How to Choose a 2nd Language Tutor

Chrystelle Browman, Tutor Delphia’s Content Manager reports in on her international experience. In addition to working for Tutor Delphia, Chrystelle is pursuing a career as a librarian and has been working overseas for the past few months.

At my workplace, I’ve heard over 20 languages being spoken. There is always at least 5 or more countries represented at every lunch table. You can imagine the different sounds as you move through the cafeteria - it is truly a symphony of awe and beauty. Watching and listening to people switch languages within a sentence will always be mesmerizing to me.

Interacting within a multilingual environment has got me thinking what a shame the U.S. school system does not make learning a second language mandatory. Furthermore, many schools, due to budgetary restraints, have cut second language programs. While some first generation Americans have the benefit of growing up in a multilingual household,  the majority of Americans will never get the opportunity to learn a second language.

So what is one to do when you want to learn a second language, but your school doesn’t offer them? Hire a tutor!

However, before you go about hiring a personal instructor, you have some decisions to make about who you choose to begin this journey.

Choosing a tutor for language help is different than choosing a math tutor. For instance, you will have to be comfortable having multiple and varied discussions with this person. In other words, you need have chemistry with your tutor. You will discuss everything from the weather to what you did over the weekend, so make sure that you are comfortable with discussing a variety of subjects with them.

Another issue to consider is how structured you want your language lessons to be. While other subjects need to be regimented, such as math, language courses do not have to be. You can choose to have lessons that emphasize more on conversation versus one that focuses on vocabulary. I personally enjoy having unstructured lessons, with conversations varied in subject so I have the opportunity to mimic casual phrases within everyday conversation.

A third decision to make before searching for a language tutor is your level of commitment. Practice makes perfect, and having a language lesson only once every blue moon will be detrimental to learning a new language. Make sure your new tutor is willing to meet with you at least once a week.

Learning a different language is hard and challenging work. However, as difficult as it is, being able to switch languages within a sentence is completely worth it.

À la prochaine!

Summer Programs for High School Students in 2013

Keep your brain in shape this summer and flex those academic muscles. Summer programs specifically tailored to high school students are available all around the Philadelphia metropolitan area, specializing in everything from computing to communications. Programs range from one week academic boot camps to month long courses. So whether you're looking to get ahead academically before entering college, or just want to expand your knowledge base, summer studies can pave the way forward. 

1. For computer whizzes

Are you passionate about programming? At Drexel University, located in the heart of Philadelphia, high school students can attend a 5-week course about information technology and computing. What's more, students that successfully complete the program receive a $3,000 scholarship to Drexel. Students also get the chance to work with facility on digital and computing projects. Taking place from June 23 to July 27, the program immerses students in subjects like robotics, game design, social media, and web development. The course, known formally as the Drexel University Computing Academy (DUCA), is for rising juniors and seniors. The application deadline is May 31. In order to be considered for the program, students must provide PSAT/SAT scores, an essay, a letter of recommendation, and grade reports. Tuition totals $4,500, but financial aid is available to eligible students.

2. Music Making

Drexel runs a week intensive that focuses squarely on the music industry, from recording technology to marketing and promotion. Students learn both analog and digital audio recording skills, from setting up microphones to editing, while also cutting their teeth on the nuances of promotional marketing. The course, which takes place from July 14-19, accepts students on a rolling admission basis. Students interested are asked to submit a high school transcript and a 300-word personal statement. Tuition: $1,300.

3. Interior Design

For the serious interior designer, Drexel also runs a pre-college course from July 7-20 that includes seminars, projects and field trips to fantastically designed interior spaces within Philadelphia. Students learn the basics of sketching and blueprinting, and get career advice. Students also learn how to make digital design models of interior spaces. To apply, you must be at least 16 years old. Tuition: $3,000.

4. Liberal Arts and Science Classes at Penn

For students looking for a hearty dose of traditional academics, look no further than University of Pennsylvania's Academy programs. Running a little over a week, from June 30 to July 27, these programs prep students for a diverse array of college subjects.

Art history gets a decidedly Philly twist in the Art in the City Academy. Recruiting students in grades 9-12, this is an art history course focusing on creative expression as seen in downtown Philadelphia. Students go on field trips to exhibits, historical sites, murals and public sculptures in addition to completing multimedia history projects. Sites studied include the Institute for Contemporary Art, the Philadelphia Magic Gardens, and Independence Hall.

