American Dream
America evokes various feelings in us, except indifference. At the same time, it is equally attractive to those who dislike it for its overly energetic imposition of the "American way of life" on the world, and to those who still see it as a world of limitless opportunities, freedom, and prosperity.
The "young" country, which emerged just over two hundred years ago (by historical standards, that is no time at all), cannot boast of ancient traditions or a culture that goes back centuries. However, perhaps nowhere else in the world will you find such dynamism, such a bubbling of life in all its manifestations, and such tolerance for everything "different." After all, the United States was formed as a result of the merging of numerous immigrant settlements in different regions of America, and the first colonists were, to put it mildly, unconventional people – those who, for one reason or another, did not fit in the Old World. And throughout its history, America has remained a haven for immigrants of all stripes, who, once in this "melting pot" of peoples, very quickly merged into a special nation – the American nation, whose distinctive traits are practicality, energy, optimism, and an eternal focus on success.
So it is quite understandable that this by no means "dreamy" nation managed to infect the whole world with its "American dream." It is not a "Manilov-like" dream: Americans know how to work, set goals, and steadily achieve them. Otherwise, there would be none of this progress, this triumph of technology, this ability to organize life. Add to this the now-rare ability to take serious things seriously (let evil tongues claim that it is due to Americans' lack of a sense of humor – not true!) – and you will understand what modern America is like.
Perhaps what strikes you most about the country is its diversity. On one hand, the frantic pace of life in big cities – New York or Los Angeles; on the other, the patriarchal, almost sleepy "one-story America." The scorching sun and beaches of Florida – and the eternal snows of Alaska...
Europeans may laugh as much as they want at the naivety and spontaneity of the inhabitants of the New World, at their addiction to hamburgers and Big Macs, to mowing the lawn in front of the house and the national flag, at their political correctness taken to the point of absurdity. But the fact remains: the United States is a world leader in many spheres of life, including education. The successes of American education are not least explained by the fact that children in this country are treated almost like adults, in the sense that each is seen as an independent, full-fledged, and free individual. Language school teachers are no exception in this regard, so your child is guaranteed attention, respect, and personal growth.
When choosing a language program, you should seriously consider which region your child will be most comfortable living in. For example, if he is a convinced urbanite, a lover of city entertainment, New York would suit him. If he prefers peace and quiet, then some small town in a quiet state. If he loves warmth, then a nice school in California, Florida, or even exotic Hawaii. But we do not recommend Alaska: the USA is a large country, distances and various travel take a lot of time and also cost a lot. So "flying classes" like in Europe are hardly ever organized here. However, within the chosen city or state, the language school will provide the kids with full immersion not only in the English language but also in the American way of life.
A Little Maple Syrup
On the American continent there is another state, and a huge one at that. It is Canada, which is also called by the beautiful nickname the Land of the Maple Leaf. We know much less about it than about the USA. Well, the climate there is cold, they speak English and French, and Canadians are great at hockey. But overall, many think, it is a boring country.
About the climate, languages, and hockey – that's true. But regarding boredom – excuse me. We mistakenly consider well-being as boredom: quiet, calm Canada, where, according to news reports, almost nothing ever happens, is one of the most industrially developed countries in the world, which has a very noticeable effect on the living standards of its residents. And the notorious "calmness" of this people results in the almost complete absence of crime in the country. Even in such large cities as Vancouver or Toronto.
The largest cities are located in the densely populated eastern part of the country, while the rest of the territory is occupied by agricultural lands and natural beauties. Here there are mountains and prairies, lakes (including the Great Lakes) and forests overgrown with famous maples, tundra, and a "wonder of the world" – Niagara Falls.
You have probably already realized that for children, it is a paradise here? Safe, beautiful, language (English or French) is taught at a high level. Canadians organize the most interesting programs for kids, often with an "ecological" slant – fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities for that.
Most popular language schools are located in the most densely populated part of Canada – the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia, mainly in Toronto and Vancouver, near the border with the United States. Studying in these cities, as well as in the capital of Canada, Ottawa, has a number of advantages – convenient living conditions (though, as a rule, there are no problems with this in Canadian schools), immersion in the eventful life of a big city, and at the same time the unique flavor of Canadian nature.
Canada is a country of immigrants, so no one on the street pays attention to those who speak with a foreign accent. Language schools are another matter - there they fight accents seriously. In general, Canadians are unprejudiced towards foreigners and very hospitable. And children are taught openness and sincerity in communication. One of the unspoken laws is to respect others' opinions and not impose one's own judgments. There is a lot in Canada that may seem unusual to our children. It's okay that they love maple syrup and celebrate national days of the moose or hare, merrily walking around with antlers or ears on their heads. But some laws can baffle anyone. For example: it is illegal to climb trees; on Sunday it is illegal to eat ice cream on Bank Street; it is forbidden to swear in French, spit on the streets...
