The Language Show Live & The Expat Show - Autumn 2015

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Whether you want to learn a language for relocation, work, love or brain power, come and talk to Cactus at two fantastic shows this year - and make the most of our special show offers and spectacular course giveaways!

1. The Expat Show

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11th-12th September 2015 - Olympia, London

Moving abroad is a big decision, especially if you are moving to a country where a different language is spoken. Cactus can help you make the process smooth and enjoyable by designing a bespoke language course to suit you and your family - be it through lessons before you go (evening language course or private tuition) or once you are in your new location (language course at a local school or private tuition). Speaking the language will help you integrate into the local community and feel at home much more quickly; it will also help you to make friends, give you confidence and make daily routine much easier.

Visit us on Stand A12 in the Relocation & Lifestyle Centre for a FREE language needs analysis and to claim your £50 voucher to put towards any language course! We will talk you through the best language learning solution for you and make sure you are fully prepared to follow your dream. You can also enter a competition to WIN one of 11 free language courses abroad!

2. Language Show LIVE

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16th-18th October 2015 - Olympia, London

For anyone with any language interest, the Language Show is a brilliant source of inspiration, ideas, advice and offers - all of which will be brought to you by Cactus this year! We are passionate about languages and we would love to speak to you about your language learning goals - whether you are a teacher looking to go away with a school group, a parent, a student or someone who just loves languages. With our range of school group trips, evening language courses in the UK, language courses abroad and TEFL courses worldwide, we really do have something for everyone and are always happy to advise on the best language course for you.

Visit us on Stand 532 to enter a competition to WIN one of 11 free language courses abroad, or a free evening course in the UK!

And come along to our FREE language taster classes - a fun-packed half-hour session for beginners, available on a first-come, first-served basis. A great opportunity to try something new!

  • Friday 16 October 12:45 - 13:15 Dutch
  • Friday 16 October 16:30 - 17:00 Norwegian
  • Saturday 17 October 16:30 - 17:00 Hindi
  • Sunday 18 October 12:00 - 12:30 Portuguese
  • Sunday 18 October 15:45 - 16:15 German

We look forward to seeing you and, if you are signed up to receive our newsletters, we’ll drop you a friendly email nearer the time with full details of our special show offers.

See you there!

Cinco de mayo: a day of history and celebration in Mexico

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5th May is an important and fun date for Mexicans all over the world

Cinco de Mayo is an annual festivity celebrating the unexpected victory of Mexican forces over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on 5th May, 1862. Although it is an unofficial Federal holiday, it is one that holds plenty of meaning for Mexicans in their home state of Puebla as well as those who reside in the US.

In Mexico, 5th May has become a day to celebrate Mexican heritage and as such people come out in force, dressed in traditional dress and ready to enjoy the food, drink and dance that typically accompany Cinco de Mayo festivities. These are usually limited to the state of Puebla, where the battle originally took place.

North of the border, in the US, Cinco de Mayo has also taken on an importance significance, mostly in areas that have a high population of people with Mexican descendency. In these areas, the day is usually seen as a celebration of the culture of Americans with Mexican ascendency, but is often enjoyed by other Americans regardless of their origin. Music and dancing are an important element of Cinco de Mayo celebrations, with baile folklorico and mariachi displays taking place each year in the center of Los Angeles. American schools take the opportunity to educate students about Mexican history, and traditional religious symbols such as the Virgin of Guadalupe are also revered at this time.

Elsewhere in the world, Cinco de Mayo celebrations are limited but certainly newsworthy! Mexican beer is enjoyed on the Mediterranean island of Malta, an air guitar competition takes place each year in the exotic Cayman Islands, and a Canadian sky diving club near Vancouver holds a celebratory skydiving event. It may be one of the smaller festivals in the Latin calendar but it is certainly one worth catching if you can.

Cactus runs Spanish immersion courses in locations across Mexico, and also Spanish evening courses throughout the year in the UK.

Top 5 Spring festivals in Spain

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Fiesta time is upon us! If there’s anywhere that knows how to throw a good party, it’s Spain. These festivals are the perfect pick-me-up after the long winter months, and a great incentive to learn a little Spanish too!

