about teaching abroad I chose to work with a company named LanguageCorps Asia(www.languagecorpsasia.com).

Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/10/18/teaching-experience-in-cambodia/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Living, Working And Learning About A New Culture

Interested in living in, working in, and learning about a new culture?
LanguageCorps helps you create a personal adventure in teaching English abroad. Our programs allow you to learn and apply new skills while developing a wider, first-person perspective about the diversity of cultures and populations around the world — all with the security of intensive on-site training and TESOL certification, a guaranteed paid job, a highly organized system, and a supportive community. To learn more or apply online www.languagecorpsasia.com
TESOL Certification also offered in Spain, Italy, and other European and North African locations; volunteer programs in Cambodia and Sri Lanka; shorter-term programs available; program fees and pay vary by country.
Our Flagship Program combines TESOL / TEFL training...
Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/10/25/interested-in-living-in-working-in-and-learning-about-a-new-culture/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Why Learning a New Language is a Great Idea

5 Reasons Why Learning a New Language is a Great Idea!

Lately, have you noticed how many language schools there are around you? Even online, there is such an abundance of courses and aids to help you learn a new language, isn’t there? So, why should you indeed study a new language? Well, following are five great reasons why.

1. Communicate better with friends / family / business associates / living abroad.
2. To experience more pleasures when traveling.
3. To get in touch with your roots.
4. For purposes of emigration.
5. To be more ‘worldly’.
How to learn a new language? Well, the best is to attend a language school because there you’re assured that you’re learning in an organized, step-by-step manner. Better yet, why not attend a language school in the country where that language is spoken!

Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/11/01/5-reasons-why-learning-a-new-language-is-a-great-idea/

http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

The Easiest Way To Learn Languages

The Easiest Way To Learn Languages.
The easiest way to learn languages cannot be found in one single method. The truth is, there are many different ways to learn languages that are friendly to foreign language novices and virtually costs nothing.
If you are looking for the easiest way to learn languages, you may want to start by getting yourself a dictionary of whatever language you wish to learn and start looking up random words that are often used in everyday conversations. Do not get intimidated when you do not get the words and their definition right away. It is understandable especially if you have been speaking only one language, like English, for a very long time. Language audio tapes could also come in handy. In fact, it is better if you have a dictionary and an audio tape of the language you are trying to learn for purposes...
Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/11/08/the-easiest-way-to-learn-languages/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Importance of Learning a Second Language

The Importance of Learning a Second Language.
Learning a second language can be difficult: it takes much time, patience and practising. Knowing a second language can create a better understanding of different cultures, open job opportunities; help with academic success, make traveling easier, and help people communicate throughout the world. A foreign language can take the learner out of the comfort zone and allow them to experience different cultures; also it has been reported that learning a second language gives the brain more stimulation (BBC News, 2004).
In the United States only 30 states have said that English is the official language (Wikipedia, 2007). In Miami, Florida residents who do not speak Spanish have difficulty interacting with the large population of Latin Americans; making conducting business harder for business owners.
Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/11/15/the-importance-of-learning-a-second-language/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Foreign Language Degrees Prepare You for Much More Than Teaching

Foreign Language Degrees Prepare You for Much More Than Teaching.
Most people associate a foreign language degree with teaching, assuming that someone with a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish, French, Japanese or some other foreign language will teach the language. Most students with fluency in a second language, however, pursue career options that focus on the private sector or government service. In fact, having a degree in a foreign language makes you marketable in almost any field within today’s global economy.
Teaching is a time-honored career for anyone fluent in a foreign language, but it isn’t the only career option. If you have a degree in a second language and you enjoy traveling and experiencing the culture associated with another language, the travel industry offers lots of opportunities.
Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/11/22/foreign-language-degrees-prepare-you-for-much-more-than-teaching/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

English Speaking Practice through Presentations

English Speaking Practice through Presentations by Josef Essberger.
If you’re anything like most teachers, you’re probably constantly looking for new ways to encourage your students to practise their oral English and speak spontaneously. This month, we’re going to consider the value of the ‘presentation’ in achieving this.
Asking students to give presentations has the following advantages:
* it gives the presenting student a good opportunity to practise unaided speaking
* it gives the other students good listening practice
* it increases the presenting student’s confidence when using English
* it can be good practice for the real situation for those students who may actually need to give presentations in English in their professional lives
* it is an excellent generator of spontaneous discussion
Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/12/01/english-speaking-practice-through-presentations-by-josef-essberger/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Do I Need a TEFL or TESOL Qualification?

