On Friday 5th March we have a bus heading to Byron Bay for GV Noosa and GV Caloundra students.The bus will leave Caloundra at 11.15am so you have time to attend your first class in the morning, and return on Sunday evening. Cost is $230 including most meals and accommodation.
Byron Bay is the most eastern point in Australia, so you can see the sun come up earlier than anywhere else. There are great surfing beaches and many local attractions to see, including the historic lighthouse pictured below.
There are only 21 seats for this trip and tickets are selling quickly. See Patty for more information or to make your booking.
When I was asked to write a short reflection on the CAE course I am taking, I was quite pleased because this course is actually a pleasure to attend.
Although the first four weeks were quite demanding, mostly due to the lack of my previous experience with the complexity of taking exams, I have made remarkable progress. I have learned useful strategies for reading and listening, enriched by vocabulary in many areas and have notably improved my grammar as well as writing skills. However dull acquiring these may seem, our enormously resourceful teacher Adi makes it incredibly entertaining. She supplies us with interesting articles, engaging games, quizes and numerous other activities so we can practise out English to perfection. On the top of that, the atmosphere on the campus is motivating thanks to the friendly and devoted teachers.
All in all, this course has not only fulfilled my expectations but has exceeded them, big time!
We have a great online community for all students to enjoy.
Not only do we have a blog, we have Facebook, Orkut, Youtube and Flickr accounts. There really is something for everyone. These are great to keep up-to-date with news and events, but also to show your family and friends, what you have been up to in Australia. Why not have a look, you may find some photos of yourself!
Come along to our Tuesday and Thursday GV Work Shop classes if you need help with finding work, writing resumes, attending interviews or simply for the fun of it.
Andy will taking the classes in Room 2 at 2pm.
Each lesson will focus on a different aspect of finding ajob. For example on Tuesday students wrote a resume.
In case you’re wondering who the new teacher is taking the Upper Intermediate class it’s Andy, except, he isn’t new. Andy left GV roughly this time last year to travel around the world with his wife and two children, Erin and Sean. If you get a chance you should have a chat with him, who knows, he may have visited your home town.
The Gatorade Triathlon Series is Queensland’s most popular triathlon series – so go along to the Caloundra Triathlon this Sunday.
There will be close to 1,200 competitors ranging in age from seven to 70 who will compete in the Triathlon in a range of categories, not to mention our very own Camilo.
Why would you come from one of the biggest cities in the world, London to Calounda? Well the answer was remarkably simple, at least for me.
I lived in London for five years. Most of the time I worked 6 days a week and 12 hours a day, spent hours travelling to and from work and what was even worse I didn’t have a proper holiday during all that time. So, one day I said to myself, “You’ve had enough…it’s time to enjoy yourself,” and that was it!
The money I had saved allowed me to go anywhere for a year and do nothing and because I always wanted to learn how to surf the only logical choice was Australia.
All of my Aussie friends kept telling me, “Just don’t go to Sydney, it’s too expensive,” “Go to Brisbane instead,” and so I did.
When I arrived in Brisbane I bought a car and started to travel. Every day I spent a few hours lying on the beach or swimming and I just loved it. At the same time I knew my time in Australia would come to an end and that I would eventually have to start the English course I was planning to do in Brisbane. The problem there was that there wouldn’t be any swimming or lying on the beach. So I started to dig around for another place to study and a few days later I came up with a town called Caloundra.
It’s rather a small town but that’s exactly what makes the town so special. What I appreciate the most is that you don’t feel stressed or the tension you do in a large city, the lack of noise, traffic jams and thousands of commuters.
I study 4 hours a day at the language school, the teachers are wonderful and everybody is so friendly. I’ve got lots of free time and the closest beach is just five minutes away from where I live which means that I can go to the beach every day.