If biology or medicine is more your forté, Penn has a program for that too; the Biomedical Research Academy for students in grades 10-12. Guest lecturers range from academic scientists to clinicians working in the biomedical field. Afternoons are spent in the lab fiddling with biology projects and experiments. Students must have at least one year of high school under their belts to apply.

If you're a social science buff, Penn also runs the Social Injustices Academy, which delves into social issues both past and present. Students hear from professors specializing in everything from economy to urban studies, who, together, paint a full picture of contemporary struggles for social justice through seminars and excursions. This will be great for students considering a career in law or in sociology.

The deadline to apply to Penn's programs is June 1, and interested students should complete an application, as well as provide academic transcripts and a letter of recommendation. The Academies costs $7,899 for students that choose to reside on campus and $6,799 for commuters. Public school and charter school students maintaining at least a 3.3 GPA also have the chance to enter free of charge through the Penn Summer Scholars Program.

5. Paint the Summer Away

Temple University has a thriving visual arts program, and for budding high school artists, the Tyler Pre College Workshop offers several courses in intensive drawing, oil painting, and digital design using Adobe Photoshop. There are also sculpture and printmaking classes available. While working in studio space on a college campus, students get the chance to expand both their portfolios and their skills. The courses take place over the course of three sessions from June 24 to Aug. 2. To apply, students must fill out an application and in some cases provide work samples. One session costs $650, two costs $1200 and three sessions is $1650 in total.

6. The Art of Building

For students who want to learn about building design, Temple also runs an architecture camp from July 8 to July 19. The course includes lectures, architectural tours around Philadelphia, and sessions in an architectural studio. Students learn about both the traditional and emerging techniques in the field of architecture. During studio time, students create their own original 2 and 3-dimensional building mockups. The course takes place in Temple's new state-of-the-art architecture studies building, which was completed in 2012. Tuition: $950.

7. Engineering Success

A program designed to encourage women in the engineering field, Temple's WE2 summer program includes lectures from working engineers, many of them women, and the chance to participate in original engineering projects, group discussions and field trips to industry locations, such as a tour through NASA headquarters. The program takes place from July 8 to 13. Application deadline is June 15, and women in grades 10-12 with a GPA over 3.0 are encouraged to apply. Tuition is $500, and financial aid is also available.

8. Open Programs

Temple also offers teens between the ages of 13 and 17 several non credit summer camp sessions throughout the summer with tuition costs ranging from $200 to $400.

Want to learn how to win an argument? In the “Art of Arguing,” a 5-session course taking place August 5-9, students learn about debate and public speaking, and how to persuasively argue a point.  Interested in working in television? From July 22-26, high schoolers can sign up for Temple's Multimedia Camp for firsthand experience with audio, video, and web production. The class also spends a day browsing a real television studio and control room.

Finally, Temple also has something for budding creative writers looking to expand their knowledge of the craft; a creative writing course with open enrollment that takes place July 8-12. Students write their own short stories, poetry, personal essays, and other genre prose.

9. Portfolio work at University of the Art

Not only do artsy students have a plethora of options at Temple, but they can also choose from a wide range of summer courses at University of the Arts in Philadelphia, from creative writing and drama to the visual arts. Students get access to advice from real working professionals in their chosen field, participate in exhibits and workshops, and produce pieces for their portfolios. What's more, students receive 3 college credits after completing these courses. Tuition costs range from $1,500 to $3,800, depending on the class type and residence status.

With such a diverse array of classes offered in Philly, there's certainly something for everyone. Whether you want to paint your perfect masterpiece, or learn how to create the perfect simple machine, the Philadelphia metro area has you covered. In addition, university-level courses are also a great way for high school students to gain experience handling college level course loads. So what are you waiting for?

2013 Philadelphia Science Festival by Day Continued

Thurs April 25th

Do you like computers as much as I do? Then you should make the effort to see Michael Dell, the Chairman and CEO of Dell, speak about the business side of innovation.

Free

Another exciting event happening this day is Science Day at the Ball Park at the Phillies stadium. Check out several hands on activities and learn about the physics behind the baseball.

Ticket price varies.

Reservations required.

Do you like cheese? Of course you do! But do you know about the microbiology behind the creation of cheese? I am guessing you do not - so make it a point to stop by at DiBruno Brothers to learn about fermentation, and of course, taste the cheese! cheese. Have some Fun with Fermentation: Kimcheese!  

Tickets: $15

Reservations required.

