China's rapid economic growth and globalization has opened doors for other countries to come in to invest and trade. Upcoming events such as Beijing Olympics in 2008 and the Shanghai World Expo in 2010 will be attracting even more foreigners to come to China, and to further develop commercial ties between China and the world. Over the past decade of China's astonishing rapid economic growth, the country has attracted many foreigners to come study and learn Mandarin in China.
The most efficient way of learning a language is to study it in its country of origin. In this case, studying Mandarin Chinese would be most effectively mastered in Beijing for the city is recognized for practising standard Putonghua.
Beijing being the capital and the political, cultural and educational hub of China, it is the best place to go to learn Mandarin Chinese. Studying Mandarin in China does not only provide rewarding educational benefits, but also offers a colourful cultural experience and a door for work opportunities.
The best method to study and learn Mandarin is not only to study it in a country where everyone speaks the language, but deciding on a good school or university is also important. There are several universities with professional teachers that are welcoming foreigners to learn Mandarin in China. The universities and academy with excellent reputations in successfully teaching the most foreigners include:
PRC Study Academy - The PRC Study Academy offers both private 1-on1- and small group lessons, flexible start dates, and an intense Chinese learning environment for effective results. PRC Study also offers a range of other services, including helping students with job placements, visa issues, insurance, accommodation, and other daily life needs. PRC Study is committed to helping foreigners in their quest to master the Mandarin Chinese language, enabling them to become world leaders who are capable of building bridges between the east and the west, not only through language, but also through business and culture.
Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) located in the heart of the university district in Beijing, BLCU has the longest history of specialising in teaching Mandarin Chinese to foreigners.
Tsinghua University was established since 1911, and has a reputation of being the highest ranked university in China. Tsinghua University is looking forward to become a world-class university in the 21st Century.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is currently standing as one of the oldest and most significant universities in China since its establishment in 1896. The Ministry of Education and the Shanghai Government also jointly runs the Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Fudan University is recognised as being one of the oldest leading, co-educational, and most selective universities in mainland China. Fudan University is graded highest for their physical and social sciences.
All the Chinese universities listed above offers excellent teaching methods and materials for learning Mandarin, but they generally only offer semester programs of 20 weeks which starts either in February or September; and teacher to student ratio is generally about 1:25.
For more flexible start dates year round and a smaller teacher to student ratio (1:5, students can consider studying at the PRC Study Academy. PRC Study uses the same curriculum as the Chinese Universities, as well as qualified and certified native Chinese teachers who speak Mandarin.
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The idea of studying a course in another country is an exciting one which gives you many more prospects and a broader view of the world than you would get by simply studying in your own country.
But it is important to make sure that you research the steps required thoroughly when you are considering the option, so that you make sure you take all the right actions at the right times. If you are accepted into a foreign study program you will need to have the time to arrange where you will live and how you will fund your studies and day to day living expenses while you are there, so it makes sense to get all the proper steps in place as soon as you can.
If you are interested in studying abroad you should ask at your local college or university to see whether they already have a foreign study program in place for students to take advantage of. Many do, and they will be able to take you through what is required and how to apply. Some programs are longer than others, and local schemes may allow for you to study in another country and incur no extra course costs by doing so - ask at your individual university to find out.
Every college or university will have its own requirements which you must meet to be considered for inclusion in their foreign study program. You also need to find out when the deadlines are to apply for such a program; you might find you have to apply twelve months before the program actually begins. If you don't plan ahead and decide a couple of months beforehand that you'd like to apply, it may be way too late.
There are two main ways in which applications will be received, and it's important to find out which one applies in the case of the foreign university or college you wish to go to. Some may accept applications directly, in which case it's a good idea to visit their website and download the appropriate papers to read and fill out.
The second method is to apply through Education Agents who already have good connections and agreements with specific foreign institutions in certain countries, and if they do this is by far the best way to proceed.
The most important point to remember in any case is to check whether or not you are eligible to apply for the course you want to study. There are sometimes fees to pay for applying and they are not always fully refundable, so to make sure your money is well placed before you take the time to fill in any kind of application. Your tutors can also help and advise you on the best courses and locations to apply for.
