Welcome to our February Newsletter. This month was quite short with cold and windy, but also rainy days. But, when we look backward at the previous months, Montreal did not have a hard winter. We only had two snowstorms! Spring will maybe show up sooner than expected. That would be so nice!!!
Well this time, we do not have so many staff member news, except for our new intern Kareem Hassan. Kareem is from Egypt and used to study English and French at GEOS Montreal. He mainly helps with new registrations, administrative paperwork and with our growing middle eastern clientele.
Our Yasu is right now on vacation for two weeks and he decided to spend his holidays in his home country (Japan).
In February, the cold days did not forbid us to go on activities and to enjoy them. We went first on the top on Mont Royal to enjoy the panoramic view. It was sunny and not too cold at that moment, a perfect time to see the city from Mont Royal.Then we went sledding but it became so cold that we could not stay for a long time. So after a few sledding try, we left and walked through Mont Royal. I would like to let everyone know that walking on trough the mountain is very nice and helps to escape from the stress of the city! The second weekend, we went ice skating at Parc Lafontaine which is, according to me, the best place to skate.
You have the impression to be out of town, you have lots of space to skate and depending on the time that you are going, it is not that crowded. We went the Friday before Valentine’s Day, which meant that we were treated to some romantic music. Then the following weekend, we went to eat a poutine at La Banquise. We were around 10 people to share our impressions about this famous Quebec dish. We had a very good time.
In February, there are always two great events: Valentine’s Day and the High Lights festival. Valentine‘s day is a worldwide event. We decorated our school with some hearts and balloons, as we always like to bring some new atmosphere in our school. We wanted to feel some love and happiness all around us when working and studying. The second event is our High lights festival. This 11th edition in Montreal puts on a fresh face with a host of new attractions. The festival occurs in different places such as Place des festivals alongside Old Montreal and the Quays of the old Port. This event also includes the “Nuit blanche”. During that night, cultural attractions such as museums, exhibitions and other cultural institutions offer free entrance and the city offers free shuttle services all night long. Also the metro works all night long.
The international festival of films on art, starting on March 18th to March 28th and the Saint Patrick‘s Day parade on March 14th 2010. On that day, everyone wears green clothes to represent the Irish heritage in the city, attend the nice parade during the day.
Dean Garlick is not only a teacher at GEOS Montreal but also a writer. He lately finished writing his first book called The Fish. You can check details on the following website: http://www.deangarlickthefish.blogspot.com/. The launch date is set for March 15th from 7:00 to 10:00, at the Drawn and Quarterly on 211 Bernard St, Montreal. The evening will include the musical talents of Erin Lang and the Foundlings. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy wine, readings, and the musical musing.
“First of all, Montreal is a great city you should visit. I was personally impressed by the diversity here. While you walk along the streets, it is very common to meet people from all over the world. GEOS reflects the same multiculturalism. I came in this school to improve my English, and in addition of that I’ve made friends I wouldn’t met otherwise! The teachers and the staff are great as well. They always push you to give the best of yourself. I can really talk about the dynamics in the classes. If you think that you will find something totally annoying where the teacher is talking and the students are listening (or are sleeping, I should ) you’re completely wrong! Classes are amazing and there is a wonderful interaction between everybody. Coming to class and improving a new language has never been such a pleasure for me. I warmly encourage you to try this experience. You won’t be disappointed."”
Maylis Yangni-Angate Cote d’ivoire 13 weeks, English Intensive
The next English and French beginner evening classes will start on the week of March 22nd. Our French evening starting dates for beginners are the same as the ones in the daytime: March 22, May 17, June 14, July 12, August 9, September 7, October 4 and November 1, 2010.
The next Japanese beginner evening classes will start on the week of March 15th. For 2010, Japanese beginner classes are set to begin on the following weeks: March 15, May 10, July 19, September 13 and November 22.
We have right now three different elective classes in English: The TOEFL and IELTS preparation classes, the Business English class and our writing class. In French, we have a “communication francaise” class. If you are interested in taking the IELTS preparation class or any other elective class, feel free to contact us at info@geosmontreal.com. A TOEIC class will be opened in the week of March 8th instead of our Business English class.
We also offer a one week working skills session starting on March 08. The class will run from Monday to Thursday from 4pm to 6pm. This session will cover a variety of topics related to how to search effectively for a job. Students will learn commonly-used practices, idioms and slangs in the hospitality industry.If you are interested, please contact us at info@geosmontreal.com.
We also offer seasonal study tours/holiday group courses that students can join individually for one or two weeks.
Furthermore you can send your own group. Please fill out the study tour analysis form that you can find on our website and we will then design a program and prepare a quote for you based on the activities and accommodations requested.
You can download our 2010 School Brochure here.If you have any questions regarding the programs or the starting dates, just send us an email by CLICKING HERE
Saint Patrick's Day is an annual feast day that celebrates Saint Patrick, the most commonly recognized of the patron saints of Ireland, and is generally celebrated on March, 17th. The day is a national holiday of Ireland. It is also a public holiday in different other countries such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The longest-running Saint Patrick's Day parade in Canada occurs each year in Montreal. St. Patrick's Day has been celebrated in Montreal as far back as 1759 by Irish soldiers in the Montreal Garrison. On St. Patrick's Day in Montreal, people would dance, drink and feast—on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.
Wow!!! I have to admit that this experience to be in Montreal is really great because I enjoy a lot the city, the view and the most important... The school!! I like so much the school!! And the teachers are very professional and with a good sense of humor!! The people who study here are very friendly and very respectful so I hope that everybody could enjoy Montreal and Geos!! Its an experience that you never forget!!”
.jpg)
