Duolingo makes learning languages fun through its gamified structure. Here are some of its interesting features:

• Its Connection to CEFR: The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for describing a language ability. It uses a six-point scale from A1 for beginners, up to C2 for those who have mastered a language. Once you start building up your knowledge in a language in Duolingo, you can see your progress take you from A1 to A2 to B1 and so on. Adding these languages & levels to your CV help show you as a language-learner and very capable of settling into a new country with a new language.

   

• It Allows Practice in 4 Skills: With Duolingo, you're not only practicing reading and writing, but also your listening and speaking skills. If you find yourself somewhere where you can't speak or listen to the lessons, you can turn off that feature for 15 minutes at a time. Very handy when you're practicing out in public.

• It's Authentic: I've been thoroughly impressed with the different accents and voices used in each language I'm learning in Duolingo. The pronunciation is accurate and it doesn't accept poorly imitated sentences. Just this morning, I lost a heart (you get 5 hearts to start with and lose one for each mistake) by mispronouncing the tones in a Chinese sentence I needed to repeat. They give you a few tries, but if you can't mimic the right sounds and words, they'll move you on, minus a heart. I love the challenge of getting it right each time!
   

• It Encourages Twice a Day Learning: By handing out bonus points from 6am-noon and 6pm-midnight each day, Duolingo smartly encourages its users to practice their language(s) twice a day. It's a rare day that I'm not using my Duolingo app in the morning and evening, rotating through 5 languages. This repetition has sped me along the CEFR continuum with my daily 30 minutes of practice.

• It's Entertaining!: Between the animation, the sounds (Bing! another answer correct! Pavlov knew what he was talking about!), the corny stories, and strange sentences ("We fell in the countryside and a cow helped us"), Duolingo makes learning a language fun. You can even add friends and do weekly challenges with them to earn points & bonuses. Feel free to add me: Jacqueline689081

All in all, I'm completely hooked on maintaining and improving the languages I worked so hard to learn these past 20+ years of working abroad in Germany, Korea, Turkey, China, and now Mexico. I highly recommend you look into language learning with Duolingo - and the fact that it's free, makes it even better!

Despite my 30-minutes per day dedicated to language learning, I am never too busy for my clients! Now that the Recruitment season is upon us, I'm happily accepting new clients and continuing to work with those who have signed up with JPMint. With new international postings already being listed for next school year, I've started sending a biweekly, personalized email with the latest job openings abroad from vetted schools to each of my clients.

If you’re looking to move to another school next Summer, I can help you with your job search by:

• recreating your CV and cover letter at an international standard, highlighting your strengths as a candidate,

• meeting with you in a video-call to discuss your next steps in your job search, and

• emailing you job leads that I find through my network and research skills.

• I will also share with you my interview prep package and can help you with a Mock-Interview, including tips on how to make a good first impression.

• Finally when those offers start to come in, I can look over their contracts confidentially and send you questions for HR and the Head of School.

I work directly with you to help you in every facet of your job search.

Check out how I can help you find your next international position: https://www.jpmintconsulting.com/book-online