Do I Need a TEFL or TESOL Qualification? By Chris Soames.
If you’ve been hanging around in online TEFL forums, you’ve probably wandered across a conversation about whether you really need a TEFL or TESOL qualification. It’s a natural enough question: after all, you may well be planning a career in teaching because you can’t afford to travel without working. And the truth is, in a few countries you can secure a teaching position without a TEFL qualification. The question is – do you really want to?
It pays to be prepared
You can always throw yourself in at the deep end. You know, just start teaching without any preparation and see how well you do. But that’s a pretty scary thought isn’t it? Without TEFL or TESOL training you won’t know if what you’re doing is right...
Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/12/06/do-i-need-a-tefl-or-tesol-qualification-by-chris-soames/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Tips For Enjoying The Holidays while Teaching English Abroad

Tips For Enjoying The Holidays while Teaching English Abroad.
Ahhhhhh the holidays! The perfect excuse to take a brief reprise from every day life. A time to enjoy with family and friends, devour scrumptious, comforting food, watch some football (or futbol, or rugby, or however you like your ballsports), pet the family dog, and RELAX.
But what if you’re spending the holidays away from home, as many LanguageCorps Asia teachers are?
During an extended stay abroad, whether you’re teaching English as a foreign language, saving turtles in Mexico, or simply traveling for pleasure, the holidays can be a time when homesickness rears its ugly head. For many people (myself included), more so than any other time of year, the winter holidays tend to remind us of the comforts of home, and the people we’ve been away from for what seems like forever.
Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/tips-to-enjoy-the-holidays-abroad/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Beat the Job Seeking Blues and Work Teach English Abroad

Beat the Job Seeking Blues and Work Teach English Abroad By Sarah Simmons.
The economy is rough right now. If you’re like nearly 10% of Americans in the United States who are currently unemployed, you may be struggling to find a job. One of the main reasons many applicants get turned down for jobs is because they lack experience, so why not add valuable experience to your resume while exploring the world and experience of a lifetime? Teach English abroad!
Teaching English abroad is an incredibly rewarding opportunity that allows people of all ages and backgrounds to live in another culture, travel, and gain professional paid work experience. If you can’t find a job in the US, there are many options to teach English abroad, so what’s stopping you from getting paid to create your own unique, international adventure?
Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/12/14/beat-the-job-seeking-blues-and-teach-english-abroad-by-sarah-simmons/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Discover How To Teach English Abroad TEFL / TESOL

Discover How To Teach English Abroad TEFL / TESOL By Joel Gray.

Have you ever thought about an opportunity to teach the English language abroad but are unsure how you can get involved? If so, than this article can help. If you have ever wondered how to teach English internationally then a TEFL / TESOL certification course could be the answer for you. Throughout this article we will explain what TEFL / TESOL is, as well as what it involves, and how a TEFL / TESOL course can advance your opportunities if you are looking to teach people from other countries how to speak English. By the end of the next few paragraphs, you will have a much deeper understanding as to how to begin your dream career and become one-step closer in your goal of teaching abroad.

Let’s begin by discussing what TEFL / TESOL actually is and who is qualified to take TEFL / TESOL training courses.

Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/12/20/discover-how-to-teach-english-abroad-by-joel-gray/

http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

What Makes a Good EFL Teacher?

What Makes a Good EFL Teacher? By Chris Soames.
“How long is a piece of string?” springs to mind but the answer may be much simpler than you think, because you probably tick many of the boxes already. You’re probably asking this question because you are already or soon plan to be an EFL teacher. This means that you probably like working with people, that you prefer variety to routine, and that you are don’t mind taking calculated risks. As a rule, Teaching English as a Foreign Language is one of the most satisfying jobs you can do because the vast majority of learners are highly-motivated, so all you need to do is try to recognize which aspect of your teaching skills needs to be used at any given time. Below are some suggestions about the different roles you’ll find yourself playing – all of which combine to make a good teacher.
Read more at http://languagecorps.bizbuzzweekly.com/2010/12/27/what-makes-a-good-efl-teacher-by-chris-soames/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Teach English Abroad - Check Out Asia

Teach English Abroad - Check Out Asia.
 
