The Voyage
5 reasons to take a smart vacation ● Specialize your skill set with a new language ● 5 things to do in London
Free flights www.ef.com/flyfree
Issue 4 ● The faster way to learn a language ● www.ef.com
International Language Campuses
The Voyage
Dear Professional Welcome to the latest edition of The Voyage, a newspaper dedicated to helping professionals realize their potential. In this edition, you'll learn about the importance of an international network as well as how to specialize your skill set with a new language. We'll also give you the lowdown on ‘smart vacationing’, the latest trend among professionals looking for meaningful getaways. What’s more, you’ll find our 2018-2019 brochure in this pack which is filled with information about EF’s language courses in 52 destinations around the globe. Sincerely, Name Title Country
5 reasons to take a smart vacation A “smart vacation” combines a short-term language course with a relaxing holiday abroad. It gives you the time away you crave while also offering you the opportunity to do something positive by improving career-essential skills and broadening your horizons. 1. Advance your career Being a global citizen who is able to communicate with people from all over the world is crucial today, and by improving your language skills, you’ll stand a better chance of getting a promotion or salary increase back home. 2. Improve your job prospects On the other hand, if you’re looking to make a career move, learning a language is super important: it can open up opportunities at home and abroad and give you a broader range of jobs to apply to. 3. Make new connections Whether it's during class or over
a glass of wine, you'll meet likeminded professionals from across the globe. You'll get the opportunity to exchange experiences and walk away with dozens of new contacts and friends. 4. Immerse in a new culture Experiencing a new way of living and adapting to your surroundings enhances tolerance and openness, and will make you a better communicator and a more wellrounded team member. 5. See the world You're not just learning a new language and forming new connections, you're experiencing a brand new corner of the world. See the sights, go for long walks and sample the local cuisine – you'll return home feeling like you truly made the most of your trip. For more reasons, look here: www.ef.com/gosmart
Issue 4 ● The faster way to learn a language ● www.ef.com
The Voyage
Top 5 things to do in London England's capital offers visitors endless sights and activities. Here are five unmissable London experiences: 1. See the sights It may be a cliché but seeing Big Ben and the London Eye in person at least once is a must! 2. Shop on Oxford Street With endless shops to choose from, this is a firm favorite for keen shoppers. 3. Have high tea If you've ever fancied trying tea and scones, London is the perfect place for it. 4. Dine at a gastropub Experience the best of British pub life at one of London's many gastropubs. Enjoy a pint along with some traditional English fare.
5. Visit art galleries London is home to many iconic art galleries. The Tate Modern and the V&A are both known for their stellar collections and exhibitions. Learn more about our London campus at: www.ef.com/XXX
The importance of an international network
Specialize your skill set with a new language
Your network takes on an international element when you connect with people abroad. Developing a diverse international network can take a little more time and effort, but is an extremely valuable experience – here's why:
While English is a firm favorite for many language learners, there are various other global languages that can be of considerable use in your professional life.
Even more reasons to travel Your fellow students will likely have traveled from far and wide to join you and will head off in different directions once you've all completed your course. What better excuse to travel than to visit and catch up with friends you made during your time abroad? With an international network, you'll have tour-guides ready to show you all the hidden gems and someone who will happily visit you in your own home town. The endless learning possibilities One of the best ways to connect with someone is to share an experience together. Try a cooking class, head out on a hike or learn a language together. Even once a connection has been established, you'll continue learning. With an international network of friends, you'll constantly be interacting with and learning from various different cultures. An international support group Considering uprooting and moving to a new city for work? Having a
friendly face at your new location would certainly make the whole process easier. That classmate from your study abroad course could be that person. They may also be able to offer invaluable advice on their industry, employer and the city they've built a life in. Future business opportunities Networking in a business context can seem daunting, but it doesn't always need to be such a taxing task. Oftentimes your friends, classmates and former colleagues will have connections relevant to you in their own networks. Keeping in touch with old connections, not only to maintain the friendship but also to exchange experiences can be invaluable – you never know when someone might know of an opportunity for you. Just don’t forget to pay it forward: One day, you may also be in a position to help someone in your own network.
These days it seems the general consensus is that “everybody speaks English”. However as the EPI (English Proficiency Index) shows, of the 88 non-native Englishspeaking countries, only 55 had populations with proficiency ratings over 50 percent. Although a lot of people speak English at some level, it is simply not as efficient to speak
to them in English as it would be to speak to them in their native tongue. That's why learning an additional language like Spanish, Mandarin, French or German can make you a valuable asset in professional environments, where you can facilitate conversations and negotiations with international stakeholders. These specialized skills are highly valued in today’s workplace, particularly in firms that operate internationally and can make a tremendous difference to your career. Read more at: www.ef.com/go
For more reasons, look here: www.ef.com/go.
www.ef.com ● The faster way to learn a language ● Issue 4
The Voyage
Why study at an EF Executive Language Institute Designed especially for senior professionals, the EF Executive Language Institutes in Boston, Cambridge and Hong Kong offer language courses tailored to executives' goals for maximum progress. Our EF Executive Language Institutes boast an executive-only environment where you can choose from tailored private classes and small-group settings. Executives accelerate their progress and network with fellow professionals from around the world at our campuses located in Boston, Cambridge and our brand new institute in Hong Kong. EF Executive Language Institute Boston: As the hometown of Harvard University and MIT, as well as the headquarters for multinational corporations such as Fidelity, Gillette and Prudential, Boston is the perfect place to improve your business English. EF Executive Language Institute Cambridge: Located in a city that has attracted scholars for 800 years, EF's prestigious Executive Language Institute in Cambridge is the ideal location for professionals. EF Executive Language Institute Hong Kong: A global financial hub, studded with skyscrapers Hong Kong boasts a stunning skyline, signature cuisine and iconic style. Refine your language skills while you study on our centrally-located campus in Causeway Bay. Benefit from EF's expertise by reading more at: www.ef.com/executive
What to do if you want to work abroad Working abroad is not only a great experience, but it can also launch your international career and open doors for new opportunities around the world. To help you prepare, we've put together a few things for you to consider. Read up on visas and work permits No matter how much you plan and organize, your dream of working abroad will ultimately hinge on your visa or work permit. Therefore, finding out what papers you’ll need to be able to legally work in another country will be the first step.
Research the cost of living vs. your salary You might not know exactly how much money you'll make each month, but you need to know what the industry average is and how it compares to the cost of living. You will need to figure out how much money you will have left once all the monthly costs are paid. Find out how to find a job and a place to live If you have set your heart on a specific city, research how easy it will be to find a job and a place to live. Check how people commute and how that factors into your budget and expectations.
Issue 4 ● The faster way to learn a language ● www.ef.com
Start building a network Having a network in another country is crucial – luckily, you don’t even have to travel there to small talk and schmooze: Use social media such as LinkedIn to find and connect with people in your industry. Learn about your country and its culture It's a good idea to visit your future home before you move and really ask yourself if you could live there. This is also a great time to meet with possible employers, look at neighborhoods, and talk to locals about jobs and living arrangements. Is your interest piqued? Read more here: www.ef.com/go
EF Education First Bärengasse 25, 8000 Zurich Tel. 00351 9631 9531 email@info.com