Hi all, thanks for dropping by. To make things easier, I've decided to merge some of my blogs, which, including this one, can now be found at ELT World. I've been getting off my backsides and writing recently, so come over to the new URL and leave lots of lovely comments.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Get the Latest UAE TEFL News
First off, thanks to all of you who visited this blog in 2008. I'm busier than ever over at eltworld.net setting up things, that's why it's been a bit quiet round here. The ELT World news blog has been up and running for almost a year now...
Please drop by and learn all the latest TEFL gossip from all round the world at the ELT World News blog, you'll be amazed what's going on in the wonderful world of English language teaching.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Free online TEFL journal issue 6
The latest edition of the totally free online journal is now available for download. Here are the contents:
English teaching in Israel can be immensely rewarding
by Michelle Simmons
Facing financial crisis? Then move your teaching career abroad
by Kelly Blackwell
Things to consider before accepting a job
by Sharon K Couzens de Hinojosa
Teaching in Japan is easier than ever
by Judy Wellsworth
English in Malta
by Thomas West
The advantages and disadvantages of online TEFL courses
by Ajay Shringi
Expat living in Thailand
by Alex Smith
Virtual Classrooms
by Rajesh Rastogi
Where should newbies go to begin their TEFL careers?
by members of the forum (newbie questions)
Exploring task based learning
by Sharon Turner
The American Concept of EFL and its Invisible Visions in the Middle East Region
by Amjad Owais
Click here to view the journal.
English teaching in Israel can be immensely rewarding
by Michelle Simmons
Facing financial crisis? Then move your teaching career abroad
by Kelly Blackwell
Things to consider before accepting a job
by Sharon K Couzens de Hinojosa
Teaching in Japan is easier than ever
by Judy Wellsworth
English in Malta
by Thomas West
The advantages and disadvantages of online TEFL courses
by Ajay Shringi
Expat living in Thailand
by Alex Smith
Virtual Classrooms
by Rajesh Rastogi
Where should newbies go to begin their TEFL careers?
by members of the forum (newbie questions)
Exploring task based learning
by Sharon Turner
The American Concept of EFL and its Invisible Visions in the Middle East Region
by Amjad Owais
Click here to view the journal.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
'Sex on beach' pair sentence appeal
A British couple who had sex on a Dubai beach will find out if their appeal has been successful next week. Michelle Palmer, 36, of Oakham, Rutland, and 34-year-old Vince Acors, of Bromley, south-east London, were sentenced to three months in jail and issued with deportation orders last month.
Hassan Matter, who is representing the pair, outlined their case at the Dubai Court of Appeal. Prosecutors, who are calling for the sentence to be increased, also made their argument. Mr Matter said a judge will make a decision on the appeal next Tuesday. Palmer and Acors, who appeared in court for the hearing, remain on bail in Dubai.
Mr Matter said they will return to court for next week's hearing, after which they could be taken into custody. Palmer and Acors were arrested in the early hours of July 5 after being seen having sex on Jumeirah Beach by a police officer. They had met earlier at a champagne brunch at a five-star hotel on the emirate.
At last month's hearing, they were found guilty of having unmarried sex and public indecency. They were fined 1,000 dirhams (£155) after admitting being drunk in a public place.
Hassan Matter, who is representing the pair, outlined their case at the Dubai Court of Appeal. Prosecutors, who are calling for the sentence to be increased, also made their argument. Mr Matter said a judge will make a decision on the appeal next Tuesday. Palmer and Acors, who appeared in court for the hearing, remain on bail in Dubai.
Mr Matter said they will return to court for next week's hearing, after which they could be taken into custody. Palmer and Acors were arrested in the early hours of July 5 after being seen having sex on Jumeirah Beach by a police officer. They had met earlier at a champagne brunch at a five-star hotel on the emirate.
