Hey TALK Grad!
When TALK students graduate, it’s always bittersweet. Take a look at what some students said about their time with us.
Hyo Jeon Lee
From South Korea
“[This was] my first time living in the U.S. First, I went to Indiana, where my cousin’s husband lives… [Then], I went to Florida to stay with my [other] cousin. In Davie, I not only studied English, but I also visited many places such as: Disney World, Miami Beach, and the Bahamas. Now it’s time for me to graduate from the program and go back home to South Korea. It was very nice to meet everyone and I hope we keep in touch.”
Alexandre Campetelli
From? Brazil
“I never imagined living outside of Brazil. I only dreamed about it. [Now] I see that dreams are possible. Everything has changed. I [started] a new life and I am very happy with my decision to study at TALK.”
Super Bowl 2010
American football, simply known as football in the states, is a competitive team sport. The main objective is to score points by getting the ball to the other team’s end zone. Football is very popular in the United States and every year, fans can’t wait for the championship game called the Super Bowl.
Held in Miami, this year’s Super Bowl was between the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts. Sports lovers were glued to their seats; however, many people were just watching for the great half-time show and memorable commercials. In fact, it was the most-watched program in US history, with 106 million viewers. In the end, the Saints won with a final score of 31 to 17.
IELTS Test in Santo Domingo, DR.
TALK will administer the IELTS Exam in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic on December 12th, 2009.
“We are very pleased to be able to serve IELTS candidates in the Dominican Republic. By providing the exam in Santo Domingo, we are saving candidates hundreds of dollars in airfare and accommodations and a large amount of time and stress associated with international travel”, said Barbara Halwa, the IELTS Centre Administrator for TALK International.
The IELTS Exam is the world’s leading test of English proficiency for higher education, immigration and employment. Education institutions, faculties, government agencies and employers around the world rely on the IELTS exam. For additional information please see www.talk.edu/ielts/ or contact Kremena Parvanova at ielts@talk.edu.
Happy Turkey Day!
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to indulge in tons of turkey, watch football and spend time with family and friends.
Thanksgiving dates back to the harvest celebration of the pilgrims and the Native Americans in the fall of 1621. However, this “first Thanksgiving” was just a gathering, not a holiday. In fact, it wasn’t a holiday until Pres. Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving Day in 1863. We?ve been giving thanks on the fourth Thursday of November ever since.
Stay tuned for pictures of how we do Thanksgiving at TALK!
Halloween 2009
It’s Hallo-scream!
Halloween
On Hallowe’en the thing
you must do
is pretend that nothing
can frighten you.
An’ if somethin’ scares you
and you want to run
Jus’ let on like
it’s Hallowe’en fun.
- - - from an Early Nineteenth Century Halloween Postcard
Halloween is a perfect example of the American “melting pot”. It is a mixture of beliefs, rituals and traditions, both religious and pagan, which come from all cultures in the USA.
On October 31st we celebrate Halloween or Hallowe’en, a shortened version of All Hallows’ Even. This holiday marks the evening before All Hallows Day or All Saints Day. When the Romans conquered the Celts in 43AD, they incorporated many of their festivals into their own celebrations, including Halloween. Nowadays, we celebrate with elaborate costumes, haunted houses, carved pumpkins and trick-or-treating (children go door-to-door asking for goodies and threaten to play tricks on those who refuse).
Halloween is an excuse to dress up and we’re going all out this year at TALK. We have planned a trip to Orlando for Halloween Horror nights at Universal Studies (Oct. 23rd) and a party (Oct. 30th) with pumpkin carving and costume contests. Stay tuned for pictures!
Successful Re-Accreditation
TALK International is an accredited institute, recognized by ACCET (Accrediting
Council for Continuing Education & Training) and consequently the US Department of Education. Our 5-year accreditation which ended in August 2009 was continued for an additional 5-year period. This determination includes our Fort Lauderdale Main Campus at Nova Southeastern University, and our Aventura (North Miami) and Downtown Miami, Brickell Avenue facilities.
