Minecraft Chemistry - An Overview

Minecraft Chemistry - An OverviewMinecraft Chemistry is a mod that adds new materials, new recipes, and some new challenges to the game. This mod brings some fun new features to the game and makes things more interesting, as well as adding some new challenges to the game. If you want to make some new compounds and find out more about that process, then this mod is a must have for Minecraft. If you like making potions and finding new ways to improve your skills, this mod is something that you will love to use.The mod comes with over 100 recipes and can be found on the craft menu. Most of these recipes will be based on the more common elements that people may know about, but there are also several 'old school' recipes that come from other mods and other worlds. You can find out more about the recipes by reading the labels on the recipe pages or just watching what they do in game.Ingredients for these recipes are pretty easy to find and can even be crafted easily, if you get creative. W ith more than 200 different ingredients, there are a lot of options available.As an example, think about all the different types of mushrooms that you can use to make new and exciting recipes for making new potions. These new recipes are very unique and they will really help you to gain some new knowledge. The ones you can create are some of the most potent compounds in the game, so it makes sense to have the recipe and experience to make these all the time.The end result is the ability to make new recipes that can not be found anywhere else, and they come in many different levels. If you don't want to just look for one of the recipes, there are also dozens of challenges to keep you busy while you explore the world of Minecraft.There are also new quests that will add an extra twist to the world of Minecraft, like getting all the orbs in one of the maps, which are needed to complete some quests. The quests are some of the most fun and rewarding, so if you are interested in making new potions, these new quests will make your life much easier.If you are looking for something new and different, or you like the thought of making your own potions to try to improve your skill, then this mod is the one for you. It can help you make the challenge of the game more exciting and more enjoyable, which is always a plus.

10 Interesting Museums in and around London for Summer 2018

10 Interesting Museums in and around London for Summer 2018 Over the summer it can be difficult for parents to find attractions that can compete with video games and electronic devices, days out where kids can have fun while stimulating their minds. Yet, a visit to a museum can be a simple way of doing just this, educating visitors on a selection of topics in an interactive way. In this roundup, we’re going to take you through museums that look at everything from urban sustainability to one of England’s most notorious prisons. There is no better way to learn outside school than in museums where kids can get inspired about new topics first-hand. So, here is a selection of ten interesting museums to visit in and around London that will help you make a fun and memorable family trip out this summer. The Crystal One of the world’s most sustainable buildings, The Crystal is home to a selection of engaging exhibits that take a closer look at the the future of our cities and urban sustainability. A green building seeking to educate visitors on how our world will look in 2050, The Crystal’s interactive stations include scenario simulators and kinetic squares. With educational resources like activity sheets available on their site for learners to complete during their visit, a day at The Crystal can also be personalised in order to allow visitors to look at more specific areas of urban planning and learn about how they can personally contribute to sustainable urban living. It’s more important than ever for us to be aware of our impact on the environment and the technological solutions that can help us work towards a more sustainable future. What’s so fantastic about the Crystal is that it’s a real life example of what it seeks to educate people on, being an electric building that uses solar power and natural heat sources to generate its own energy. A showcase of technological feats, you won’t quickly forget a visit to The Crystal. Better still, you can easily get there by cable car on the Emirates Air Line, meaning you can also enjoy great views over London on your day out! The Household Cavalry Museum At the heart of London, The Household Cavalry Museum is a living, breathing museum situated in one of the city’s most historic buildings dating from 1750. With displays tracing a 350 year history, what distinguishes this museum from other military exhibitions is the fact that it is so immersive, with exhibits just opposite the in-use stables where soldiers and keepers tend to horses. Whether you’re a London local or tourist, The Household Cavalry Museum offers a unique look into an important aspect of British history and tradition. Providing a look into the work behind ceremonial duties and the broader role of the household cavalry, the museum allows visitors an opportunity to see the original 18th century stables first-hand and listen to accounts of the strenuous cavalry training regime. Learn about the facts behind the cavalry before witnessing the free changing of the guard ceremony for yourself at 11am Monday - Saturday or 10am on Sundays. Within walking distance of St James’s Park, this museum is the perfect place to stop off ahead of a summer picnic in the park. The Museum of the Order of St John Many centuries ago in Jerusalem, men known as Knights of the Order of St John did hospitable work for pilgrims that were travelling to pay homage in the Holy Land. Their story is told through this beautifully crafted museum, tracing the order’s development all the way up to its modern-day role as St John Ambulance, now an international first aid charity. Revamped in 2009 and with carefully crafted exhibitions arranged in chronological order, The Museum of the Order of St John offers a look into the movement of the knights from Jerusalem to Cyprus, Rhodes and finally to Malta, with their present-day headquarters also presented in the exhibition. The museum offers the chance for visitors to delve into 900 years of history, art, religion and culture through informative videos and a number of interactive workshops and activity trails. With a huge selection of artefacts including paintings, armour, swords, manuscripts and even a full sized canon, these ancient relics help to paint a picture of the past. Housed in a beautiful building that was once the English headquarters of the Order of St