Using Online Courses to Learn American English

Using Online Courses to Learn American EnglishLike other languages, learning American English can also be simplified, also called phrased in a less obvious manner. This is done in order to make the courses more effective and simple for the learners. It also gives rise to problems as the students have no access to the source of understanding.These difficulties can be avoided by the process of education by means of learning American English online. It teaches the students from an objective point of view of speech and in a format that can be understood by all the students. In addition, it gives way to better comprehension, understanding and retention.When you are on a search for the best way to speak and understand the language of American English, you will have to go through a series of stages. The first stage is the pre-linguistic stage. In this stage, you learn about the basics of the language. You can do this in a variety of ways.One of the easy way is to use the many sample sentenc es. The sentences can be either grammatically correct or not. By choosing the one which is more impressive and persuasive, you will come across it throughout the course. At the same time, if you can speak the language easily, you will not need to consider the sample sentences.The second stage is the topic analysis, which involves reviewing the topics of your conversations and analyzing them. For instance, it may help you figure out what the difference between erotica and erotically is. You can also look into the vocabulary and phraseology of the subject. Also, you will have to memorize the spoken mannerisms of the speaker and follow his/her example when speaking.When you are still on the topic analysis stage, you will learn about the basic facts of the language of American English. First, you will learn about the basic meanings and their similarities and differences. Secondly, you will learn about the specific uses and their origins. Thirdly, you will know the etymology of the words .Finally, you will be able to convert your knowledge of the basics of the English language to an easy conversational use. In this, you will have to come across many problems that will prevent you from speaking correctly. For instance, you will hear from people that they cannot tell the meaning of the word. Or, they may change the meanings of the words, when in reality they were using them for the same thing.These two methods are the main ways to learn American English. For these methods, you will be getting the chance to hear and speak in front of a classroom. You will also be the first person that people will hear when you are speaking to them.

Webi English

Webi English Webi English WEB Education Group was founded in China in 1998. With nearly 20 years of experience in the field of education, we have become one of the leaders in the language training industry. We have many branches of schools that have different focuses ranging from adult student, young learners, IELTS and test preparation, and online courses. We have established a presence on international social media like Facebook and LinkedIn if you wish to do some research about our company. Our English training centers for adults operate under the brand of WEB International English (WEBi), and have developed into one of the most recognized names in the field across China. As a teacher with WEBi, you will not be forced to work in the different brands that are part of WEB Education Group, unless you wish to do so. You can rest assured you will only teach the type of students we promote for our particular brand that interests you. The teaching method we use incorporates a student-centered philosophy with a focus on active learning. Most of our students have a desire to improve their spoken English, so the class activities promote speaking with a focus on communication in a business environment. We do have students with a specialized need to improve other language skills like writing or vocabulary relevant for particular academic or business fields. We have a unique level of already established curriculum that provides new teachers with established lesson plans, but also gives our experienced teachers the freedom to develop their own activities to implement in the classroom based on the target language the students need for their planned track in our school. At WEBi we offer 3 types of classes: Private Sessions with 1-4 students, Salon Classes with 1-10 students, and Social Clubs that are a less formal seminar-style class which size can vary greatly, but usually is around 20-30 students per class. For the two smaller class types, the students will be grouped based on a performance test of their spoken English to ensure that all participants can complete activities and communicate on the same level. Native English speaking teachers will only teach students ranging from intermediate to advanced levels of learners. Our training centers are located in busy, central locations in vibrant parts of their districts to both attract the most students and to give our teachers the best possible experience of living and working in China. You can find a variety convenient shops (grocery, clothing, , restaurants (Chinese and International), and entertainment nearby each one of our over 120 centers across China. Also there will always be mass transit options near our locations. China has one of the worlds best mass transit systems which enables you to quickly reach popular travel destinations near and far with relatively low cost. We want to take care of our teachers, especially those new to China. Someone with WEBi will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel, which we pay for, and assist you with the visa process. Chinese staff will assist you with setting up your life in China by helping you find an apartment, set up a bank account, register with the police and do a medical check (both required for the residence permit to live and work in China). We can also provide a 10,000rmb start-up loan to help you get established in China once you arrive. If you are uncertified (no TEFL/TESOL/CELTA) we can reimburse the cost and even recommend some programs that will get you certified to teach ESL in China. You also have the benefit of more experienced and helpful foreign teachers (from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Ireland, or South Africa) working and living alongside you in China. Once you are on the job, we provide ongoing job training from the very beginning with opportunities for promotion within our organization. For high-quality teachers with experience, there are possibilities to be promoted to head teacher positions in our centers, or even in HR, training, and curriculum development at our headquarters. Your Chinese colleagues will also assist you and can teach you Chinese. At WEB you can expect a professional, modern work environment with friendly co-workers. The benefit package includes competitive remuneration, including housing and travel allowances. Health insurance is included. You get paid government-mandated holidays based on the Chinese national calendar, plus 5 additional paid days off at your request, and a paid sick leave policy. The workload is fair for the remuneration and benefit package we offer. You will be expected to teach up to 25 classes each week (50 minutes a class). You will have 5 classes per day, including weekends. As a language center catering to adults who have white-collar jobs, our students need classes outside of their standard working time, so the majority of your classes will be on weekends or evenings on weekdays. You will have 2 days off per week on weekdays.

