Learning A New Language Before Studying Abroad

Studying abroad in Spain is not the type of experience you want to rush into unprepared. Most students travel abroad in their sophomore or junior year of college, which leaves plenty of time to get ready for your semester abroad. There are some exercises you can do in addition to language classes. It is recommended that you do some work every week to maintain your progress.

Speaking a language in its native country is different from speaking in an American classroom. Spaniards may have less patience than your classmates, and they speak faster. Here are several ways to learn how to listen to native speakers so that you do not misinterpret everyone you encounter on your trip.

America has a high Spanish-speaking population, so you can certainly find people to practice with who will be more tolerant since they are aware of your situation. While conversing, try to develop a natural response in Spanish instead of translating your thoughts from English to Spanish. Talk about simple subjects and start out speaking naturally within your knowledge instead of reaching outside of your vocabulary.

Go to an ethnic restaurant that may have Spanish-speaking staff and order in Spanish. This way, you will be more comfortable with the nights out you will have while studying abroad. Your server will most likely respond in Spanish and then you can work on small conversations without the nervousness involved in a thorough discussion.

Watch a foreign movie in Spanish over and over again. Start with subtitles so that you can visualize what you are hearing. Eventually, watch without the subtitles. By then, you will know what to expect from the movie and can better understand the actors. This will train your ear to pick up fast-paced speech that will surround you in Spain.

Read books in Spanish. Start simple, perhaps with a children's book and then move on to more advanced texts. Some people like to linger on every word and figure out the direct translation, but just as you can do in English, you can pick up words in Spanish from the context instead of having to look them up in a dictionary. Try skimming the text and test your ability to figure out the gist of the story.

When you have classes taught entirely in Spanish, you will have to follow everything the teacher says, copy notes from the board, and keep up with homework, which will likely include dense college-level reading. You will also want to comfortably socialize with friends without having to resort to English. Although many people know English, speaking your first language will hinder your advancement in Spanish. Once you are in Spain, you will learn the slang that was never covered in class.

What You Should Know About the Gymnasium and Gymnastic Floors

Before we consider the gymnastic skills, it is necessary to look at the facility required in order to practice rhythmic gymnastics. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need a gymnasium; in fact it is better if you have not got this facility.

Far too much time is spent recovering ropes and ribbons from the girders in the ceiling (this is a technique in itself, usually achieved by throwing the hoop so that it turns over on its own axis, and wraps around the hanging apparatus to pull it down).

It is best to work with a clear overhead space, free of chandeliers, spotlights and rafters, a village or community hall, a school hall, dining hall, theatre, perhaps, or any other space, even the back lawn in summer, but do keep away from windows, for obvious reason.

Initially it is not necessary to have a really high ceiling, but you will find that as gymnasts grow older, stronger and more advanced, they will throw much higher and eventually outgrow the normal hall.

In addition to the space above, the space below the gymnast is also important. The floor needs to be clean and non slip, any surface being suitable, although a sprung floor is obviously kinder to legs and feet.

The recognized covering used in top level work is a carpet, such as the one we have in the lounge at home, but without too much nylon in it, which causes friction burns on the gymnasts' feet and legs.

However, a full carpet is an expensive item, large and difficult to store, and so most practice takes place on the bare floor of the hall or gymnasium. Mats may be used, perhaps individually or in strips for practicing some of the more difficult elements, but they can sometimes be a hindrance, the rolling hoop getting stuck in the crack between two mats, or the bouncing ball not bouncing because the mat is too spongy.

The size of the full area is not 13m x 13m, slightly bigger than for artistic gymnastics, but unless working towards a high level, senior competition, this is not essential and you can work in whatever space you can find.

Much of the body work, the ballet training, suppleness and strengthening exercises and some of the manipulative skills can be practiced at home.

Sail Boat Insurance Options

Sail boat insurance policies can be custom fit to suit the 19' Trailerable sailboat to the 46' Custom Motor sailor and able to offer a multitude of comprehensive packages and competitive prices. A standard sailing vessel insurance package often includes such essentials as Physical damage (hull and machinery), Liability, Medical expenses, Personal effects, and Oil leaks.