1. Moros y Cristianos, Alicante: 21st-24th April 2015

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Of the 150 or so locations in Spain to celebrate Moros y Cristianos, there is no beating the celebrations that take place in Alcoy, Alicante. The festival dates back to the 16th century and commemorates the Battle of Alcoy in 1276, when the Christian army of Saint George helped defeat the Moorish troops lead by Al-Azraq. In homage to St George, the people of Alcoy made him their patron saint and vowed to hold a festival in his honour each year…and what a festival it is. With 28 armies in mock battle, intricately-made costumes on show, a spectacular procession and breathtaking firework displays, the streets are full and the atmosphere is electric in this fitting tribute to the battle that expelled the Moors from Spain.

Spanish courses in Alicante

2. La Feria de Abril, Seville: 21st-26th April 2015

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Little may need to be said about what is arguably Spain’s biggest fiesta. The solemnity of Semana Santa the week preceding Easter is cast aside as the vibrant Andalucian city of Seville erupts into the much-anticipated April Fair, a week-long party of flamenco dancing, horse shows, bullfighting and more. This is Spanish fiesta at its best. The only problem is what to see and how to reserve enough energy to stay up all night and join the locals at what they do best – party, party, party!

Spanish courses in Seville

3. Patios de Cordoba: 4th-17th May 2015

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Exploring a city’s streets is one thing, but knocking on somebody’s door and entering through heavy wooden doors that are kept closed for 50 weeks of the year is a real privilege. And this is what Patios de Cordoba grants you – the chance to enter into the cool shade of private homes and feast your eyes on their patios which have been lovingly adorned throughout the year with all manner of flowers, plants and decorations. Lemon trees, geraniums, roses, carnations, fountains – the list is endless, but the colour and scent won’t fail to impress, and nor will the chance to enter hidden corners of Andalucia away from the rush of modern life.

Spanish courses in Cordoba

4. Horse Fair, Jerez: 10th-17th May 2015

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You don’t have to be a horse lover to enjoy Spain’s best horse fair, the Feria de Caballo in Jerez. Taking place in its famous sherry-producing town, Jerez de la Frontera, could be incentive enough. Or maybe you’ll be won over by the sight of impeccably-dressed locals riding through the streets and ladies dressed in bright flamenco dresses, ready to wow the crowds with their Sevillanas dance displays. But most of all you can’t help but be impressed by the supreme skill and care taken to train and groom the horses that star in this annual show. If there is one performance not to miss, it’s the Dancing Andalusian Horses – a true equestrian ballet, fully choreographed, accompanied by traditional Spanish music and costume. You’ll swear you didn’t know horses could do that type of thing…

Spanish courses in Seville

Spanish courses in Marbella

5. San Isidro, Madrid: 15th May 2015

madrid

If you want to experience the most quintessential of Spanish traditions then head for Madrid during its San Isidro festival. Not only is this the world’s most important bullfighting festival, it is also an excuse for flamboyant Spanish fiesta in the form of music, dancing, fairs and what is known as a romeria, or pilgrimage, to the shrine of Madrid’s patron saint, San Isidro. Las Ventas bullring plays host to the much-anticipated bullfights, concerts are held in the beautiful Plaza Mayor to concerts, and Vistillas Park is transformed into an open-air dance hall. Book tickets to specific events in advance, or just turn up and soak up the exhilarating atmosphere.

Spanish courses in Madrid

Cactus offers Spanish courses in many locations across Spain as well in countries throughout Central and South America.

10 things you might not know about Chinese New Year

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Wherever you are in the world, happy Chinese New Year!

1. The date of Chinese New Year is based on the Chinese lunar calendar and falls sometime in January or February each year. It falls on 19th February 2015 and celebrates the Year of the Goat (or Ram). 2016 will celebrate the Year of the Monkey.

2. Years in the Chinese calander are named after 12 different animals – the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Each animal is associated with a particular element – water, wood, fire or metal – and particular characteristics are associated with each animal and the people born during the year of that animal. People born in the Year of the Goat are characteristically kind, calm, thoughtful and honest.

3. You can wish someone happy new year in Chinese by saying xīnnián kuàilè (new year happiness!) or xīnnián hǎo (new year goodness!).

4. Chinese New Year is celebrated on the first day of the first month and the celebrations continue for two weeks.

5. As well as being celebrated in China and Taiwan, it is also marked among Overseas Chinese communities, and in Korea, Mongolia, Nepal, Bhutan, Vietnam and Japan.