John, the museum’s site dates back to the 11th century. Being entirely free to visit, this museum is a must visit for the summer holidays. Milton Keynes Museum With a huge range of exhibits covering everything from the penny farthing to Morse code to WW2 air raids, there’s something for everyone to learn at the Milton Keynes Museum. Housed in the Stacey Hill Farm, the museum was founded and set up by a group of local people who began collecting items from closing down farms and factories. The museum offers a look back into the past as told by local people and with exhibits that will appeal to both children and adults alike. With different events taking place throughout the year such as ‘Motors at the Museum’ and their annual ‘Victorian Weekend’, the Milton Keynes Museum is certainly worth a visit for a well rounded day out. Rural Life Centre Originally a private collection of agricultural equipment, the Rural Life Centre was begun by Henry and Madge Jackson who spent years collecting devices and apparatus spanning over 150 years of farming history. Having opened to the public in 1973, the museum is spread over a sprawling ten acres of land. Exploring a range of different elements of village life and farming, the museum offers a closer look at domestic life, forestry, the railway and how rural life was impacted by the war. The Museum of Village and Rural Life provides an immersive experience that draws together several aspect of farming life, being the largest countryside museum in the south of England. With displays that relate to the setup of village life, this vast display of rescued buildings, structures and tools provides an intimate look into the intricacies of rural living. Host to a number of activities and events, the museum is brought to life with costumes, demonstrations, craft workshops and hands-on activities. The Clink Prison Museum Dare you enter The Clink? Built upon the original site of the Clink Prison which dates back to the 12th century, this museum provides a gruesomely hands-on experience of one of England’s oldest prisons. Uncovering social, religious and historical issues, visitors to The Clink Prison Museum are able to handle original crime and punishment artefacts as they are guided through the shocking true stories contained within the building. With informative displays outlining the prison’s past, this museum encapsulates part of history and brings it into the present day, giving visitors a look into some of the ordeals that inmates would have experienced during their time at the prison.  It is a short walk along the river from the Golden Hind and the Globe theatre. Didcot Railway Centre Housing a characterful collection of Great Western Railway steam engines, restored buildings and artefacts including a recreation of Brunel’s broad gauge railway, the Didcot Railway Centre is based at the original 1932 GWR engine shed. With many of the old depot features still in place today, the Didcot Railway Centre offers an authentic look into the British railway system and how it has evolved. During your trip to the centre, you’ll not only be learning about the history of the railway, but also experiencing it! With the main demonstration line spanning almost half a mile, on running days you can travel down the line past the engine shed and locomotive workshops before entering the woods and arriving at the rural Oxford Road station. Preserving an important piece of British history, the Didcot Railway Centre teaches visitors about the technology and history of rail transport. With tickets available at the gate on arrival, make sure you stop off at the museum this summer to learn about the rich history of rail. The Fitzwilliam Museum Home to a vast selection of art and antiquities from present history dating back to 2500 BC, The Fitzwilliam Museum is the museum of the University of Cambridge. With items including everything from paintings and drawings to manuscripts and antiquities, these valuable relics are sourced not only from England and Europe, but moreover ancient Egypt, Nubia, Greece, Rome, China, Japan and Korea. Housing paintings by the likes of Picasso, Monet, Titian and Canaletto, other key items include Chinese jades, Japanese ceramics and a rich collection of European pottery, furniture, textiles and more. For those passionate about history and art or individuals simply wanting to try something new whilst in Cambridge, this historic gem is free for visitors, with a range of gallery trails and interactive puzzles also on offer. With visits generally taking 2 - 3 hours, The Fitzwilliam Museum is the perfect summer’s day activity. What’s more, once you’re done exploring the huge variety of artefacts on show, you’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy the other sights of the city. Forty Hall Estate Situated in green Enfield, Forty Hall Estate is a stunning Jacobean Manor House with medieval fishing ponds, a walled garden and pleasure grounds. With a permanent exhibition  featuring a range of visual and audio accompaniments, Forty Hall also includes a selection of historical spaces, hidden trail chests, dress up opportunities and even kitchen role play. With guided tours available to better help bring the hall’s history to life, Forty Hall Estate is the perfect setting for a day out this summer. Once the setting of Henry VIII’s Palace of Elsyng, Forty Hall Estate is also home to a huge variety of plants and wildlife. With information boards across the estate, it’s the perfect setting to learn more about local flora and fauna. Beyond the exhibits and educational points across the grounds, the estate is also home to Forty Hall Farm where children can visit a selection of farm animals. With a packed events calendar including talks, concerts, film screenings and music festivals, there is plenty on offer for all the family at Forty Hall Estate. Hollycombe Museum Boasting Britain’s largest and most diverse collection of working steam engines, Hollycombe Museum brings history to life through its working steam railways, scenic woodland gardens and traditional fairground. Located on the border of Sussex and Hampshire, visitors are given the chance to ride on either a steam or diesel locomotive and enjoy the idyllic views of Sussex Weald and the South Downs. Beyond railway steam, Hollycombe museum is also home to a collection of road engines and steam rollers, a waterwheel and authentic Victorian fairground rides like ‘Mr Field’s Steam Circus’ - the world’s oldest mechanically operated attraction. With listed gardens to explore and relax with a picnic on, there really is something for everyone at Hollycombe Museum. If you’re considering a visit to Sussex this summer, make sure that Hollycombe Museum is on your itinerary.