To be able to track down the most competitive package it can often help to use the services of one of the reputable marine brokers or agents. This takes the hassle out of the search for the most appropriate insurance coverage. The agents are able to compare multiple sailboat insurance policies from the largest insurance providers with ease. This will in most cases return the best deals on offer.

Once those quotations are put before you its crucial to known the coverage on offer is adequate to protect the sailing vessel in all situations. Before accepting a quote take a moment to review the terms, conditions, and exclusions.

Some of the important questions to ask when reviewing the policies are - does the insurance stipulate a off-season or lay up dates, is the mast, spars, sails and rigging covered, and if covered is it full cover or is it just two-thirds of the value covered. Is the cruising area sufficient for the planned sailing trips and who is allowed to be in control of the vessel, is it just the insured or is anyone with boating handling experience able to take the helm.

It's also a good idea to appreciate the extent of the coverage on offer. Is the insurance a agreed value policy (sum insured is agreed on at the time of arranging the insurance) or actual cash value (insured value is calculated on the age and condition at the time of a loss). All of the points just mention can have a dramatic impact on how a future claim is settled and the resulting compensation in the event of a loss.

Quotes often feature a choice of deductible amounts; with the higher the deductible figure the more affordable the annual premium will be. Opt for a deductible amount that's able to combine a great premium with a deductible amount that the policy holder can afford to pay in the event of suffering a loss.

Its also wise to plan ahead. Does the policy offer flexibility in the coverage offered, such as is the intention there to compete in local club races or meetings or to hire the vessel out on a skippered or bareboat charter, and can the cruising area be extended for a one off trip to an island at a later date. Those are just a few of the possible add-ons that might be required at a later date.

Whether its a entry level day sailor or a offshore racing sloop in need of coverage there are a variety of sail boat insurance plans to assist in offering tailor-made cover to suit the specific needs at hand.

Selling Timeshares - Why Selling Timeshares is a Mistake

Do you own a timeshare? Are you thinking about selling your timeshare? There are ways to get even more out of your timeshare than if you just sell it. Why would selling timeshares be a mistake? Here is exactly why you should not even consider selling your timeshare.

First, what if you sell your timeshare and you decide five years from now that you wished you could take a vacation to your old timeshare. You would either have to buy a new one or rent someone elses. Either way it will not be the same and the hassle will be no fun.

If you keep your timeshare you will not have to worry because you can still vacation to it once a year just like you used to. Plus if you do the right thing you can also make some money off your timeshare as well.

This is what you can do. You can rent your timeshare out whenever you are not using it. This can give you a couple thousand dollars a week for your timeshare. After a few years you can actually pay off your timeshare with renting it. Plus if you decide you want to use it one year you still have it.

Renting your timeshare can also pay for your vacation to where ever you decide to go. Plus when you own a timeshare you can usually get discounts on travel to other areas in your network. So you can use the money you get from renting your timeshare for your vacation to somewhere else.

Selling timeshares is a mistake because you can make so much more by keeping them and renting them out. This is the best way to deal with a timeshare you don't want to use as often.

Hair Braiding

Hair braiding can be fun and give a person an earthy look. One of the hardest types of braids is the French braid. When it comes to learning how to do the French braid, you should first try it out on a friend or someone that you know. To get the French braid right you need to practice and practice. Remember, it's one of the most difficult braids so have patience. It maybe difficult, but the results are worth the effort because a French braid can be used for any type of occasion.

First what you want to do is begin with clean and dry hair. You will want to straighten wavy hair and really curly hair so that you don't give your braid extra texture and it will be easier to braid. You want to use gel to get rid of any tiny hairs that are everywhere. Next, you want to remove any tangles from the hair.

Once you have properly combed your hair, take a three by one inch section of hair that is located just above the forehead or behind your bangs. Then you will want to divide the section in three even pieces. The key to a good French braid is having equal sections. Then take the left section and put it between the left index finger and thumb. Then take the right section and place it between the right index finger and thumb.

You should let the middle section stay flat against the head. Then pull the right over the middle section and place it between the left index and middle fingers. Then with the right middle finger cut about an inch wide section of hair straight across the head (start at the hairline and move towards the middle section that was parted). Once you have done this, collect the middle section and pull the hair tight.

