Kaplan International Languages

Today, we put a spotlight on Cody Delaney, who runs our Chicago school. 📚 What inspired you to work in education? My interest in language education was sparked while studying Mandarin. I realized that learning it wasn't inherently difficult, but by changing our preconceptions and adapting teaching methods, anyone could learn it! Transferring knowledge felt like solving a puzzle, with each student presenting unique challenges. From that point on, I was hooked! 🛣️ Tell us about your career path. I started teaching at Kaplan Seattle in 2014 and gained international experience in China & Japan. Post-pandemic, I became Academic Manager in Chicago school and was later promoted to School Director. I've grown tremendously throughout my journey within Kaplan. 🗝️ What are the most important components for successful language learning? Using language in authentic, meaningful communication. so learners can internalize language in a way that memorization or language apps can't replicate. Humans are inherently social beings, and language thrives in real-life interactions. 👥 How would you describe your team in Chicago? I'm incredibly proud of the Chicago team. Many of our teachers have years of experience with Kaplan, while the administration team is professional and motivated. Together, we deliver exceptional service to our students. My favorite part of the week is hearing graduates share their experiences and express gratitude to our amazing staff. 🌟 What makes Kaplan Chicago a great place to work and study? Our top priority is meeting student needs through exceptional customer service and genuine care. We maintain academic excellence through quarterly professional development workshops for teachers. Our social activities program sets Kaplan Chicago apart. Many alumni return for more classes or to participate in our social programs. Chicago itself is a phenomenal city—vibrant, beautiful, and more affordable than many other major U.S. cities. 🏆 Are there any student successes that are particularly memorable? One particular memory is of a Chilean couple who studied at Kaplan Chicago for nearly a year. A teacher, and her husband who was a helicopter pilot for the Chilean navy. They decided to move to the U.S. and start afresh, sacrificing successful careers for a dream. Their courage and determination were inspiring. 🎭 What might people find surprising about you? I'm an avid outdoorsman and love hiking. I've summited several world-renowned mountains and completed incredible long-distance treks. My colleagues might be surprised to learn that I'm also a bit of a handyman. I've built multiple houses from the ground up with my father and used to work as an airplane mechanic. Although I still enjoy working with my hands, I find working with people even more fulfilling. Thanks to Cody for this reflections on education, his career in international education and the joys of studying in Chicago! #KaplanExperience #KaplanPeople #KaplanChicago

We loved reading Maria's post about stepping out of her comfort zone and coming to study with us at our Bournemouth school. She touches on many of the themes we talked about in a post a few months back. https://bit.ly/4eBGNOQ #KaplanExperience #KaplanBournemouth

Beaches in Toronto? There must be some mistake… Think Toronto, and beaches probably don't come to mind. Maybe you picture the CN Tower, a hockey arena and of course Lake Ontario but sand and waves? Not so much… The Beaches area is little slice of paradise is located to the East of the city, with Woodbine Beach, where our students are pictured, as the largest. The neighborhood has a lovely laid-back beach town vibe that’s a fabulous contrast to the bustle of the city. Our schools are located in places are that are full of hidden gems, which our school teams help students to unlock and explore. #KaplanExperience #ExplorewithKaplan #KaplanToronto

We loved reading Hude's post on her 2-month stay in Oxford, making global connections and expanding her perspective as part of a diverse student community. #KaplanExperience #KaplanOxford

Sometimes, the most valuable business lessons come from the most unexpected places. Today, we share the reflections of our colleague Tyler Willson, a long-time surfer who runs our Santa Barbara school, on the parallels between surfing and success in business! 🌊 Reading the Waves To be a good surfer, you really have to put in the hours, study the ocean and understand the best waves to catch. It's the same in business. The best entrepreneurs aren't born briillant. They invest time learning what works and what doesn't! 🏄♂️ Paddling = Preparation Even if you’ve never surfed, you may have noticed how much paddling us surfers do to prepare for the wave - just like the hard work you have to put in to prepare for success in business! 🌟 Timing is Everything There's a reason people talk about catching a wave. Because in surfing that's what you have to do. Put yourself in the right place at the right time and you'll increase your chances of success! 🏋️ Building Strength and Resilience Wiping out is part of surfing, even when you’ve been doing it for many years. I like to think that it builds resilience and just as in business, this ability to recover and learn is absolutely critical. 🧘 Staying Balanced = Maintaining Focus Keeping balance on a surfboard requires focus and adaptability. The thing I've noticed about entrepreneurs is they are focused on the goal but ready for change at any moment. 🌅 Respecting the Environment You can’t surf safely or well if you don’t have a deep respect for the ocean. Whether it's how you treat the planet or the way you treat people, respect is an important value for true success. 🤙 Surf Etiquette Just like in other areas of life and business especially, there are surfing codes of conduct - like not cutting in line for a wave! When you surf, you need to be a good surfer – which means supporting others in the water and spreading positivity. If you're looking to take a break and get a new perspective, combining an English course with a passion or a sport is a great way to do this. To check out our programmes in Santa Barbara, please visit https://brnw.ch/21wMKb2 #KaplanExperience #KaplanLovesEnglish #KaplanSantaBarbara

Complimenti, Margherita Iafolla for achieving your C2 level in English. To achieve this level, Margherita will have needed to demonstrate real a mastery of the English language and an ability to communicate with fluency and sophistication. What an excellent way to use your vacation time away from the workplace!

In 2010, the Japanese business Rakuten, mandated English as the official language of internal communication. There were three goals: Driving growth, creating a unified team culture and developing global perspectives. It was introduced by Hiroshi Mikitani, the CEO, who called it Englishnization. Back then, the decision was controversial but the business has since expanded globally to operate in more than 30 countries, with staff of more than 70 nationalities at its Tokyo headquarters. This bold move demonstrates the power of language in driving internationalisation and fostering a global mindset. What are your thoughts on having a common language within a company or organisation? Have you experienced the benefits or challenges of this approach in your professional life? Share your experiences or opinions in the comments below.

Expanding vocabulary is a key goal if you want to take your English skills from good to great. But getting new words to stick is a challenge. Here are a few ways to embed vocabulary into your memory. #KaplanLovesEnglish #KaplanStudentSuccess #KaplanStudyTips

Behind every Kaplan success story stands a dedicated teacher committed to excellence. Our teacher ratings in July, our busiest month, were as high as ever, with particular congratulations to those teachers who placed in the top 20. One of the traits about good teachers is their willingness to share their insights and knowledge with others. Whether you're an English learner, a teacher or a Kaplan colleague, we're sure you'll enjoy Gosia's perspective on the key to great teaching. #KaplanLovesEnglish #KaplanStudentSuccess #KaplanExperience #KLGGreatPlace

A student who just completed her course in London celebrates the "value of resilience, adaptability, and the endless possibilities that come from embracing the unknown". Maria Eduarda Luciano dos Santos exemplifies the wonderful spirit of adventure and openness that we see in our schools each day!