Another Amazing Buddy BBQ at BBELS

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Some of our students enjoying themselves at the Buddy BBQ

Last Friday night our students had a great time at the BBELS Buddy BBQ. The concept of the BBQ is quite simple and is a lot of fun – during the free BBQ dinner students sit with a “buddy” from another country and class. This means everyone is required to speak English in a natural social situation.

 

Over 120 students attended the BBQ. There was plenty of food for everyone (including vegetarian and vegan options!). Live music was played during the evening,with some of our students performing in public for the first time.

At BBELS we strongly believe in the importance of providing social situations for our students to make new friends while practising their English. That is why we regularly hold Buddy BBQs and other Friday night events.

If you would like to know more about our English courses and activities program, please visit our website.

 

Student Nationality Mix at BBELS

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This is a great time to come and study at Byron Bay English Language School. We have 18 different nationalities studying here at the moment and our students are really enjoying the opportunity to meet people from different countries.

Not only do our students have the opportunity to study with people from various countries, they also have the chance to live with them in our student houses. It is the connections that students make with one another that become one of the most valued experiences for them here at BBELS.

We still have spaces available in classes and student houses for students who would like to study here during the Australian summer. For more information about our courses please visit our website.

Meet the BBELS Staff: Mamiko

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Meet Mamiko, our friendly new staff member, from Japan

This week we would love to introduce you to Mamiko. Mamiko arrived here with lots of experience working for ESL schools in New Zealand and Sydney. You can see Mamiko working behind her desk at the BBELS reception office 5 days a week. She is always ready to have a friendly chat with our students.

What is your role here at BBELS:

I work in Student Services, Administration, Japan Marketing

Where are you from? How is your life in Byron Bay different from your life back in your hometown?:

I am originally from Japan but I lived in New Zealand for many years before coming to Australia.
Byron Bay is very different from Tokyo (Japan) where I grew up till I was 18 years old. Byron Bay has just the right amount of shops, restaurants and cafes and a lot of nature which I feel comfortable living in
whereas Tokyo is overcrowded with many buildings and people.

What advice would you like to give our students at BBELS?:

Enjoy every new experience and challenge, especially enjoy meeting new people in Byron Bay.

Where are some of your favourite places to spend your free time in Byron Bay?:

The Pass/Wategos Beach are perfect places to swim, read books, and sun bathe. I also love looking at the vinatge shops and the beach at Brunswick Heads.

A day trip to Minyon Falls

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Some of our Cambridge students at the base of Minyon Falls

It hasn’t rained here for months and months so finally after a few days of wet weather it was the perfect time to take one of our Cambridge classes on a day trip to Minyon Falls.

Walking through the sub-tropical forest on the way to the base of Minyon Falls

Our students always love visiting this waterfall. It is about 45 minutes drive from Byron Bay and for many tourists without a car it is very difficult to access. Our drivers usually stop at different points of interest along the way where students get to see views across Byron Bay and the hinterland.

Climbing over some rocks at the end of the walk

It is a moderately easy walk to the base of the waterfall. The sights, sounds, and fresh air during the walk make it extremely worthwhile. At the end of the walk our teachers usually organise an Australian BBQ lunch for the students. It is always a great day out, and if you study at BBELS you could join us here at Minyon Falls.

 

For more information about our courses and activities visit our website at http://www.bbels.com.au/

 

 

 

Meet the BBELS Staff: Marcos

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This year BBELS has had the pleasure of adding some new members to its staff. In this post we would like to introduce you to Marcos. Marcos works in our Student Services team at reception 5 days a week. Marcos is always extremely positive and willing to help you. He is originally from Brazil and he studied in one of our IELTS classes a couple of years ago.

What is your role here at BBELS:

My role is to look after reception, acting as a Student Services officer, and administrative assistant. Lately, I have been getting more involved with the Brazilian Marketing initiatives, dealing with Brazilian agents, students and direct enquiries. I have also been looking after our social media channels, Facebook, Instagram and Facebook Brasil, with the support of our team-mates.

Where are you from? How is your life in Byron Bay different from your life back in your hometown?:

I am from Santos/SP – Brazil. My life in Byron is quite simple and a lot more fun compared to my latest busy years when I was living the rat race in São Paulo. The amount of time that I have to dedicate to things that I love is the main difference in my life here compared to my life in Brazil. Living in São Paulo, I was waking up, working and going back home to sleep. It is also important to mention how close I am to nature, which matters a lot to me, living in Byron Bay. On a daily basis, I am able to go to the beach, work and go out – which is almost impossible in Brazil.

What advice would you like to give our students at BBELS?:

Be open! I usually tell the students that I have the opportunity to meet and chat, that they are going to write their own story in Byron Bay. So, being open to what arises is crucial!

Where are some of your favourite places to spend your free time in Byron Bay?:

White’s Beach for the beauty and secluded atmosphere. Broken Head, Tallows Beach and The Pass for the surf and beach sports. Main Beach if you want to enjoy the talented artists playing free gigs by the beach, the drum circle, tourists, and so on.

An Excursion to Brunswick Heads

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Walking along the wall at Brunswick Heads

At BBELS we encourage our students to use their language skills in real contexts. For this reason we have regular excursions to towns and villages near Byron Bay.

Today our Upper-intermediate class visited the beautiful seaside village of Brunswick Heads. It is well-known for its surfing and fishing beaches, excellent cafes, and for its river with dolphins and turtles.

At the end of the wall looking north to the Gold Coast region

 

Our students always love the excursions that we organise. They get to see parts of the Byron Bay region that only locals know about. They also get to speak English in a relaxed environment with their classmates and local people. As you can see from these photos, it is a great way to learn English while sightseeing around Byron Bay.