At last month's hearing, they were found guilty of having unmarried sex and public indecency. They were fined 1,000 dirhams (£155) after admitting being drunk in a public place.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Poor English skills blamed as students turned away
A large number of students applying to UAE universities fail to meet English language proficiency requirements set down by the institutions. Zayed University (ZU) officials say about 80 per cent of applicants fail to meet its language requirements.
Read the full story...
Read the full story...
Monday, September 1, 2008
An Acronym By Any Other Name
An article by Brenda Townsend Hall
I don't know about you but I loathe acronyms. Yes, I know they have a convenience factor but they also seem to me to be potentially sinister, redolent of George Orwell's Newspeak. Our field has its fair share of them and woe betide anyone who uses one wrongly. Never, for example, say ESL or TESL when you mean ESOL or TESOL. Why? because you might unwittingly insult a learner by referring to ESL (English as a second language) when the learner might be a speaker of several languages with English some way down the pecking order: it is politically more correct to refer to English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). So important has this distinction become that the heavy hand of officialdom in the UK now requires people seeking British citizenship to demonstrate that they have at least ESOL Entry Level 3 from the national "skills for life" curriculum (strange distinction, after all we hardly need "skills for death"). Exam boards now dutifully provide ESOL qualifications that seem to have eclipsed the old EFL certificates, making English as a foreign language somehow less relevant.
So have EFL and TEFL lost status? Not exactly, but they imply the use of English in international situations, perhaps among non-native speakers. They still get a look in, but to teach English as a "foreign" language requires different emphases. For example, TESOL would require the teacher to concentrate on situations and contexts that the learners would meet in everyday life in an Anglophone country. TEFL, on the other hand, suggests an orientation towards travel and global situations. I don't dispute that these distinctions have their uses but the trouble is that you can see the potential for all sorts of new acronyms on the horizon. When we will start to teach EIL (English as an international language) or EIB (English for international business)?
I'd happily settle for good, old-fashioned ELT (English language teaching).
About the Author
Brenda Townsend Hall, a contributing editor to ESLemployment, is a writer in the fields of English for business, cross-cultural awareness and business communications. Interested in receiving TEFL job listings weekly for free? To learn more visit TEFL Jobs.
I don't know about you but I loathe acronyms. Yes, I know they have a convenience factor but they also seem to me to be potentially sinister, redolent of George Orwell's Newspeak. Our field has its fair share of them and woe betide anyone who uses one wrongly. Never, for example, say ESL or TESL when you mean ESOL or TESOL. Why? because you might unwittingly insult a learner by referring to ESL (English as a second language) when the learner might be a speaker of several languages with English some way down the pecking order: it is politically more correct to refer to English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). So important has this distinction become that the heavy hand of officialdom in the UK now requires people seeking British citizenship to demonstrate that they have at least ESOL Entry Level 3 from the national "skills for life" curriculum (strange distinction, after all we hardly need "skills for death"). Exam boards now dutifully provide ESOL qualifications that seem to have eclipsed the old EFL certificates, making English as a foreign language somehow less relevant.
So have EFL and TEFL lost status? Not exactly, but they imply the use of English in international situations, perhaps among non-native speakers. They still get a look in, but to teach English as a "foreign" language requires different emphases. For example, TESOL would require the teacher to concentrate on situations and contexts that the learners would meet in everyday life in an Anglophone country. TEFL, on the other hand, suggests an orientation towards travel and global situations. I don't dispute that these distinctions have their uses but the trouble is that you can see the potential for all sorts of new acronyms on the horizon. When we will start to teach EIL (English as an international language) or EIB (English for international business)?
I'd happily settle for good, old-fashioned ELT (English language teaching).
About the Author
Brenda Townsend Hall, a contributing editor to ESLemployment, is a writer in the fields of English for business, cross-cultural awareness and business communications. Interested in receiving TEFL job listings weekly for free? To learn more visit TEFL Jobs.
