Do you know how to dress in layers?
Many students arrive in Canada and the USA during the coldest months of the year, between January and March. For many of them, it is their very first winter (they are snow virgins). This is why we prepared this short guide, to help them face the winter, so they don’t stop enjoying it.
To better understand the traditional adage of dressing in layers, it is convenient to understand the function of each layer:
1. Inner layer (underwear): It keeps your skin dry from your own sweating.
2. Middle layer or insulation layer: It maintains your body heat to protect you from the cold.
3. Outer layer or shell layer: It protects you from wind and rain.
Inner layer (thermal underwear): When it hits several degrees below zero, it is necessary to wear long underwear, a piece of clothing that covers even the ankles. In North America they are popularly called “Long Johns”. Some people use their running tights or sport tights subjectively. Also, there are people who use a comfortable short or a medium-length underwear instead of the long ones. To select this layer, we should consider not only the weather, but our metabolism, and the kind of activities.
Middle or insulation layer. It is convenient to know your piece of clothing’s aimed temperature. You can buy a fleece, a puffer jacket, a large coat with goose feathers, sweaters of polar material, among others. For more insulation you can double this layer with another piece of the same kind. When considering outdoors’s temperature, remember to check the chilling sensation as well, the effect of the added wind and humidity.
Outer layer (Shell): Usually a windbreaker with a hoodie. Many coats have the middle and outer layers in one single piece or in two combined pieces. By itself, this layer will give you little insulation against the cold, but it protects you from the elements: wind, rain and snow. Some coats come with fur around the hoodie to protect your face and neck from the snow, and provide better insulation.
It is not always necessary to wear all layers but remember: it is better to wear all layers and have to take one off, than missing one layer and face a major inconvenience.
“It is better to wear all layers and have to take one off, than missing one layer and face a major inconvenience“.
Last but not least, do not forget to use gloves and a scarf for further protection.
By following the aforesaid, you will be prepared to hit the snow and enjoy the many outdoor activities that you can do in winter.
¿How to choose a language school?
Study English Abroad
When you decide to study English abroad, you may realize there are several schools in the city that you like. You can use these tips to decide whether a school is the right one for you:
- International accreditations
You might want to know if the school is accreditedby, or associated to, a recognized organization like Languages Canada, British council, ACCET, among others, which act like the quality stamps admitted by Governments, Colleges, Universities, and High Schools.
- Course levels scale and course duration
Do you know how many levels the school has? To get organized, you should know how long will take you to get the level you want. You could get an estimation of the time requiredto achieve your goals.
- Nationality mix and average age
The mix of nationalities could be a key point. Perhaps you are looking for a course where few people speak your native language or maybe you are merely looking for a multicultural atmosphere. You could ask about the nationality mix to get an idea of the prospective class.
You could be interested in the class’s average age. This figure could vary much along the year and you could also be in a class with different age than the average age in the school. Likewise, some schools offer courses by age rank, such as: English for adults, 30 and over, 50 and over, summer camps for kids and teenagers, etc.
- Class schedule and electives
You maywant to focus on a specific language skill (speaking, reading, writing or listening) or maybe you feel attracted by a particular topic. That’s why the schools offer core English mixed with a wide variety of electives or workshops like theater, business, phrasal verbs, writing, IELTS, TOEFL, among others.
- University Preparation
If your ultimate goal is to get enrolled in a college or university, you may be interested in certain courses offered in partnership with the aimed institutions, called “university pathway”. These programs allow to comply with the language requirement and to get directly enrolled in the partner institution (if all other requirements are met).
Finally, be aware that every school is unique and there are schools to suit everyone. That’s why we recommend speaking with your Student Advisor of Language Experience, who can guide you in the process to make the best decision.
