intensive English program

3 tips for overcoming homesickness during your intensive English program

Posted by mikebax2015on March 6, 2019in English As A Second Language

English as a second language school

Studying English in Canada is an amazing opportunity. You’ll get to explore a foreign country, meet interesting people, and learn a new language all at the same time. However, while studying abroad is an exciting experience, it is quite common to miss your home, family, and friends while you are away. Missing your home while you’re away even has its own word in English: homesickness.

If you’re feeling homesick, it is important to know that you are not alone. Missing your home life and culture is common, especially after the initial excitement of arriving in a new country fades. Luckily, most students learn to overcome homesickness so that they can continue enjoying their time abroad.

Here are 3 ways you can overcome homesickness:

1. Meet friends through social activities in your intensive English program

Having a circle of friends will help you feel less isolated while you study English abroad. However, making friends in a new country may feel difficult at first, especially when you don’t know many people. Fortunately, studying English makes meeting people much easier. Ask your classmates if they would like to form a study group or suggest and plan a visit to a local attraction. If reaching out to new people feels intimidating, take part in the social activities that your English as a second language school offers. For example, your school may offer social activities, such as field trips or board games nights. Attending these events can be a great way to meet new people.

Making friends with your classmates is a great way to overcome homesickness

2. Maintain connections with your home, but don’t dwell on social media

Another way to overcome homesickness is to maintain some connections to your home country. For example, you should call or chat online with friends and family back home regularly. It’s also a good idea to find a grocery store that sells imported food from your home country. This way, you can still enjoy some of the foods you love while you are away, and perhaps even share them with the new friends you make!

However, don’t dwell too much on what you are missing back home. While staying in touch with your friends is definitely a good idea, spending hours on social media looking at what they are doing is not. Try to limit your social media use to a few hours per week. Too much social media can make you feel lonelier, since you will feel as though you are missing out on events back home. Instead, focus on the friends you are making while you study English. Those friends may even be able to share tips about how they have overcome their own feelings of homesickness.

3. Stay open to exploring your new home when you study English abroad

The first week of arriving to a new country is usually the most exciting. Everything will seem new and fascinating. However, once this initial excitement wears off, it can be easy to take things for granted and to start to miss home. To combat this, seek out new experiences even after that first wave of excitement fades. Whether you study English in Ottawa or in London, Ontario, there are many incredible things to see and do after the first week.

For example, Ottawa has a lot of world-class cultural and historic attractions, such as the Rideau Canal—which you can skate on during the winter. London, meanwhile, is home to great festivals, including Sunfest, which is the second-largest world music festival in Canada. These are great attractions to explore on your own or with your classmates. Remaining open to exploring your surroundings and seeking new experiences will help you appreciate what an amazing opportunity studying abroad is.

Remember to keep exploring what makes your new home unique, like the Rideau Canal in Ottawa

Do you want to study English abroad?

Contact CultureWorks to learn more about our intensive English program!

4 reasons to visit Niagara Falls while attending ESL school in Canada

Posted by mikebax2015on February 20, 2019in CANADA, English As A Second Language, NEWS & EVENTS, TRAVEL

ESL school in Canada

Niagara Falls is one of the most famous natural wonders in Canada. If you study English in London, Ontario you’ll be just two hours away from this must-see sight. Of course, the main reason for visiting Niagara Falls is to see the incredible waterfalls themselves. But did you know there are actually many other attractions nearby that are also worth a visit?

Visiting Niagara Falls is a highlight for countless people who come to study English in Canada. It is also a fantastic opportunity to spend a fun-filled day with friends and classmates. You’ll get to see an amazing natural attraction and even practice your English language skills while you’re at it.

1. Practice your English language skills with a boat cruise to the falls

For a truly unforgettable way to see the falls, take one of the boat cruises available. The most popular Niagara Falls boat cruise is the Maid of the Mist, which departs from the U.S. side. However, there is another cruise called the Hornblower that leaves from the Canadian side. Both cruises take you past the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls: the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. Because these are guided tours, they are a great opportunity to test the skills you learn in your intensive English program. You’ll get really close to the falls and you will definitely get wet, so make sure your camera is waterproof!