We at LanguageCorps Asia love preparing people to go teach English abroad. You get to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn (or relearn!) a foreign language, get paid to travel, have access to lots of new cultural ideas, and you can build up your resume while you’re at it. An opportunity to teach English abroad widens your horizons while also helping you find out more about yourself, besides, teaching English is fun!
Explore the Possibilities, but Choose a Country Carefully!

You can teach English abroad almost anywhere you like, but not all country destinations are equal. With all the recent unrest in the Middle East and Africa, it would be wise to do extra research on the social and political conditions in any country where you hope to teach English abroad.

Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/languagecorps-teacher-named-fullbright-scholar/

http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Vietnam Teacher Named Fullbright Scholar

LanguageCorps Asia, Vietnam Teacher Named Fullbright Scholar!
Jacob Daniels, Fulbright Teaching Assistantship, Vietnam
Former LanguageCorps Asia teacher Jacob Daniels, has been awarded a Fullbright Scholarship for Teaching English in Vietnam!
Daniels, who majored in government at Connecticut College, has been traveling and living abroad since his graduation.
“My interest in travel and other cultures began with a program called LanguageCorps Asia. I used their services to secure a job teaching English in Cambodia for a semester while still attending Conn College, and immediately knew that I wanted to continue living and working abroad. I then went to Korea to teach in the winter of 2008 and 2009, and then back to Cambodia where I taught at the Pannasastra University of Cambodia and studied Buddhist philosophy,” Daniels said. “I’m currently traveling in India.”
Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/languagecorps-teacher-named-fullbright-scholar/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

LanguageCorps Scam?

LanguageCorps Scam?
LangaugeCorps is a Massachusetts based company that specializes in creating personalized adventures in teaching English abroad. To put it simply, we help you become certified to teach English as a foreign language, and then assist you in finding a good, paying job in your country of choice.
We know that there are a whole lot of choices when it comes to teaching English abroad. An overwhelming amount, in fact. And while many of our competitors offer excellent products as well, we believe that LanguageCorps provides a better value and service than anyone in the field.
So, we take it somewhat personally, when every now and again we talk to someone that asks, “Is LanguageCorps a scam?”
But, when I put myself in your shoes, the skepticism makes sense. If I were a newcomer to the TEFL/TESOL world, sifting through the massive amount of information...
Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/languagecorps-scam/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Most Popular Places to Teach English Overseas in Asia

Most Popular Places to Teach English Overseas in Asia.
LanguageCorps Asia offers a wide variety of TESOL / TEFL certification programs in popular countries.
Thailand
Thailand's many gorgeous beaches, delicious food, exciting excursions and great job placement assistance, it’s no wonder that Thailand is one of our teachers’ favorite places to teach English overseas. We have several different program options for those who want to teach English in Thailand.
Vietnam
Vietnam is home to lush green landscapes, exotic beaches and magnificent mountains and its traditional charm and rare beauty make it a favorite for teachers. We have the same program options mentioned above for those who want to teach English in Vietnam. Given the salaries LanguageCorps Asia teachers earn teaching English in Vietnam, most people are able to save money while teaching there.
Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/most-popular-places-to-teach-english-overseas/

http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

A Day in the Life of the Awkward American Traverler in Cambodia - LanguageCorps Asia

A Day in the Life: A LanguageCorps Asia TESOL Classroom in Cambodia.
It is LanguageCorps Asia pleasure to introduce an exerpt from our teacher Margaret Ulrich, currently teaching English abroad in Cambodia.
RePosted from her blog “Awkward American Traverler”, which you can Check out here: http://awkwardamericantraveler.wordpress.com/
Any idiot knows what happens when you assume. So why do I keep feeling like the only ass here?
My latest blunder came from teaching at an orphanage. I assumed I’d be teaching little darlings. But I was what, class? Very good, kids, I was wrong.
Part of our training for the LanguageCorps certificate included two weeks of student teaching. For three of us who stayed in Phnom Penh—some moved to either Thailand or Vietnam—we were assigned to teach at an orphanage called SSD.
Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/a-day-in-the-life-a-languagecorps-tesol-classroom-in-cambodia/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Cambodia Accessible Education Attracts Female Students Back to School

Cambodia Accessible Education Attracts Female Students Back to School. 