Studying abroad is certainly a thrilling experience, but you must make sure you follow the correct procedures in order for it to become a reality.
Academia International is a leading international college providing cooking courses, hospitality management training, hairdressing courses, and beauty courses. For a free brochure please visit Australia Colleges.
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I was only just getting settled onto the plane when I began to have a sinking feeling that I was in over my head. The voice over the intercom told me in fluent Spanish just how unprepared I was for the journey I was about to embark on, convincing me of what I already felt I knew. My three years of college Spanish were not going to prepare me for a semester in the Republic of Panama.
My training in Spanish had earned me a minor, any my LonelyPlanet guide book assured me that English was spoken nearly as widely as Spanish, though I was fairly sure it was overstating just a tad. My school would be in English, but I hadn't yet been assigned a dorm, nor did I know anyone who would be attending. I was leaving everything and everyone I knew behind for four months.
Getting off the plane was worse. Passing through customs was something I'd never done in my own language, let alone one I didn't know. Still, I was excited. Here was my chance to truly learn this new language. Signs were like those I was used to from home, only the Spanish was listed first instead of in the fine print. This I could get used to! As long as I could make it through Customs.
To my very flustered relief, I found that the customs officials didn't need to speak to me at all, so long as I had filled out all the paperwork, so I went to grab my suitcase and pass on through. A metal detector later, and I was free to go out into the terminal and was hit by a wall of balmy air that quickly turned quite simply hot as I searched for the face of a program director I'd never seen before.
She was there, with a glittery sign stating that she was there to pick us up. Apparently there were four of us coming in on the flight from Miami, and one who had arrived on a flight from Costa Rica earlier in the day. "You know, you're the first person I've ever seen to come with only one suitcase!" she exclaimed. I tried to bite back panic, "Well, I packed another one inside." She agreed that it was, in fact, a good idea, and suggested I go wait with my Costa Rican compatriot, and I did. "He's got a surf board," she said, "You'll see him."
It wasn't much of a stretch to believe he'd be easy to find. This was by far the smallest airport I'd seen, except for the small municipal airport near my home. And find him I did, without much of a stretch. We chatted while the other girls met up with our leader, then we loaded into an old white van, which we would quickly learn to love as a main mode of transit for any kind of group trip, and the same style vans were used as buses for cross-country travel, though this van's life had certainly seen a lot less action than those.
This was the beginning of an experience like no other, where I learned a bit more Spanish than I ever thought I'd know. I made friends I never thought I'd have. And I created a history I can never forget. The hardest part was stepping off of that plane. The rest? The rest is history.
Of course, that's what everyone says. And when I was getting onto that plane, all I wanted was to hear more than those trite words of encouragement. If I heard one more person tell me it was the "time of their life" or an "unforgettable experience" I thought I might scream.
I wanted someone to tell me how things went, how they met new people, and the things they saw. It's just that those other parts are so hard to detail out. You meet new people in much the same way you meet all new people, but the only bond you may find you have with the people on the program is that you're all in it together. Often, that can prove to be enough.
Things work out, and you all work together. One of my most memorable experiences was trying with the help of 3 girls and a Spanish-English electronic translator to explain where we were going. We must have found the only cabbie in the whole city that didn't know where we were trying to go, but we got there eventually.
I can't say that there was any one thing that made this such a unique experience, but the top thing I remember is that we all had to work together to get where we were going. That's the kind of thing that can help to create bonds and friendships and truly bring people together.
So, if you want to know what all the buzz is about, you'll have to jump in and give it a try for yourself. Any experiences you have will be uniquely yours, and you'll never lose them. Why not give it a go?
Jennifer Smith writes for several travel websites, and spent a semester studying in the Republic of Panama and finishing a degree in writing at Florida State University.
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These days, more and more tourists, businesspersons and visitors are open to staying in vacation rentals. In fact, seasoned travelers often agree that they prefer staying in a cottage or a vacation rental condo instead of paying through their nose for a single room in an overcrowded hotel.