Although I haven’t been here so long, it feels all too soon that I am going. It only takes a short time to settle into a workplace like GV – where colleagues greet you every day with a smile, are interested in you as a person, and always make time to help you. Where your boss is a friend as well as an organised force to be reckoned with. And one where students are friendly, relaxed and happy to be in class with you (when they’re not “tired” or suffering from bluebottle stings). I’ll miss seeing the water every day and being able to wander along a beach whenever I have the urge, rather than once every six months on a long awaited holiday. People are so much more relaxed here, and I love how neighbours and strangers all say hello and smile, like we’re all in a lucky, secret family for sharing this laidback lifestyle. It’s certainly not something I experience in the city (where my smiles are responded to with distrust or neutrality – oh dear). I’m moving away to do the same job, but mainly to be near my band and friends /family. The band is greenthief if anyone would like to see what teachers get up to in their spare time! www.myspace.com/greenthief We’ve got a couple of small tours lined up as well as a lot of gigs, so it’s really hard to fit in enough time to write new songs thoughtfully and rehearse the rest while I live an hour and a half away. Nonetheless, it’s with very fond memories that I leave Caloundra GV and I will definitely stay in touch (unless I become too famous of course! J ). Wishing everyone in the GV family all the best, Gwenny.
Annyong, ohio, sawasdee krap, nee-hau, and hi, I’m Aaron and have served, on and off, at Global Village in both Caloundra and Noosa over the past couple of years. Mixed in with this I have also been travelling and teaching in many other countries around the world. If you understand my foreign greetings you will know some of the countries I have been fortunate enough to visit in my travels. I have been teaching the intermediate class at Caloundra for the past few weeks now (a big shout out to those crazy cats!!!). It has been a small class and was often very personal, humorous and loud. I have enjoyed our time together, but for now must again say see-you-later! After serious consideration I’ve decided to accept a fantastic opportunity to work overseas again. Thank you for the great memories and happy times. All the best to my wonderful fellow teachers and zany students, I hope to see you on the flip side…
Peace…
Aaron
P.S. If you are in South Korea, feel free to send me an email so we can catch up.
This is what some of the students got up to after class friday.Katrin (Upper-Intermediate) surfed the net while Evelyn (FCE) completed some listening exercises.Philipp and Stefan (Pre-Intermediate) had a game of pool.Marco (FCE) and Andre (Intermediate) played table tennis.Stephanie, Saskia and Raphael took a ‘level-up’ test to be promoted to the Intermediate class.
We would like to say good bye and good luck to Gwen and Aaron, our Upper-Intermediate and Intermediate teachers. Eventhough, they were with us only for a short time they made a great contribution to the team.
The pictures below were taken at the ‘farewell lunch’ they organized for their classes. It was the last day for some of the students as well; Bettina, Julie, Melissa, Thiago, Sebi (Sebastian) and Camilo. Take care guys.
1. You may have already heard that Thata’s boss is looking for some cleaners (casual positions) so if you’re interested see Thata personally or me. The job is in the middle of Caloundra and not far from the campus.
2. There are also other job desciptions / vacancies listed in my office in Mooloolaba and Maroochydore.
3. I have some information about Share Accommodation in Caloundra, Kings Beach and Moffat Beach on the board as well. Be quick if you are interested!
“Time is flying for me and in no time, I’ll be finishing the General English Course, which I started last November.
“Studying in at Upper-Intermediate level, I’m convinced it’s the best way to improve one’s communication skills (not Academic!), apart from the useful book lessons, there is a certain amount of flexibility which is privileged. The atmosphere is very friendly and the teachers are kind, approachable and always helpful with advice or information we might need. Interesting!
As I’ll be here for another 3 months, I looked for a job last year to supplement the cost of my stay. Luckily, I found something and what’s more, it’s in a mechanical engineering company…my field!! I began the month of January doing part-time work and will go full-time as soon as my course at GV finishes. Exciting!
Also, I am training hard and trying to be fit for a triathlon competition that will be held in Caloundra the 7th of February. Practicing this sport for 2 years, I’ll present myself to the Aussies, known as world-class specialist in the triple effort. So I try to manage all 3 activities as best as I can and I’ve never been so busy. It will be challenging!