“We are very proud of fact that we are an accredited institute, and have been one since 1998. Our teachers and staff are professionals of the highest quality, all working hard to provide a superior educational experience for our students. It is gratifying to know that the quality of their work is recognized and acknowledged by experts in the field.”? said Des Levin, President of TALK International.
ACCET was founded in 1974 and is officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. ACCET is certified as an ISO 9001-Quality Management System, under the international standards established by the International Organization for Standardization.
Accreditation serves the interests of companies, agencies, and the public by evaluating schools to ensure they maintain high standards in all important areas of the organization.
For additional information regarding accreditation and ACCET, please go to www.accet.org
Tropical Barbeque at Haulover Park and Marina
Haulover Park and Marina is one of the most popular launching points for deep-sea fishing in South Florida. Located on the infamous Collins Avenue of Miami Beach, the marina is right next to tennis courts, a golf course, restaurant, and tons of green space.
A popular tourist attraction at the marina, The Kelley Fleet, was created in 1957 by Capt. George Kelley. His goal was to give the public a safe, low-cost way to enjoy deep-sea fishing. Elizabeth Bercaw and her students from TALK in Aventura enjoyed a day in the sun while touring Kelley’s Fleet. After learning about various fish found in Florida waters, students grilled Red Snapper at Haulover Beach. Check out the photos below!
[Students] prepare the fish for grilling!
Welcome to our newest marketing team member: Asami
Asami SUZUKI
“My name is Asami Suzuki and I’m from Japan. I moved to the U.S. in 2006 to study English at TALK International. I had planned on staying for a year; however, one year was not enough. TALK not only taught me how to speak English, but also the importance of meeting friends from all over the world and learning about each of their cultures. So, I decided to stay longer.
After studying at TALK, I went to Johnson & Wales University in North Miami, where I graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. I also have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business form Japan, so I learned a lot about the differences between Japanese and American business. I’m grateful for this experience because I’ve learned so much at both TALK and Johnson & Wales that I never would’ve experienced in Japan.
I’ve recently returned to TALK to become a part of their staff. Now, I am the new Marketing Assistant for our Asian division. Most of the staff hasn’t changed since I was a student and I feel very comfortable here. I am extremely excited about meeting new students and learning about their cultures. Therefore, I’m very happy I’ve come back to this great school! “
First Summer Group Program
In June 2009, TALK hosted the first of its summer groups in the Boston area, on the beautiful campus of Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts. This first group comprised of Japanese seniors who wanted to experience life in America on a college campus. They wanted to live on the college campus, stay in the dorms, eat at the cafeteria and of course learn English and see Boston.
Shopping at famed Fanueil Hall
The successful implementation of the program would not have been possible without the active participation and involvement of Regis College, their wonderful staff and the stewardship of the group leader Michael. Living on the campus was comfortable and filled with activities and opportunities for members of the group to practice English and enjoy the American culture. The location of the college close to the subway system made transportation to activities and places of interest easy.
The group program included activities and trips that were used to add content and relevance to the academic program. Trips included using the subway and going to museums, prestigious academic institutes and universities, bustling shopping areas, exciting sporting venues and historical sites around Boston.
“Boston was an excellent choice as a destination for this group. The rich history and culture of Boston presented us with many interesting options for trips and activities. Also, the utilization of the substantial resources and facilities at the college allowed made everything convenient and allowed us to really enjoy ourselves.” said Massey Pakdaman, Academic Director.
As always, saying goodbye was difficult and the farewell ceremony was a tearful occasion. “I (am) 78 years (old) and I have (one of the) best time of my life”. said Yoko Nakamura, a member of the group. “I look forward to (my) next trip - Fort Lauderdale”
Thank you Yoko and all the other members of your group, we will miss you and we look forward to seeing you again.
Father’s Day Breakfast
Father's day
Fathers also deserve their own special day. TALK International honored fathers by sponsoring a Father’s Day Breakfast. Each father was presented with a certificate of appreciation recognizing the great contribution each one gives in his own special way.
All students were invited to participate.
Check out some of the photos of these proud fathers!