2. Stay past dark to see fireworks and the illumination of the falls

You may be surprised to know that for many people the best time to see the falls is not during the day, but at night. That’s because as soon as the sun sets, the waterfalls are lit up in different colours using incredibly powerful LED lights. Different colours of lights are used to mark special occasions or to promote worthy causes. This light show is an incredible sight that occurs every night of the year. Even better, from mid-June to September there is a nightly fireworks show above the waterfalls.

The falls are lit up with lights and fireworks every night during the summer

3. Join your ESL classmates for a day of thrills at Clifton Hill

One of the most popular attractions in Niagara Falls is called Clifton Hill. Clifton Hill is a street lined with a lot of fun and even bizarre attractions, such as wax museums, haunted houses, video arcades, a Guinness World Records Museum, and miniature golf courses. Clifton Hill is an entertaining place to visit with friends and classmates from your ESL school in Canada. Many of the buildings have very outlandish architecture and the street is often compared to Las Vegas. In the middle of Clifton Hill is the Niagara SkyWheel, which is a giant Ferris wheel offering spectacular views of the falls.

Clifton Hill is a great place to enjoy fun attractions such as haunted houses and a Ferris wheel

4. Take a look behind Niagara Falls during your intensive English program

Another inspiring way to see the famous waterfalls is by visiting Journey Behind the Falls. This attraction takes you down an elevator into a network of tunnels that have been carved into the rock behind Niagara Falls. From these tunnels you get to see behind the waterfalls and really feel how powerful they are. There is also an outdoor observation deck located at the bottom of the falls that is great for photo opportunities.

Do you want to study English as a second language in Canada?

Contact CultureWorks today to learn about our programs!

Experiencing our country’s history when you take English training in Canada

Posted by mikebax2015on January 16, 2019in CANADA

English language training in Canada

One of the most exciting things about travelling to a new country and studying its language is learning about its history. Luckily, when you study English in Ottawa or London, Ontario, you’ll be close to some of Canada’s best museums and most important historic sites. So, you can easily go on trips in your free time to learn about Canada’s long history. These sites even make for fascinating conversation topics to help you practice your English with your classmates and the people you meet in Canada.

Learn about the Underground Railroad at Uncle Tom’s Cabin during your English training

Close to London, Ontario, is Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site. Here you can learn about Canada’s role in the Underground Railroad, which was a secret network of routes in the 1800s that slaves in the southern United States used to escape to freedom in Canada. The site includes the restored 1841 home of Josiah Henson, who was a former slave. He was also the model for the popular 1852 anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. There is also a museum, gallery, and other buildings from the 1800s at the site, so you can see what life was like in Canada nearly 200 years ago.

Visit the Canadian Museum of History while studying English in Ottawa

If you enroll in an intensive English program in Ottawa and you want to learn about Canadian history and culture, then you should definitely visit the Canadian Museum of History. It is one of the biggest and most important museums in the country and it covers 20,000 years of Canadian history. It’s also a great place if you are looking for subjects that you can use to practice your English skills. That’s because exhibits such as the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles and the world’s oldest hockey stick are great conversation starters!

The Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa is one of Canada’s most important museums

Visit the Diefenbunker to learn more about Canada during the 20th century

Just a short drive outside of Ottawa is the Diefenbunker, which is one of Canada’s most unusual museums. The Diefenbunker is an underground bunker built by former Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker in the 1950s and 1960s. The bunker was supposed to house the government in case of a nuclear attack during the Cold War. Today, you can visit this underground museum and see exhibits about Canada during the Cold War. You can even see rooms preserved just as they were in the 1960s, including the Prime Minister’s suite.
You can see the Diefenbunker here in this short clip:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFtVzLFBsmU]

Visit the Museum of Ontario Archaeology during your English training in Canada

If your English training in Canada takes you to London, Ontario, make sure you visit the Museum of Ontario Archaeology. This is a great museum to learn about Ontario’s First Nations peoples, and our London students have a lot of fun going on trips here! It covers 13,000 years of history, from the Ice Age to when Europeans first arrived in the area. The highlight of the Museum of Ontario Archaeology is the Lawson Site. The Lawson Site is where an Iroquois village that housed up to 2,000 people was once located. Archaeological digs have been going on at the Lawson Site for 150 years. Parts of the village have even been restored so you can see what it looked like 500 years ago.

