Happy holidays from Britt!

Click here to take advantage of 2010 prices

on all programs starting in January, 2011..

Plus a 15% discount!

Britt wishes all of our students best wishes for a

merry Christmas season and a 

happy new year!

Free on-line college admissions evet...

CollegeWeekLive

INTERNATIONAL DAY: NON-U.S. STUDENTS





WHO
Non-U.S. citizens interested in attending a U.S. college or university should attend.
WHAT
CollegeWeekLive INTERNATIONAL DAY is a free online admissions event tailored to the needs of the non-U.S. college applicant.
WHERE
Online at www.CollegeWeekLive.com. Free.
WHEN
TUESDAY, December 14, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Eastern.


Agenda
Writing a Successful Essay 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM EST
Preparing a Winning Application 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM EST
Show Me the Money...and the Grades: Athletic Scholarships for International Students 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM EST
Internships, Short-Term Programs & Other Exchange Programs 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST
Financing Study in the U.S. for International Students 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST
Choosing the Right Schools for Maximum Success 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EST
Choosing an Academic Major 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM EST
Understanding the U.S. Higher Education System 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST
Selecting Criteria to Narrow Your Choice of Schools 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM EST
Finding Financial Aid and Scholarships 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST


WHY
At CollegeWeekLive INTERNATIONAL DAY, you can . . .
Chat live with admissions representatives from hundreds of colleges!
Watch live video presentations from college admissions experts on topics like:
Researching & choosing a U.S. college
What U.S. colleges & universities are seeking in a non-U.S. applicant
Applying to college in the U.S. & academic credentials required
Financial aid for the non-U.S. student
Student visas: how to apply
Adjusting to life in the U.S.
Register & attend to be eligible to win a $2,500 scholarship from CollegeWeekLive just for logging in! (only non-U.S. citizens eligible)


For more information, please visit http://www.collegeweeklive.com/en_CA/Guest/CollegeWeekLive_INTERNATIONAL_DAY.

TOEFL Prep....for Chinese Speakers!

A special, new edition of "TOEFL Prep for Spanish Speakers", by Greg Britt, was released today...but this updated edition is for Chinese-speaking students.


It's basically the same book (intended for students preparing to take ITP or PBT TOEFL or for a grammar-based pre-iBT course) but all of the Spanish notes from the original text have been translated to Chinese.  


So, if you liked the original TPFSS book, please tell you Chinese-speaking frientds about this one!

You can order a copy now through Amazon.com...here's a direct link:  http://amzn.to/9BavNJ

Do you want to study a post-grad degree in Europe?

On the 20 and 21 of November, in the World Trade Center of Mexico City

Europosgrados is a college fair featuring universities from Europe.

If you want to study a Masters or Doctorate in Europe, mark your calenders!

You can Register Here.

Need help with your MBA applications?

2bschool -- Get accepted to the MBA program that's best for you.

Britt recommends the personalized college admission services of 2bschool.  They help MBA applicants to make persuasive and successful applications, because only e-2bschool helps applicants to define and articulate what business schools want most: self knowledge.

Stefan Bielski, 2bschool founder and managing director lived in Mexico, DF several years after earning his own MBA at Monterrey's Duxx Escuela de Graduados en Liderazgo Empresarial/Graduate School of Business Leadership.

He's helped many Mexicans attend leading MBA programs in the US and Europe.

Mention you're a student of Britt Servicios Lingüisticos for a no-cost, no-obligation consult.  Check out the 2bschool web site or email Stefan:

e-mail: stefan@2bschool.com

web: http://2bschool.com

Mark your calenders...one of the most popular under-grad college fairs coming up!

The American School Foundation College Fair

Date: October 9, 2010

 

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 

Location: The American School Foundation

Bondojito 215, Col. Las Americas

Tel:(5255) 5227-4900

 

For more information, please contact: asf@asf.edu.mx

We look forward to seeing you!

How to write a resumè and interview for a job...In English!

