What is it Like to Attend Vassar College

What is it Like to Attend Vassar College The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Logan is a New York City tutor specializing in SAT prep tutoring, History tutoring, Algebra tutoring, and more. He graduated from Vassar College in 2012 with a Bachelors degree in Political Science. See what he had to say about his undergraduate years: 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? Logan: Vassar is located in Poughkeepsie, which is a medium-sized town in Dutchess County, NY, about an hour and a half north of the city. The campus is both beautiful and safe, and most of the students stay on it year-round. For those who do like to venture off campus, there are many reasonably priced, high quality restaurants within walking distance, and the surrounding area is safe and well lit. In terms of transportation, the only potential challenge is getting from campus to the Poughkeepsie train station (and vice versa). I was lucky enough to have a car and live within driving distance, so I am not completely familiar with the methods used to make that particular trip. From what I gathered, a lot of people used the taxi service, which Ive heard was fairly reliable. VT:How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Logan: All of the professors I had were readily accessible outside of the classroom and very responsive to emails. Most of my classes were small enough (25 students at the very most) that I could typically converse directly with the professor, rather than a teaching assistant. The one teaching assistant I had taught a language class, and he was friendly and easy to communicate with. With regard to advisers, you will have one adviser when you enter as a freshman, and then you will switch to someone in your department when you declare a major. I actually changed majors my junior year, so I had three advisers at various points throughout my stay at Vassar. All three were responsive, knowledgeable about the graduation requirements, and accommodating to my needs and preferences. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Logan: I lived in one dorm (Cushing) my first two years, and in town houses my last two years. Cushing was a bit removed from the area which contained the four major dorms (Lathrop, Raymond, Josselyn, and Strong). While this separation did make it a bit less convenient to hang out in the residential quad, it did foster a sense of community within the dorm itself. I remained good friends with some of the people I knew from my earliest days at Vassar. The terrace apartments and town houses are where most people go when they become upperclassmen, with more moving into the latter. A typical TA or TH consists of 4-5 people who were friends and signed up to live with each other. My experience, however, was a bit different my first year living in a town house. I chose to take an opening in a TH with four people who I did not know at all. They were very friendly and welcoming, and they included me when they hung out with their broader group of friends. It was a great experience, and I still hang out with some of the people in this broader group who live near me today. My final year on campus was a bit more traditional. I moved into another town house, this time with people who I knew beforehand. Again, I had a very pleasant experience. One of the people with whom I lived was a tremendous cook, and would guide us in creating house meals which we enjoyed multiple times a week. Living with these people deepened my friendships with them, and I am tremendously thankful for the opportunity I had to do so. In general, if you live with friendly, responsible people (of which there are many at Vassar), your upperclassman experiences will be great and memorable. 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? Logan: Vassar is traditionally known as a more humanities focused Liberal Arts school, though its Science and Math programs are strong as well. I actually began as a Math major before switching to Political Science my junior year, so I have had both an atypical Vassar experience, and a more standard one. Both of these areas were well supported, and the teachers I had were tremendously knowledgeable and uniquely witty and humorous. I actually switched away from math after taking Modern Algebra (group theory) because it was too difficult and involved. That program will provide a challenging and engaging curriculum for even the strongest math student. And the more traditional majors are as excellent as advertised. 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? Logan: I transferred to Vassar after spending a semester somewhere else, so my freshman experience was atypical. I found it fairly easy to make friends, however, and I am not the most outgoing person. Because of the tremendous diversity in interests and backgrounds of the students there, it is not hard to find likeminded people, as well as people who are completely different from the ones you grew up with and who will broaden your social experience. There is no Greek life on campus, but there are plenty of social events. Some are of the all-campus variety, and are usually held annually/bi-annually at certain locations, while others are smaller functions geared toward specific student subcultures. In general though, it is a pretty inclusive campus, so if you are looking to socialize in a positive manner, there are ample opportunities for this. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Logan: This is the area about which I know the least. I decided to go to graduate school full-time immediately after college, so I did not get started on my professional career until I was a year and half removed from Vassar. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Logan: The Vassar library is large and notably beautiful. There are plenty of areas for both private, quiet study, as well as for group projects and discussions. The dorms also have study rooms that are readily accessible. Because it is a relatively small college population, the study areas are rarely over-crowded. 