Are you interested in completing English language training in Canada?

Contact CultureWorks to learn more about our programs!

Studying an intensive English program in October? What to know about Canadian Thanksgiving

Posted by mikebax2015on October 3, 2018in CULTUREWORKS EXPERIENCE

study English in Canada

Thanksgiving in the United States is very famous around the world, but you might be surprised to learn that it’s a holiday also celebrated in Canada. It’s similar to U.S. Thanksgiving in a lot of different ways, but in Canada it is held on the second Monday of October. That means this year’s Thanksgiving is on Monday, October 8th, and good news—it’s a public holiday here!

It’s a great opportunity to enjoy Canadian culture, but how do you celebrate it properly? You might be experiencing this great day for the first time while learning the English language, so here’s a quick guide on what Canadian Thanksgiving is all about.

Thanksgiving was celebrated in Canada before the United States

The first Thanksgiving celebration in Canada is believed to have taken place in Newfoundland in 1578 to celebrate explorer Sir Martin Frobisher’s safe journey from Europe. That’s 43 years before the first Thanksgiving in the U.S.! It has been a national holiday here since 1879 and it has taken place on the second Monday in October since 1957. Some Canadian provinces celebrate the day more than others, and Ontario is a great place to be for Thanksgiving when you’re studying an intensive English program.

Eat delicious food for the day

Avoid following a diet on Canadian Thanksgiving because this is a great day to eat lots of delicious food. Turkey is the most traditional meat eaten on the day, and most people also enjoy stuffing, mashed potatoes, and different vegetables. It’s almost identical to a traditional Christmas dinner until the dessert arrives. Traditionally, the dessert served on Thanksgiving is pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie is the perfect fall treat, so why not try it with friends!

Enjoy a delicious turkey dinner on Thanksgiving

Go for a nice walk while you study English in Canada

Fall is a wonderful time of year in Canada. The air is cool and it’s a perfect opportunity to go for a walk after eating a big dinner. Go to a local park and enjoy the sight of leaves falling off the trees, or go on a bike ride with friends if you have a little more energy. Check out whether there are any suitable places for pumpkin picking too, which is a fun activity to try. Winter can be very cold here in Canada, so take advantage of the nice fall temperatures on Canadian Thanksgiving.

Enjoy the beautiful fall scenery after dinner

Football and hockey are popular sports on Thanksgiving

Did you know that Canada has its own version of U.S. football? They’re almost identical and Thanksgiving is a big day for the Canadian Football League (CFL). Lots of people relax in front of the television to watch the games. If you’re feeling more active, you can also go out on the streets and play some road hockey. Fall is the start of the hockey season, so it’s a great time to start learning more about the sport.

It’s a public holiday so beware of shop closures

Thanksgiving is an official holiday in Ontario, which means that most people don’t have to go to work. Unfortunately, that means that a lot of your favourite shops and restaurants might not be open on the day. So, if you’re attending English as a second language school and need to do some shopping, try and do it a few days beforehand.

Do you want to study English in Canada?

Develop your language skills and have great fun at CultureWorks.

5 great ways to stay cool this summer when you learn English as a second language

Posted by mikebax2015on July 4, 2018in CULTUREWORKS EXPERIENCE

learn English as a second language

Canadian winters might be cold, but our summers certainly aren’t! During the hot summer months, temperatures can climb up to over 30 degrees Celsius. Fortunately, Canada is home to many large beaches, lakes, and other natural wonders that will thrill you while keeping the heat and humidity away. You can also try visiting one of Canada’s many water parks, guaranteed to provide you with a fun and exciting time. Here are just some of the fun activities you can look forward to during a summer in Canada.

1. Visit local beaches

Whether it’s passing a beach ball around or playing some volleyball with your friends, the beach is where you can go to have fun, swim, enjoy the sunshine, and stay cool. Should you choose to study English as a second language at CultureWorks’ campus in London, Ontario, there are over 10 unique beaches you can visit! Try going to Sauble Beach, a huge beach with an incredible view right on the shores of Lake Huron, or take a trip over to Port Stanley, another great beach on Lake Erie!