Searching For a Tutor?

Searching For a Tutor?Is a tutor Toronto necessary for your son or daughter? If you are having trouble making the decision of whether or not to hire one for your child, there are a number of websites that specialize in providing quality information about tutors. Some of these sites give advice on various topics such as what to look for when searching for a tutor, where to find a good one, and what to expect from a tutor.For those of you who don't know much about tutors and are just looking for recommendations on how to get a good one, there are quite a few places to turn for this information. There are tutor Toronto reviews, which are online databases which contain reviews by other parents. In these, you will find both positive and negative reviews. The first step to finding the right tutor Toronto is to determine what you want to accomplish with your child's education.You will need to choose between either getting your child's tutor for one day a week or year long sessions. The amou nt of time that you have to commit to one tutor can depend on your children's age, how many children you have, and your budget. For example, if you have a son or daughter who is more advanced than your average child, you may not have the luxury of time to devote to their tutoring. On the other hand, if you have one child with an extremely early learning disability, you might be able to find a tutor who is able to spend just one hour per week with your child.An important factor to consider is the price that you will pay. No matter how expensive a tutor is, if you are paying a huge sum of money for him or her, you need to see how long they have been in business. When you do this, you should see that the tutors are successful in their field and that they have a solid reputation. You should also compare prices before deciding which one to go with. Although you can pay a lot, you still want to ensure that the tutor is competent enough to help your child with his or her homework and assig nments.When you decide which is the best for your children, you will need to search for and find the right tutor Toronto. The best way to do this is to take the time to read through the different sites and research as much as possible. You will then get a chance to meet the tutor in person and ask him or her about their personal background, the quality of their teaching, and what type of services they provide. Also, take the time to get to know the tutors and their personality so that you can decide if you feel comfortable with them.It is also important to consider whether or not you want to pay tutors for each hour that they spend with your child. Most Toronto reviews include a survey on how much each tutor charges, so you should take this into consideration before deciding. Another thing to think about is how much time you have to commit to one tutor. For example, if you have only one child who has special needs, you probably have the luxury of time that is available to dedicate t o each tutor.You will find a large number of Toronto reviews for the type of tutor you are looking for. By reading them and talking to the people who wrote them, you will get an idea of what to expect. If you are in the market for a new tutor, take the time to read a number of these sites and you should be able to make an informed decision.