Here's an interesting workshop for those who want to put together a professional resumè and get some practice in interviewing for a job in English.  The two-day workshop is scheduled for Oct. 12 and 13 at the Benjamin Franklin Library in the Col. Juarez.  You'lll need to attend both sessions--more info. below...RSVP with anticipation because attendance is limited!

“Entrevista de trabajo y elaboración de currículum en inglés”

12 y 13 de octubre de 2010 de las 16:30 a las 19:00   Duración 5 horas.

Los participantes aprenderán estrategias y vocabulario para el aborar un CV profesional en inglés. Como parte del taller se simularán entrevistas de trabajo para poner en práctica los conocimientos adquiridos.




Requisitos:


Asistir ambos días


Nivel de inglés intermedio


Traer información básica para elaborar el CV


CUPO LIMITADO. Reserve a mendiolacj@state.gov


Biblioteca Benjamin Franklin. Liverpool 31. Col. Juárez.


Encuentra la información en este link http://mexico.usembassy.gov/bbf/curri.pdf

Tweet this: a week without Facebook!

As more and more of our students try to divide their attention between their classes and their iPhones/Blackberries, this sounds like a fabulous idea!  

Thoughts?

A central Pennsylvania technological college with fewer students than many Facebook users have friends is blacking out social media for a week.  

The bold experiment at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology — which has drawn praise, criticism and even a jab on late-night TV — means students and staff can't access Facebook, Twitter or a host of other ubiquitous social networks while on campus.  

Provost Eric Darr said the exercise that began Monday is not a punishment for the school's 800 students, nor a precursor to a ban, but a way for people to think critically about the prevalence of social media.  

The blackout comes on the heels of a report that Web users in the U.S. spend more time socializing on Facebook than searching with Google, according to data released last week from researchers at comScore Inc.  Still, Darr said he can't believe the controversy generated in the Twitterverse, blogosphere and academia, with some accusing the school of inflicting "a terrible thing and an infringement upon people's rights." "By and large, the students are supportive of the whole exercise and don't get so worked up over it," Darr said. On campus, attempts to log in to MySpace or LinkedIn return the message: "This domain is blocked." E-mail, texting and other Web surfing is still allowed, but not instant messaging. Student Ashley Harris, 22, said the blackout has freed her to concentrate on her classwork instead of toggling on her laptop between social networks and the lesson at hand.

"I feel obligated to check my Facebook. I feel obligated to check my Twitter. Now I don't," Harris said. 

       

 Like the idea?  Maybe you'd also enjoy reading about the "my phone is off for you" web site and phone signal blocking services below!

MY PHONE IS OFF FOR YOU is a revolution; a series of tools designed to help engage in the present moment and spread this idea!” The tools? Awesome cell phone signal blocking handkerchief… sticker! rubber stamp! and a web site to get you to take action!

Just a reminder: we also offer Spanish classes at Britt!

We specialize in TOEFL test prep, but Alejandro Contreras offers private Spanish Classes--with over 15 years of experience, he's personable, patient, and professional, with a great program for all levels...

Study Spanish exciting Mexico CityOne of our specialties for many years at Britt Language Services...
Our Spanish program is directed by Alejandro Contreras--considered by many to be one of the top Spanish teachers in Mexico. With nearly 15 years of teaching experience, he  has developed an outstanding program that's both effective and entertaining.  He's fluent in English and French, which is really helpful for students who don't yet communicate perfectly in Spanish. And even though he will gently push you to use Spanish in class,he's a very patient teacher.

Our classes are taught on a private basis (or in small groups of students who wish to study together). This gives us a great deal of flexibility when it comes to scheduling classes. It also allows us to create a truly personalized program that really caters to the individual needs of the student.

Spanish teacher Alejandro Contreras with a visiting student.

Many of our students jump back and forth between the U.S. and schedule classes while they're in town on business or vacation.  Others with extended time in Mexico set up more long-term programs.  For those with really limited time, very intensive schedules can be arranged.  