See Horizons Journal for more great articles like this.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The Top 5 Luxury Beach Resorts in Dubai
Knowledge shared by Rosella Colella
1) Mina A’ Salam
The Mina was the first Dubai beach hotel completed as part of the Madinat Jumeirah resort. Built around 2 miles of Venetian-style waterways filled with abras that ferry guests around the Dubai beach resort, the Mina aims to marry Dubai’s modern-day opulence with its old-world architecture.
The sand-coloured buildings making up this Dubai beach hotel are striking on the outside and palatial inside. Each of the 292 sea-facing rooms are styled in keeping with the Arabian theme: heavy studded doors give way to Moorish arches hung with ornate lanterns, and the beds are piled high with exotic dark blue, red and gold fabrics.
But the real hook for this Dubai beach hotel are the large terraces which jut out towards the water, ideal for sitting and sipping a leisurely G ’n’ T as the sun goes down on your Dubai beach holiday. With walkways along the harbour, al fresco restaurant terraces and a souk full of lavish boutiques, Mina has a distinctly village feel to it – albeit a village full of those looking for luxury.
2) Le Royal Meridien
This Dubai beach hotel is situated on a pristine stretch of private beach with a stunning view of the Arabian Gulf. It is set in landscaped gardens overlooking the famous Jumeirah beach.
Roses are a big deal at the Royal Meridien. In the rooms of this Dubai beach hotel are finger bowls of water floating with petals to dip the digits; more rose residue scatters the bed and the bathroom has more blooms than a florist on 13 February. Such opulence is typical of Le Meridien’s flagship brand and the pools, gardens and great stretch of sand have been sculpted in a timelessly classic style.
Sexy European clients flitter around the upmarket all-beige coffee spaces and bars, and it is doubtful that the pool has seen a full swimsuit in its life. For more decadence, head to the Roman Spa. This hotel is perfect for an indulgently romantic Dubai beach holiday.
3) Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a 5-star hotel which opened in 1997. This wave-shaped hotel complements the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, which stands opposite in the sea. Beside the hotel is the Wild Wadi Water Park, a fantastic Dubai beach holiday destination, to which all guests in the hotel have unlimited access.
When completed in 1997, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel became the 9th tallest building in Dubai. Today, it is ranked lower than the 100th tallest building. Despite its lower rankings, the hotel remains a Dubai landmark.
4) Le Meridien Mina Seyahi
The Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is set on Jumeirah Beach, opposite Emirates Golf Club and Montgomery Golf Course. This Dubai beach hotel is a boutique-styled luxury beach resort. Dubai’s cultural and tourist venues like the Dubai Museum and Gold and Spice Souks are conveniently accessible from the hotel, excellent for Dubai beach holiday outings.
It is outside where the Mina really comes into its own. With over 2,800ft of golden sands, the hotel boasts more beach than any of the other beach resorts in Dubai, and it utilises every inch of it with excellent water sport facilities.
The hotel is great for guests looking for a more active Dubai beach holiday. It features outdoor facilities for up to 5,000 guests, eight restaurants and bars, five outdoor pools and access to a range of sport activities such as water skiing, kayaking, and windsurfing, and a glass-fronted gym that allows you to look out to sea while working out.
5) Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab is a giant-size beach resort in Dubai and, at 321 metres, formerly the tallest building used exclusively as a hotel. However, another Dubai hotel, the Rose Tower, which has already topped Burj Al Arab's height, has taken away its title since its opening in April 2008.
The Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 metres out from the coast, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. This lavish Dubai beach hotel is an iconic structure designed to symbolise Dubai's urban transformation and to mimic the sail of a boat.
The world's first (self-described) seven-star hotel, the Burj certainly goes to extremes - which are often ridiculous for most travellers - to please its über-wealthy Dubai beach holiday clientele. Still, set nearly 900 feet out in the Persian Gulf on a man-made island, this sail-shaped icon has come to signify Dubai's tourism ascent since it opened in 1999. The hotel contains more than 20,000 square feet of real gold leaf.
About the Author
Rosella Colella is a Dubai expert for key2holidays, an online tour operator specialising in Dubai beach holidays.