Fri April 26th

Friday night is all about astronomy. Attend Astronomy Night Cafe: Edge of the Universe before heading out across the city for Astronomy Night. The first event discusses theories like “big bounce” and the “big rip”. Paul Halpern will be discussing his book, Edge of the Universe: A Voyage to the Cosmic Horizon and Beyond, so don’t miss out on this fascinating discussion. We told you all about Astronomy Night in one of our last posts, so you have no excuse not to go!  

Sat April 27th.

Ever dreamed about being a detective? Are you a SVU or CSI fan? If you are, then definitely make it over to Discovery Day: Be the Detective! This is a hands-on activity where you can dust for fingerprints and learn how DNA can help solve crime.

Free

If solving crime ain’t your jam, there is another hands-on event, Discovery Day: Ciencia and Me. Unwrap the mystery of everyday materials, taste & smell. The best part is you get to eat the science experiments!

Free  

We’ve already told you about Iron Physicist. Try to make some time to check it out!

Sun April 28th.

Sadly all great things must come to an end. Sunday April 28th is the festival’s last day. There are four wonderful events to choose from. From Science at the Seaport to Science for Sinners you really can’t go wrong.

Because I want to encourage girls and women to enter into the field of science, I highly recommend bringing your family to Science Surprises: Vicki Cobb’s One Woman Science Show. To find out more about the woman behind the science you can check out her website or her blog.

Free.

If you have ever wondered what it takes to build an urban farm, attend Discovery Day: Urban Farming. You will learn the best ways to grow vegetables, how to test soil and you can sample the vegetables of an urban garden. Also, beekeeping!

Thanks for reading our blog about the Philly Science Festival. Let us know what your favorite events were at info@tutordelphia.com or leave a comment below!

2013 Philadelphia Science Festival by Day

Fri April 19th.

Get up early to go to NASA’s International Space Apps Challenge Opening Reception to kick off a two day hackathon to solve intergalactic challenges and issues. You may even get to meet an astronaut! You can meet a person who has been in space! If it wasn’t clear enough, I REALLY want to meet an astronaut! If meeting an astronaut doesn’t excite you, perhaps refreshments will!

Tickets: $5

Later on, at the Academy of Sciences, Gaming as Therapy: A Pathway to Interaction will examine how video games can help adults & children on the autistic spectrum. A kid friendly, hands-on event, see how technology is improving interaction and communication. If you go, say hi to Adam who will be attending.

Tickets: $10

Sat April 20th.

We’ve mentioned it before, but the “must do” for the day is the Science Carnival, all day Saturday at the Ben Franklin Parkway. With over 100 exhibitors, this is a fun, free and family friendly event.

11 AM - 4 PM

Free

Dubbed as the ‘ultimate take your child to work day’, make sure to check out Great Gigs. Hear from a veterinarian, geologist and a chocolate scientist why a career in science was the right choice for them.

Free, however reservations are required.

Sun April 21st

The Wagner Free Institute of Science will present Skinned, Stuffed and Mounted: The History, Culture, and How-to of Taxidermy, a unique presentation you may not get to see anywhere else. Not only will this lecture be awesome, you get to explore the venue, which is packed with thousands of specimens.

Tickets: $10

Mon April 22nd

Open Labs are all day today! We HIGHLY recommend you go to at least one of these sessions. Whether your interest is in Physics & Astronomy, Chemistry, or Fashion, there is a science lab for you.

Tickets are free, but reserveration(s) are required and you must be a high school student.

Ever want to meet a real-life spy? Now you will get the opportunity to have an informal chat with one! Listen to spy stories, learn about the tools of the trade and the technology that allows a spy to do his or her job. Real Life Spy Technology is not an event you want to miss.

Free  

Tues April 23rd

In our previous Philly Festival Post, we highlighted open labs for students at a variety of universities. However, we also wanted to draw attention to some other great events happening that day. Table Top Science is an interactive science classroom filled with hands-on activities and demonstrations. Guaranteed to wow children & adults alike.

Free

Science of Jazz also looks promising. This event is discusses the science concepts behind the creation of music. Not only do you get to hear great music, you will get the chance to participate with mobile apps.

Tickets: $10

Wed April 24th

Life Aquatic looks especially fun because 1) you get to look at Japanese fish prints and x-rays of fish and 2) learn about the historic oceanic expeditions. You will learn with protecting coral reefs are important to the life of the ocean, and subsequently all life on the planet.

Free

I’m especially excited for the Don’t Burst My Bubble event, which as you may have guessed is an event focused around the science of bubbles.

Free

Check back for updates about exciting events that will take place between Thursday, April 25th and April 28th.