Advanced class goes to Nightcap National Park

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It is the beginning of Autumn here in Australia. The days are beautiful and warm, it’s perfect for spending time outside. So, this week our Advanced class traveled to Nightcap National Park to spend a day practising English in these beautiful natural surroundings.

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Nightcap National Park is only 45 minutes from Byron Bay so it is an easy bus ride from school. During the bus trip the students listened to music and spoke in their new favourite language … English!

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We always encourage our classes to spend some time outside with their teacher. It facilitates spontaneous learning and becomes a bonding experience for the students. We are so lucky here at BBELS to have our own bus to drive students to these beautiful locations.

If you would like to be part of these experiences contact us at info@bbels.com.au

Meet the teachers: Prue

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In this post we are happy to introduce you to Prue. Prue has been teaching here for over 1 year. She always gets great feedback from students who love her enthusiasm and humour. Prue is currently teaching the Advanced General English class and the Hospitality and Tourism elective in the afternoons. She has also just finished teaching  some Japanese High School study tour groups.

Prue, tell us about yourself. Are you originally from Byron Bay?

I grew up in country Queensland – from a really young age I lived on really big farms all over the state, from Stanthorpe to the Gold Coast Hinterland. Basically my parents moved whenever it didn’t rain! However, growing up, I spent a lot of time hanging out and visiting Byron – it feels like home.

How long have you been working at BBELS?

I have been working at BBELS for just over a year.

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What other fields did you work in before you started teaching English at our school? Has it helped you as a teacher?

I’ve been an English teacher since 2003 and have never looked back. I love the satisfaction that you get from teaching and seeing students improve. I also have a Masters in Journalism and still work as a freelance copywriter and journalist, so as you can guess, I love words, languages and grammar!

What do you like most about teaching students of different nationalities?

The diversity and richness the students with their life experience and cultures can bring to the classroom – I have discovered so many interesting things about so many countries, simply through listening to student’s stories – this has saved me a lot of money on flights!

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Do you have any tips for the new students who want to improve their English skills?

Get out of the house, be confident in your ability and practice your English on some Australians – the pub is a good start. Try to immerse yourself in the English language – be it movies, the radio or conversation with other foreigners. Other than that, all I can say is that practice makes perfect!

What do you like most about working at BBELS?

My work colleagues, the management team and the DOS – what a hilarious, creative and inspiring bunch of people. I also love the fact I can walk to the beach in 5 minutes after work!! I guess the students are ok. (Just joking, you guys rock!)

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Byron Bay has (got) so much to offer. What are some of the things you’d recommend students to do while they are here in the Byron Bay area?

Don’t stay at home watching DVD’s, get out there and explore all the surrounding nature and beaches Byron Bay has to offer.

The BBELS Over-50-program

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A special option to learn English for all the people who are still young at heart

General information about the program

The Over-50-program offers adults who are 50 years or older to take a big step and come to Australia in order to learn English or improve their existing English skills. You can enrol in different English courses at BBELS according to your interests while enjoying the easy-going way of life here in Byron Bay.

Of course accommodation is very important as well and that’s why we have a luxury student house for our Over-50-students which is located close to the school. The house consists of four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a nice living room and a modern kitchen. Our students have the possibility to use both laundry and dryer in the student house and are able to get free WiFi as well. You will live together with other adult students and can therefore enjoy spending time together but you’ll always have the chance to get some time on your own in your private area.

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What is special about this program?

This BBELS program is only offered to adults at the age of 50 or more  and applies to all your needs and interests. We can select some luxurious excursions and activities for you if you would like to have a more comfortable way of spending their free time.

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5 reasons to join

  1. You can learn English in classes with young people from many different countries.
  2. It is a great chance to spend your time, for example after retiring.
  3. Byron Bay has a lot to offer. You can relax in our beautiful natural spaces with many amazing beaches and at the same time discover all the exciting and interesting aspects of the area.
  4. You can finally fulfil your wish to travel far away which may have been a desire for a long time.
  5. This is a good opportunity to gain more confidence in your language skills and also in yourself.