GED Preparation Classes

GED Preparation Classes Anna L May 30, 2018 We Can Help You Find the Best GED Prep Tutor Near You! It's Simple and Secure - Get Real Results Fast. Find Expert Private Tutors at Reasonable Rates Today! InPerson or Online Online InPerson Ok, its finally time and you want to check out some GED preparation classes and start prepping!   Youve decided to take the GED and get your certificate equivalent to a high school diploma.   Congrats to you! So, what is the next step? The next step and the most important one, of course, is preparation for the test. Since the new GED tests came out, people are struggling more than before to pass it and earn the certificate because there is no chance of combining the scores from multiple attempts as there used to be on the older version of the test. This makes the test harder and more challenging, but it is certainly not impossible to ace it. All you need is good organization, time, dedication and strong will to pass it. How to Prepare for the GED Test At Home There are several steps you need to take to start preparing yourself properly for the GED test. Here are some of the most important of them: Get to Know the Requirements for Your State There are different GED exam requirements depending on the state you live in. Find out what are the requirements you need to meet for your state and double check the information you’ve found. Get all the information you can at the official GED website and online or ask someone who has already been through the GED locally and is available to help you. They can tell you where to find all the best information can be found and what to start with. It is important that you do this step first, so you don’t study something that is not needed, and vice versa. And it also insures that you focus on all the subjects that are critical within your state.   Being exact with the subjects that you have to study will be of great help: you will focus on what is important and make sure you nail it on the exam when you take it. Get Informed The second step is to know what you have to study, kind of like we mentioned above but were adding emphasis here! Search the internet and visit the official GED website and get informed about the test and whats included and covered. What sections are there? How many different areas are there in every section? What are the types of questions How long do you have for each area and for the test in general Gather all the information you can and get to know what the GED test looks like. Find an example of the test online and check it out. We guarantee you it will be much easier getting prepared and again, later on when taking the exam to know exactly what it looks like, the format of questions as well as the types of questions that you will see. The Book Hunt GED Preparation Book After you understand what you need to know and how the test is laid out, it’s time to find the right study material. GED exams are quite common in the US, and you can find prep books in any library or bookshop, all you need to do is start the hunt and find the best ones. Check the official site and see what they recommend. Ask your local librarian if he or she has any other manuals to help you out and take them too. It’s important you find the right sources for studying with up to date information and correct answers.   Weve collected a list of some of our favorites, Check Them Out HERE. Make a Study Schedule If you are busy (like most of GED exam test takers are), it is crucial you find enough time for your GED preparations. You know how important this test is to you, so you should re-schedule your days and make enough time for studying. Divide the sections and study one section per day so you don’t get confused or overwhelmed with all the information you’re trying to memorize. Use all the time you can efficiently. There are amazing apps for your smartphone you can download and take with you wherever you go. Check them out and use the time while traveling to work or other activities to revisit what you learned last night. You Might Also Be Interested In: What is the ASVAB Test? Get ASVAB Tutor Help Today! Study Space Make sure you have your study space setup and ready at home. A place where you can sit in silence and study the various sections of the GED without being disturbed. Concentration is the No.1 thing when it comes to memorizing the material you’re studying. Psychological studies show if you have poor concentration, you can study for hours, and you still won’t remember much, so don’t waste your precious time. Have enough time to prepare for studying, make sure you are alone or, at least, no one is disturbing you. Some easy to remember studying tips, such as key tips for studying, such as study 20-30 minutes and then take a 10 minute break to rest your brain. Turn off your cell phone and other electronics that may disturb you during your studying. Let me repeat that â€" Turn*Off*Your*Phone!   Heres 25 of our other favorite study tips that might help you as well: Private Tutoring at Home Study Tips “GED Classes Near Me”? More often than we can count, we often are asked Can you help us find GED classes near me?   And we agree, find all the help you can! Search the internet for GED classes near your location and start with the classes as soon as possible. GED prep classes will help you relieve the stress and make you feel more confident about the exam. You won’t be studying at home all alone and stressing out how you won’t make it. In the class, you will meet other people who are trying just like you, and you will meet a teacher or a professional instructor who will help you with your studying. The teacher will always be there to explain you anything you are not sure about and to give you extra information if you need any. Classes can be fun, and you will feel better after taking them, rather than studying on your own. How to Find GED Preparation Classes Online Classes Use the internet as much as you can to help you with the GED exam. The online community of GED prep classes and programs is vast, and there are many online classes you can take in the comfort of your home. It is a great idea because you don’t have to lose time on going to or from a class in your area and you can feel more comfortable at home than with unknown people around you. Private Tutoring If you learn better or feel more comfortable with someone one on on, you   might want to consider this option. When hiring a private tutor for the GED, you are organizing your study schedule the way it suits you best plus you get a professional who will guide you through the material and be there to answer any question you have. You can’t re-schedule a class just because you have to stay late working, nor you can ask them to re-schedule an online class. Find private tutors and invest in your studying and success, you won’t regret it. Your tutor will motivate you and keep you going when you lose interest and concentration; he will be there just for you and you get the support  and assistance needed in insure that you ace the exam! Take GED Practice Test Options There are GED practice tests online that you can and should take. Whether you have a private GED math tutor or are studying on your own, these practice tests will help.   