CultureWorks students enjoy a game of tug of war at the beach

2. Have you ever tried kayaking?

Kayaking is a fun activity you can do on your own or with friends. Kayaking is also a great way to get exercise too! For new students just starting an intensive English program in Canada, kayaking can be a wonderful way to stay cool and explore local lakes and rivers.

Try kayaking with friends during the summer

You can kayak almost anywhere in Ottawa, along slow moving rivers and tranquil lakes, such as Lac Philip and La Peche Lake. You can also try rowing your kayak along Dow’s Lake. The lake has a great pavilion, and it’s close to the Rideau Canal, another great place to kayak!

3. Go on a boat tour

Boat cruises and tours are so much fun, and they’re educational too! There are many different boat touring companies in Ottawa, which can take you around Ottawa’s huge lakes and rivers. Some tours will even have a guide to explain local history and points of interest. One of the most popular boat cruises in Ottawa is along the Rideau Canal, famous for its history, landmarks, and amazing sights. Boat tours are also a great way to just sit back, relax, and cool down after a long hot day!

4. Water parks are a blast!

For maximum fun while attending ESL school in Canada, you have to visit one of the country’s incredible water parks. Students in London, Ontario, can visit East Park. East Park has many cool things to do, such as golf, go carting, and fun water slides! In Ottawa, students can visit Canada’s largest water theme park, Calypso. This water park has 35 different water slides, 100 types of water games, and a massive wave pool!

5. Try a day trip to Niagara Falls when you learn English as a second language

Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s most famous natural wonders, and if you decide to enroll at CultureWorks, you’ll have the chance to go on a trip there. Niagara Falls is the meeting place of three great waterfalls, the Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls. One of the best ways to experience Niagara Falls is get onto the Maid of the Mist boat cruise, which takes you up close to the waterfalls. You’ll definitely cool down near all that water mist!

Have fun at Niagara Falls with CultureWorks!

Are you ready to learn English as a second language in Canada?

Contact CultureWorks for more details!

How a top intensive English program can help improve your critical thinking skills

Posted by mikebax2015on June 6, 2018in CULTUREWORKS EXPERIENCE

ESL program in Canada

In a world where automation is becoming more and more common, many worry about which skills they need to stay ahead and enjoy a long and rewarding career. For many, soft skills such as emotional intelligence, communication skills, creativity, and critical thinking are the keys to avoiding automation. In fact, universities are increasingly looking for candidates who are critical thinkers.

Employers love this quality too. A study by the job-search website indeed.com found that critical thinking is being mentioned more and more in job advertisements. These skills are developed in many different ways during an English language course. How can the right ESL program help you develop your critical thinking skills? Here are just a few examples.

Classroom discussions promote language learning and critical thinking

Learning English is much easier when you have regular conversations with other students and teachers. This is a great way to use the new words and grammar taught in your intensive English program. It is also an important method for developing critical thinking skills.

For example, CultureWorks has developed an online course called ‘The Daily Boomalang’. In this course, students are given news articles and videos before class. They then read the material before discussing the topic in a group with an experienced instructor and other students. As a result, students get to practice reading and communicating in English.

Students develop their critical thinking skills as they discuss current events in The Daily Boomalang:

However, the benefits don’t end there. ‘The Daily Boomalang’ encourages students to discuss, debate, and engage with important issues affecting Canada and the world. This helps students express and develop their opinions, and respectfully listen and respond to the opinions of others. As a result, students develop their ability to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and recognize reputable news sources—all of which helps them strengthen their critical thinking skills.

Essay writing also helps to improve critical thinking

Writing classes are an important part of any ESL education. These skills help students express their opinions in an essay or academic paper, helping them improve their English and prepare for university. In addition, writing is a proven approach for improving critical thinking skills. For example, a recent study compared two groups of students: one that had completed a writing assignment and one that had completed multiple choice questions. The study found that the students who had completed the writing assignment had significantly improved their critical thinking skills, and were better at “analysis and inference”—essential attributes for anyone who wants a career in engineering, business, the sciences, and many other fields.