Jobs With a Chemistry Degree

Jobs With a Chemistry DegreeIf you're looking for work with a chemistry degree, then you've landed in the right place. Aspiring chemists are always on the lookout for various types of jobs, and this is the same for people with a chemistry degree. Whether it is a job in a laboratory or lab science, there are plenty of openings to be had. It can be a great time to get your chemistry degree as there are several types of jobs that require a chemistry degree, not just at the college level but also as a part-time job for the busy person.In fact, there are jobs which require a chemistry degree. This is another reason why people with a chemistry degree are always on the lookout for something to do. There are many jobs such as in the medical field, the military, and so on. These types of jobs require a degree in chemistry. Whether you're going to get one online or in school, you can find something interesting if you are well-versed in chemistry.Jobs that require a chemistry degree will includ e chemical engineering, aerospace design, biotech, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, cell biology, computer programming, computer science, information technology, industrial design, materials engineering, the pharmaceutical industry, medical engineering, medical technology, nanotechnology, optics, biomedical research, as well as other related fields. You will find opportunities with these kinds of jobs in the corporate world, the government, the health care industry, and more. Keep in mind that you will also find more jobs with a chemistry degree as long as you have a mind for it.When you apply for these jobs, you will find that some companies will require a chemistry degree. Sometimes, even if you don't have one yet, you will need to get a degree to get hired. However, if you've taken your classes at the college level and you are willing to put in the time and the effort, then you can always get a job without having to have a degree. It all depends on how fast you want to go and how much you're willing to learn.Degrees don't have to be expensive. Some universities give them out for free. It doesn't matter whether you get a chemistry degree online or a college degree, it's worth the effort to get a degree. It doesn't matter if it is for your career or to advance your knowledge. You will find that having a degree is beneficial in any field, so you should never be afraid to pursue one.Look for jobs that are related to what you know best. It doesn't matter if you're interested in getting a job related to pharmaceuticals or if you like working in the health care industry. If you're willing to be flexible and stay up to date on the latest in the field, then you can be assured that you'll be able to find a job that you love. Just keep in mind that a chemistry degree is not going to help you in every field.Working for an employer in one of these types of jobs may be your dream, but it is also your path to getting a better paying job. You don't have to worry about not finding a job since you know where to look. So if you're looking for a job with a chemistry degree, then you've landed in the right place.

Organic Chemistry Magnet Technology - An Alternative to Traditional Books?

Organic Chemistry Magnet Technology - An Alternative to Traditional Books?If you are a student interested in a degree in Organic Chemistry, then you have likely heard about a great way to earn your Bachelor's degree, even though your government has banned the use of textbooks in teaching. The local community college is now offering magnet technology as an alternative to books for teaching and learning. Students who live in rural areas cannot get away from the long commute to a big city. Online education is an easy way to meet the needs of students who want to study and still enjoy a home life.In most areas, teachers are going to live in cities or large towns where organic chemistry is a major subject. Traditional methods of teaching cannot always be replaced by other means. The big issue is that the classes can not be spaced at the same length so that they will not overlap. Another issue is that many teaching positions cannot be filled with teachers that live in rural areas because o f the need for transportation issues.This is where a magnet technology program works well for some students because there is no travel required for a long distance learning program at a local college. The advantage is that it is more affordable than a traditional program. Students can purchase the materials online or from a local college bookstore and use them to meet the requirements for their program.However, it is important to know that many chemistry teachers in rural areas are skeptical of the benefits of this program. The main question that many parents ask is how effective the online learning program can be in helping students learn more about organic chemistry. Many of these students will benefit from an in-class study guide that provides information on properties of the elements' chemical and physical properties. In addition, the in-class materials should provide a list of textbooks for chemistry majors and a list of materials that can be used for laboratory purposes.Chemic al structure tables, reaction lists, and calculation aids are required reading for students studying organic chemistry. There are materials that can be purchased online that can help give students a foundation for understanding that they will need later on in their studies. The materials should be used by all students in the class so that they will feel more confident and equipped to demonstrate their knowledge to others. This way the classroom environment can actually be a learning environment.With many online learning programs, it is important to select an online college that offers courses that will help prepare students for taking the course material online. Of course, many of the courses available online for organic chemistry will be found at a local college because it is the local college's responsibility to provide study materials to all students in the class. Some online colleges even offer materials that are just as effective as those found at a local college if they are of fered online.Local colleges that offer online education have also discovered that having many online students may lead to more students being interested in attending college. So, students who live in a rural area are helping their local community colleges to meet the needs of students living far away. Students can get back into the classroom environment that provides them with a structured environment to meet their challenges as students.