You shouldn't pull too tight because it could cause you to have a headache or your hair to fall out. The line of hair that was collected should be flat and smooth. Continue to twist your left hand clockwise and move the section that's in between your left index and middle finger to the right index and middle finger Pull the sections in your right hand and then let the hair in the left hand go. You will want to continue to do this and as you go down the back of the head grab bigger sections. Remember not to pull too tightly, because it could have serious side effects.

Once you have done the entire head and are down to the base of the neck, take a tie or rubber band and tie off the end, you can also add a bow or some decorative bobby pins to add some flare to your hair-do. Get creative with your French braid. Remember, it will take a long time to get the hang of things so practice, practice, practice!

The Goldilocks Syndrome of Resume Writing

Most job seekers do not take the time to research what they need in order to prepare a resume that will sell their qualifications to a hiring company. It has been said that preparing a resume is comparable to preparing a tax return. In short, a real drag! Although it is not mandatory to have a resume in many situations, it must be prepared properly when it is required and with more creativity than what goes into preparing a tax return!

So where do you begin? For starters, you will need an objective, followed by a summary of qualifications, work history, education, and computer skills section. Sounds reasonably straightforward, right? So why is it so hard for people to write their own resume?

10 STEPS TO HELP YOU GET STARTED

Some job seekers have a short work history and do not know how to make the most of their work and non-work related experience, skills, and attributes. Other job seekers have backgrounds that are so extensive, they do not know where to draw the line, and make the mistake of including too much information. Still, other job seekers have just the right amount of experience, but they do not know how to effectively present their experience and most impressive selling points on paper.

The following steps will simplify the process:

1. Decide on the position and research various sources to find job ads outlining the requirements of the position.

2. Do a skills inventory exercise by making a checklist from the list of job requirements.

3. Take the requirements matching your qualifications and write a rough draft of experience next to each requirement along with a note of which employer.

4. Organize all of the roughly drafted sentences under each employer listing the most recent employer first and work your way down the page ("reverse chronological order")

5. Polish the sentences being sure to start each one with an action verb such as managed, coordinated, and supervised, and leave out pronouns such as I, she, and he.

6. In addition to your routine work activities, do your best to list a few select accomplishments. This could include learning a new software at work and training another person to "increase productivity" or to save the employer money by avoiding the need to pay a software training school to teach their employees.

7. Do not list sentences about your attributes in place of experience. For example, under Professional Experience or Work History, do not write, "Ensure workflow efficiencies exercising exceptional organizational and time management skills." This is not specific enough about job-specific responsibilities. You can, however, include a statement like this under your Summary of Qualification as one of your attributes. Do not limit your Summary of Qualifications section to only attributes. Make sure you strike a balance between experience overview, skills, and attributes.

8. Decide which categories you will need. For example, if you have a recent degree and limited experience, put the Education first. If you have mostly experience, list Education last. If you have impressive academic credentials that were obtained a few years back and want them to see that right away, still list it last, but mention the credential in your profile or summary section.

9. Include an objective statement. Do not make the mistake of not including an objective thinking that you do not want to limit your opportunities. If you take this approach, the reader will not know what position you are targeting and will most likely toss your resume in the trashcan. You cannot be all things to all companies. This goes back to the first step in the exercise - choose what you want to do. Then build the resume around that objective.

10. Format your resume so it is attractive. Be consistent with the style of the headings, dates, locations, and bolding. For example, if you abbreviate the name of the state where you worked, make sure it is abbreviated in your address at the top and throughout the resume with the exception of the sentences. Do not include the day of the month you were hired. Limit it to the month and year. Do not include the full address of the employer. This is for the job application form, not the resume.

First section: Objective

An objective for a jobseeker's first resume is very important because the reader cannot skim the experience section to make a quick assumption what a job seeker has to offer and is looking to do. The objective statement should be specific, not making the mistake of being too cliche but stating something so general as "seeking a position with a large organization offering career growth opportunities" because that says absolutely nothing and is all about what you want, not what you have to offer the hiring company. They have a business to run and are looking to hire people who want to contribute, not just take. That said, the objective should read this way: "Ambitious sports enthusiast exploring a position in sports marketing. Offer a recent degree in Marketing, valuable field internship experience and three years of work experience in special events coordination and public relations."