1) Mina A’ Salam
The Mina was the first Dubai beach hotel completed as part of the Madinat Jumeirah resort. Built around 2 miles of Venetian-style waterways filled with abras that ferry guests around the Dubai beach resort, the Mina aims to marry Dubai’s modern-day opulence with its old-world architecture.
The sand-coloured buildings making up this Dubai beach hotel are striking on the outside and palatial inside. Each of the 292 sea-facing rooms are styled in keeping with the Arabian theme: heavy studded doors give way to Moorish arches hung with ornate lanterns, and the beds are piled high with exotic dark blue, red and gold fabrics.
But the real hook for this Dubai beach hotel are the large terraces which jut out towards the water, ideal for sitting and sipping a leisurely G ’n’ T as the sun goes down on your Dubai beach holiday. With walkways along the harbour, al fresco restaurant terraces and a souk full of lavish boutiques, Mina has a distinctly village feel to it – albeit a village full of those looking for luxury.
2) Le Royal Meridien
This Dubai beach hotel is situated on a pristine stretch of private beach with a stunning view of the Arabian Gulf. It is set in landscaped gardens overlooking the famous Jumeirah beach.
Roses are a big deal at the Royal Meridien. In the rooms of this Dubai beach hotel are finger bowls of water floating with petals to dip the digits; more rose residue scatters the bed and the bathroom has more blooms than a florist on 13 February. Such opulence is typical of Le Meridien’s flagship brand and the pools, gardens and great stretch of sand have been sculpted in a timelessly classic style.
Sexy European clients flitter around the upmarket all-beige coffee spaces and bars, and it is doubtful that the pool has seen a full swimsuit in its life. For more decadence, head to the Roman Spa. This hotel is perfect for an indulgently romantic Dubai beach holiday.
3) Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a 5-star hotel which opened in 1997. This wave-shaped hotel complements the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, which stands opposite in the sea. Beside the hotel is the Wild Wadi Water Park, a fantastic Dubai beach holiday destination, to which all guests in the hotel have unlimited access.
When completed in 1997, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel became the 9th tallest building in Dubai. Today, it is ranked lower than the 100th tallest building. Despite its lower rankings, the hotel remains a Dubai landmark.
4) Le Meridien Mina Seyahi
The Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is set on Jumeirah Beach, opposite Emirates Golf Club and Montgomery Golf Course. This Dubai beach hotel is a boutique-styled luxury beach resort. Dubai’s cultural and tourist venues like the Dubai Museum and Gold and Spice Souks are conveniently accessible from the hotel, excellent for Dubai beach holiday outings.
It is outside where the Mina really comes into its own. With over 2,800ft of golden sands, the hotel boasts more beach than any of the other beach resorts in Dubai, and it utilises every inch of it with excellent water sport facilities.
The hotel is great for guests looking for a more active Dubai beach holiday. It features outdoor facilities for up to 5,000 guests, eight restaurants and bars, five outdoor pools and access to a range of sport activities such as water skiing, kayaking, and windsurfing, and a glass-fronted gym that allows you to look out to sea while working out.
5) Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab is a giant-size beach resort in Dubai and, at 321 metres, formerly the tallest building used exclusively as a hotel. However, another Dubai hotel, the Rose Tower, which has already topped Burj Al Arab's height, has taken away its title since its opening in April 2008.
The Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 metres out from the coast, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. This lavish Dubai beach hotel is an iconic structure designed to symbolise Dubai's urban transformation and to mimic the sail of a boat.
The world's first (self-described) seven-star hotel, the Burj certainly goes to extremes - which are often ridiculous for most travellers - to please its über-wealthy Dubai beach holiday clientele. Still, set nearly 900 feet out in the Persian Gulf on a man-made island, this sail-shaped icon has come to signify Dubai's tourism ascent since it opened in 1999. The hotel contains more than 20,000 square feet of real gold leaf.
About the Author
Rosella Colella is a Dubai expert for key2holidays, an online tour operator specialising in Dubai beach holidays.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
About Me
