cafebabel.com

‘Learning German is pointless’: British students abandon foreign languages

('Tim Mac an Airchinnigh',) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 10:51:10 -0000

Could the British actually be getting worse at language learning? Apparently so. In a 21st century UK, more young people than ever are questioning why they should learn a second language at all

Learn how to practice safe sex at the Højskole, Denmark's alternative school

('Andrew Burgess',) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:10:21 -0000

With no examinations, a free timetable and learning-speed unique to each individual, the 'Højskole' proposes an education without competition (and diplomas), allowing each student to freely express their creativity and live within a community

French citizens ‘Balkan-level’ skill at the English language

('Tim Mac an Airchinnigh',) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:07:08 -0000

The nineteenth-century attitudes to language learning here are not just wasting people’s time, but wasting an extraordinary amount of their money, opines a young Irishman who teaches English in Paris, capital of a country which an 'archaic' education system

Europe's digital library versus Google

('Sarah Truesdale',) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:00:00 -0000

This autumn, Europeana, the first European digital library, will make its first appearance on the net. The premise is promising, but there are still many challenges to overcome

Hooking people up since 1483

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0000

UK, Russia: a new Iron curtain?

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Two out of three British Council offices were deemed 'illegal' and closed down in Russia in January. A reflection on ties between the Kremlin and London

Yannick Haenel: 'Berlin symbolically incarnates all the horror of the preceding century'

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 02:10:00 -0000

In his award-winning novel 'Circle', the professor from Rennes and 'Ulysses of the 21st century', 40, takes the reader on a European road-trip from Paris to Berlin

Estonian, language of the future?

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:00:00 -0000

From September 2007, the Russian minority have to officially learn Estonian in secondary schools - Irene Kaosaar, the head of linguistic minorities, on a 'transition' not a 'reform'

Waiting for Godot

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0000

How do you 'stand someone up' - miss a date or meeting with someone - in other European langages? From the Portuguese to the Dutch, learn the comical expressions

Camorra: from Spain with fury

('Andrew Burgess',) — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Don't fear the Polish plumber

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0000

Integration must happen in-situ, with your neighbours - not with Brussels, says Slovak Ján Figel', European Commissioner for Education, Training and Culture

Volunteering – or your money back

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 12:00:00 -0000

On the December 5 we celebrate the special day of these model individuals – the International Day of Volunteers