Vacation rental condos have a distinct advantage.
Yes, they may cost you slightly more than a regular hotel room. Particularly if they are located in prime locations. But, for the price you pay, you get a more inclusive package. So, when you do the math and break the costs down, you will find that you are really getting more bang for your buck.
Advantages of staying in vacation rental condos:
Location
These condos are generally located in posh areas. They are really close to the best amenities the town has to offer. So, if the purpose of your trip warrants it, this close proximity can be very beneficial. You will have to spend less time and money on commute.
Privacy: In a hotel room, you are always on the radar of those around you. There is also some amount of compromise involved when you make room for others and comply with the endless rules of an establishment. In a rented condo, you are the king or queen, quite literally. All the decisions are up to you.
Convenience: Vacation rental condominiums are very convenient because they are a stone's throw from all the must-see places in an area. If you happen to be on a business tour, condos give your team the right atmosphere while allowing everyone to enjoy a relaxed stay.
Amenities: vacation rental condos are generally fitted with the latest and the best facilities available. You can expect central cooling or heating, a well stocked and fully functional kitchen, a washer and dryer unit, swimming pool, spa, a well equipped club house, fitness center, DVD players, cable TV and big TVs. Most condos are fitted with wireless internet connections too. Some places also offer maid and child minding services.
Cost: It is true that vacation condos are somewhat more expensive than hotel rooms. So, if you are traveling as a couple or a small group of three, then, the cost factor may be somewhat daunting. But, if you are traveling with 5-8 people and your condo allows all of you to stay at the same place, then, the cost works in your favor. In case you're weighing a low budget motel against a vacation rental condo, know this: there really is no comparing the two. Staying in a condo is an experience you'll never forget. And when you compare the cost of restaurants, laundry and other services, you might find that you're actually enjoying a better deal at a condo.
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Hedonism is an idea which argues that the pursuit of pleasure is the most important aspect of life. Hedonism has been said to resemble the biblical Garden of Eden offering similar guilty pleasures to choose from and uninhibited play to engage in. What better way to experience Hedonism than to visit singles resorts Caribbean style. Sun, fun and wild experiences beyond your hearts content. Adult vacations that focus on our Hedonistic desires can really spice up a singles vacation itinerary.
Allowing ones wild side to come out now and again can be good for the soul. If your looking to experience Hedonism with other singles, planning adult vacations will start to build your network of like minded Hedonistic friends. Who knows, one may encounter their perfect partner in the process. Until that happens however, you can still party with other wild and primal spirits. Plus, everyone always has a great time on a vacation, no matter what type they are.
Try booking an all inclusive adult vacation. Even if you do not find your life partner during your Hedonistic escapades you are sure to find comfort and relaxation in knowing that all of your lodging, drinking, dining and entertainment needs are pre-purchased at one rate and once you start your trip you will not need to pull out your wallet or money again until you leave.
For those persons who remember the movie animal house, Hedonism could be described as an animal house on steroids 4 times over. Pure adulterated fun without bounds.
If you are looking to really spice up your life and experience a singles vacation with adult vacations themes, you should visit SuperClubs. You deserve the best and most economical vacation that the market can provide. Visit SuperClubs today to get all the details about how to set up your singles resorts Caribbean vacation today.
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When Texas is considered, the city of Dallas often surfaces in the minds eye. Apart from having a successful soap opera named after it, Dallas has continued to be a preferred holiday destination for years. Apart from Dallas residents, foreigners and citizens of other states may choose to visit Dallas on a holiday or for a business meet. This could be an annual trip or impromptu. Instead of making reservations at resorts and hotels, visitors may reside in Dallas vacation homes. Dallas vacation homes are cataloged as residential real estate, but that is where the labeling ends. In most cases, they do not serve as a primary residing quarter and are similar to investment properties when their income generating potential is considered.
Most owners use their, Dallas vacation homes for small part of the year during holidays and family gatherings. At times, this is not even an annual event and vacation homes could remain unoccupied for long stretches. This does not reduce the need of maintenance, upkeep, and annual property tax payments. Renting vacation homes during vacant periods proves to be profitable for homeowners. This helps realize cash that is sent on housekeeping apart from proving to be a dependable source of additional income.