A dream of going back to school has come true for 23-year-old Van Sarem. Now she sits in the front row of her grade 8 class at a new secondary school in Sre Ang Krong commune by the Se San River in Ratanakiri province, excited and delighted to be back learning after a five-year absence since she finished primary school in 2004.

“My dream has come true now,” she says with a beautiful smile. “I am so happy that I have a chance to come back to school even though I am older. And my parents support my return to school.”

Sarem is from one of the poorest families in Sre Ang Krong village. When she finished study at the local primary school, her family did not have the money to send her to the nearest secondary school, which was more than 20 km away. She dropped out of school...

Read more at http://khmerviews.com/accessible-education-attracts-female-students-back-to-school/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

LanguageCorps Asia TEFL / TESOL Alum Student Founds Fair Trade Fashion Company

LanguageCorps Asia TEFL / TESOL Alum Student Founds Fair Trade Fashion Company.
One of the most common questions we receive at LanguageCorps Asia is what kind of careers teaching English abroad can lead to. Many people decide to teach English in a foreign country as a gap year adventure, and then with the help of a unique, distinctive resume, go on to diverse careers in a variety of different fields.
One former teacher, Jacob Daniels, founded a fair trade fashion company called Cambodian Threads.
The company sells handmade, fair trade silk crafts produced by the Hengs, a family of artisans who work out of their home studio in the Island village of Prek BongKong, Cambodia.
Daniels and his staff then use proceeds from sales to fund educational development projects in Prek BongKong and other rural Cambodian villages.
Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/languagecorps-alum-founds-fair-trade-fashion-company/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Vietnamese Students Get a look at Taiwan's Higher Education Scene

Vietnamese students get a look at Taiwan's higher education scene.
Taipei, Nov. 21 (CNA) Taiwan opened a series of higher education fairs in Vietnam Monday, hoping to encourage students to pursue a university education on the island. The Ministry of Education (MOE) said a delegation led by Minister Wu Ching-ji presented higher education opportunities in Taiwan at a fair in Ho Chi Minh City on Monday and will hold similar events in Danang on Thursday and Hanoi on Friday. Taking part in the three fairs will be 130 representatives - including 18 school presidents, seven vice presidents and 17 heads of international affairs offices - from 41 public and private schools. The representatives will provide visitors with the latest information on their schools, on Taiwan's education system and on scholarship opportunities, the MOE said.
Read more at http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=1764944
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

European education fair kicks off in Taipei

European education fair kicks off in Taipei. 

Taipei, Oct. 22 (CNA) The annual European Education Fair Taiwan (EEFT) kicked off Saturday in Taipei, offering visitors an opportunity to learn more about the diverse educational environments in Europe. The largest education fair in Taiwan, the two-day event incorporates 115 universities and colleges from 12 European countries. "Europe is wide open to Taiwanese students and ready to welcome them with its best universities, business and engineering schools," said Patrick Bonneville, director of the Bureau Francais de Taipei. Among the countries involved, the United Kingdom represents the largest contingent, with 60 participating institutions, while Denmark is a first-time exhibitor. The only participant from Scandinavia, Denmark decided to take part in the fair after discovering a growing interest from Taiwanese students...

Read more at http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=1740249

http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

10 Million Teachers Influencing Students

Intel Teach: 10 Million Teachers Influencing 300 Million Students.
Intel corporation is well known for their forays into educational development and assisting with the ongoing battle between educators, the educated and dwindling school budgets around the world. With their latest campaign, the Intel Teach Program is focused on integrating technology into traditional classroom learning. Intel is not doing this through backing up large trucks full of computers to schools, but rather they are taking a much more personal approach.
Through the Intel Teach professional development program, Intel has gotten hands on with 10 millions teachers to seamlessly work technology into their lesson plans. The goal is to help improve problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration skills within their students little growing brains.
Read more at http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2011/09/intel-teach-10-million-teachers-influencing-300-million-students/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Global Search for Education: Arts