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? Logan: Again, Vassar is located in Poughkeepsie, New York, which is a reasonably safe, medium-sized town. There are many quality, affordable restaurants nearby, and there are a few bars throughout Poughkeepsie that are popular with the students (e.g. Billy Bobs, Mahoneys). In the broader Dutchess County area, there are a lot of historic sites such as the Vanderbilt Mansion, Franklin Roosevelts childhood home, the Beekman Arms (the oldest inn in the country), and others, which are all easy to get to if you have a car or know somebody with one. Vassar is close to other famous colleges and universities such as Bard, Marist, and the Culinary Institute of America. While students predominantly stay on campus, I have made day trips with my friends to all of these places, and have met some wonderful and interesting people doing so. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Logan: Vassar is a small school, totaling about 2,000-2,500 students. Because of this, and the fact that students primarily stayed on campus, there was a strong sense of community within the school. Most people there enjoyed this aspect of Vassar, however, I have heard some say that it creates a bit of a fishbowl feeling, where everyone knows everyone elses business. This does not fully describe my own experience, but there definitely is an element of that. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Logan: I once took a political science course taught by a very animated professor who would frequently make loud exclamations without warning. One day, after we began reading Friedrich Hayeks The Road to Serfdom, he made a comment about how peculiar it was that several Vassar alumni had gone on to become Republican politicians, despite the extremely liberal leanings of the faculty and student population there. The professor noted that one particular congressman, who he happened to have taught years earlier, was on television a few days prior lamenting the fact that conservative thinkers like Hayek were left out of most college curriculums. The professor then said, raising his decibel level every couple of words, So rememberif youre ever on TV, I TAUGHT HAYEK! I have had several much more mild-mannered professors, but that incident always stuck in my mind. Check out Logans tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Personal Training for Weight Loss

Personal Training for Weight Loss Watch the Pounds Drop Off Like Never Before with the Help of a Personal Trainer ChaptersHow Personal Trainers Can Help You Lose WeightSpecialist Weight Loss CoachingWeekly Progress TrackingAs Summer approaches, many people hit gyms and health clubs in a bid to start slimming down and sculpting their beach bodies.However, these sorts of goals demand hard work, motivation and especially patience, and as weeks go by, it can get harder to stay on track.Many people stop turning up to their fitness classes, abandon their diets, and hang up their trainers until the next Summer.However, you can break free from this cycle!Hiring a personal trainer can give you the knowledge, support and motivation you need to succeed in your fitness goals  in a way that feels rewarding with a method that puts you, the athlete, at the centre of its focus.As the UK’s obesity epidemic grows, so does the need for support to lose weight and become healthier.So, what is the most effective way to lose weight? And how long does it take to notice a difference in your body?If you’re aiming to lose weight fast, you won’t just need to be exercising regularly, you’ll have to keep an eye on what you’re eating, too.In order to lose weight, you’ll need to have a negative calorie intake.Having a negative calorie intake means that you should be burning more calories than you’re consuming so that your body has to convert its stored fat into energy.The fact is, you’ll have a much higher chance of achieving your objectives with support from a health and fitness professional - investing in a personal trainer to help you in every aspect of your weight loss journey is an investment in yourself and your training success.Many of us have tried all manner of different fitness nutrition plans with a bit of light exercise on the side, and although these small lifestyle changes to help you lose weight over time, they’re often neglected, and the extra kilos return.doo, how to you lose weight for good? What kind of support do you need to achieve your goals?Let’s take a look at the best routes to reaching your goal weight. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/ h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHow Personal Trainers Can Help You Lose WeightA combination of physical exercise and a healthy, balanced diet is key to weight loss.And don’t forget that exercising regularly will also help prevent the onset of certain cardiovascular diseases as well as making you feel generally better in your day-to-day life.Eating healthily doesn't have to be boring ¦ source: Pixabay - mojzagrebinfoSo, ask yourself the question: how many times have you tried and failed to stick to a weight-loss regime?Too many people lose their focus during their fitness programs.Eve n with the help of calorie-counting apps, group fitness instructors and online training schedules, it seems that most people find it hard to find the patience to lose weight.Finding an accredited and certified personal trainer can solve this problem.Personal trainers adapt their training programs to your objectives to provide you with tailored guidance on achieving your fitness goals.This means your personal trainer can be your weight loss coach!So, what makes weight loss with a personal different from following an online program?Advice from an Experienced Fitness SpecialistIt may seem that every time you try to stick to a training program, there is always something that gets in the way.Maybe you don’t have the time to exercise, you’re too stressed with work, you’re just not in the mood or you find