Vacation homeowners who do not live in Dallas can hire reputed real estate agents to overlook renting activities on their behalf. These real estate brokers work in correspondence with tour operators who can assist in securing profitable overseas tourist reservations on a regular basis. Tourist groups and large families tend to prefer Dallas vacation home rentals as they provide privacy apart from being capable of housing an entire group. At times vacation homeowners may hire house cleaners, porters, and chauffeurs to cater to guest needs. As such, these homes are similar to service apartments, and rentals are equivalent to star-rated vacation properties.
Vacation Homes provides detailed information on Vacation Homes, Vacation Home Rentals, Luxury Vacation Homes, Vacation Homes for Sale and more. Vacation Homes is affiliated with Colorado Ski Vacations.
So, you finally have a dorm room or apartment. While it is most likely the most convenient place to study, it is often one of the worst places chosen to conduct study. Your dorm room or apartment is filled with mounds of distractions and speed bumps.
Lying down on the bed to read or study makes you tired as a stuffed Turkey at Thanksgiving dinner! If you want to study effectively and make straight As in your college career, then develop a place to study that is just that - a place to work and learn about academics (a park, the library, etc.) Studies show that setting aside a special place in which to study will help you recall to memory important information.
A recent study put out from Penn State suggests that while finding a good place to study is partly a matter of personal taste, there are most certainly environments that are more conducive to effective studying. What is more important than your personal preference is finding a place that gives you the greatest amount of concentration and the fewest distractions because the level of effective learning drops every time your concentration is interrupted during your study session. Try to stay away from environments that create disturbances from other people, television, stereos, games and loud outbursts of noise. Selecting an environment with few distractions will enable you to focus your energy on studying rather than blocking out all the distractions.
Psychologists recommend picking two to three possible environments, as any given choice may present greater distractions on any given day. It is suggested that a maximum of three choices are selected in order to create a deep conditioning effect between you and your place of study. When you become familiar with your environment and begin creating habitual study practices within your chosen area, potential distractions are dramatically reduced. When this occurs you can train your mind to settle quickly into its "study" mode and remain focused during the duration of your session.
It is also important to keep your physical needs in mind while choosing a successful place to study in order to increase your learning success. Consider such concerns as lighting, temperature, furniture and space. It is important to remember that these environmental conditions must be comfortable with out putting you to sleep and must encourage alertness without distraction.
Above all else go into your "study space" with a clear mind and determination to study. If you think you will be distracted or are not determined to study, then you will be easily disappointed and will spend double the time blocking out distractions and will commit to memory less than half the potential information. And college hours are much more precious than that!
For more information on specific strategies for staying motivated, improving your test scores and studying more effectively for college visit http://www.lifestyleguardianpro.com
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Are you taking advantage of the most powerful resource you have for educating and persuading prospects? Nothing sells your product or service quite like a success story. Especially one that highlights your unique approach to problem-solving and is told from the customer's point of view.
Here are some tips for identifying your most compelling stories, gaining your customers' cooperation and turning them into effective case studies.
1. Plan your strategy
Identify your audience. Which industries, company sizes, geographic areas or decision-makers are you targeting?
What types of stories will support your sales, marketing and PR goals?
Develop story ideas that will fit your current needs.
Determine how the case study will be used - as a trade show handout, website content, press kit, etc.
2. Create a pool of possibilities
Encourage your sales and account reps to be on the lookout for customers with stories that meet your strategic objectives.
Decide what topics will best speak to your prospects at upcoming events such as trade shows, product launches or PR opportunities.
Solicit your customers' participation by adding a tell-us-your-story link on your website.
3. Pre qualify your candidates
Find out what business problems the customer was trying to solve.
What measurable benefits did they experience from working with you, i.e., money or time saved, productivity increased, workers' comp claims reduced.
Ask for interesting anecdotes about the process or solution.