This is how the section should look:

OBJECTIVE

Ambitious sports enthusiast exploring a position in sports marketing. Offer a recent degree in Marketing, valuable field internship experience and three years of experience in special events coordination and public relations

Second Section: Summary of Qualifications

A Summary of Qualifications section "summarizes" a job seeker's selling points relevant to the job they are applying for. The easiest format is a few bulleted sentences, each dedicated to experience, skills, credentials and attributes.

This is how the section should look:

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

* Offer five years of experience in customer service and workshop coordination.

* Pursuing a bachelor's degree in Marketing; consistently maintain excellent grades.

* Work full time to finance education to avoid the need for student loans.

* Possess excellent organizational, interpersonal communication, and problem resolution skills.

* Creative thinker with a proven ability to size up a situation and bring new ideas to the table.

Third Section: Education

A job seeker may have five years of experience, but it is not in their chosen field or in direct alignment with their pending bachelor's degree. So, their most impressive selling point is their education. Tip: when a degree is pending, it is advantageous to include a short list of the most important courses. Do not list high school if you have college experience. It is understood. The exception would be if you are in your first year of college ad have very accomplished experience in high school.

This is how the section should look:

EDUCATION

Name of College, Town, XX Pursuing Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing; expected December 2007 Current GPA: 3.7

Select Coursework:

* Principles of Marketing

* Marketing Research

* Managerial Accounting

* Organizational Communications

* Business Policy and Strategy

Fourth Section: Work History

Until you have strong and extensive experience in your "profession" you should hold off on using the category "professional experience" and opt for "work history". This job seeker's work history is in customer service as a waitress. Although the term "customer service" is not the same as a customer service position in an office setting, it is still servicing customers. As long as this job seeker can justify their reasoning behind using customer service as their area of experience, they will not be stumped in an interview.

The first line of this section should include the company name, town, and state, but not the door address. That information should only be included on a job application form. On the same line as the company name and location over to the right margin, the employment dates. The job title should be listed on the second line in bold. There are formatting variations from resume to resume, but this is the basic approach.

In this position, the job seeker worked in a pizzeria as a waitress. Although this is the actual title the job seeker will list, the description will indicate that they provide customer service excellence. This way they can use the keyword phrase "customer service" in the Summary of Qualifications section and in the cover letter.

This is how the section should look:

WORK HISTORY

Rocco's Pizzeria, Town, XX X/XX to Present

Second Shift Waitress

* Provide excellence in customer service to an average of 80 patrons per shift.

* Train new staff members on shift procedures and restaurant policies.

* Assist with the planning and set up of in-house and off-site catering services.

Fifth Section: Community Involvement

This section will convey a strong work ethic, willingness to contribute to the community, experience working with people, an ability to plan, organize, coordinate and carry out a program, and good communication, analysis, and problem solving skills.

This is how this section should look:

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Strikes and Spares Bowling Alley, Town, XX X/XX to X/XX

Volunteer Bowling Instructor

* Conduct bowling workshops to individuals and groups of six to eight children ages 5 to 10.

* Work with pro shop to promote workshops and sell bowling balls at discounted rates.

* Coordinate fundraisers to raise monies for awards, marketing campaigns, and competitions.

Sixth Section: Computer Skills

Most people have basic computer skills such as Microsoft Word. It is acceptable to list the names of software programs without indicating the proficiency level.

This is how this section should look:

COMPUTER SKILLS

MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint and Internet research

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Let's do another one!

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This client has a 25-year sketchy background that includes several career transitions. Career choices range from her early beginnings as a music education teacher to her business partnership in video production, which is ongoing and sporadic, to her more recent experience in retail sales. In between, she raised her children and obtained a bachelor's degree in media production. Additional experience includes office managerial positions and part-time evening work as a dispatcher for an alarm company that she is not unsure about listing it on her resume. She is now looking to leverage her career in a position with a TV video production company so she can explore a position where her eclectic background in managing a similar business will be utilized and developed. So how should she do her resume?