the diet too restrictive.When we want to do something, we find a way. When we don’t want to do something, we find an excuse.This is incredibly relevant when it comes to weight los s.It’s no secret that changing your diet and sticking to a rigorous workout plan demands a lot of willpower and self-discipline, but these things are transferable and will help you in all aspects of your life.As a fitness specialist and expert in sports nutrition, your personal trainer will not only be able to motivate you to get started and keep going, they will also advise you on appropriate workouts and training techniques for your goals as well as how you should change your eating habits.Their experience in the fitness industry means you’ll be in safe hands, as they use their exercise program design skills to create a tailored training regime based on your body composition, ability (measured in an introductory fitness assessment), and the amount of weight you want to lose.Advice on Training and NutritionLosing weight in a way that is sustainable shouldn’t feel like physical or mental torture.It’s important that you adopt good habits and have a positive and constructive a ttitude towards your day-to-day lifestyle changes.In order to become a personal trainer, athletes must sit gruelling practical and written exams to earn their personal training certification before they start practicing.So, they’ll be able to provide expert advice on low-calorie meals and when you should work out to get the best results.Whether you want to lose weight quickly, tone your body, gain muscle mass or simply slim down, your trainer will be able to give you specific information relating to the exact amount of proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals you should be consuming.Specialist Weight Loss CoachingWhen you’re determined in your mission to shed the pounds, the last thing you want is to fall into the usual traps and have your weight yo-yo.Most of the time, people who start a diet stick to it for 1 to 2 months until they lose motivation and slip back into their old habits.The solution? Find a personal trainer.You may think that you can get the same quality coaching in group training sessions, however, what differentiates private fitness coaching from this is its personalised nature.Receiving tailored instruction can only be a good thing, as it takes your fitness level, needs and schedule into account when working towards your goal.Having a fitness specialist by your side will keep you motivated ¦ source: Visualhunt - rwkvisualSo, how does personal training work?Your trainer will carry out a complete fitness assessment to get to know your physiology and your fitness ability so that they can work with a solid starting point. They will also ask you about your lifestyle, including your diet and level of activity.The exercise programs and diet advice will be tailored to your profile, and your coach will be there to help you make the lifestyle changes that are so critical to your success.As weeks and months pass with your personal trainer at your side, you’ll be able to look back and see how far you’ve come as well as set new goals for yourself.Fa t-Burning ExerciseYour trainer will give you expert advice on the most effective exercises for burning fat.You can expect short, high-intensity aerobic exercises that significantly raise your heart-rate.This is because aerobic exercises work your cardiovascular system to a point where is needs to rely on the body’s stored fat to fuel itself.In your spare time, you can try jogging or swimming to get your heart beating, but if you’re at a gym, there is plenty of equipment you can use.One popular fat-burning option is working with weights. This is because it doesn’t just help you shed excess fat, but it also helps you build muscle tissue â€" an attractive option if you want to sculpt your ideal body.A Helping HandWith your daily routine, professional and family life to worry about, it’s often tough to stay motivated throughout your fitness journey.Once you lose your drive, you slip into your old, unhealthy habits, and the cycle starts once again.Getting help from a personal tra iner doesn’t just mean expert coaching. A personal trainer is someone who can support and motivate you along the way, to pick you up when you’re struggling and congratulate you on every milestone.Having to turn up to personal training sessions will also keep you motivated, as training is something you just can’t miss!Weekly Progress TrackingPersonal training is all about working towards set objectives.Day after day, week after week and month after month, your fitness plan will truly make itself a part of your life â€" and it’ll be hard to imagine your days without it.As you achieve the mini-milestones on the path to your end goal, your aspirations may change, and you might decide to push yourself to the next level.One big advantage to personal fitness training is the close supervision by the coach. At every session, your personal trainer will make a note of your ability, and over time, this will tell a story of your progress.Stay positive and all your hard work will pay off ¦ source: VisualhuntSeeing just how far you’ve come can be a great motivator when it comes to setting yourself another goal, as you get to know about yourself and your strengths.You do, however, need to stay objective and be realistic.There is no miracle pill, and starving yourself will do far more harm than good. Weight loss is all about making small lifestyle changes that have a big effect.Patience is key while you’re on the long and winding road towards your goal weight â€" but you have to keep telling yourself that you will make it! As you shed pounds and exercise regularly, you will soon find yourself more energetic, happier and even sleeping better.Exercise is an inevitable ingredient when it comes to being the best version of yourself. The fact is, as long as you look after your body, it will look after you.So, if you're serious about wanting change, type in 'personal trainer near me' now and start your search!

