Hi guys,

Just a few words to say goodbye…

Was really nice to meet you, great time, great city. Summer of love!

See u in 9 months, maybe. You’re invited to come see me in Angola, Brazil, France, always!

Love, love, love, and lots of kisses and hugs

Cam!

This weeks language excursion was Back to the Future. We took a look at the potential for South Africa in the future in terms of industry and business.

We started the week with an excursion to XYZ. They are specialized in industrial design, and have their main office in South Africa from where they have clients all over the world. Thabo and Kate, two employees of XYZ, explained us their interest in industrial design and showed us some of the projects they are working on. Very interesting to see the potential for South Africa on this part.

On Wednesday we took a look at the history of South-Africa to see how it all began. Jethro took us through The Company’s Garden and to the National History Museum, which held an exposition on the Khoi San called Rock Art. The Khoi San expressed their ideas by drawing on rocks and these messages are thus visible to this day.

The last Excursion was a trip to Woodstock, where we met up with CherryFlava. CherryFlava is a Marketing Communication specialist who had an assignment for us. The students had to write a letter back home, but instead of using words we had to go through the city taking photos that would show what we wanted to say in the letter. Keeping the homefront updated was never as much fun!

Take a look at the previous Back to the Future Language Excursion here!

Please read the article about Kurus English in this month’s German Chamber of Commerce and Industry Newsletter! Follow the link here!

Mac McKenzie

Kurus English supports The Cape Town Composers’ Workshop; founded by well known Cape Town Jazz icon Mac McKenzie. The aims of the Not for Profit Organisation are, firstly, to promote and enhance the creation of musical works by Jazz composers from Cape Town, especially Athlone. Secondly, to further the performance of jazz in the disadvantaged communities. Thirdly, to train young talents both as composers and musicians by the masters, providing them with a space in which to bring their skills tu fruition. Finally, to uplift and empower the youth of disadvantaged communities.
For further information please visit The Cape Town Composers’ Workshop website here!

Vanessa after her Bungy Jump!

Travelling the world in your 20s

Currently, many young people in their 20`s leave home to travel around the world; this appears to be a growing tendency.

Even if one of the most important objectives of the youth is gaining independence, this can`t be achieved completely. Parents who support and pay for their children`s world trips, may make it impossible for them to achieve financial independence. In the same line of reasoning, the young people who travel in their 20s, in fact stop studying and working, which could be detrimental to their professional life and student carreers

Despite the two points mentioned above, it is undeniable that it is possible to find more positive opinions and ideas. Firstly, the young travelers do not actually stop studying: in fact they get to know new cultures, places and languages. Secondly, the lucky young travelers in their 20s get to know people from all nationalities and all walks of life. This, in itself, is a vitally important global education. Last, but not the least, a fascinating trip around the world encourages the young people to gain priceless experiences and responsibilities, which is very important for their professional future.

In conclusion, it is necessary to remember that one`s 20s is the ideal age to travel around the world. After this time, the person would be locked into their other responsibilities, such as their job and their family.

Vanessa Garcia Dinis, Cape Town, 13.02.2009

I have to say goodbye!

Thank you all for the wonderful time in your school.

Special thanks to Gavin and Aaliya for their patience and kindness all the time. I will miss you!

Now I have the virus and will come back as soon as possible.

You are a wonderful team.

Stefan

I enjoyed very much my stay here at Kurus.
But I am far away to be perfect – the time was too short!!
I think to come again here and continue this perfect teaching.
I wish Kurus with this new idea about a school success for the future.

Waltraud from Bonn

We are mourning for Joe Mthimka, a friend and a host on our Language Excursions! Joe died last night in his home in Gugulethu. Joe we will never forget your stories and you passion about soccer. Joe was part of our Language Excursion theme “2010″. Please see the pics from our last visit at Joe here!

Joe, rest in peace!

He looked at me angrily.
I whispered nervously.
“Tom, I don’t love you any more”.
He turned tragically and
Quietly, he walked away…

Ellen and Gavin
(Practising adverbs!)

Cape Town – South Africa
Cape Town is a beautiful and developing city where you can see the mountains on one side and the ocean on the other side. It’s amazing to be surrounded by two different sceneries.
South Africa has a rich history that intriques me.
After I arrived in Cape Town, I was homesick for two weeks and I wanted to go back home but in my third week I discovered how wonderful this city really is.

Kurus English
Kurus English is a small and cozy school with friendly people and good teachers. I felt welcomed since my first day here. For me, just one month to learn English was too short: I would like to have more time.
The general English course is great because the contents are clear and effective.

Language Excursions
I had good times with the Language Excursions. This programme provides opportunities to practice the language, listening and speaking with different people and hearing different accents, improving our skills more and more.

I enjoyed this unforgettable experience!
DANIELA

The Language Excursion last week was all about visiting different schools and meeting the youth of Cape Town. We visited a High School in Kalkfontein and Langa as well as Nosipo, a student from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Nosipo, told us a lot about her student life and future perspectives. SHe also showed us different community projects in Gugulethu. Fortunately, we had the opportunity to see a performance of a theatre group about HIV and AIDS awareness and education.

If you would like to see more pictures and information about last weeks theme, visit the entry of our first Language Excursion here!