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Meet People Archive

How to make friends and meet new people

7
comments
By
John
     August 10, 2009Category: Conversation, Culture

Today, let’s talk about how to make friends with native English speakers! 

Recently, I interviewed a good friend of mine. I asked him how he made friends when he first moved to Australia. Watch the video below and see what he said!

Watch the video below.

Can’t see the video? Click HERE

Some places to meet friends:

  • At work
  • At school
  • Join a sports club
  • Join a social group, such as a church or youth group
  • Join a volunteer organisation

Remember: Go somewhere safe to make friends. Joining a sports club or a social group, such as a church or youth group is a great way to start!

Question: How do you meet new people?

Put your answer in the comments!

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Making friends

2
comments
By
John
     March 11, 2009Category: Culture, Intermediate

generalToday, let’s talk about how to make friends with native English speakers!

Recently, I interviewed a good friend of mine. I asked him how he made friends when he first moved to Australia. Watch the video below and see what he said!

Watch the video below.

Some places to meet friends:

  • At work
  • At school
  • Join a sports club
  • Join a social group, such as a church or youth group
  • Join a volunteer organisation

Remember: Go somewhere safe to make friends. Joining a sports club or a social group, such as a church or youth group is a great way to start!

Question: How do you meet new people?

Put your answer in the comments!

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Backpackers and Youth Hostels

4
comments
By
John
     January 15, 2009Category: Culture

generalToday, let’s talk about backpackers (youth hostels)! 

 Q: I want to know about staying at backpackers in Australia. I’ve never stayed at a backpackers before and I don’t know what I need to do to stay there?

A: Backpackers are great places to stay. They are cheap, usually comfortable, clean and a great place to meet people from all over the world and make new friends. Backpackers are also called a ‘hostel‘ or a ‘youth hostel‘.

The best place to learn about backpackers in Australia is the YHA (Youth Hostel Association) website: http://www.allbackpackers.com.au/  This website can be viewed in English, Japanese and Chinese!

The International website is:

http://www.hihostels.com/

There are even backpackers in Japan:

http://www.hihostels.com/dba/country-JP.en.htm

Q: Are backpackers a safe place to stay?

A: Yes, most backpackers are safe places to stay. Of course, you should use your common sense.

Points to Remember:

  • Don’t leave your bag , money or anything valuable unattended.
  • Always keep your valuables (money etc) on your person (e.g. in your pocket). 
  • Be especially careful when you take a shower, go to the toilet or go out sightseeing, that your valuables are either locked in a locker, or with you.
  • Many hostels will require you to use a ‘sleeping sheet’. This is to keep the beds clean.
  • Alway keep the kitchen and toilet areas clean.
  • If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, talk to the hostel staff.

Backpackers are a great way to save money, make new friends and enjoy your travels!

Question: Do you use backpackers when you travel? Why or why not?

Put your answer in the comments!

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Snow? In Australia?

6
comments
By
John
     December 18, 2008Category: Culture, Intermediate

Did you know it snows in Australia?

This September we have had a lot of snow!
 
I always find it interesting to meet people who think Australia is always hot!

We have 4 seasons, just like most other countries in the world!

It doesn’t snow everywhere in Australia. Most of the snow is in the mountain areas, such as the Snowy Mountains.

Question: Do you like snow?


Put your answer in the comments!

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Exchanging Business Cards in English

2
comments
By
John
     December 17, 2008Category: Business English

Today, let’s look how to give someone your business card.

Put your answer in the comments!

When we meet new people in business, we usually exchange business cards. Did you know that different countries have different customs for giving and receiving business cards? 

Today, let’s look at some general tips on how to exchange business cards politely.

 Important Points:
 

  • Make sure you find out the local customs for exchanging business cards in the country you are visiting. The customs in China, Japan, India and Australia are all a little different.
  • Make sure that you have the local language printed on your business card. So, if you are visiting China, have your details in Chinese on the back. If you are visiting Australia, have them in English on the back.
  • You should give someone your card when you first meet them. This could be part of your initial introduction, or at the end of your first meeting. 
  • Giving your card is important for making business contacts, but also a form of politeness. Give your card to everyone you are meeting with, not just the people you think are important.
  • Make sure you give the card with the side in their language facing up.
  • When someone gives you their card, make sure you stop and read it. You can then ask any questions you may have, then put it respectfully away.
Greeting:

  My name is ______. It is a pleasure to meet you! Here is my card.
Question: Does your country have any other customs that are important when exchanging business cards? 

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Business Introductions

9
comments
By
John
     October 22, 2008Category: Business English

Today, let’s look at Business Introductions!

When we meet new people, the first impression is very important! In business you need to make a good first impression.

Good Business Etiquette
When introducing people in business, it is important to introduce the less important person to the more important person.

Examples:

  1. Always introduce someone from your company to a client or customer.
  2. Always introduce a junior executive to a senior executive.

NEW VOCABULARY (double click each word to see what it means and hear the correct pronunciation):

  • Executive
  • first impression
  • Etiquette
  • junior
  • senior
Question: If the junior executive is a man and the senior executive is a woman, who would you introduce first?

Put your answer in the comments!

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