The Global Search for Education: More on Arts.
Thought leaders in The Global Search for Education series have consistently argued that an education without the arts is incomplete. The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities report, Reinvesting in Arts Education: Winning America's Future Through Creative Schools, made a powerful case for why education in the arts has never been more important than now. The report showed the link between arts education and student achievement in other subject areas. Beyond empowering students to create art and appreciate all art forms, the study illustrates how arts education strategies play a significant role in closing the achievement gap, improving student engagement, and nurturing creativity and innovative thinking skills essential to the 21st century.
Read more at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/c-m-rubin/the-global-search-for-edu_19_b_1103268.html?ref=education
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

LanguageCorps Teachers Making a Difference Abroad



In addition to teaching abroad, many of our Teachers give back to their new communities by volunteering, fund raising and more. From time to time we have profiled their efforts.



Tis the season of thanks and giving, so we wanted to share a couple inspirational stories from abroad with you. We are pleased to report on the amazing work of two of our Teachers: one in Thailand and one in Vietnam. We hope that their stories will open your hearts and inspire you to support their efforts, or perhaps to give back to your community with some volunteer undertakings of your own.



Flooding in Thailand



We have all seen the heartbreaking news stories about the flooding in and around Bangkok this year. Thankfully, most of our teachers were not affected and have continued to teach....



Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/languagecorps-teachers-making-a-difference-abroad/



http://www.languagecorpsasia.com http://amplify.com/u/a1jq66

LanguageCorps Teachers Making a Difference Abroad

LanguageCorps Asia Teachers Making a Difference Abroad.
In addition to teaching abroad, many of our Teachers give back to their new communities by volunteering, fund raising and more. From time to time we have profiled their efforts.
Tis the season of thanks and giving, so we wanted to share a couple inspirational stories from abroad with you.  We are pleased to report on the amazing work of two of our Teachers: one in Thailand and one in Vietnam. We hope that their stories will open your hearts and inspire you to support their efforts, or perhaps to give back to your community with some volunteer undertakings of your own.
Flooding in Thailand
We have all seen the heartbreaking news stories about the flooding in and around Bangkok this year. Thankfully, most of our teachers were not affected and have continued to teach....
Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/languagecorps-teachers-making-a-difference-abroad/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

The Global Search for Education: More on Arts.



Thought leaders in The Global Search for Education series have consistently argued that an education without the arts is incomplete. The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities report, Reinvesting in Arts Education: Winning America's Future Through Creative Schools, made a powerful case for why education in the arts has never been more important than now. The report showed the link between arts education and student achievement in other subject areas. Beyond empowering students to create art and appreciate all art forms, the study illustrates how arts education strategies play a significant role in closing the achievement gap, improving student engagement, and nurturing creativity and innovative thinking skills essential to the 21st century.



Read more at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/c-m-rubin/the-global-search-for-edu_19_b_1103268.html?ref=education



http://www.languagecorpsasia.com http://amplify.com/u/a1jp4n

Occupying Our Education

Occupying Our Education.
This post was coauthored with Mark Paschal.
Last Wednesday we were arrested with some 90 people, most of them fellow students, at a peaceful sit-in inside the Bank of America. We had a simple request. We would like the UC Regents, including Bank of America Board Member Monica Lozano, to pledge to refund public education in California.
The UC Regents had planned to meet in San Francisco last Wednesday, but cancelled their meeting at the last minute, fearing student unrest. The UC Regents may not want to meet with us, but we would like to meet with them. In her role on the Board of the bank, Regent Monica Lozano presided over thousands of foreclosures in a crisis that cost California communities billions of dollars -- money that could have gone to education.
Read more at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-shattuck/uc-regents-tuition-increase_b_1108336.html?ref=education&ir=Education
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Occupying Our Education.



This post was coauthored with Mark Paschal.



Last Wednesday we were arrested with some 90 people, most of them fellow students, at a peaceful sit-in inside the Bank of America. We had a simple request. We would like the UC Regents, including Bank of America Board Member Monica Lozano, to pledge to refund public education in California.



The UC Regents had planned to meet in San Francisco last Wednesday, but cancelled their meeting at the last minute, fearing student unrest. The UC Regents may not want to meet with us, but we would like to meet with them. In her role on the Board of the bank, Regent Monica Lozano presided over thousands of foreclosures in a crisis that cost California communities billions of dollars -- money that could have gone to education.