Students visiting Mexico will no doubt enjoy their free time in exciting Mexico City.
We use a variety of teaching materials, depending on the level of the student.  Classes can be given to zero-level beginners or more advanced/specialized classes can be arranged.  Again, we cater to the exact needs of each student.

The classes are priced per hour, so the cost of each program depends on
the frequency of the class.

If necessary, we will gladly conduct an initial evaluation to determine a student's level.  Once we know the student's level, we will set up a specially tailored program and agree on a class schedule.

If you're interested in studying Spanish with us, please give us a call or send an email.  We look forward to working with you in Mexico City.

britt.mx@gmail.com   Tel. 52 55 5207 9516   www.dfbritt.com

Harvard, Georgetown, Stanford....Prospective students mark your calenders!

If you're interested in attending some of the most prestigious colleges in the US (and the world), this is an important event.  It will be held Sept. 13 at the American School and give prospective students an opportunity to meet with university reps....details below.

Breaking News! New PBT TOEFL dates for Mexico City...

After previously posting that we thought the PBT (paper-based official TOEFL) had disappeared in Mexico (based on the fact that none were being scheduled, ETS said none were planned at the moment for 2010/11, and the ETS web site says "...PBT is available where iBT is not)....We are very pleased to announce that new tests have been planned for Mexico City!


It appears right now that exams will be planned only for Mexico D.F. (unlike previous years), but there are six PBT's now available for registration.  We think this is important because the exam (and the preparation) is a bit easier--and there's no Speaking section, which is hard for some.  Nearly all universities that require official TOEFL (yes, there are a few exceptions now) will accept either iBT or PBT.  To register go to www.toefl.org, where you can choose your date, make your payment, and reserve your place before the tests are full!  (You reserve for iBT dates at the same site).

The new PBT dates are:  Aug. 14, Oct. 16, Nov. 13 (2010), 

Jan. 15, Mar. 04, and May 07 (2011)

To prepare for this course, contact us for options--you can take the same course for PBT and ITP (Institutional, which we apply)

Have you studied in the U.S. and returned to Mexico?

Maybe you'd like to join the Education USA group of former students.  Seems like a good idea if you're interesting in sharing your experiences with others, joining their mentor program, securing scholarships for advanced studies, or searching for contacts/employment opportunities...

TOEFL Prep for Spanish Speakers...on-line, on-demand program

Really busy?  Don't live in Mexico City?No problem!  You can still take Greg Britt's TOEFL prep course...for a complete program presentation, please visit
www.etoeflprep.com
Demo Video

TOEFL Prep for Spanish Speakers is a very complete on-line, on-demand program

that includes several different components:

º Free 269 page e-book download for TOEFL Prep for Spanish Speakers.

(Includes 90 Practice Exercises, 22 Mini-TOEFL Exams, 3 Supplements, 9 Appendices). º Aprox. 25 hours of recorded classes by the author of the book, Greg Britt. These classes are available on-demand, 24/7. º A personal introductory meeting with Greg Britt. º 3 private 1-on-1 sessions with Greg Britt (up to 1 hr. each).

We will make an appointment via email for your private sessions--

then you'll be sent a link to log in the eClassroom at the appropriate date and time.

 º 3 complete practice exams (with score report and review of errors).

 º Personal support with Greg Britt via e-mail.

Here's some info. on the ACT exam...

Our specialty at the Britt institute is preparing students for the TOEFL exam...but sometimes our younger students need information on other under-graduate admissions exams like ACT or SAT...so here's a meeting you might want to attend (and a video at the bottom) explaining the ACT college entrance exam.

Labels:   act, admission examen beca becas admisiones· conacyt gre·· toefl·mexico df ·examen gmat·examen gmat en méxico·examen gre·examen gre becas admisiones· conacyt gre·· toefl·mexico df ·examen gmat·examen gmat en méxico·examen gre·examen gre en méxico·examen 

College Fairs!