You will get familiar with the type of the questions, and you will see what your weak spots are. Doing tests online will also show you the final score once you finish, so you will see where you stand. Since math is one of the most problematic areas, doing GED math practice tests is the best thing you can do if you want to be sure you won’t panic when the real test comes. Preparing for the math sections are much easier when you see the real questions rather than just studying and solving problems. A math GED practice test will show you how it will look on the real exam, and you will feel more comfortable once you start doing the real math GED exam. Be Positive! When enrolling in any GED prep classes or with GED tutors, don’t have a negative attitude about the test and how you will do. It is important you stay positive because thats going to make the preparation and studying easier. Don’t look at the GED exam as something scary and impossible to pass. Look at it as a way to widen your knowledge and secure a better future for yourself. Approach it with a positive attitude and be excited about all the new information you will get to know! GED prep classes and tutors are there to help you study better and learn everything that has to be learned, but they are also there to decrease the pressure you feel and the fear you have. Enjoy the process of learning and don’t think you can’t make it, because anyone who does prepare for the GED can ace the exam, just like you will! Let us know which of these suggestions you used in your GED test prep in the comments section! Find the Best Private Tutors At Reasonable Rates - Get Real Results Fast! Choose Your Subject - Add Your Zip Code - Find Top Rated Tutors Today InPerson or Online Online InPerson

5 Best High Schools in Austin

5 Best High Schools in Austin Austin is a great city to grow up in, and going to high school there is no exception. Austin boasts many successful high schools, and we wanted to know exactly which ones prep students for postsecondary education.After researching the best high schools in Austin we now have the concrete proof just how great they are. For our first ranking in our school district series, we’ll show you how we calculated the Texas Education Agency’s metrics from the most recent report (2014) to rank each school that met their standards. While the TEA Index is pretty comprehensive, Frog Tutoring decided to evaluate a couple additional factors in the study we found. The following methodology was used in calculation:SAT Factor (24%): The SAT was taken into consideration for this ranking out of a possible score of 2400, since the most recent statistics are from 2014 when the SAT was in it’s old format.STAAR Expectations (22%): When taking the STAAR test into consideration, we look at the percentage of students who met or exceeded the expectations of the test in a given year.TEA Index (22%): We utilized the Texas Education Agency’s 4 areas of academic excellence, which consist of Student Achievement, Student Progress, Closing Performance Gaps, and Postsecondary Readiness.AP Test Factor (18%): We wanted to include the percentage of students that made a score of at least a 3 or better on one or more AP test. We thought this was important to include in regards to college readiness.Graduation Rate (10%): Graduation rate was taken into consideration for the purposes of measuring student achievement and postsecondary readiness.Class Size (2%): Student-to-teacher ratio is important for an individual’s learning, so we took this into consideration.Online Reviews (2%): We have weighted each school’s popularity score based on Facebook reviews, Greatschools.org reviews, and K12.Niche.org reviews.If you’d like to see a more in-depth look at the TEA’s metrics for accountability stand ards, please click here. To determine a definitive ranking for the top high schools in Austin, we combined these 7 factors to create one number to compare and contrast the success of each high school.Let's take a look at the best high schools in Austin!1. LASA High SchoolLASA High School comes in at number one, with an 20:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and a school size of about 1002. In the most recent report card from the Texas Education Agency, LASA was recognized in the following areas of distinction: Postsecondary Readiness, Top 25% Closing Perform Gaps, Top 25% Student Progress, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, and Reading/ELA. Because of all of these distinctions, it’s no wonder that 70% of LASA students have met or exceeded the standards of the STAAR test.2. Anderson High SchoolAnderson High School comes in at number two, with an 20:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and a school size of about 2211. In the most recent report card from the Texas Education Agency, Anderson was re cognized in the following areas of distinction: Postsecondary Readiness, Top 25% Closing Perform Gaps, Top 25% Student Progress, Science, Social Studies, Reading/ELA, and Mathematics. Because of all of these distinctions, it’s no wonder that 67% of Anderson students have met or exceeded the standards of the STAAR test.3. Bowie High SchoolBowie High School comes in at number three, with an 17:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and a school size of about 2864. In the most recent report card from the Texas Education Agency, Bowie was recognized in the following areas of distinction: Top 25% Closing Perform Gaps, Social Studies, and Mathematics. Because of all of these distinctions, it’s no wonder that 56% of Bowie students have met or exceeded the standards of the STAAR test.4. McCallum High SchoolMcCallum High School comes in at number four, with an 23:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and a school size of about 1640. In the most recent report card from the Texas Education Agency, McCallum was recognized in the following areas of distinction: Postsecondary Readiness, Top 25% Student Progress, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Reading/ELA . Because of all of