There are still few of our children in Canadian language schools: the national composition of students is dominated by Japanese, Koreans, Mexicans, Brazilians, and Swiss. The number of students from Eastern and Central Europe is only 3%, and the chance of encountering a compatriot in your group is negligible.
Australia or New Zealand?
Once upon a time, the English authorities exiled hardened criminals to Australia. Then adventurers of all kinds and poor emigrants seeking a better life followed. Terra Incognita Australia, the unknown southern land - a continent whose existence had long been only suspected, was discovered by Europeans in the 17th century and first described in 1770 by James Cook. Cook drew the first map of Australia and, of course, declared it the property of the British Crown. To this day, Australia, as a member of the British Commonwealth, is nominally ruled by the English queen, and the governor-general represents her on the spot. Such are the remnants of the colonial past.
For many years, due to its remoteness, Australia was on the periphery of the civilized world. All that was known about it was that it was a country of 'antipodes', that it was home to strange marsupials, and that when it was summer here, it was winter there and vice versa. And also that they speak English there. And no one noticed how a backward agricultural British colony was turning into a highly developed state with a decent standard of living and education.
Australia is unique, among other things, in that it occupies an entire continent. But its population is only 18 million people. All major cities, and indeed civilization, are located on the coast. The central part of the country is the bush, a wild Australian desert where even aborigines do not live.
Since the Australian nation was formed from a motley mix of emigrants, a unique lifestyle unlike any other emerged in the country - not European, not Asian, and not American. From the British they have right-hand traffic and an education system that almost exactly replicates the British one. From the Americans they have the scale of construction, a love of skyscrapers, and a American-style entertainment industry. And from Asia they have some national traits of Australians, in particular perseverance and hard work.
The country has many language schools, including for children. Understandably, Australian children's winter programs are not quite winter in our view: it's the height of summer there at that time. And the most interesting programs include sports, including water sports, as well as trips to the most interesting corners of the country. In general, English schools in Australia differ little from European ones. The same teachers with CELTA or TESOL diplomas, the same communicative method aimed at developing conversational skills, the same knowledge.
'Excuse me, ma'am, is this Australia or New Zealand?' Alice in Wonderland asked. According to an employee of a New Zealand university, many foreigners also have a poor idea that New Zealand is not Australia, and vice versa. And some even believe that Australia and New Zealand are connected by a huge bridge.
In reality, New Zealand is an archipelago consisting of two islands - North and South, and has nothing to do with Australia - except that it is also located in the Southern Hemisphere and is part of the British Commonwealth. Here there are almost English green hills and meadows (where the famous sheep and cows graze), volcanic mountains with eternal snows, as well as geysers, hot mineral springs, lakes, waterfalls... Locals call themselves Kiwis. While for us kiwi is primarily a fruit, for them it is a bird that is a national symbol. Kiwi birds roam everywhere and are not at all afraid of Kiwi people.
The history of New Zealand is not very ancient, so New Zealanders are proud of anything older than a hundred years. At the Auckland Museum of Painting, they will definitely tell you that it was founded in 1888. They will compare the leaning Moeraki Lighthouse to the Leaning Tower of Pisa - because it is also falling. True, they say it was built crooked from the start. A rural estate in the English style will be called grandly - Larnach Castle. But this is part of what locals call the kiwi style. This style also includes traditional hospitality. Moreover, Kiwis are big sports fans - from surfing and windsurfing to mountain skiing and bungee jumping. Being an athlete is also a kiwi style.
In the Land of Kiwis, there are many language educational institutions - both private and those operating at schools and universities. Network schools with branches around the world are also common here.
Language schools - those not associated with universities - are located not only in large cities, but also in places remote from civilization. The children's programs they offer are no less diverse than in any other English-speaking country. One option that is sure to appeal to active, sporty children is directly related to the features of New Zealand's nature. These are all kinds of combined "Language +" programs, and the plus can stand for any type of active recreation: rock climbing, hiking and cycling trips, rafting on mountain rivers, and even jumping from the proverbial bungee. And if you do not want extreme sports, you can limit yourself to excursions, trips to national parks and amusement parks, and calmer sports. So along with knowledge of English, children will acquire excellent physical fitness and, of course, bring back many unforgettable impressions.