Would the customer recommend your product or service to a colleague?
4. Make it worthwhile for your customer
Point out the free positive exposure for the company and the individuals who participate.
Showcase the customer's innovative practices, including the use of your product or service.
Customers want access to your company's execs and other business leaders. Give them the opportunity to network and interact at special events.
Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Lanny Udell and article collaborator Bonnie Ayers Namkung are freelance copywriters who work with clients nationwide. Never at a loss for the right words, they create powerful, persuasive copy for websites, brochures, direct marketing campaigns and case studies. See case study samples or get started marketing with case studies today. You can also reach Lanny and Bonnie at (415) 459-8966.
Publishing Rights: You may publish this article on your website, newsletter or e-book as long as the text, author's resource box and all links remain intact.
With many habits, the sooner you start practicing and developing good habits, the better chance you will have that you will continue with them. We all know that good study habits are essential to educational success. Good study habits are an important part of any student's success. We probably can diminish the academic dishonesty by promoting good study habits with students, and letting the students know that good study habits are very important when it comes to school. Still, even procrastination can be overcome with proper study habits, and improving your study habits is the key to better studying. Good study habits are a great tool to have in the toolbox of life.
Many of the tips for success for online students are the same as those for students in an onsite classroom. Consider asking your school's student council to take on a study tips project. Following a few simple study tips can help students effectively learn new concepts and theories. There have been numerous published tips students can use as a guide for good study habits.
A good way to stay organized is to use folders so you child can keep his/her assignments until needed and it is a great way of staying organized. Once children reach the grades where homework and tests are part of the curriculum, there are many things parents can do to encourage good study habits. An effective way to study is to study before and while you do the homework. A little amount of homework may help elementary school students build study habits. Being organized and having homework routines are the most important things in helping your child develop good study habits for life.
All learning, however, is a process which settles into certain steps. Students with learning problems, however, may still have generally inefficient and ineffective study habits and skills. Becoming aware of your learning style will help you to understand why you sometimes get frustrated with common study methods.
Effective study habits are a very import part of the learning process. Good study habits are all about keeping to a daily routine and giving all subjects equal treatment. If your study habits are weak, take a "study skills" course or have someone show you good study habits. The problem is that those high school study habits are hard to shake. Hard work and good study habits are assets that should be nurtured. Motivation and study habits are obviously crucial as well. Good habits are important for all students to protect investments of time and money and to achieve educational goals. After that experience your study habits are permanently altered, this will help your own preparation as you start teaching and last a lifetime. The main priorities are class attendance, time management, and great studying habits are necessary workings for an academic success.
Melissa Fishman and David Fishman are the owners of mailordermommy.com, a site that sells party favors.
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Everyone loves to travel, but many can't afford to. That's why it is nice when companies have a program that allows for discount travel. Employee discount travel is part of a growing trend that allows anyone who is employed at a company who participates in the employee discount travel program to go on an affordable and enjoyable trip as an individual or with family.
Employee discount travel is a part of the fringe benefits that are offered to employees by their company A company works with different travel agencies and gets special deals in return that employees can benefit from. In other words, if a company handles all corporate travel through a certain travel agency; in return; the travel agency will give certain discounts to the company's employees.
If you actually work for a travel agency, the benefits of employee discount travel are even greater. In this case, the company may even reimburse the expenses related to travel borne by the employee like hotel accommodation, food and intercity travel. Many companies also reimburse the cost of international calls made by the employee to clients on the trip for official purposes. If the employee is on a long travel program, companies are ready to provide him with discount coupons to supermarkets and eateries that would make his travel more economical.
Not to forget the contribution and the policies of the airline and railway industries, that offer their employee and their family members free air and rail tickets to travel any where in the world. Moreover, the railway employees are offered first class tickets not only for them but also their dependant family members.
To help the company provide employee discount travel facility; there are many other companies that serve as agents. They carefully select those companies that would like to forward discounts and travel related services and gain popularity and match them with companies who want to offer employ discount travel.
Employee discount travel is a facility used by a company to retain talented employees.