In conclusion and so far, my choice of destination is likely to be successful since I believe to have gained valuable and eye-opening experiences…adding a 3rd “properly acquired” language to all my knowledge.”
This is what Elodie and Marco had to say about the Noosa-Caloundra Gold Coast Trip.
“It gave me an opportunity to get to know all the students on the trip quite well. As a new student it was a good way to break the ice and feel comfortable around the other students.” (Elodie)
“Not only was it a perfect way for students to mix and to make other International friends, we stuck together the whole time. We were a real group of friends. What I really liked about the trip was the way the ‘night – club’ night was organised. We went to four different clubs on the same night. It was huge!” (Marco)
After an unusual start to our day today, students participated in a number of activities that were based on Australia /Australia Day. Students moved from class to class to sample a variety of educational activities. Each session lasted 10 minutes and included; Aussie Slang, Tongue Twisters and Colloquialisms, An Aussie Game Show, Crosswords and wait for it … “Prepostions”. I was a little surprised by the last choice but it was requested and we do aim to please!
Thanks to all the students and teachers who joined in our Australia Day breakfast.
Prizes were awarded to Charles and Selina for the “Most Australian PJs”. House mates, Katrin and Stephanie picked up the prizes for the “Prettiest PJs” and the “Sexiest PJs” respectively. Julio won the “Cutest PJs” and Evelyn was given a prize for the “Most Imaginative”.
If we were to award another prize, it would be to Anne-Sophie for the most imaginative use of Milo.
Last week we met our new CAE teacher Adrienne and this week it’s the turn of Nathalie, who is teaching on the FCE course here at GV Caloundra.
Nathalie, currently teaching FCE at GV Caloundra
How long have you been working at GV and what did you do before you worked here?
I’ve been here for over a year now. Before moving to the Sunshine Coast I worked in English language schools in Brisbane and also as a primary school teacher and French teacher in the state system.
Do you speak another language and what was your biggest challenge when learning it?
I’ve learned a few languages over the years, including French, German and Russian. I suppose listening and grammar were always challenging for me! My mum’s French, so I never really had problems there.
Which class are you teaching at the moment?
I am teaching FCE and we’re already coming to the end of week three – time really is flying!
Please tell us about a student in your class who you feel has made outstanding progress…
It’s still a little early to say, but all the students are demonstrating themselves to be highly motivated and hard-working.
What do you enjoy most about teaching at GV?
I love the sense of community here – everybody knows everybody else by name. It’s great to meet people from around the world. The staff here also have a great working relationship.
If you weren’t a teacher, what job do you think you would be doing now?
I’d be developing curriculum and teaching resources for ESL and / or LOTE French (and I still hope to pursue this dream one day!)
What do you like most about living on the Sunshine Coast?
The laid-back family atmosphere and of course the weather and beaches.
What is your favourite cafe, restaurant, shop or place in the local area?
My favourite restaurant is a small place on Dicky Beach called ‘Guatamas’
It took a little bit of effort to put this together and I must admit I had a little bit of technical help along the way, so, I would like to thank Luis (Upper-Intermediate) and Peter Walmsley from GV Brisbane for helping me finally post it on the blog.
I tried to include as many students and teachers as I could so I apologise if I left anyone out.
If you’re wondering what to do on Australia Day, why don’t you go to the free concert at Happy Valley and King’s Beach?
Caloundra on Australia Day
Tuesday 26 January 2010
Australian rock legends Brian Cadd and Russell Morris will headline a mega Australia Day concert planned for Caloundra’s Happy Valley and Kings Beach from 9am on the 26th January.The annual Australia Day celebration, organised by Sunshine Coast Council, will expand this year to the foreshore of Happy Valley where the sea breezes and shade will keep it cool for concert-goers. A beachside carnival, with rides for children, will operate at nearby Kings Beach.
Iconic Aussie rockers Brian Cadd and Russell Morris are a fitting tribute to the national day of celebration, belting out many of their classic hits that include Brian’s Little Ray of Sunshine and Show Me The Way to Russell’s Real Thing, Hush, Wings of an Eagle and Sweet Sweet Love.