The Musicians Path to Rock Star Status

The Musicians Path to Rock Star Status Suzy S. Many students begin taking music lessons with an ultimate goal of making it on stage and selling out shows. But what exactly does that path look like? Its different for everyone, but heres one possible timeline, as outlined by Mission Viejo, CA teacher Pierre L... So you want to become a rock star? Well, you have come to the right place. As a TakeLessons instructor, Im ready to teach you the fundamentals in order to prepare you for whichever music style you are interested in pursuing later in life. But first things first: decide which instrument you think you would enjoy playing the most. This is an easy decision for some people. Others find their favorite instrument only after having tried several instruments. Next, seek out a reputable music teacher. Without a great instructor by your side, you are setting yourself up for bad habits in the way you play your instrument, and bad habits are often hard to break. A good teacher will help you with all the questions and problems you are running into, and guide you throughout the learning process. And even though the Internet has made self-learning easier, it is not necessarily the best path to take. Be prepared to set aside at least a half-hour of practice time five times a week. This will ensure that you make good progress on your instrument. It will save you money on lessons, because the more you are prepared for your next lesson, the more time you will have to tackle that new song you may have been dreaming about learning. Keeping your instrument in good shape is very important as well. Changing guitar strings or drum heads on a regular basis will make playing your instrument much more pleasant, and you will sound much better. Whenever you feel you have outgrown your current instrument, think about going to a store for a trade-in. After a year or two of practicing on your own, you might think about starting or joining a band. That’s when the fun really starts. You may begin by playing songs written by your favorite artists, but ultimately it can be very worthwhile to take on songwriting. It may take you a while to get to the point where you are comfortable writing your own music or lyrics, but dont despair. Once you have developed your own sound, you might be ready to take your act to the stage. Play at any party, café, bar or club that will let you perform. This will be a very important time for your band. The musicians will start to get used to each others playing styles and grow into a tight unit. Your next step is the recording studio. Visit several studios, meet engineers, and listen to CDs that they have recorded.   Your gut feeling will tell you which one is right for you and your band. Studio time is very expensive, so go in well-prepared. Practice six songs over and over, even if you are only planning to record four, for example. You might run into unexpected problems with a song, and you’ll be glad that you have a couple of backup tunes ready! If you keep working at your craft diligently, you will soon find yourself selling CDs and playing larger venues, and maybe even getting invited to go on tour as the supporting act for a well-known band. Now wouldn’t that be a great step closer to becoming a rock star? Keep in mind that whatever you are learning during your musical journey, it will be with you for the rest of your life. And it will always bring a smile on your face. Believe me, it does to me! You might also like Jumpstarting Your Music Career: 5 Tips Nobody Talks About Insider Advice From a Glee Warbler and Industry Pro Bridging the Gap from Amateur to Professional Musician Pierre L. teaches bass guitar, drum, guitar, piano, music recording, music theory, percussion and songwriting lessons to students of all ages in Mission Viejo, CA. Pierre joined the TakeLessons team in November 2012, with over 30 years of experience in the music industry. Learn more about Pierre, or search for a music teacher near you!   Photo by JBo Photo.

Online Algebra Tutoring-Helping You Master the Essential Skills Required for College and Career

Online Algebra Tutoring-Helping You Master the Essential Skills Required for College and Career 0SHARESShare Algebra learning in the middle school is a mandatory aspect for getting ahead of others in college studies and career when you leave high school. Online Algebra help displays innumerable facilities to undertake good Algebra courses and reviews to get a start with the subject. Tutoring help in Algebra as a gateway for entry into good colleges Algebra learning starts from 8TH Grade in school and needs regular practice to probe into the Algebraic expressions and equations so that you could arrive at a strong fundamental foundation in the Algebraic learning for promoting more learning aspects in high school with Algebra 1 and 2. It is the gatekeeper subject for entering Calculus, Computer engineering and other major subjects. Algebra tutoring online solves the mysteries of Algebra with its worksheets, solvers with worked out examples, regular practice drills, suitable solutions for one word problems etc. Algebra online tutoring as a catalyst to face work situations with ready mind Proper Algebra skills initiate good understanding of work force in the career, when you opt to pursue a career after your school. Algebra tutors online help you work out real life situations while learning Algebra that your mind gets ready to accept work challenges in your career. Tutor Pace boasts itself of highly efficient tutors in Algebra who take it a task to meet the challenge of molding good Algebra skills in students. Get Algebra Tutor Online Now! [starbox id=admin]