Read more at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-shattuck/uc-regents-tuition-increase_b_1108336.html?ref=education&ir=Education



http://www.languagecorpsasia.com http://amplify.com/u/a1jmf8

How China is Winning the School Race

How China is winning the school race.

China's education performance - at least in cities such as Shanghai and Hong Kong - seems to be as spectacular as the country's breakneck economic expansion, outperforming many more advanced countries.
But what is behind this success?

Eyebrows were raised when the results of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's international maths, science and reading tests - the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) tests - were published.

Shanghai, taking part for the first time, came top in all three subjects.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong which was performing well in the last decade of British rule, has gone from good to great. In this global ranking, it came fourth in reading, second in maths and third in science.

These two Chinese cities - there was no national ranking for China - had outstripped leading education systems...

Read more at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14812822

http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

How China is winning the school race.



China's education performance - at least in cities such as Shanghai and Hong Kong - seems to be as spectacular as the country's breakneck economic expansion, outperforming many more advanced countries.



But what is behind this success?



Eyebrows were raised when the results of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's international maths, science and reading tests - the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) tests - were published.



Shanghai, taking part for the first time, came top in all three subjects.



Meanwhile, Hong Kong which was performing well in the last decade of British rule, has gone from good to great. In this global ranking, it came fourth in reading, second in maths and third in science.



These two Chinese cities - there was no national ranking for China - had outstripped leading education systems...



Read more at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14812822



http://www.languagecorpsasia.com http://amplify.com/u/a1jiac

Learning to Play the Game

Learning to Play the Game to Get Into College.
Since second grade, she has taken advantage of a voluntary integration program here, leaving her home in one of the city’s poorer sections before 6:30 a.m. and riding a bus over an hour to Newton, a well-to-do suburb with top-quality schools. Some nights, she has so many activities that she does not get home until 10 p.m.; often she’s up past midnight studying.
“Nathaly gets so mad if she doesn’t make the honor roll,” says Stephanie Serrata, a classmate.
Last Wednesday, Nathaly did it again, with 5 A’s and 2 B’s for the first marking period.
She has excelled at Newton North High, a school with enormous resources, in part by figuring out whom to ask for help.
Read more at http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/21/education/lets-get-ready-offers-help-for-college-admissions.html?_r=1&ref=education
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Learning to Play the Game to Get Into College



Since second grade, she has taken advantage of a voluntary integration program here, leaving her home in one of the city’s poorer sections before 6:30 a.m. and riding a bus over an hour to Newton, a well-to-do suburb with top-quality schools. Some nights, she has so many activities that she does not get home until 10 p.m.; often she’s up past midnight studying.



“Nathaly gets so mad if she doesn’t make the honor roll,” says Stephanie Serrata, a classmate.



Last Wednesday, Nathaly did it again, with 5 A’s and 2 B’s for the first marking period.



She has excelled at Newton North High, a school with enormous resources, in part by figuring out whom to ask for help.



Read more at http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/21/education/lets-get-ready-offers-help-for-college-admissions.html?_r=1&ref=education



http://www.languagecorpsasia.com http://amplify.com/u/a1jett

Vietnam Universities Help Speed Response

Vietnam universities to help speed epidemic response.
VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam One Health University Network has established linking universities throughout the country to increase regional co-ordination in the response to animal diseases that can affect human health.
Its first meeting was held yesterday with the participation of 10 universities, laying the foundation for Vietnamese universities to address and develop training and research.
With the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Ha Noi School of Public Health, the Ha Noi Medical University and the Ha Noi University of Agriculture’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine will act as the focal institutions for the newly formed network.
* English Centres ink pact with Oxford Press
The Viet Nam-USA Society English Centres (VUS)...
Read more at http://www.lookatvietnam.com/2011/11/universities-to-help-speed-epidemic-response.html
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Vietnam universities to help speed epidemic response.



VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam One Health University Network has established linking universities throughout the country to increase regional co-ordination in the response to animal diseases that can affect human health.



Its first meeting was held yesterday with the participation of 10 universities, laying the foundation for Vietnamese universities to address and develop training and research.



With the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Ha Noi School of Public Health, the Ha Noi Medical University and the Ha Noi University of Agriculture’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine will act as the focal institutions for the newly formed network.



* English Centres ink pact with Oxford Press



The Viet Nam-USA Society English Centres (VUS)...



Read more at http://www.lookatvietnam.com/2011/11/universities-to-help-speed-epidemic-response.html



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List of Idioms in the English Language

This is a list of idioms in the English Language.
An idiom is a word or phrase, common in everyday conversation and understood within the culture, having a meaning completely different than the meaning of it's words. In the example "Kick the Bucket" the listener understands the meaning is "to die" which is completely different than actually kicking a bucket. An idiom is not be confused with other Figures of speech such as a Metaphor - like "the man of steel" which invokes an image, or a Simile - like "Faster than a speeding bullet" which compares two things, or Hyperbole - like "missed by a mile" which creates a strong impression but is not meant to be taken literally.
* A bitter pill [to swallow] – A situation or information that is difficult to accept.
* Bug – To irritate, pester or bother.
* Cloud Nine -- Heavenly.
Read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_idioms_in_the_English_language
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

This is a list of idioms in the English Language.



An idiom is a word or phrase, common in everyday conversation and understood within the culture, having a meaning completely different than the meaning of it's words. In the example "Kick the Bucket" the listener understands the meaning is "to die" which is completely different than actually kicking a bucket. An idiom is not be confused with other Figures of speech such as a Metaphor - like "the man of steel" which invokes an image, or a Simile - like "Faster than a speeding bullet" which compares two things, or Hyperbole - like "missed by a mile" which creates a strong impression but is not meant to be taken literally.



* A bitter pill [to swallow] – A situation or information that is difficult to accept.

* Bug – To irritate, pester or bother.

* Cloud Nine -- Heavenly.



Read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_idioms_in_the_English_language



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Vietnamese University Students Increase

Vietnamese university students increase rapidly, but university lecturers do not increase accordingly.
Professor Nguyen Viet Thinh, President of the Hanoi University of Education,
said that the school has to recruit lecturers monthly, because a lot of
lecturers leave for training courses or have a break. Candidates come from
different sources. Some of them are excellent graduates from the Hanoi
University of Education themselves. Others are the lecturers of other schools,
or overseas Vietnamese students, who have finished foreign training courses, or
scientific researchers.
Demand high, income low teaching jobs in Vietnam
The Hanoi University of Mining and Geology every year recruits nearly 100
lecturers for different majors, but it never finds enough lecturers.
Read more at http://www.lookatvietnam.com/2011/11/university-students-increase-rapidly-but-university-lecturers-do-not-increase-accordingly.html
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Vietnamese university students increase rapidly, but university lecturers do not increase accordingly.



Professor Nguyen Viet Thinh, President of the Hanoi University of Education,

said that the school has to recruit lecturers monthly, because a lot of

lecturers leave for training courses or have a break. Candidates come from

different sources. Some of them are excellent graduates from the Hanoi

University of Education themselves. Others are the lecturers of other schools,

or overseas Vietnamese students, who have finished foreign training courses, or

scientific researchers.



Demand high, income low teaching jobs in Vietnam



The Hanoi University of Mining and Geology every year recruits nearly 100

lecturers for different majors, but it never finds enough lecturers.



Read more at http://www.lookatvietnam.com/2011/11/university-students-increase-rapidly-but-university-lecturers-do-not-increase-accordingly.html



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Cambodia Facing Literacy Challenges

Cambodia Facing Ongoing Literacy Challenges.
Cambodia’s literacy has improved over the past decade, but key challenges remain for girls, the rural poor and minorities, education experts say.
According to government figures, the literacy rate stands at about 70 percent. But that may only be basic literacy, where another ability, functional literacy, is harder to define.
Still, education experts say that still leaves 30 percent of the population without the ability to read or write, though that percentage could improve as the younger generation goes through school to learn to read and write.
Ministry of Education officials say they count a total enrollment of 3.2 million students, with about 607,000 in urban areas and more than 2.5 million in rural areas.
“This gathering of students at school means it is serving literacy,”...
Read more at http://www.voanews.com/khmer-english/news/Cambodia-Facing-Ongoing-Literacy-Challenges-128470623.html
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Cambodia Facing Ongoing Literacy Challenges.



Cambodia’s literacy has improved over the past decade, but key challenges remain for girls, the rural poor and minorities, education experts say.