Part of the reason why writing assignments are so effective is that they encourage students to put lessons into their own words. To do this, they need to truly understand course material and how to apply it to different situations. In addition, writing exercises help students develop confidence in their opinion and their ability to express it.

Completing an ESL program in Canada exposes students to other cultures

English language schools are a great place to meet other students from other nationalities and cultures. This can be its own reward, as students make new friends, celebrate new holidays, discover new traditions, and enjoy tasty food from all over the world.

However, learning about other cultures is also a very useful way to improve critical thinking skills. Discovering other cultures helps students learn about different points of view and examine their own opinions from a different perspective. This helps them broaden their understanding, which is an important part of critical thinking. A top English as a second language school recognizes just how valuable these experiences are. This is why schools such as CultureWorks create a friendly environment that helps students develop friendships. Field trips and activities are also an important part of the curriculum. They help students learn about Canadian culture at the same time as they improve their English skills.

intensive English program — Outside activities are a great way to learn English and improve critical thinking skills

Develop your critical thinking skills while you complete an ESL program in Canada.

Find out how CultureWorks can help!

The 5 best ways to enjoy a Canadian summer at ESL school in Canada

Posted by mikebax2015on May 23, 2018in English As A Second Language

ESL school

While winter in Canada is a unique experience, summer also has a lot to offer. In fact, the summer is Canada’s peak tourism season. This means that many cities hold festivals, parades, and other fun activities for locals and visitors alike. Parks also see many visitors during this time of the year, welcoming hikers, campers, and adventurists from Canada and all over the world.

What are some of the best ways to enjoy a Canadian summer? Read on to find out!

1. Get active outdoors

One of the best ways to get your summer off to a great start while studying in Canada is to try different outdoor activities. ESL students could ride a bike or go rollerblading around the city, which is a good way to explore and get familiar with a new environment. They may also enjoy going for a hike or a jog on the Pink Lake or King Mountain trails in Ottawa, or the Fanshawe Lake Trail in London, Ontario. It’s a great way to keep healthy and fit during the summer, letting students take in the fresh scent of pine trees and admire some of the beautiful lakes, rivers, and forests Ontario has to offer.

Hiking in nature is a great way for ESL students to explore Canada

2. Have fun at local festivals

Local festivals are a great way for students attending ESL school in Canada to have fun during the summer. ESL students who love music will like Ottawa’s Bluesfest and TD Jazz Festival, while students in London will have the London Bluesfest and Beatles festivals to look forward to.

Music festivals aren’t the only fun activities students can enjoy during the summer. London and Ottawa also have great food and art festivals such as the London Ribfest and Centretown Outdoor Film Festival. London and Ottawa also celebrate many different cultures through festivals as well. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet others, enjoy foods from other countries, and enjoy a beautiful summer day!

3. Visit historical sites and buildings

London and Ottawa have plenty of important historical sites where ESL students can learn more about Canadian history. For example, students can start by visiting Parliament Hill, one of the most important buildings in Canada. This is where the Prime Minister and other Canadian politicians meet and manage the affairs of the country. During the summer, Parliament Hill becomes even more special. At night, a beautiful light show is projected onto the buildings for visitors and locals to enjoy. In addition, every Wednesday at noon (when it’s not raining!) free yoga sessions take place on the lawn of Parliament Hill:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cDJMJJuI9k]In London there are also many wonderful historic sites to visit. For example, you can visit the famous Banting House, which was the home of Dr. Frederick Banting and which is now a museum dedicated to his work. Why is Dr. Banting so important in Canada and around the world? He is the man who helped discover insulin!

4. Celebrate Canada Day!

Every 1st of July, Canadians gather together to celebrate the birth of their nation with fun and exciting activities. For ESL students in an intensive English program, these celebrations are a not-to-be-missed activity. Across the country, many Canada Day celebrations will include music shows, fireworks displays, and tasty foods to enjoy.

One of the best places to have a great Canada Day experience is on Parliament Hill. Here students will be able to watch performances from famous Canadian musicians, and when the singing is over you’ll be treated to an amazing fireworks show!

