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19
Nov
2009
Studying English and Surfing
English and Surfing
If you are thinking of taking an English course, make sure you do some research to find one that will be suited to your English levels and interests. There are many options for studying English, from homestays to correspondence courses. Studying overseas in an English college is also a great option as it will give you intensive lessons, as wellas plenty of opportunity to practice and meet English-speakers. GEOS English colleges in Australia have a variety of English courses, one of which is English and Surfing, where students get to combine study and fun on the waves.
Here are some common surfing terms to get you started:
- A Frame: a wave that breaks equally left and right, peeling away to form a letter A.
- Barrel: a breaking wave which is hollow under the breaking lip. Also known as a tube or greenroom.
- Backdoor: entering the tube from behind and riding through.
- Close out: a wave that does not break diagonally, allowing a surfer to continue surfing the unbroken section of a wave.
- Curdoroy sets: when a ground swell is stacked to the horizon like curdoroy.
- Groundswell: waves generated far off and forming clean lines as it travels, with longer gaps between each wave.
Surfing Destinations
If you have a passion for surfing then there is probably nothing you’d enjoy more than a holiday touring all the best surfing destinations of the world. Not all surf is the same, each spot has its own distinct style. Apart from great waves, some spots have become iconic over generations of surfers. Here are some popular spots for surfers:
- Supertubes- Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa
- Banzai Pipeline- North Shore, Oahu
- Hanalei Point- Hanalei Bay, Kauai
- Surfrider Beach- Malibu, California
- Restaurants- Tavarua Island, Fiji
Of course, if you’re planning on studying English as well, many GEOS English colleges provide the perfect opportunity to combine the two.
19
Nov
2009
English and Surfing
Surfing
Many of the GEOS English colleges are located near world-reknown beaches, providing the perfect opportunity to combine learning English with fun on the waves. Surfing originated in Hawaii, and was first observed by Europeans in 1767 by crewmembers of the Dolphin in Tahiti. It basically involves a person standing on a board while riding the face of a breaking wave.
Surfing has become a major international sport as well as a tourist industry, with surfers travelling around the world to find the best waves. Two major subdivisions are longboarding and shortboarding, related to differences in surfboard design and riding style. Other derivative surfing sports include kitesurfing and windsurfing, using the wind to ride waves. Then there is wakesurfing, which involves surfing the wake created by a boat.
Learning English
While it is important to learn basic skills in reading, speaking, listening and writing English, it is also important to be able to use it in context and be motivated about it. While all language learners should have a grasp on basic phrases and vocabulary, it is also useful to learn specific vocabulary related to what you will be using it for. So those wanting to enter university should learn academic English, while those seeking employment should learn some business terminology. The key to language learning is using it consistently, so it is important to be able to engage in the language in an area that will interest you.
For example, for those who love to read novels should pick up some English books that are a suitable level. For those who love cooking, maybe take a cooking class in English. So for those who enjoy being outdoors and love to surf, an English course that combines study with surfing is perfect. Take a surf class, meet fellow surfers, read English surfing magazines and most of all practice your English!
23
Oct
2009
GEOS Oceania English Colleges
GEOS Oceania
The GEOS International Group has English language colleges around the world, including Europe, North America, Canada, Asia and Oceania. These colleges offer quality language teaching with highly qualified and experienced English teachers, professional accredited courses (such as CAE, TOEFL, IELTS), modern facilities in exciting and attractive locations, and flexible starting dates. The colleges often offer holiday programmes as well, with courses that combine sightseeing or a particular activity (e.g surfing, cooking, dancing) with English lessons.
GEOS International Colleges Oceania has English language schools in countries within the South Pacific, such as South Africa, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. These colleges have a reputation for providing students with outstanding teaching ensuring that student’s language goals are achieved, in combination with exciting cultural experiences. All the colleges are located in cities that have much to offer, from sightseeing to live entertainment, shopping, and various activities.
Oceania Colleges
GEOS Oceania’s Australian colleges are situated in Sydney (NSW, since 1973), Cairns (Qld, since 1995), Brisbane (Qld, since 1987), the Gold Coast (Qld, since 1997), Adelaide (SA, since 2006), Perth (WA, since 1991) and Melbourne (VIC, since 1997) - most of the Australian states in fact. New Zealand has GEOS colleges in Auckland (established in 1984), Christchurch (established 1997) and Wellington (established 2003).
The Sydney GEOS college started out in Bondi Junction and how has 3 other locations as well, all within easy access to public transport and the city centre. The Cairns college caters for approximately 220 students, and is right in the centre of the City with plenty of excitement available. The Brisbane college is situated over the Brisbane River, and located only a short walk away from cafes and shopping centres. The Gold Coast is famous for its beaches, and the college is only a 2 minute walk from Surfers Paradise beach. Adelaide is a beautiful parkland city, and the college is close to beaches as well as shopping and cinemas. Both the Perth and Melbourne colleges are in prime locations as well, perfect for combining tourism with education.