6. Chinese New Year is a time when people return to their hometowns to celebrate with their families, so is not a good time to travel in places with large Chinese populations as everybody seems to be on the move.

7. During the festivities doors and windows are decorated with phrases related to happiness, wealth and longevity written or printed on red paper.

8. Before Chinese New Year people clean their houses thoroughly, which is believed to sweep away any bad luck. They also buy new clothes and shoes, and get their hair cut, all of which symbolise a fresh start.

9. On New Year’s Eve families have a big meal together. This may include fish, dim sum, dumplings and dessert.

10. On the first day of the New Year many people, especially Buddhists, abstain from eating meat, a practice which is thought to ensure a long life. The older members of the family present children and younger members with red envelopes of money, and people visit their elderly relatives.

Evening courses in Chinese

Cactus offers evening courses in Chinese Cantonese in London; next start dates are April and July 2015.

Courses are also available in Chinese Mandarin in London and across the UK; next start dates are April and July 2015.

Chinese courses in China

Cactus offers courses in Chinese Mandarin in China (Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai). Start dates are year-round.

 

How to say ‘I love you’ in 25 languages

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Impress your loved one with ‘I Love You’ in other language this Valentines Day…

Flowers, chocolates, champagne…dictionary? When it comes to love, it’s not just what you do, it’s what you say. Use our quick guide below to perfect those three little words that can make all the difference on Valentines Day.

Spanish: Te quiero / te amo
French: Je t’aime / je t’adore
German: Ich liebe dich
Italian: Ti amo

Arabic: Ana behibak (to a male) / Ana behibek (to a female)
Chinese: Wo ie ni (Mandarin) / Ngo oiy ney a (Cantonese)
Catalan: T’estimo
Croatian: Volim te
Czech: Miluji te
Dutch: Ik hou van jou
Farsi: Doset daram
Greek: S’agapo
Hindi: Main tumse pyār kartā hūn (male) / Main tumse pyār kartī hūn (female)
Hungarian: Szeretlek
Icelandic: Eg elska pig
Japanese: Aishiteru / Anata ga daisuki desu
Norwegian: Jeg elsker deg (Bokmål) / Eg elskar deg (Nynorsk)
Polish: Kocham cię
Portuguese: Eu te amo
Russian: Ya tebya liubliu
Swahili: Mimi nakupenda
Swedish: Jag älskar dig
Thai: Phom rug khun (male speaker) / Chan rug khun (female speaker)
Turkish: Seni seviyorum
Welsh: ‘Rwy’n dy garu

Fun in the snow…Québec Winter Carnival!

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To experience a true winter wonderland there is no better place than Québec in February…perfect for the young and the young at heart!

It may be cold in Canada, but they sure know how to use the weather to their advantage. For two weeks each year, the snow and ice so familiar of a Canadian winter transform Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, into a magical winter wonderland, as visitors and locals wrap up to celebrate the Québec Winter Carnival.

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Celebrated in 2015 between January 30th and February 15th, the Québec City Winter Festival is the largest winter carnival in the world. Anyone who missed out on a white Christmas or who just can’t get enough of the white stuff will not be disappointed, for you can’t help but get swept up, rosy-cheeked, in the joie de vivre of this huge outdoor party.

Perhaps the most important feature of the festival is the shimmering Bonhomme Ice Palace, built from some 5,000 blocks of ice, and home to a maze of towers and exhibits as well as a magnificent son et lumiere (light and sound) show. Bonhomme himself is the ubiquitous carnival mascot, a large smiling snowman with a red stocking cap who will welcome you in both French and English (as is common practice in Québec) and pop up cheerily at various points throughout your stay.

Also unmissable during this 2-week period are the colourful night parades, when some half a million spectators brave the sub-zero temperatures to line the streets and watch marching bands, floats and clowns pass by. Pile on the layers and huddle within the crowds and it will be an unforgettable few hours.

If however you’d rather be snuggled up in your ice hotel and wrapped in a bearskin by night – which is entirely possible, given that they build a new Ice Hotel each year for the very purpose - there are plenty of activities to enjoy by day. You may not rush to join in the snow bath, which is exactly as it sounds except you wear nothing more than a swimsuit, but you should certainly catch the legendary canoe race on the St Lawrence River. Not to be thwarted if the water is frozen, teams may resort to pulling their wooden canoes across the ice rather than through the water, and the race will inevitably be completed to much merriment and cheering.

