December 8th, 2011
Annecy is a hidden gem for Skiers / snowboarders, located just an hour’s drive of more than 10 major ski resorts. Why not combine your French course in Annecy with weekend excursions to the slopes and a spot of après ski!
Annecy is only an hour away from The Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) the largest ski domain in the Alps with 600km of prepared and maintained pistes. The slopes connect the ski resorts of Courchevel, Meribel, La Tania, Val Thorens and Les Menuires. I myself have spent a ski season in The Three Valleys and can vouch for it being one of the best locations that I have ever snowboarded!
If you want to ski closer to Annecy, why not visit the ski resort “La Clusaz” , just 30 minutes drive away . If you like, you can follow your morning French classes with half a day’s skiing in the afternoon , as it is so close!
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December 8th, 2011
One of the most universally recognised symbols of Christmas is the traditional nativity scene: Mary and Joseph; the newborn baby Jesus; and the three Kings and other well-wishers that have come to bestow gifts on the child.
However, in Catalonia, another figure hides at the back of the scene. El Caganer is a uniquely Catalan character, who is depicted in the process of defecating.
A humorous character, the caganer is not intended to cause offence.
His place within the holy scene may seem a little strange, but in Catalan tradition this symbolises the fertilisation of the earth, and is supposed to bring a successful harvest for the following year, as well as luck and happiness to loved ones.
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November 22nd, 2011
Whether you want to visit a typical German Christmas market, learn how to prepare a traditional Italian festive feast with a host ‘mamma’, or just lie on the beach and relax in the Canaries, Apple Languages can arrange it all for you this winter!
Many of our schools stay open over the Christmas and New Year period. Some schools, such as our schools in Berlin, Tenerife and Naples offer language lessons, accommodation and daily Christmas/New Year excursions and activities. Other schools, such as Madrid, St Anne and Kitzbuhel, stay open over Christmas/New Year (just closing for bank holidays), offering language courses and accommodation throughout the period, but no specific Christmas/New Year activities.
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November 9th, 2011
Genoa, the first thing to say about this city is that it’s just magic! I’m Elisa, I’ve studied in Genoa, worked there and I can tell that it’s one of those cities you never get tired of, since there’s always plenty of places to see, things to do and new friends to make!
If you have the chance to go there, I’m going to suggest you the best places I know where you can enjoy some of the most beautiful sceneries of this charming city, the best little shops where all Genovese go and buy food as well, and also where you can go to enjoy the real night life, as if you were born in Genoa!
I hope that, while reading this, you will feel like you are travelling virtually with me through the vicoli, you’ll taste with me the wonderful and incomparable focaccia and enjoy together its lively and amazing nightlife!
And… here we are in Genoa! What about starting our tour in one of the little pedestrian streets in Genoa, it’s called Via San Vincenzo and it’s just some minutes walk from both the station and the main square in Genoa. Walking up this street, you can find two of the best focaccerie where you can taste our special, amazing and absolutely unique focaccia! You can also have a slice of pizza or farinata another speciality of Genovese cuisine.
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October 18th, 2011
I have just come back from Milan, and I had a brilliant time there! There is so much to see and do, and it’s not all about the shopping (although that is excellent too!). I have been to Milan a couple of times now, and it is a city that I would love to continue visiting. I have no hesitation in recommending Milan as an excellent location in which to learn Italian, as for someone that is interested in Italian culture, history, art, music and shopping (like me), Milan is perfect! It is also an excellent location from which to visit other exciting locations in Northern Italy, such as the lakes, Turin, Verona and Genoa!
The first evening I arrived, I took a gentle stroll down to the Piazza del Duomo, which is in the heart of the city and very close to the school. In the evening light, the Duomo looked positively magical, glowing a bright ivory in the setting sun. Perched on the steps of the Duomo, I ate my gelato (the most delicious ice cream I have ever tasted!) and watched the Milanese heading through the piazza, on their way to aperitivo, and then dinner.
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June 15th, 2011
What can I say about Kiev, except WOW! The city is simply full of beautiful churches, historic buildings, and really friendly people! I’ve been to Moscow and St Petersburg (which I loved), but Kiev is totally different, and feels really Russian, in the best of ways!
It’s clean, welcoming, and very easy to get around, whether on foot, or by bus.
It’s a great place in which to learn Russian, because people really are very happy to talk to you. Though Kiev is a large city, with great shopping and an excellent nightlife, the pace of life is much more relaxed than in Moscow and St Petersburg, so people have time to stop and chat. If you’re a foreigner, they’re keen to help, give directions and generally look after you – even if you’ve just met them on the street!
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May 17th, 2011
After considering both Lyon and Paris, I chose to study in Lyon. This was because I was planning to spend several months in France, and I wanted to be in a big city, but I felt that in Lyon I would have more opportunity to speak French and experience real French culture than in Paris.
What I discovered was that Lyon has so much more to offer than this! Beautiful Lyon lies on three rivers. The masculine Rhône and the feminine Saône divide the city into distinct districts.
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May 17th, 2011
The city has a great cultural programme. Every day over 50 different events ranging from festivals, music, theatre, dance and art exhibitions take place across the city.
The castle illuminations which take place each summer, the medieval autumn fair and Christmas market are particularly worth a look!
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April 13th, 2011
This photo tells you everything you need to know about Guadeloupe!
With white sandy beaches surrounded by palm trees, clear blue skies and warm turquoise sea - a true island paradise awaits!
During my visit, I loved speaking French with the friendly locals, eating great Caribbean food and working on my sun tan!
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March 18th, 2011
China is a country which has always fascinated me and the thought of visiting was truly a life long dream. My trip to Shanghai and Beijing was absolutely amazing. I loved the combination of ancient history and ultra-modern technology and architecture. I can honestly say that the reality of life in China far surpassed my expectations.
Travelling as a complete beginner in Chinese I was slightly concerned about what to expect when I arrived in China, but there was no need to worry! I was met at the airport by the school’s transfer driver Mr Wu who took me directly to my accommodation and after a long flight it was well worth booking this service.
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