Studying to Become an Artist

Studying to Become an Artist What Training Do You Need for a Career in Art and Design? ChaptersDo You Need a Degree to Become an Artist or Designer?Art and Design QualificationsBachelor Degrees in Art and DesignMaster’s Degrees in Art and DesignOther Art and Design Qualifications“Creativity takes courage” - Henri MatisseAround 95% of artists have had some formal education but education won’t teach you how to survive as an artist or designer. While some people teach themselves how to do art, many opt for a qualification or some formal art education in school or university.Of course, you can become an artist without qualifications but when it comes to finding work, employers like being able to quickly look at somebody's CV or portfolio and know that somebody else has checked whether or not they're the real deal.In this article, we’ll look at whether you need a degree to become an artist or designer, what art and design qualifications you can get including Bachelor Degrees, Master's Degrees, and vocational art qualifications. FernandoDrawing Teacher 5.00 (8) £ 30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaDrawing Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidDrawing Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaDrawing Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenDrawing Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Julia janeDrawing Teacher 5.00 (5) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EvelinaDrawing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZangmoDrawing Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsDo You Need a Degree to Become an Artist or Designer?More and more people are training to become designers or changing careers. After all, when it comes to the world of art, there are a lot of different careers such as illustrator, designer, comic book artists, animator, artist, etc.There are a lot of places in the UK where you can get an art degree. (Source: jan_photo)So do you need a qualification for these li nes of work?The answer is no.  Many illustrators and designers can start their careers without having done higher education in art.Art and design is an artistic activity that you can teach yourself from a young age. Thus, a lot of artists gradually teach themselves how to do it without a degree or qualification.  They often work freelance and as an independent designer, they don’t need to show your CV or qualifications to potential clients, they need to show off their portfolio.We’re not saying that qualifications are useless. A good art education can teach you techniques that you’ll use throughout your career and they’ll give you the chance to improve as an artist with the help of your teachers.Qualifications will be useful if you’re applying for work at large companies, especially in animation or concept art, for example. Again, there are exceptions and you might be able to get a job without qualifications if you can show you know the necessary techniques.That said, qual ifications are a good way to get your foot in the door in certain companies. However, while you might want to apply now, don't forget that when it comes to painting and drawing, you can't just take classes, you should also be regularly practising, attending life drawing sessions, and building up a portfolio, for example.Art and Design QualificationsThere are plenty of different art and design qualifications and you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to what you can specialise in. Whether you want to study art history, visual arts, fine arts, printmaking, contemporary art, or art therapy, there are plenty of art schools and universities with good art departments  and a pretty clear career path to working in the arts.You don't necessarily need to study a degree if you want to study art. (Source: freephotocc)Level 5 Art QualificationsIf you want to attend a school of art, work in a museum of art, or start a career in the art world, you'll need to think about getting a Level 5 art qu alification. In the UK, qualifications are classified by levels so that you can compare academic, vocational, and skills-related qualifications to one another. Levels 1 and 2 include GCSEs, Level 3 includes A Levels, Level 4 includes the Higher National Certificate, and Level 5 qualifications include:Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)Foundation DegreeHigher National Diploma (HND)Level 5 AwardLevel 5 CertificateLevel 5 DiplomaLevel 5 NVQAfter a level 5 qualification, you're ready to start studying an arts degree or a level 6 qualification! FernandoDrawing Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaDrawing Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidDrawing Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaDrawing Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenDrawing Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Julia janeDrawing Teacher 5.00 (5) £60/h1st lesson free!Dis cover all our tutors