these distinctions, it’s no wonder that 46% of McCallum students have met or exceeded the standards of the STAAR test.5. Austin High SchoolAustin High School comes in at number five, with an 21:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and a school size of about 2076. In the most recent report card from the Texas Education Agency, Austin HS was recognized in the following areas of distinction: Postsecondary Readiness, Mathematics, and Reading/ELA. Because of all of these distinctions, it’s no wonder that 48% of Austin HS students have met or exceeded the standards of the STAAR test.Frog Tutoring Austin Tutors are proud to present the best high schools in Austin based on statistics released by the Texas Education Agency. Please share in the comments any personal experience that you have had in the Austin Independent School Distri ct!5 Best High Schools in AustinCreate your own infographicsNote: We wanted to take a second to explain our methodology, and how we arrived at factoring in each area of success for our rankings. First, we made an extensive spreadsheet (which you can take a look at for yourself here), and collected all of the data that we needed for our results. Then we converted each factor into a percentage and multiplied that number by the percentage of how much it’s worth in our ranking system. Let’s look at an example: LASA High School’s TEA Index ranking is 318/400.235 / 400 = 79.50%Since this is 22% of our total, we used the percentage above to measure how much it’s worth in our ranking system. Which in this case is 22% of the total score.79.50 x .22 = 17.49%If you’d like to know more about this process, please contact our coordinator, Judith, at judith@frogtutoring.com.

What Language Should I Learn Choosing Between the Most Used Languages in the World

What Language Should I Learn Choosing Between the Most Used Languages in the World What Language Should I Learn? Choosing Between the Most Used Languages in the World Chocolate cake or creme brulee?Vacation to the mountains or the beach?Puppy or adorable mini hedgehog?Ever had to make a decision between equally awesome options?If youre a language learner or aspiring language learner, then you probably know what Im talking about.How can you choose between all the exciting, challenging and beautiful languages out there?Lets make things a little easier for you.There are certain languages that are widely used not only across the globe, but also across key industries and fields.In this post, well show you the  worlds most used languages for business, academia, travel and more.Line these up with your own goals and youll be on the path to foreign language fluency.As for your dessert, vacation or pet decisions thats still up to you. How to Choose the Language Thats Most Useful to YouWhen choosing which foreign language is best for you, ask yourself, whats your learning purpose?Do you love to travel? Are you trying to broaden your career options? Are you an academic or a politician? Do you just want to be able to communicate with the widest group of people?When you first start learning a foreign language, your instinct might be to focus on one of the worlds most common ones. But there may be other languages that are primarily used in, say, your professional industry or the places youd love to visit.Answering the questions above will help you narrow your options as you explore the worlds most used languages.What Language Should I Learn? Choosing Between the Most Used Languages in the WorldIn the list below, well start with the most used languages in the traditional senseâ€"the languages that most people speak across the world.Then well explore some languages that might not have as many speakers, but are commonly used within specific categories.Well also give you tips for studying and key facets of each language to look out for. But for all of these languages, its smart to get a strong dictionary for vocabulary building and try a cou rse or textbook for grammar study.Its also a good idea to start listening to natives using the language as soon as possible. FluentU is a great tool for thisâ€"it provides real-world videos such as movie clips, news reports, inspiring talks and more in your target language.The videos are organized beginner to advanced and come with interactive captions, flashcards and exercises to help you understand and develop your skills as you watch. There are also built-in progress tracking tools to keep you motivated and moving toward fluency.You can hear your target language authentically in a variety of contexts, all from your computer or mobile device. Many of the worlds most used languages are included, such as English, Mandarin, Russian and more.Note: all speaker counts for the languages below  are from Ethnologue unless indicated otherwise.The Big Three Most Used Languages InternationallyThere are three languages that top the list when we talk about the most used languages around the wor ld.  It goes without saying that any of these options will allow you to communicate in numerous countries and a variety of contexts, from personal to professional.Mandarin Chinese, for example, has 898 million native speakers. Its a useful choice for travel, business and academics.Then theres English, with 372 million native speakers. English is useful all over the globe, particularly in the world of business. Its unique because its got four times as many second-language speakers as native speakers.Spanish has 437 million native speakers and is steadily growing in popularity for both its global relevance and its cultural significance.These three languages are all great second learning options, but since they so comfortably fit a wide range of categories, were mentioning them here first and focusing on others for the remainder of the article.Most Used Languages for BusinessArabicThe Middle East is a hotbed of development in oil, infrastructure and real estate. Learning to speak Arabi c will help any professional wanting to work in those industries.Many consider Arabic a difficult language to learn. The grammar is immensely complex and it requires students to learn a new alphabet and sentence structure rules. Pronunciation is also very important and you may need to learn a number of totally new sounds.But with 295 million native speakers, itll be worth the investment if it aligns with your business goals.Learning tip:  Students wishing to pursue Arabic will want lots of writing and vocabulary practice as they learn the alphabet. A technique called shadowing can also be helpful to master new soundsâ€"just listen to Arabic audio and then try to mimic the speech in real time on repeat listens.PortugueseYou might