It goes without saying than anyone with kids cannot go wrong by bringing them to Québec during the festival. There are countless activities to keep the little ones entertained, including a huge Children’s Village at The Plains of Abraham, former site of the battle in which the British fought the French and conquered Canada. With intricate snow sculptures lining the entrance, this wonderful playground for families offers dogsled and sleigh rides, snow slides and tunnels, snowmobiling, aerial trampolining, an obstacle course, an ice climbing wall, and more.

Other activities going on throughout the festival, for adults and children alike, include snow rafting, the opportunity to spend the night in a tepee or to learn ice fishing, and sampling of traditional Canadian food (the chocolate crepes always go down well).

The list of entertainment goes on, but needless to say this is one way to enjoy all that winter has to offer and see this usually dark and cold time of year in a completely different light. Take the kids or just go and play in the snow yourself – just remember to pack the woollies and you may find that you don’t really notice the cold too much after all.

Cactus offers French courses in Quebec City and also in Montreal.

What does Ollie Phillips want for Christmas?

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With letters to Santa on their way to the North Pole, we asked our much-loved Cactus Ambassador Ollie Phillips to tell us 5 things he would like for Christmas…

1. Salsa Lessons

“My twinkle toes have always been prone to a strut on the dance floor, but I think now is the time to inject a tad more rhythm into them so that I can keep up with all those Latin dancers out there!”

Latino Dancers. Painting of Merenge or Salsa Dancing Couple

2. To Learn Spanish

“Having learnt French and experienced the benefits - particularly culturally - in doing so, I am now desperate to get a grasp of the world’s most spoken language. Spanish culture excites me and the only way to really immerse yourself in it is to be able to speak the language.”

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3. Hair Transplant

“It’s swiftly becoming apparent that the ‘monk’ style haircut that I have been sporting for the last few years is now going out of fashion! In order for me to keep up with the times and grow a mohawk I feel that my hair follicles are going to need some help!!!”

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4. Polar Bear-Proof Pants!

“With my up-and-coming trek to the North Pole for the charity Wooden Spoon, I feel that a pair of iron-rod pants will prove to be essential! With the threat of polar bears very real, I could do with these bad boys to protect the crown jewels!!”

Polar bear cub of the year. Canadian Arctic

5. Cocktail-Making Lessons

“My ambitions to go to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympic Games are still very much apparent and I feel that in order to celebrate winning an Olympic Gold Medal, I am going to need to know how to make the Brazilian classic caipirinha in order for the team to have a fitting end to the whole experience!”

mojito cocktail and fresh ingredients in a tropical landscape

We’re sure Cactus might be able to help make some of Ollie’s wishes come true - we’re thinking a Spanish and Salsa course in Spain, Cuba, Guatemala or Colombia! - and would like to wish him and all our customers a very happy Christmas!

Find out more about Ollie Phillips’ inspiring role as Cactus Ambassador.

How to say ‘Happy New Year’ in 20 languages

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Wherever you are in the world, make sure you welcome in 2015 in style! Here we have the translations for ‘Happy New Year’ in 20 different languages

Afrikaans: Gelukkige nuwe jaar / Voorspoedige Nuwe jaar

Arabic: (helol alseneh aljedīdah) حلول السنة الجديدة

Bulgarian: Щастлива Нова Година (Štastliva Nova Godina)

Catalan: Feliç Any Nou

Chinese:

Mandarin: xīn nián kuài lè / gōng xǐ fā cái

Cantonese: sàn nìhn faai lohk / gung héi fáat chōi

Hakka: sin ngien kwai lok / giung hi fat coi

Shanghainese: sin ni kua loq / kong shi fuh ze

Danish: Godt nytår

Esperanto: Feliĉan novan jaron

French: Bonne Année

German: Guten Rutsch

Greek: Ευτυχισμένο το Νέο Ετος (Eutukhismeno to Neo Etos) / Καλὴ χρονιά (Kalí hroniá)

Hindi: नये साल की हार्दिक शुभकामनायें (Naye sāl kī hārdik śubhkāmnayeṅ)

Irish: Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Duit

Italian: Felice Anno Nuovo

Japanese: akemashite omedetō gozaimasu

Malay: Selamat Tahun Baru

Polish: Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku

Portuguese: Feliz Ano Novo / Próspero Ano Novo

Russian: С наступающим Новым Годом (S nastupayuščim Novym Godom)

Spanish: Feliz Año Nuevo / Próspero Año Nuevo

Welsh: Blwyddyn Newydd Dda

How to say ‘Happy Christmas’ in 20 languages

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Wherever you’ll be celebrating Christmas this year, spread the cheer by learning how to wish even more people ‘Happy Christmas’!

Catalan Bon Nadal
Croatian Sretan Božić
Czech Veselé Vánoce
Dutch Prettige Kerstdagen
Finnish Hyvää Joulua
French Joyeux Noël
German Fröhliche Weihnachten
Greek Kala Christougena
Hungarian Boldog Karácsonyt
Icelandic Gleðileg jól
Italian Buon Natale
Norwegian God Jul
Polish Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia
Portuguese Feliz Natal
Romanian Crăciun Fericit
Russian С наступающим Новым Годом (S nastupayuščim Novym Godom)
Spanish Feliz Navidad
Swedish God Jul
Turkish İyi Noeller
Welsh Nadolig Llawen

Another great way to say ‘Happy Christmas’ is to surprise your loved one with a Cactus gift voucher for use towards a language course of their choice.

Just click on the link to order online quickly and easily, with no worries about it being delivered in time for Christmas as it will be sent by email straight to your Inbox! Alternatively, please call one of our language course advisers on 0845 1304775 for more information or to purchase a voucher.

7 New Year’s Eve traditions to experience before you die

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Out with the old and in with the new - from sending candles out to sea to wearing yellow underwear and eating 12 grapes at midnight, here’s why you should celebrate new year away from home this year.

1. Germany

Marzipan pig with cloverleaf and mushroom on white

Fireworks at midnight to oust bad spirits, resolutions (gute Vorsätze) written on paper and then burned to make them come true, the exchange of marzipan pigs (Glücksschwein) to bring good luck for the new year…German traditions at New Year are touching, wistful and fun.

2. Italy

zampone

Expect to eat zampone, or stuffed pig’s trotter, if you’re celebrating new year in Italy. In true Italian style, the bigger the gathering the better - this is a time for friends, family, celebrations and lots of prosecco.

3. Scotland

hogmanay

One of the best-known New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world, at Hogmanay you’ll be treated to concerts, processions, fireworks and people bursting with pride singing Auld Lang Syne.

Beware of ‘first footing’! If you’re the first person to visit a house after midnight, you must take coal, whisky, salt or shortbread to bring good luck. In preparation for the chimes at midnight it’s also customary to clean your house, take out the ashes from the fire and clear your debts.

4. Brazil

copacabana

For all the partying that has made Brazil so famous - and there’ll be plenty of this at ‘Reveillon’, or new year - there is one heart-warming tradition. Crowds gather along Brazil’s beaches, dressed all in white, to celebrate the Festa de Iemanja, the Goddess of Water, and little boats are sent out to sea carrying flowers, candles, rice and gifts to ensure a good year to follow.

5. Spain

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As you would expect in Spain, celebrations for Noche Vieja, or New Year’s Eve, continue all the way through to the morning! Wherever you are, welcome in the near year by eating 12 lucky grapes at midnight, one with each chime of the clock. Eat them all and good luck will come your way the following year.

6. Greece

vasilopita

Get rich eating cake? You might just do so in Greece. Amongst the many special dishes that are prepared at New Year, the Vassilopitta, or St Basil’s cake, has a silver or gold coin buried within. Bite with caution.

7. Peru

Sports yellow female panties on white background

In a country known for its mysticism and spirituality, new clothes are perhaps not the first thing you would think of at new year. Yet don your best pair of yellow undies and you will be granted happiness and luck for the coming year. Alternatively, red underwear will bring you love and green underwear will bring you money. Easy…and no-one will ever know!

Wherever you are celebrating, a very happy new year from us all at Cactus.

If you have experienced New Year celebrations in other countries across the globe, please leave your comments below!