EvelinaDrawing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZangmoDrawing Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsBachelor Degrees in Art and DesignWith over 100 universities in the UK, it's no surprise that there are plenty of great schools and universities offering art degrees. If you want to become a bachelor of fine arts or study at an art school, here are some of the best universities in the UK to do your undergrad degree program at:OxfordNewcastleLancasterLoughboroughLeedsUniversity College LondonManchester MetropolitanBrunel University LondonNottingham TrentEdinburghKentArts University BournemouthGoldsmiths, University of LondonAberystwythWestminsterKingstonSouthamptonHeriot-WattCoventryUniversity of the Arts, LondonWhether you're interested in painting, sculpture, or digital art, there are plenty of great universities in the UK. (Source: pixel2013)Of course, there'll be a department of art at most universities but even if they offer an art design course where you can specialise in ceramics, digital media, or sculpture, or create your own exhibitions, the courses at these universities may not be for you.Not every college of art and design is the same and each arts degree is different (even if they have the same name). Make sure you research the undergraduate and graduate degrees on offer, the faculty staff, and what graduates of the programme are doing now.Find out more on how to survive at art school.Master’s Degrees in Art and DesignIf you'd like to take your art studies further, you can study master's degrees and graduate programs in the following subjects:Art and designArt history and visual cultureArt, space, and natureArts managementArts policy and managementChildren's book illustrationDesignDigital and visual communicationsFashionFine artGraphic designHealth humanities and artsIllustration and animationPaintingVisual communicationSince most universities have a school of art and design, there are plenty of art programs to become a master of art! Of course, Bachelor's Degrees and Master's Degrees can be very academic and won't be for everyone.  If you'd rather spend all day working on your art rather than studying art, you may need to consider more vocational art qualifications or other routes into the arts.Other Art and Design QualificationsFormal education isn't for everyone and you might consider even attending classes in drawing still life, life drawing, sculpture, pottery, or even textile arts such as knitting, sewing, cross-stitch, or weaving. These are probably better for those who aren't sure whether they're serious about changing careers yet.If you can't find any courses that take your fancy in the UK, you could also study abroad. There are plenty of liberal arts colleges in the US, for example, and you'll even have the option to attend a university without having chosen what you're studying yet.You might go there for art but decide during your time there that yo u're going to move away from ceramic art to media arts. In an American college of arts, you can choose to take classes in plenty of different subjects (referred to as electives) to see what you enjoy while working towards your degree.Not all of your course will be creating art. There's also a lot of studying! (Source: Pexels)The top schools of note in the US include the Rhode Island School of Design, Indiana State University, the University of Chicago, and Suffolk University. Of course, there are more schools of art than just these so have a look around and see what's on offer. Whether you want to work in an art museum, get a bachelor of arts degree, attend a prestigious college of art design, or become a master of fine arts, the choice is yours!You could also learn more with private tutorials from one of the many talented tutors on Superprof. This is a very good option for someone who's thinking about changing careers or just doesn't feel like going to (or going back to) university to study an art degree.There are three main types of tutorials available: face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials. Each type of tutorial comes with its pros and cons in terms of learning and cost-effectiveness. What's right for one student may not be right for another so take your time to find the right kind of tutor and tutoring.Face-to-face tutorials are taught with one student and one tutor and they tend to be the most cost-effective type since every minute in the lesson is spent focusing on you as the student.Online tutorials are similar to the face-to-face tutorials but take place either on a call or via webcam. Since the tutor won't have the travel costs to worry about and can fit more students into their schedule as a result, online tutorials are usually cheaper than face-to-face tutorials.Finally, group tutorials are classes with one teacher or tutor and multiple students. However, with group tutorials, you and a group of friends could get in touch wit h a private tutor to plan lessons that you'll all attend together. These tend to be the cheapest per student per hour.