not be aware that Portuguese is the official language of Brazil! Recent sporting events like the Olympics and the World Cup have helped put Portuguese on the map as a relevant language for commerce and economic development.Portuguese has 219 million native s peakers and is quickly becoming relevant as more businesses begin exploring investment opportunities in resource-rich South America.Learning tip:  There are two major types of Portuguese you might be interested in learning: Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese. Once youve picked a dialect, make sure your learning resources cater to it.Most Used Languages in Politics?The UN named six official languages as the global standard for clear, effective communication between countries. These are Arabic, Russian, English, Chinese, Spanish and French.Therefore each of these languages will be helpful for international politics, but well focus on one thats increasingly relevant to todays global economy and diplomacy: Russian.RussianFuture diplomats, take note! With 154 million native speakers, Russian is an influential language with the potential to shape future political and trade agreements.Russia can be seen throughout history as a powerful player in international relations. Its rich in natural resources that make it competitive for energy and oil ventures.As one of the top oil-producing countries, Russia performs consistently among or near the top ten global economies.Learning tip:  Start your Russian journey by mastering the alphabet and pronunciation. Then move on to Russians somewhat complicated case system.Most Used Languages for TravelFrenchFrances colonial history has contributed to the widespread use of French throughout the world. With 220 million native speakers across 29 countries, French is the way to go if you want the widest array of communication options abroad.Countries that you can navigate with French skills include everything from Morocco to Canada to Senegal to Belgium to (of course) France.Learning tip: If you dont already speak a Romance language, youll first want to acquaint yourself with the grammatical gender system in French.Every noun is either masculine or feminineâ€"get a French pocket dictionary and commit to memorizing the gender a long with the definition of any new vocabulary word.Most Used Languages in Academia?The academic community involves many languages, but there are some that have a larger following than others.English is todays  lingua franca of the scientific community. Chinese and Russian are also widely used among scholars and have an array of political and economic benefits.But you may not realize German is a versatile and practical language to learn for communication with other researchers and academics.GermanGerman is an excellent choice for academics! There are 77 million native speakers and historically its a major language for research publicationsâ€"despite being overtaken by English in the 20th century.Today, Germany is home to many international corporations and a  world leader in engineering, science and technology.German skills are also extremely valuable for anyone studying philosophy, due to the number of influential writings from major German philosophers.Learning tip:  Understanding the grammar and sentence structure is very important for learning German, so look for courses that offer lots of sentence practice and good grammar coverage. Verbs are another tricky part of this learning process and you might consider flashcards to help you memorize the various uses and forms.When you realize youre ready to learn a new language, its important to think about what youll be using it for to ensure you get the best return on investment! Whether youre looking to learn a new language for fun or youre about to move across the world to start a new job, theres a language for every need and purpose.

?? Alternatives to University your Child May Not Have Considered

?? Alternatives to University your Child May Not Have Considered Alternatives to University your Child May Not Have Considered It’s Results Day, and that means it’s time for celebration.The end of your child’s A-Levels brings with it the end of their schooling. They’re about to start an exciting new chapter in their lives.We think that warrants a glass of champagne or two!But once the bottle’s run dry, and your child has had time to reflect on their grades, their thoughts (and yours) will inevitably turn to the future.While university is often a popular choice for A-Level students, it isn’t always the right fit for your child.If your child has decided that university isn’t for them, then there are a number of great alternatives that they might not have considered.Here are some of the routes they could take…Apprenticeships Apprenticeships are rapidly growing in popularity, and an increasing number of opportunities are opening up.Essentially, an apprenticeship offers your child the opportunity to learn on the job. They’ll earn a wage, gain valuable experience, and end up with a vocational qualification at the end of it.It’s a fantastic first rung on your child’s career ladder that can set them up for the rest of their lives.Here are some reasons your child should choose an apprenticeship...The MoneyUnlike university, where every penny parents earn somehow ends up in their child’s pockets, apprenticeships provide your child with a wage.The minimum wage for an apprenticeship is lower than that of a standard job ( £3.90 per hour), due to the fact that your child is also earning a qualification. Note, however, that apprentices often earn as much as £4,000 more a year than new graduates.That small amount of money is still enough to help your child become more independent. They’ll be able to contri bute to rent, food, bills, and possibly be able to start saving a bit of money.This will teach them how to budget and handle their finances responsibly, skills that will be invaluable later on in life.The WorkWe spend most of the week working or sleeping. It’s probably safe to say your child has had plenty of experience sleeping, but working might be a foreign concept to them!Working towards an apprenticeship will introduce your child to the working world. They’ll learn how to manage their time, juggle different tasks, and communicate with fellow employees. All of this will be incredibly useful when they finally start developing their career.Your child will also gain work experience. If you’ve ever helped a young person apply to a job, you’ll understand how useful it is to already have experience.When your child embarks on their career they’ll already have some of the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.The