5. Take a day trip when studying English as a second language in Canada

Excellent ESL schools like CultureWorks offer great day trips to cities such as Toronto, as well as to Canada’s beautiful national parks. Cultureworks also offers trips to see Niagara Falls, one of Canada’s most well-known natural wonders. Students can walk along the platforms at Queen Victoria Park to get a closer look at the waterfalls, or get a better view from the Skylon Tower observation deck. For ESL students, there’s plenty to enjoy during a Canadian summer!

CultureWorks students enjoy day trips to nature reserves, national parks, and more!

Are you looking to study English in a fun and stimulating environment?

Enroll in an English as a second language program in Canada with CultureWorks!

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day when you study English in Canada

Posted by mikebax2015on March 14, 2018in CANADA, CULTURE

study English in Canada

St. Patrick’s Day, also called the Feast of St. Patrick, is an Irish holiday that takes place every year on March 17th. It celebrates Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Because hundreds of thousands of Irish people moved to Canada in the 1800s, St. Patrick’s Day is still celebrated by many Canadians to this day. More than four million Canadians are of Irish descent!

You don’t have to be of Irish descent to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, though. In fact, while four million Canadians are of Irish descent, more than 30 million Canadians aren’t, and they also love enjoying this fun celebration. Here are some of the ways to celebrate while you’re learning English in Canada.

The easiest way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is to wear green

Green is one of the national colours of Ireland, which is why many people will wear it on St. Patrick’s Day. If you want to participate in St. Patrick’s Day, the easiest way to start is to wear a bit of green yourself!

Green t-shirts, green pants, green shoes, and even green face paint are all common on St. Patrick’s Day. You have plenty of options for how you can dress up, so why not give it a try?

Go see a St. Patrick’s Day Parade with friends from your intensive English program

One of the most common ways St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated is with a big parade. Organizations, businesses, and regular people put on green clothes and walk and dance as part of a big parade through the city. There is usually music as well as Irish-themed activities to enjoy.

Many Canadian cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa will have a big St. Patrick’s Day Parade. For students completing an intensive English program, it can be a wonderful way to spend an afternoon with new friends and enjoy Canadian (and Irish!) culture.

Here’s a look at Ottawa’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkEMmsJz4_M]

Have a meal at an Irish pub to enjoy a taste of Irish-Canadian culture

Irish pubs have cozy decor, delicious food like Irish stew, and a fun Irish-inspired atmosphere. You can often see European soccer games playing on the TVs in an Irish pub, and some of the most popular drinks are Irish beers such as Guinness and Kilkenny, as well as delicious apple cider. On St. Patrick’s Day, there’s also a good chance that there will be live music to listen to.

Irish pubs are a great place to go to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, so consider giving it a try! Just make sure you and your friends get there early so that you can get a table! Pubs are especially popular on St. Patrick’s Day.

Read a book of Irish myths and legends while at ESL school

The Irish are famous for their storytelling and have many interesting myths and legends. If you want a fun way to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, reading some of these stories is a great idea!
Irish stories are full of daring heroes and all kinds of wonderful adventures, so they can be quite exciting to read. They’re also a great way to get a little extra practice during your free time while at ESL school! For the full Irish experience, have some Irish breakfast tea while you read.

Do you want to learn English and enjoy local culture in a new country?

Contact CultureWorks to learn what it’s like to study English in Canada!

Four must-try winter activities for anyone at English-as-a-second-language school in Canada

Posted by mikebax2015on February 6, 2018in CANADA, CULTURE

english as a second language school

Winter in Canada is a very special time. Temperatures get cold, the ground becomes covered in snow, and Canadians get to enjoy their favourite winter activities. There are many fun things to try in the winter that you can’t do at any other time of year, such as making a snowman or having a snowball fight. If you’re not used to winters like the ones in Canada, you should make sure to try these and many other unforgettable activities while at ESL school.

Curious about which winter activities you should try? Here are some that Canadians look forward to each year!

Have a snowball fight when you study English in Canada

One winter activity Canadians love to do is have a snowball fight. It involves taking a handful of snow, making it into the shape of a ball, and throwing it at friends nearby. Sometimes you might start a snowball fight by surprising a friend, but most of the time it’s a good idea to ask first if they want to participate.