Should I Go To Columbia University

Should I Go To Columbia University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Jordy is a New York City tutor specializing in many subjects such as AP English tutoring, SAT prep tutoring, ISEE prep tutoring,SSAT prep tutoringand more. She holds a Bachelors degree in English Literature and Art History from Columbia University from which she graduated in 2007. See what she had to say about her alma mater: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Jordy:Columbia is an absolutely beautiful campus. In fact, the campus itself is one of the main things that initially attracted me to the school. Despite being in the middle of Manhattan, you walk through those gates and you are in a world unto itself, each building grand and gorgeous. The library faade is literally inscribed with the names of philosophical and literary heavyweights, so the buildings themselves actually inspire one to think and work harder. As far as transportation options go, I found it to be a plus to not have a car at college. New Yorks public transport system is so comprehensive, and there is a subway stop right outside the College Walk gates that is actually called 116th Street Columbia University and tiled in Columbia blue. I have never felt unsafe on the subway, and of course if youre in a hurry or its super late at night, theres always a yellow cab within an arms reach. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Jordy:I always found that if I wanted to speak to someone, they were available. Its one of the benefits of a small campus and undergraduate community that you never have to walk more than a couple of blocks to chat with someone. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Jordy:The housing at Columbia is great. In fact, over 90% of undergrads live on campus all four years, and theres a huge range of types of housing, from standard hallway dorms on the quad to pre-war apartments owned by the university several blocks from the main campus. Even freshman year, there are several optionsa social dorm of double rooms organized in suites, a more private dorm of small single rooms, and even some suite-style housing that includes students from across all four years. Every freshman lives right on the main quad, no more than a three minute walk to the library and main dining hall. I met some of my life-long best friends in my freshman dormwe all happened to be stacked on top of each other in three consecutive floors. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Jordy:I always knew I wanted to major in English in college, and I came to Columbia for their renowned Core Curriculum (summer before freshman year, everyones required to read The Iliad), but through luck and an open elective spot my sophomore fall, I happened to also take an art history class that totally changed my life. Theres nothing like being able to study art history in New York City, where you can go see so many of the works in person, and the following spring, I ended up declaring a double major, and was even able to study abroad in Paris and see many more works with my own eyes. The most popular majors on campus seem to be Economics and Political Science, but because of the Core Curriculum I mentioned, everyone takes classes together and has a strong shared experience. Its wonderful to know that if I happen to meet an alum from the class of 1950 or 2050, we will be able to discuss the same great texts. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Jordy:As I mentioned, because the whole freshman class is concentrated into a few dorms, one dining hall, and takes Core classes together, its really easy to meet people and get to know them. And since NYC is just outside the gates, there is always something to check out with your new friends. Greek life is a small presence on campusthough I do love to point out that our sororities and fraternities are housed in gorgeous old Upper West Side brownstones. Its more common for guys to participate in Greek life, as most of the fraternities are organized around sports teams. But the option is definitely there if youre interested. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Jordy:Because of Columbias central location and stellar reputation, everyone recruits on campus. There are career fairs, internship opportunities, field-based recruitingyou name it, you can find it. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Jordy:The libraries at Columbia are gorgeous, and the system is one of the largest in the nation, and if CU doesnt have a book, theyll bring it in overnight from a nearby Ivy like Yale or Brown. Actually, because everyones working so hard all the time, the library becomes a social hub of its own, and you figure out the rooms to go to if you need to buckle down versus those you head toward if you have time to chat with friends and eat some snacks. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Jordy:Obviously, Columbia is smack in the middle of New York City, but it is distinctly different from other city schools in that it has a gorgeous campus that is set apart from the hustle and bustle, as opposed to hidden among non-campus city buildings. There are tons of cute, student-focused restaurants, bars, and coffee shops right around the perimeter of campus that give the area of Morningside Heights a very neighborhood-y feel. And the rest of New York is just a subway ride away! VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Jordy:There are a lot of students on the Columbia campus at any given time, but the undergraduate community is actually one of the smallest in the Ivy League, at around 5,000 students. In my four years, I had only four large lectures, and none were within my majors. The rest of my classes fell into one of two groups: lectures with around 40 students that required a small discussion section, and classes of 20 or fewer. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Jordy: I felt most lucky to be beginning my Art History major the year that the Museum of Modern Art reopened following an extensive renovation. As we learned about the landmarks of Western Art, we were able to visit the MoMA and see the Pollacks, Lichtensteins, and Warhols in person. This class and the opportunities afforded to us by being in the city changed the course of my academic trajectory and even led me to study abroad in Paris, which was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Check out Jordys tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.