Instituto La Salle de Chihuahua: Monday, Oct. 4

American School of Tampico: Monday, Oct. 4

John F. Kennedy School of Querétaro: Tuesday, Oct. 5

American School Foundation of Guadalajara: Wednesday, Oct. 6

Greengates School: Thursday, Oct. 7

American School Foundation, Mexico City: Friday /Saturday, Oct. 8–9

Don’t miss the EducationUSA Open House on Friday, Oct. 8

The schools will offer information sessions open to the public and informal discussions with students interested in applying to study in the U.S.  For more information and event times contact:  click here.

Inquiries may be sent to mlewis@iielatam.org)

July 13: Special session on obtaining a USA student visa...

Education USA will be holding a very special session for those who need info. on obtaining a USA Student Visa..Check details below and also don't miss this and other info. in the July Newsletter.

From Education USA:

This month we'll feature an informative session "The Student Visa:  How to Obtain it" with information regarding the required documents...It will be held July 13 from 16:00 to 18:00, with the participation of a counselor from the USA Embassy...Please confirm your attendance by email.

Este mes, tenemos una sesión informativa “La visa estudiantil: Cómo conseguirla” para enterarse la planeación y los documentos requeridos para conseguir la visa de estudiante. Será el 13 de julio de las 16:00 a las 18:00, con la participación de un cónsul de la embajada de los EUA. Favor de confirmar su asistencia por correo.

Centro de Asesoría Educativa Institute of International Education / EducationUSA

Liverpool 31, Col. Juárez
(55) 5080-2801 (-2802)info@iielatinamerica.org
www.usembassy-mexico.gov/educationusa
Comúnicate con un asesor:
Skype: educationusa.mexico
MSN: info@iielatinamerica.org

College admission essays: Helpful hints for writing a winner!

The majority of colleges and universities require students to submit an admissions essay along with their college application. Writing a college application essay can be pretty stressful, and it should be time-consuming. After all, you don’t want to give the admissions counselors at your dream school a bad impression based on a poorly written essay that you threw together the night before the due date. Proper planning is essential because you will need to give yourself plenty of time for adjustments, rewrites, and proofreading.

It’s no secret that your high school grades and standardized test scores will play a large role in admissions decisions, but colleges also like to get an idea of what their applicants are really like as a person. Essays are a good way for admissions committees to gain some insight about your interests and values. Essays also provide an easy way for the schools to see a first-hand example of your writing skills.

Writing Your College Admissions Essay: Five Easy Mistakes to Avoid

1. Don’t write an essay about the qualities of the college. You may think that writing about your dream career and how it will all fall into place when you go to school at XYZ University is a great way to woo the admissions counselors, but believe me: they already realize that you want to go to their school … you’re applying there, remember?

2. Don’t turn your essay into a resume. Your application already contains all the basic information about your grades and your extracurricular activities; there’s no need to repeat everything. While it’s fine to write about your experience of becoming a better athlete by joining the track team or talking about the way your part-time job helped you learn time management skills, it’s not a good idea to write one big life story in hopes of impressing the person who reads your essay.

3. Follow the essay guidelines that were specified on your application. You don’t want it to be too short or too long. Most schools allow typed essays, so they will probably have specifications for font size and spacing; others will request hand-written essays, so be sure to submit your essay in the format that is required.

4. Remember to proofread your essay. Ask others to proofread it, too – your English teacher is a great choice for this job, if they’re willing to help you out. An essay that is full of typos and grammatical errors will look sloppy and rushed.

5. It’s fine to use the same essay with minor revisions for more than one college application, so be sure to save your essay. Keep it on the hard drive of your computer, but burn it to CD or place it on an external hard as well. You never know when your computer may crash and cause you to lose everything. You can even email it to yourself as an attachment.

Calling all student athletes!

Did you know that great scholarships are available for talented student athletes?  No matter your sport--tennis, baseball, equestrian, golf, track & field, etc.-- if you've got the talent, our partner, College Prospects of America, can get you on track for a scholarship to study your under-graduate degree in the United States.