According to government figures, the literacy rate stands at about 70 percent. But that may only be basic literacy, where another ability, functional literacy, is harder to define.



Still, education experts say that still leaves 30 percent of the population without the ability to read or write, though that percentage could improve as the younger generation goes through school to learn to read and write.



Ministry of Education officials say they count a total enrollment of 3.2 million students, with about 607,000 in urban areas and more than 2.5 million in rural areas.



“This gathering of students at school means it is serving literacy,”...



Read more at http://www.voanews.com/khmer-english/news/Cambodia-Facing-Ongoing-Literacy-Challenges-128470623.html



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We Can All Learn A Bit From Shackleton.



I just finished reading Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing. Usually I find non-fiction kind of dull. But man, this was different. So different that I had to write about it, because Shackleton’s story is one that all of us wanderers can relate to and learn from, on some level at least. And so, without further ado, welcome to the first edition of the LanguageCorps Book Club!



Heralded as one of the great adventure tales of our time, Endurance is the story of a strange little fella named Ernest Shackleton, and his quest to become the first man to cross the Antarctic continent by foot. His ship, “Endurance” becomes lodged in impassable ice, eventually sinking and forcing the crew to abandon ship. What follows is an incredible story of leadership, willpower, and ultimately, survival...



Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/we-can-all-learn-a-bit-from-shackleton/



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We Can All Learn A Bit From Shackleton

We Can All Learn A Bit From Shackleton.
I just finished reading Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing.  Usually I find non-fiction kind of dull.  But man, this was different.  So different that I had to write about it, because Shackleton’s story is one that all of us wanderers can relate to and learn from, on some level at least.  And so, without further ado, welcome to the first edition of the LanguageCorps Book Club!
Heralded as one of the great adventure tales of our time, Endurance is the story of a strange little fella named Ernest Shackleton, and his quest to become the first man to cross the Antarctic continent by foot.  His ship, “Endurance” becomes lodged in impassable ice, eventually sinking and forcing the crew to abandon ship.  What follows is an incredible story of leadership, willpower, and ultimately, survival...
Read more at http://www.languagecorps.com/blog/we-can-all-learn-a-bit-from-shackleton/
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Teaching Questions

Teaching Questions.
Once you have explained how to make questions you can play a kind of question chain. That is, you start asking something like "what's this?" Next person answers "It's a scarf". Again next person makes a question with the word scarf and the other one answers and so on. After several questions you ask them "What's the relationship between the scarf and the last word and they have to remember all questions and answers and tell the story. For example: "This is a scarf which is made of wool that comes from sheep which are farm animals like cows that provide you with milk..."
I have the students asking each other questions. I have created two worksheets of information about 4 people, but with lots of games. The students works in pairs to ask questions to fill in the gaps. The information includes date of birth (past simple), job (present tense) and ambitions (future)...
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/questions
http://www.languagecorpsasia.com

Teaching Reporting Verbs

Teaching Reporting Verbs.
After having introduced the basic reported verbs: ask, say and tell, I ask my students to write about 10 personal questions they will be able to ask me. Students love asking personal questions to their teachers! I put the questions on the board and then divide the class into 2 groups and make the first group leave and wait outside. The first group members take turns in asking me the prepared questions and write down my answers. Now, they leave and the second group does the same thing. However, what they do not know is that I am honest with one group and give correct answers, but lie to the other. It's a good idea not to tell them beforehand. When the second group is ready I ask the group outside in and tell the students to pair off as 1st and 2nd group partners....
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/reporting-verbs
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Teaching Reported Speech

Teaching Reported Speech.
I give the students comic strips from the funny pages, and they have to summarize the direct speech. There are always lots of questions, and that makes especially good practice."
I ask students to tell three secrets to a partner. Then this partner goes and tells these secrets to other people in the class (gossip). In this way, students practice reporting but in a fun way."
I ask students to think of a fun sentence, they're all in a line and the one at the end whispers his/her sentence to the one beside them, this student reports the sentence to the following student, and so on. The last student says the sentence aloud and we see if they did it correctly... it is like the "telefono descompuesto" in Spanish."
Job evaluation for an underachiever:
Boss: In our interview, you said that you could speak Japanese well, but...
Read more at http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/reported-speech
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