QualificationOne of the best parts of an apprenticeship is t he fact that your child will come away with a qualification at the end of it.The type of qualification will depend on the level of apprenticeship your child does, but they range from National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) through to BTECs or even Foundational Degrees.These qualifications help set your child apart when they come to apply for jobs.Other BenefitsThere are plenty of other benefits associated with apprenticeships, especially compared to university.The lack of student debt is a big one. An apprenticeship also helps your child get their foot in the door of a large business. This increases the chances of them being hired by that company once their apprenticeship finishes.Ultimately, an apprenticeship is a fantastic alternative to university, and your child should definitely consider it.You can see a list of available apprenticeships here.Internships Internships are similar to apprenticeships in that they offer your child the chance to gain some work experience, and potentially earn some money.The difference is that they generally only last for a short length of time, and they don’t always pay.Despite this, internships can be a strong step towards your child’s chosen career. It can provide them with contacts and teach them important work skills.Here’s why it might be worth doing an internship…The ExperienceWork experience will be crucial when your child starts searching for a job. A lot of vacancies require previous experience, even the so-called “Entry Level” jobs!Getting your foot in the door can be difficult, depending on how competitive the industry is. Having any experience at all may be enough to set your child apart.The experience your child gains during their internship will give them an idea of what to expect from their chosen career. It might further boost their love for it, or it might make them realise it isn’t as great as they thought. Either way, it helps them make a choice about their future.The ContactsInternships are a great way for your child to meet different people. They’re likely to interact with people from all across the business. Interacting with professionals is a little different to interacting with classmates, and so this will help your child to develop their interpersonal skills and teach them how to communicate more effectively in the workplace.These contacts can help provide references for your child should they need one, and could also introduce them to job opportunities. Some internships also offer your child a mentor, who will help them develop and provide insightful career advice.The SkillsA lot of young people entering the workplace are woefully underprepared for the skills required. Schools generally focus on the academic side, and overlook core skills that are needed for working environments.An internship will help your child to develop various different skills, including time management, prioritisation, and organisation.It will give your child a taste of what it’s like to work in a professional environment, ensuring they can jump in at the deep end when they start their future position.Other BenefitsLike apprenticeships, an internship doesn’t cost you anything (other than perhaps travel costs). Compared to university fees, it’s basically free. Your child will have no student debts.Internships are often used by large companies as part of a larger recruitment process. If your child impresses, they may be invited to apply for a full-time position, or even offered a job on the spot!Internships are a good alternative to university. You can find some internships to suit your child here.Working Depending on your child’s chosen career, it might be possible for them to simply start working.Not every job requires a degree or advanced qualification. Some simply need A-Levels, others just GCSEs.There’s no reason why your child can’t simply skip over the university or apprenticeship stages of development and start their first job.It can be difficult to find a position, but there are a lot of benefits to be gained…The IndependenceThere comes a time where every child wants to become more independent. Most of the time, their parents feel the same way!Unlike the other alternatives to university, starting work can provide your child with the independence they crave. They’ll be earning a proper wage, which means they can contribute to rent or bills, or even save up for a place of their own. If they’re truly desperate to flee the nest, they can possibly find somewhere to rent.By starting work right away, your child will become much more independent than other people their ag e, and can start getting their finances in order.The MaturityWhile most teenagers believe themselves to be mature adults, that’s often not the case. Most people don’t truly mature until they’ve started work.If your child is still a little on the immature side, then starting work could well be the kick they need to become a functioning member of society.Working will force your child to adapt to adult life fairly quickly. They’ll need to manage their time, maintain professional relationships, and learn to cooperate.This will lead to a more well-rounded person, ready for the challenges that adult life presents.The CareerIf your child has a career in mind already, and there are no barriers to that career (doesn’t need a degree, for example) then it makes sense for your child to start their career path as soon as they can.Entering the workplace straight after finishing their A-Levels will give your child a head-start over those who go to university or do an apprenticeship.The s ooner your child can get started, the sooner they can work up the career ladder and get to where they want to go.Other BenefitsWhile diving in at the deep end and starting a job can be a scary prospect, it could be the push your child needs.It can set them up on their career journey, providing them with the independence they need and want.There are plenty of job boards out there, so get looking!Gap Years Gap years have a bad rep. People often imagine lazy teenagers wanting an excuse to go on holiday.However, a gap year actually has the potential to add a wealth of unique experiences to your child’s CV, increase their confidence, and make them more independent.As long as your child is doing something constructive with their time, and not simply lounging in the sun, then a gap year can be extremely beneficial for a number of reasons...The ExperiencesLife isn’t all about work. Even though travelling might not help your child get on the career ladder, it can offer them once-in-a-lifetime experiences that they’ll never forget.For that reason alone a gap year could be worth pursuing, but a lot of kids who do a gap year also spend time working or learning a new craft.The experiences gained by working abroad or by learning a completely new skill will help your child’s CV stand out from the rest.Working in a foreign country can be challenging, but that’s why future employers will va lue it so highly.The Self-SufficiencySo far in their life, your child has relied on your for their survival. You’ve ensured they’ve been fed and washed, you’ve helped them get to places on time. They’re now at the age where they need to take responsibility for themselves.Gap years require a great deal of planning and organisation. Your child will need to arrange their accommodation, food, work, and budget. They’ll have to dive in at the deep end, and force themselves to become independent. They’ll have to do all of this while in a new country, with no friends or family to turn to.It’s a challenge, sure, but it’s one that will make your child a well-rounded member of society, ready for the trials of adult life.The CultureOur world is becoming increasingly connected, and it’s now more important than ever to appreciate other people’s cultures and backgrounds.By doing a gap year, your child will be immersing themselves in a different culture. They’ll have to adapt to another way of life, possibly even learn a new language!This will help them massively in the future. It will make them appreciate different people’s backgrounds, and teach them how to communicate with people from different cultures.Other BenefitsA gap year can be a great way of recharging the batteries, while also building up work experience and learning about different parts of the world.Your child will come back more independent, more confident, and ready for what the adult world will throw at them.You can find some great gap year ideas and opportunities here.What Next?As you can see, university isn’t the only option for your child. There are lots of different alternatives, ranging from apprenticeships to gap years. As long as your child makes the most of any opportunities they’re given, they’ll get something out of them.For now, give your child some time to rest and reflect on their successes. The world can wait a little longer...

How to Eat Healthy on a Budget

How to Eat Healthy on a Budget Image via Isorepublic.com Create a meal plan Planning your meals is a great way to ensure that you eat healthy and maintain your budget. It’s a good way to make sure you don’t spend your entire paycheck eating out, and to make sure that you’re eating nutritious meals and not easily accessible unhealthy food. When you know that you have food at home, you will be less tempted to go out to eat (and thus, spend money on something that is likely unhealthy). Your plan doesn’t have to be fancy, just write down the days of the week, and what you will eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for each day. Even an easy plan like that will be helpful. Make a grocery list After you plan your meals, you can make a grocery list to help you remember all the ingredients you will need to buy for your planned meals. Having a list will help you keep your spending in check, because you won’t spend money on food that’s not written in your plan. Also, a list will help you resist the urge to buy junk food. If it isn’t on your list, don’t buy it! Keeping a grocery list will keep your budget and your meal plan on track; you won’t overspend and you won’t buy unnecessary junk food. Prep your meals in advance As college students, we don’t have much time to cook on the weekdays, which is why we love going to a quick restaurant where we can simply grab something and go. However, “grab and go” foods often are not the healthiest or the most budget-friendly. For that reason, you should prepare your meals for the week in advance, when you have some time. If you prepare your healthy meals on the weekend, you can grab it and go when you’re busy during the week. Preparing your meals in advance has all the benefits of a “grab and go” restaurant without the high prices and calories. Don’t eat out so often I know this is much easier said than done, but if you would like to save money and eat healthier, do not eat out so often. Going out to eat is expensive and often unhealthy, so it’s best to limit the number of times you can eat out per week. By making your own food and eating out less, you have more control over your budget and over what you are putting into your body. As a college student, it’s impossible to not eat out, so you don’t have to completely stop, just limit yourself to only a couple of times per week. All in all, try to find a good balance between eating out and making your own food. Skip Starbucks and make your own coffee at home An easy way to save money is to cut down on your visits to Starbucks (or any other coffee shop). Yes, the drinks are good and it’s a fun atmosphere to study in, but the costs will add up quickly. Because of that, you should make your own coffee at home. It will save you money and will likely have less sugar than your typical coffee order. Again, you don’t have to completely eliminate your coffee shop trips, just limit yourself to only once or twice a week, or once every other week. By limiting your coffee shop trips, you save lots of money and cut down your sugar consumption. If you have a meal plan, use it College students often find their dining hall food gross, so they don’t take advantage of the meal plan they already paid for. This is an unwise financial decision because you have already paid for many meals. Instead of going out to eat somewhere else, take advantage of the dining hall and try to find something there that isn’t gross. Most dining halls have a salad bar, which is healthy and not gross; this would be a good option for your health and for your wallet. If you have already paid for a meal plan, try to eat at your dining hall every once in a while! When you do eat out, drink water with your meal Many people don’t realize how expensive drinks are, or how much sugar they contain! Even a simple fruit juice will set you back a few dollars, and you’ll be taking in many extra calories and grams of sugar. Alcoholic drinks are especially notorious for both being expensive and unhealthy. On the other hand, water is free, has no calories or sugar, and it will hydrate you. For that reason, when you do go out to eat, drink water with your meal; don’t buy any other drinks. If you drink water, your wallet and your body will thank you. Although we are very busy and might not be loaded with money, we college students can still eat healthy and maintain our budgets.