As well as the headline act, another highlight of the day will be a Sunshine Coast All Star Concert featuring Bob Abbot, Lisa Hunt, Harri Bandhu, Tim Gaze, Michelle Brown, Lara Jane, Lucy Hannah and other local celebrities backed by the Green Machine – a new band raising awareness and funds for the environment. Other acts will include Canta La Tumba and bush band Rantan.
The free family concert will also include Dream State Circus, Beachside carnival, markets, kids activities, street performers and buskers and workshops.
Are you always curious about some of the slang that Australians use? The Director of Studies at GV Brisbane, Mariana, has provided some helpful information this week on Australian slang.
GV Brisbane's Director of Studies, Mariana, with Edson from Brazil
Australian English is an accent that is full of lively colourful phrases. Some of the words and expressions used are taken from British slang (very informal vocabulary items).
Some words have a completely different meaning in Australia than they do in other English-speaking countries. Other words are indigenous to Australia and derived from Aboriginal terms, such as ‘boomerang’ and ‘kangaroo’. But the most characteristic aspect of the Australian accent is that common words and expressions have been shortened considerably, turning three- or four-syllable words into two-syllable ones.
It is important to notice that Australian slang exists primarily because Australians take the English language as a game to play, and they love to have fun with words.
Here are some of those everyday words and their shortened Aussie versions for you to use to sound more Australian, but more importantly, to understand natives when you talk to them! Use them whenever you can, and enjoy the language!
Breakfast – Brekkie
Afternoon – Arvo
Australian – Aussie (pronounced ‘Ozzie’)
Australia – Oz, as in Oz-tralia.
Barbecue (BBQ) – Barbie
Bring Your Own (meat and drinks) – BYO
Aggressive – Aggro
Motorcyclists – Bikies
Chicken – Chook
Delicatessen – Deli
Eskimo box – Esky (Large insulated box for keeping beer etc. cold)
Garbage collector – Garbo
Journalist – Journo
Mosquitoes – Mozzies
Poker machine – Pokies (Slot machine or fruit machine with playing card pips. Found in clubs or casinos)
Thiago has just been accepted to do a Commercial Cookery Course in Mooloolaba, which is great news because he is already a qualified and experienced cook.
He gained his qualifications in Brazil but decided to study in Australia to broaden his experience and to improve his job prospects when he returns to Brazil.
Thiago has studied with us on two separate occasions, the first time was in September 2008 and rejoined us again in October 2010.
It’s been wonderful to see Thiago achieve his goals and we wish him all the very best for the future.
This Friday afternoon’s activity was a test of athletic and linguistic skills in the summer sunshine.
The temperature was hot and the competition even hotter as teams participated in the GV Caloundra Pentathlon, five events which tested teamwork, enthusiasm and communication skills.
Events included charades, the egg and spoon race and, most challenging of all, a race in which all members of each team had to pass an onion between one another without using their hands, which led to some pretty funny results!
When the points were added up at the end of the afternoon, the Crocs team were declared the winners and celebrated with a well-earned, ice-cold six-pack!
Well done to everyone who took part – have a great weekend!
Katia, Valentina and Hong all took turns to teach the Intermediate Class today. The aim was to revise and focus on the important grammar points and vocubulary taught this week. Well done guys!
Adrienne Muller is one of the latest teachers to join us at Caloundra, so if you see around, be sure to say hello and introduce yourself.
Hi every one,
I have been teaching and travelling extensively for around seven years now and have been lucky enough to experience living in countries like Nepal, Thailand, New Zealand and the USA. I have recently relocated permanently to Australia for a bit of sun and surf and I love it! I currently teach CAE which really ‘keeps me on my toes’.I hope to settle permanently on the Sunshine Coast in the future as it is by far one of the most beautiful places I have been to!
Byron Bay is the most eastern point in Australia, so you can see the sun come up earlier than anywhere else. There are great surfing beaches and many local attractions to see, including the historic lighthouse pictured below.
There are only 21 seats for this trip and tickets are selling quickly. See Patty for more information or to make your booking.
