Staff at Embassy

A new way of learning English

Embassy is buzzing with excitement at the new and exciting ways of learning that have come into our classrooms!

Over the last few months, all Embassy schools have installed an amazing piece of technology.

An old-fashioned piece of classroom equipment - the whiteboard - has become an incredible interactive computer screen. Teachers and students can now use the internet, video clips, sound, and immersive exercises, all at the touch of a mouse.

The best way to understand the potential of the interactive whiteboards is by seeing them in action - and you can do just that right now. Just click 'play':

75% of our classes worldwide now use interactive whiteboards, and by 2010 we are aiming for 100%.

This is all part of our exciting mission to bring the power of modern technology to your English learning. Watch this space for news on our Online Learning Environment, our use of blogs and podcasts, and other innovations that will speed up your learning and make it more fun at the same time.

Read more about interactive whiteboards on the Embassy website news page.

Long Beach Farmers Market

Healthy Californians like to get their 'fruit fix' and Embassy Los Angeles staff and students are no exception.

Every Tuesday the farmers market takes place in the school courtyard of our sunny Long Beach School. The market consists of stalls selling delicious fresh produce from countries as diverse as Hawaii, Peru, India, China and Greece. Shoppers enjoy choosing from mouth-watering displays of fruits such as watermelon, blueberries, strawberries, mango, lychee, etc, as well as being able to stock up on exotic nuts and vegetables.

Students and staff also hold their 'conversation club' in the courtyard on a Tuesday - enjoying sunshine and fruit whilst getting to know each other. What better way to learn English?

 

Find out about all events and activites taking place at Embassy LA Long Beach school on our main website.

Oxford throws a Host Families party

Embassy Oxford recently held a party to give thanks to the families who host students in their homes.

Students at Embassy have options to live in a student residence, to find their own accommodation, or to choose 'Homestay' where they live with a local family who also provide food. The benefit of living with a host family is that you get to practice your English and see another aspect of life during your stay in the UK.

At the party, delicious food and entertainment were provided, along with musical offerings from Peter and Steve on guitar and piano (our very own lounge crooners). The highlight of the event was definitely 'Magic Martin' (pictured) who did his magic show for the children aided by his white rabbit.

 

You can find out more about studying English in Oxford on the Embassy website. Visit our Oxford accommodation page for more detail on both residential and Homestay options.

The May Day Traditions of Oxford

In Oxford, May 1st is ceremonially acknowledged as the beginning of summer time. As the ancient British holiday of Beltane, May Day was historically designated as a holiday to promote and celebrate fertility. It was also a chance to celebrate the end of the cold winter months, as the first day of May was also the official beginning of summer.

An old custom in Oxford is to gather on the High Street at first light on May 1st and listen to choirboys singing from the Magdelene College Tower. For a few moments there is complete silence as the singing begins and the choirboys welcome in the summer. Thereafter the crowds retreat to pubs and cafes to eat breakfast and watch colourful Morris Men (pictured above) and people dressed up as the Green Man doing their dances. It really is a special moment in the Oxford calendar, which has become renowned around the world.

Visit the Embassy website to find out more about studying English in Oxford, England.
 

Embassy LA Long Beach Grand Opening

On February 9, 2009 Embassy Los Angeles Long Beach school opened its doors to an array of local businesses, university partners, international agents, staff and students to celebrate its official launch.

It was an opportunity for the school to show off its bright modern facilities. When in the spacious classrooms the students benefit from state-of-the-art interactive whiteboards, digital course materials and instant access to the internet. When out of class students can enjoy using the facilities of the computer centre, and large student lounge with table tennis, football and cable television to entertain students.

Three students were chosen to officially open the centre by unveiling a founding plaque (pictured below). Their names (Hyun Seung Lee from South Korea; Bilge Karakas from Turkey; Fanta Boukar from the Republic of Niger) are displayed on the plaque to comemorate the event. Each of the students told their stories of academic achievement and aspirations to the assembled crowd.

 

Afterwards, the guests were invited to take a tour of the facilities, to meet staff from the Embassy school, and to enjoy the music and food!

All staff and students relocated to the new school at the end of December, which is situated in the world trade centre of the lively coastal town of Long Beach, just 10 miles from downtown LA. The new school now benefits from a large outside courtyard, a rooftop terrace, and shops and cafes on the doorstep.

Visit the official Embassy website to find out more about studying English in Long Beach, Los Angeles.