Think you've got what it takes? Visit www.cpoala.com for more information.


Along with your athletic abilities, you'll also need to demonstrate strong English language skills.  That means you'll need to take the TOEFL exam.  Of course, Britt can help you with that.  In fact, as the official TOEFL trainer for CPOA, our prep programs are included in some of the CPOA packaged programs.  


We've had several student athletes successfully pass their TOEFL and get great (sometimes full paid!) scholarships with the help of CPOA.  They're Latin America's premier student athlete recruiting service and can absolutely help talented athletes make their dreams come true!

ITP, PBT, iBT, CBT, pre-ITP, TOEFL, TOEFL, TOEFL!

  
ITP ...    PBT...    iBT...

                      
                      So many TOEFL formats,  
                      So little time . . .
      
Welcome to TOEFL Formats 101, your express course in understanding the various TOEFL exam options.  It's really not that hard...basically we have the Institutional TOEFL (ITP) which we apply in the Britt institute.  It's usually accepted in Mexico for scholarship applications and graduation/admission requisites...Then we have two official tests for international college admission, the Paper-based (PBT) and the Internet-based (iBT).  To make matters a bit more confusing, you might hear about a "Computer-based" test (CBT), no longer administered in Mexico, and the "pre-ITP" an Institutional version for adolescent applicants.  And the score ranges can be a little confusing too.  The old official exam had a 650 range.  Then the CBT changed to 300.  Now the iBT is 120.  But for our purposes, just remember this:  the ITP and PBT are still in the old, original 650 range, while the iBT is at 120.    600=100, 550=80.


You can prepare for the ITP and PBT at the Britt institute by taking the same program.  The only difference in the 2 tests is the inclusion of an essay on the PBT.  But the iBT is quite different and requires a separate prep course.  We usually recommend that iBT students first take our basic ITP/PBT course before starting iBT prep, to make sure they have the grammatical foundation they need.


For those who need an official test, we sometimes suggest they take the PBT instead of the iBT.  It's probably an easier test for most, and easier to prepare for...and no Speaking section!  We've had many students even travel to cities outside the D.F. to take this format.


However, at the moment there are no PBT tests scheduled in Mexico.  Last year there were tests scheduled in Aug., Oct., Nov., then in 2010, Jan. Mar., May.  We have written ETS numerous times, asking if we can expect more PBT tests to be scheduled in Mexico...the most useful response from them was:

"Unfortunately, there are no PBT test dates scheduled in Mexico for the 2010-2011 testing year.
We do not know what will be scheduled beyond the 2010-2011 testing year."

So, for the moment, we just keep our fingers crossed that we will still have a few PBT's scheduled in the next year.  If you hear something, let us know!  We have to keep our eyes on the ETS web site,  www.toefl.org, where currently only iBT dates are listed.

Rebecca Cammisa, Which Way Home doc at Human Rights Film Festival

We'd like to encourage you to attend the Human Rights International Film Festival in Mexico City taking place from May 21^st – June 3^rd. Of particular interest is the film “Which Way Home” by Fulbright-Garcia Robles grantee (2006), Rebecca Cammisa. Rebecca received an Oscar nomination for the documentary “Which Way Home” which she made during her Fulbright period in Mexico. Rebecca will be attending the film festival and there will be Q & A in the first 3 screenings. 

The screening dates of WHICH WAY HOME are as follow below:

Viernes 28 de Mayo		Cinepolis Diana 3		19:35 hrs.
Sábado 29 de Mayo		Cinepolis Diana 2		19:25 hrs.
Domingo 30 de Mayo		Cinepolis Diana 2		19:40 hrs.
Lunes 31 de Mayo		Cinepolis Diana 2		11:30 hrs.
Martes 01 de Junio		Cinepolis Diana 2		13:25 hrs.

**There will be Q &As for the first 3 screenings.  More info.:  www.dhfilmfest.com.mx