Discount Travel provides detailed information on Discount Travel, Discount Air Travel, Discount Travel Agents, Discount European Travel and more. Discount Travel is affiliated with Discount Hotel Rates.
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With Budapest, the frugal travel gets two cities with one visit. Buda and Pest on the west and east banks of the historic river Danube amalgamated in 1873, forming the top city to see in Hungary.
Buda Castle, The Funicula And The Castle District
The façade of Buda Castle is magnificent, especially lit up at night. Within the castle are a few museums (Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum) with entrance fees charged.
The Funicula links Clark Street to the Castle District. There is a charge to go up but if frugal travelers take the stairs, they get the same great views and don’t have to pay.
The Castle District is a labyrinth of medieval streets. There is some rather pricey shopping and restaurants but also the remains of a Dominican monastery, Matyas Church with a monument to the Plague, and Turkish tombstones. A must for any history lover and to wander the streets is free.
Grand Market Hall and Ecseri Flea Market
Travelers wishing a bit of history with their shopping go to Grand Market Hall, the largest indoor market in Budapest.
However for bargains, the Ecseri Flea Market is the place to pick up inexpensive food (try the goulash) and souvenirs. The souvenir to bring home for that chef in the family? Paprika.
The Chain Bridge
To truly experience Budapest, one must cross the famous Danube a couple times and what better place to cross it than at The Chain Bridge? One of the most famous city landmarks, this was the first bridge to link the two cities. Huge lions guard the entrance.
Crossing it is free.
Fisherman’s Bastion
There is a small fee to climb the bastion but the views are fantastic. Seeing the Bastion with its turrets from the outside is free and a great photo opportunity.
Budapest gives the frugal travelers two cities for the prices of one. Surrounded by history, a free walk through the castle district gives travelers sights to wonder over.
For more frugal travel tips on Budapest or other cities, visit http://www.freephotooftheday.com
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AIRFARE. Compare fees. Shop by phone. Some airlines will be opening a new route, or be offering a special discount, to your destination. Fly off-season when fares are low. Or, during peak season, when special fares are offered when competition is high. Be aware that "air discounters" sell unsold airline seats at half price. You'll see them on the Internet or advertising in the travel section of your Sunday newspaper.
RAIL AND BUS. Check with AMTRAK and GREYHOUND for current "specials." Foreign bus services often offer discounts on extended travel, providing you make your arrangements before leaving the USA. Unconventional travelers might want to travel by freight train caboose. Check with your local rail lines.
CAR RENTALS. Make toll-free calls to get the best deal on car rental. Smaller companies frequently offer lower fees than your discount club. Rentals of older cars can be 50% lower than normal fees. Check with your car insurance company to see if your collision insurance applies to rental cars. If it does, this saves you the per-day insurance fee on rental cars.
LODGING. Weekend prices are usually cheaper. Travel clubs, such as Hotelclub, Quintess Travel Club, World Club Travel, Discount Travel Club, include many hotels that offer you the second night free. Some individual hotels, such as DAYS INN, offer special promotions if you book at least 29 days in advance.
BUDGET MOTELS. No frills, just clean, comfortable accommodations, the price is usually posted on road signs and billboards. Reservations well in advance will assure lodging each evening.
HOME EXCHANGE. Home swap agencies. Do it by yourself or go through an agency such as GLOBAL HOME EXCHANGE (PO Box 2015, South Burlington VT 05401). The Board of Tourism of the country you are visiting will usually have the addresses of Home Exchange services.
CRUISES. Inquire for special discounts. You might find they are having a "special." For the best deals, book either way in advance or at the last minute. Membership in a Discount Travel Club will offer you inroads to discount cruises. For the unconventional traveler, try a freighter.
STUDENTS, SENIOR CITIZENS, AND DISABLED PERSONS. By doing some research, you'll find special discounts for you.
DISCOUNT TRAVEL CLUBS. If you are a flexible traveler and can leave at a moment's notice, you'll find huge discounts when you join one of the "Discount Clubs," often advertised in travel magazines and newspapers. A Google search will give you some ideas.
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