You might want to have a snowball fight with just one or two friends at ESL school, or you could see if many more of your classmates would be interested too. In fact, the largest snowball fight in the world had as many as 8,200 people participating!

Make a snowman with classmates while at ESL school

No winter is complete without making a snowman, so you’ll definitely want to try this activity while you study English in Canada! Making a snowman is a lot of fun—especially when it’s time to decorate it. Give it eyes, a carrot for a nose, and whatever other features you like. You can be as creative and silly as you want when decorating your snowman. In fact, the sillier, the better! To make it even more fun, invite friends from your intensive English program to make a snowman with you. The results can be great!

In Canada, wintertime is sledding time

A big hill covered in snow is the perfect place to go sledding. There are many kinds of sleds you can use. Some are simple plastic discs or sheets, while others can be more elaborate. The most traditional type of sled is called a toboggan. This type of sled was invented by First Nations peoples, and is usually long and made of wood. Try one of these for a double dose of Canadian winter culture!

Try going for a walk in snowshoes during your intensive English program

During the winter, snow can become very deep. In fact, it can sometimes become so deep that if you step into a big pile of it, your foot will sink very far down. This can make it difficult to walk. Put snowshoes on first, though, and you can walk right on top of deep piles of snow. This is called snowshoeing, and is a fun winter activity for everyone to enjoy!

Like the toboggan, snowshoes were also invented by First Nations peoples and used to move around during the cold winter months. It’s a very cool experience to go for a walk in the woods in places where you would normally sink up to your knees in snow. Find some time to try snowshoeing if you want to explore snow-covered forests and other beautiful winter landscapes when you study English in Canada!

Do you want to experience Canadian winter for yourself?

Contact CultureWorks to sign up for English as a second language school in Canada!

How to write a perfect thesis statement in your intensive English program

Posted by mikebax2015on January 31, 2018in English As A Second Language

intensive English program

When writing an essay, it is important to have a strong thesis statement. A thesis statement is the main point of the paper, which you are trying to prove with your arguments. Having a good thesis makes it clear to readers what they can expect from your paper. It can also make it easier for you to structure your work so that everything you produce is related to a single central idea.

Writing a good thesis takes practice, but there are some techniques that can help you do so. Here are a few strategies to use when writing a thesis in your intensive English training.

Make your thesis the answer to a question

If you want readers to read your paper, you need to make them interested in what you have to say. One of the best ways to do this is to present readers with an interesting question, and then make your thesis statement the answer.

For example, if you were writing a paper arguing that sharks are the ultimate predator, you might use your introduction to mention some other large predators and then ask “But which animal is the ultimate predator?” Your thesis could then state that your paper will prove that sharks are.

If you ask an interesting question and make your thesis an interesting answer, readers will want to read your paper to learn more.

Practice choosing a side with your theses in your intensive English program

It’s usually not enough to just list out facts in an essay. Instead, the facts should support an argument that you are making. A good thesis will make it clear what your argument is. You should think about what it is that you want people to think or feel about your topic after they finish reading your essay, and make sure your thesis clearly promotes that side.

Consider the same example from above. If the thesis is “Sharks might be the ultimate predator, but tigers might also be the ultimate predator,” it doesn’t really choose a side. If the thesis is “Sharks are the world’s ultimate predator,” you are making a much stronger argument.

Keep your thesis statement short

There’s nothing wrong with having a long, detailed introduction to a paper, but the thesis statement should be relatively short. This helps make the point clearer for the reader and for yourself. Write too much and you risk making the thesis statement unfocused.

An ideal length for a thesis statement is one or two sentences. This should be enough to communicate your idea while still remaining focused. Try to stick to this rule while writing papers in your intensive English program and you will have an easy time writing thesis statements.

Get help from classmates and teachers from your English for academic purposes program

One of the biggest benefits of completing an English for academic purposes program is that you get a lot of hands-on practice writing in English and working with talented instructors and fellow students. It’s a good idea to ask them for their thoughts on your thesis!

Asking for another perspective is a great way to see if your thesis works as well as it should, or if there’s a hidden flaw you aren’t noticing. Your experienced instructors will be glad to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask what they think!

Do you want to learn English in a friendly and supportive environment?

Contact CultureWorks to learn about our English language training in Canada!