This job seeker has decided to target a position as a senior technician and work her way up the ranks. She is very confident, and knows that this foot-in-the-door position will launch her new career. The emphasis will be placed on her work producing independent films, her technical expertise, (retail) business management and music education experience.

First section: Objective Statement (Target Position)

Unlike an objective statement, a title objective consists of a few words that serve as a headliner to brands the job seeker and expresses their objective. This is done best if the job seeker is experienced in that occupational discipline. Using a title objective rather than a sentence-style objective statement is much more direct and very powerful. If a job seeker is transitioning to a new career, the use of a title objective can be initially misleading. It is helpful to preface the title objective with a statement such as "Target Position" or "Position of Interest".

This is how the objective statement should look:

TARGET POSITION: SENIOR TECHNICIAN, TV PRODUCTION

Second section: Profile

Unlike the Summary of Qualifications section, a profile is a paragraph that is more of a bio rather than a few simple sentences. It tells a story and is much stronger in language. The goal is the same, in that it conveys the scope of experience, skills, credentials and attributes relevant to the position of interest. You do not need to use the actual word Profile as you would use Summary of Qualifications in our first example.

This is how the Objective Statement and Profile sections should look when combined:

TARGET POSITION: SENIOR TECHNICIAN, TV PRODUCTION

Multi-talented business management professional with a strong career path that combines music education, business ownership in media / video production and business management. Strong team leader and client consultant known for ability to develop scalable solutions that dramatically improve efficiency and productivity through management of project specifications, timelines, resources, and budget requirements from point of planning through production.

Third section: Professional Experience

Sometimes a chronological resume will not work because the most recent experience is not the most relevant experience. So, a combination resume is the strategy that should be used. The combination format combines the elements of a functional (skills based) and chronological format. Professional Experience will be the main category, followed by sub-categories that are appropriately named according to the function or job title. These will be Video Production; Music Education; Business Management (retail). Notice how the category is not called Retail Sales Management. Rather, "retail" is given a backseat because it is not the focus as much as the business management end of what this job seeker does. But, before we even get to that point, a chronology of employment will be listed first.

This is how the section should look:

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Managing Partner, Video Production Studios, Town, X/XX - Present

VIDEO PRODUCTION

* Direct the hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of a production staff and volunteers.

* Fully coordinate the logistical operations of program productions.

* Conceptualized, developed, and produced 30-minute interview and music shows.

* Supervise and approve show format, host, theme song, and casting.

* Plan and organize the scheduling of program channels and the casting of community events.

* Oversee the implementation of all technical requirements and conduct group-training sessions.

* Manage projects and technical teams and program schedules.

* Direct stage productions; conduct orchestras; and create, edit, and produce videos.

* Build and administer system networks and handle all aspects of creative technical writing.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

* Serve as a team member responsible for developing and implementing business plans.

* Manage weekly status meetings to instill uniform vision of product development.

* Execute the distribution and promotion of all new product lines.

* Produce voice-overs, audio calls, and on-camera product introductions.

* Lead the market push of six new products from conception to completion.

* Coordinate the design of graphics to created product branding.

* Train video editors and operations staff in the delivery of scripts.

* Directed product production, achieving a year-over-year cost savings of 25%

* Reduced defect reductions from 15% per unit to less than 4% per unit.

Fourth Section: Education

Often, highly experience or more senior-level professionals have graduated over ten years ago. They do not want to emphasize their age or to show that their education was so far back. So, the best thing to do is omit the date. Since their experience far outweighs their education, they do not need to list their GPA either. The best approach is to keep it as simple as possible.

This is how the section should look:

EDUCATION

Music Conservatory, Town, XX

Bachelor of Arts in Music

Fifth Section: Computer Skills

In some cases, there is specialized software in addition to the usual MS Word and Excel. It is a good idea either list them first or use subcategories so the technical software stands out. If there is a series of applications that all start with Adobe, Microsoft or Apple, it is a good idea to list the company name once, followed by the specific software from that company. When using this approach, keep the group together on their own line or separated by a semi-colon.

This is how the section should look:

COMPUTER SKILLS

Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Image Ready

Apple Final Cut, Live Type, Motion and Apple Soundtrack

MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint