Spring has started and it is the perfect time of the year to think about how we want to change our lives. University students may decide to go and study abroad, high school students may want to volunteer during the summer break or even take a gap year to explore the world. In general, we all feel more willing to go out and meet new people now that the days are longer and sunnier. At Cambridge Assessment English we also feel optimistic and adventurous so we have designed some activities to practise all skills while learning about different options to expand your horizons. Happy teaching!

1. 1
Travelling
Spring has started and it is the perfect time of the year to think about how we want to change
our lives. University students may decide to go and study abroad, high school students may
want to volunteer during the summer break or even take a gap year to explore the world. In
general, we all feel more willing to go out and meet new people now that the days are longer
and sunnier. At Cambridge Assessment English we also feel optimistic and adventurous so
we have designed some activities to practise all skills while learning about different options to
expand your horizons. Happy teaching!
1. Travelling abroad .............................................................................................................................2
2. Studying abroad...............................................................................................................................7
3. Nice to meet you!...........................................................................................................................11
4. References......................................................................................................................................13

2. 2
1. Travelling abroad
Level: B1 Preliminary
Skills: speaking, reading
Interaction: whole class, individual
Time: 30 minutes
Warm up (10’) – whole class activity
• Have you studied / worked abroad? If so, what was your experience like?
• Would you like to study / work abroad? Why (not)?
• What advantages may studying / working abroad have?
• What disadvantages may studying / working abroad have?

3. 3
Reading (10’) – individually
The young people below are looking for a programme to study / work abroad. On the opposite
page there are descriptions of six programmes for young people.
For questions 1 – 4, choose the correct letter A – F. Underline the lines where you found the
answer.
1.
My name is Rachel. After a hard time I am looking for a way to change my life. I
do not have much time, probably two or three months, because I want to
continue with my university degree but I want to make a visible difference while
meeting new people and trying local food.
2.
My name is Tim. I want to experience a new culture and travel with
my son and wife. I would like to give my family some stability so
we would like to stay in our new country for at least three years.
After working for several companies for the last 10 years I want to
use my professional experience to research and teach at university
level.
3.
My name is Mike. I have a C1 in English and I have just finished my
degree in Economics. I would love to work for a foreign company
to gain some work experience and improve my social skills.
4.
My name is Lucía. I have a degree in Spanish Studies but I have
never worked as a teacher so I need some training. I am looking for
an option that includes both studying and working. I would like my
daughter to learn English in an English-speaking country for one
academic year.

4. 4
A: Study abroad
Thanks to Study Abroad programmes you can experience the world as
your classroom. Rather than studying from books or the Internet, living
in another country will open your eyes to new cultures and new
languages. This programme will help you grow personally because as
you learnto communicate in a foreign language, make new friends and
try great local food, you will be increasing your confidence and going
outside your comfort zone! The duration of the programme is one semester.
B: Do an internship abroad
This programme will develop your professional knowledge while
expanding your academic and cultural horizons. You will be placed in
a field which is relevant to your degree, where you will get used to the
day-to-day work environment and make the most of your skills in real-
life situations while improving your language and interpersonal skills.
C: Volunteer abroad
This programme is a fantastic opportunity to gain unique work
experience, while making new friends and seeing the world.
Through international volunteering, you could take part in a
construction project, gain teaching experience, or provide
essential medical care. In fact, the skills and experience you
develop could help you find a better job or progress in your
academic career! If you want a short trip to open your mind, this is the best option!
D: Teach Spanish abroad
If you choose this programme you will develop your teaching
experience as well as your students’ language skills. The
programme includes 10 teaching hours a week and 10 hours
studying. As a student you will learn methods to help non-native
speakers better understand the Spanish language and as a
teacher you will be able to put that knowledge into practice. This
programme has a duration of nine months, from September to May.

5. 5
E: Study your university degree abroad
Many students study abroad for a semester as part of their
undergraduate education. While this is a super experience, you
can also take your entire degree abroad. Full degree
programmes are available in a wide range of disciplines and are
offered in United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada.
F: Study your PhD abroad
Japan has a lot to offer when it comes to postgraduate studies
and research. More than 10 of its universities are in the top 50
in Asia so it is a great opportunity to experience its unique
culture while you expand your horizons. This programme lasts
between three and four years if you are a full-time student.
Family visas are offered.
Weaker groups can compare their answers in pairs before correcting as a whole class.
Students will have to justify their answers.
Speaking (10’) – in pairs
• Which option would you choose? Why?
• Talk to a partner and discuss your options. Explain your choice.
KEY
1 – C
2 – F
3 – B
4 – D
* If your students are interested in studying or working abroad they can find more information
here:
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/es/cmp/study-english-in-the-uk/

6. 6
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/es/why-cambridge-english/study/study-abroad/

7. 7
2. Studying abroad
Level: B2 First / C1 Advanced
Skills: reading, speaking and writing
Interaction: whole class, individual
Pre-teaching: how to write letters of application
Classroom equipment: digital board
Time: 75 minutes
Warm up (10’) – whole group activity
• Have you studied / worked abroad? If so, what was your experience like?
• Would you like to study / work abroad? Why (not)?
• What advantages may studying / working abroad have?
• What disadvantages may studying / working abroad have?
• Which option would you choose? Why?

8. 8
Writing (40’) – individual activity
You want to apply for a place on one of these programmes.
Contact the company Abroad and:
1. explain the programme you are applying for,
2. describe yourself and say why you are a suitable candidate,
3. ask for further information about accommodation.
Write you answer in 140 – 190 words.
A: Study abroad
Thanks to Study Abroad programmes you can experience the world as
your classroom. Rather than studying from books or the Internet, living
in another country will open your eyes to new cultures and new
languages. This programme will help you grow personally because as
you learnto communicate in a foreign language, make new friends and
try great local food, you will be increasing your confidence and going
outside your comfort zone! The duration of the programme is one semester.
B: Do an internship abroad
This programme will develop your professional knowledge while
expanding your academic and cultural horizons. You will be placed in
a field which is relevant to your degree, where you will get used to the
day-to-day work environment and make the most of your skills in real-
life situations while improving your language and interpersonal skills.
C: Volunteer abroad
This programme is a fantastic opportunity to gain unique work
experience, while making new friends and seeing the world.
Through international volunteering, you could take part in a
construction project, gain teaching experience, or provide
essential medical care. In fact, the skills and experience you
develop could help you find a better job or progress in your
academic career! If you want a short trip to open your mind, this is the best option!

9. 9
D: Teach Spanish abroad
If you choose this programme you will develop your teaching
experience as well as your students’ language skills. The
programme includes 10 teaching hours a week and 10 hours
studying. As a student you will learn methods to help non-native
speakers better understand the Spanish language and as a
teacher you will be able to put that knowledge into practice. This
programme has a duration of nine months, from September to May.
E: Study your university degree abroad
Many students study abroad for a semester as part of their
undergraduate education. While this is a super experience, you
can also take your entire degree abroad. Full degree
programmes are available in a wide range of disciplines and are
offered in United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada.
F: Study your PhD abroad
Japan has a lot to offer when it comes to postgraduate studies
and research. More than 10 of its universities are in the top 50
in Asia so it is a great opportunity to experience its unique
culture while you expand your horizons. This programme lasts
between three and four years if you are a full-time student.
Family visas are offered.

10. 10
Check your letter before submitting it with Write&Improve.
For correction, students can swap their letters and use peer correction.
Speaking (25’) – in pairs
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Students should decide whether they will be the interviewer or the interviewee. Once this has
been decided, they can work in pairs.
Interviewer: You are a member of the Abroad staff. You are going to interview a candidate
who is interested in taking part in one of the programmes your company offers. Prepare 10
questions to obtain information about:
• the candidate’s CV
• the candidate’s personality and interests
• how the candidate will make a positive contribution to the programme.
Be ready to talk about accommodation, price, dates, activities included in the programme and
travel arrangements.
Interviewee: You want to take part in one of the programmes offered by Abroad. Choose the
programme you are interested in and prepare 10 questions about:
• accommodation
• price
• dates
• activities included in the programme
• travel arrangements
• and any other areas that you would like to know about.
Be ready to talk about your studies / professional experience and your personality. It is
important that you make a good impression as there are other candidates interested and
places are limited.

11. 11
3. Nice to meet you!
Level: Pre A1 Starters, A1 Movers, A2 Flyers
Skills: speaking, listening and writing
Content: names, greeting vocabulary, alphabet
Interaction: whole class
Classroom equipment: digital board
Time: 30 minutes
Lead in (10’) – whole class activity
Students should stand in a queue. The teacher can use the random name picker. Students
will have to go to the right if it’s a boys’ name, they will have to go to the left if it’s a girls’ name
and stand still if it could be both.
Speaking (10’) – whole class activity
The teacher should write each of the names on a little piece of paper. Students will pick up
one piece of paper and they will be assigned the name on it.
Once everyone has a different name, the teacher will start the game. S/he will say his/her
name, turn to the right and clap (for example). Then, the child who is on his/her right will say
his/her name, turn to the right and clap. The child who is on his/her right will do the same and
so on.

12. 12
Once the students are comfortable with the game, they will have to change directions at
random, so sometimes turning to the right and other times turning to the left. The idea is that
they all become familiar with their names.
Speaking (10’) – whole class activity (older students: A1 Movers/ A2 Flyers)
Students should stand up and mingle. They should get in pairs and say:
A: Hello! My name is Bill. Nice to meet you!
B: Hello! Nice to meet you too! My name is Grace.
When they are finished, they should go and find another person who is alone. However, this
time they will not use the name that was assigned to them, but the name of the person they
shook hands with before.
A: Hello! I’m Grace. Nice to meet you!
C: Hello! My name is Alice. Nice to meet you too!
The game continues in the same way.
Hangman (10’) – whole class activity
Students will practise the alphabet while they learn how to spell names in English playing the
hangman.

13. 13
4. References
Bell Co (n.d.). Silhouette photography of group of people jumping during golden time. Available
at https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-photography-of-group-of-people-jumping-
during-golden-time-1000445/ [Accessed 15th March 2019]
Cambridge English (n.d.). Write&Improve. Available at https://writeandimprove.com/
[Accessed: 15th
March 2019]
Flippity (2013-2018). Hangman. Available at:
https://www.flippity.net/hm.asp?k=16yHMolLRGxPs9n7wDNU5VZb0dvYUQmIAxq6h
ECT9xgk [Accessed 15th
March 2019]
Flippity (2013-2018). Random Name Picker. Available at:
https://www.flippity.net/rp.asp?k=1dJKSzIUU9fJHC5eaYta-prighM-
0_gniLl0UdfsMPVg [Accessed 15th
March 2019]
Pixabay (n.d). Men’s white dress shirt. [image/jpeg]. Avaiable at:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/adult-biology-chemical-chemist-356040/ [Accessed
15th March 2019]
Pixabay (n.d). Newly graduated people wearing black academy gowns throwing hats up in the
air. [image/jpeg]. Avaiable at: https://www.pexels.com/photo/accomplishment-
ceremony-education-graduation-267885/ [Accessed 15th March 2019]
Rawpixel.com (n.d.) Four persons wearing blue shirts with volunteer print outdoors.
[image/jpeg]. Avaiable at: https://www.pexels.com/photo/four-person-wearing-blue-
shirts-with-volunteer-print-outdoors-1437907/ [Accessed 15th March 2019]
Rawpixel.com (n.d.) People holding hello balloons. [image/jpeg]. Avaiable at:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-holding-hello-baloons-1389101/ [Accessed
15th March 2019]
Rawpixel.com (n.d.) Person using map and laptop on wooden surface. [image/jpeg]. Available
at https://www.pexels.com/photo/adult-book-business-cactus-297755/ [Accessed 15th
March 2019]
Startup Stock Photos (n.d.). Woman using Imac. Available at
https://www.pexels.com/photo/working-woman-person-technology-7375/ [Accessed
15th March 2019]