Muay Thai Clubs in Manchester

Muay Thai Clubs in Manchester Manchester’s Many Muay Thai Clubs ChaptersWhat Muay Thai Is and Isn’tMuay Thai TechniquesMuay Thai clubs in and Around Greater ManchesterManchester is known for many things: scientific and technical innovation â€" it was there that the first stored-program computer was developed. The Manchester music scene gave the world so much music; the Madchester Vibe is very real and still alive today.Manchester does football â€" Man UTD and Man City are two of the most decorated football clubs in the country. We have rugby and rowing, swimming and cycling… you might say that Mancunians love all aspects of sport and fitness.Perhaps that is why there are so many great clubs in and around Greater Manchester where you could practise Muay Thai.Are you a Muay Thai fighter? Perhaps you could point us to the gym you have allegiance with.Do you want to learn more about Muay Thai â€" its history and practices, its traditions and its place in the world of combat sports? This article is for you.Superprof has visited Muay Thai clubs all across the city and into the countryside to give you a rundown on the best places and Muay Thai masters around, condensing them all into an easy-to-digest article.That way, you will be informed of what the Art of Eight Limbs is, how it is practised and what it can do for you. AndreyBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KostiaBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LeeBoxing Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SajBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KaranBoxing Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ThomasBoxing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HaileyBoxing Teacher 4.50 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidBoxing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat Muay Thai Is and Isn’tMuay Thai is the traditional combat sport of Thailand. It differs slightly from kickboxing in that fighters use eight strik ing points while kickboxers use only four: punching and kicking.That is why Muay Thai is called the Art of Eight Limbs. Fighters will only use their fists to strike in boxing matches but Muay Thai boxers use their elbows, knees and feet as well Image by WikiImages from PixabayIn Muay Thai fighting, you will use your fists and feet, certainly, but also your elbows and knees to land blows on your opponents.Also, contrary to traditional boxing which doesn’t permit clinches, as a Muay Thai fighter, you will learn how clinching as well as grappling can be used to your advantage in the ring.Muay Thai is a martial art like Taekwondo and karate but does not employ a belt system or any other visible symbols to denote a fighter’s rank.Also, whereas other martial arts including judo call for practitioners to wear a gi â€" the pyjama-like garb whose shirt is held closed by its knotted belt, Muay Thai boxers wear only shorts. Of course, female fighters wear a tank top or maybe even just a sports bra.Yes, women fight, even in mixed martial arts!Just like many martial arts, Muay Thai is a great way to learn disc ipline and focus but it goes further by demanding that its practitioners be in the best physical condition possible.So, while Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts training may teach you a series of katas â€" training exercises to condition you for that particular discipline, Muay Thai goes further, to condition your entire self, mind and body.It is indeed a combat sport but, paradoxically, the idea is to deflect and prevent injury through strategy and sheer toughness â€" an aspect of the sport that astounded a group of newcomers at the Muay Thai gym we visited in Cardiff…Let’s now take a look at some of the moves you’ll learn in Muay Thai training. In kick boxing as in Muay Thai, offensive kicks are made with the shins while defensive ones are made with your feet Image by Christopher Chiu from PixabayMuay Thai TechniquesMuay Thai fighting techniques are classified into two major groups: major and minor. Kicks and punches fall in the latter category and elbow and knee strikes are considered major.In Thailand, where this style of fighting is the national sport, it is common to exchange blows; a sort of tit-for-tat arrangement but, elsewhere in the world where this sport has a strong following, this type of fighting is less common.At the Muay Thai club near me, they actually discourage learning the sport just to fight!Still, no matter where you learn the art of Muay Thai fighting, the moves remain the same and the techniques for delivering blows still use the whole body. For instance, you would rotate your hips to deliver a kick.Each move has its own Thai name; there are no fewer than seven types of punches (Chok, in Thai) permitt ed. You are surely familiar with some of them: jab, cross, hook and uppercut.Other types of punches, such as the spinning backfist and the Superman punch evoke power just by being so named.While the names for elbow strikes sound mundane, they are some of the most dangerous strikes the sport allows.How would you like to confront a spinning elbow â€" a move that involves stepping diagonally into your opponent’s range and pivoting so that your elbow will gain momentum from the rotation of your body?Mid-air elbow strikes are equally devastating. To execute this move, you would approach your opponent, leaping up as you get close and bringing your elbow down on the crown of his head or on his shoulder. OUCH!Anyone who has seen a martial arts film knows what a roundhouse kick and a straight kick looks like but a diagonal kick, a half-shin/half-knee kick might be harder to imagine, as would be an axe heel kick.Kicking (Te, in Thai) is done more with the shin than with the foot because foo t bones are more delicate than the shin bone; besides, shins can be toughened up â€" you will likely be tasked to kick the heavy bag with your shin as a part of your training.Kicking is different than a foot thrust (Thip, in Thai). These foot jabs are considered defensive manoeuvres used to block attacks and to maintain distance; there are five such moves:reverse foot thrust (Thip klap lang)sideways foot thrust (Thip khang)straight foot thrust (Thip trong)jumping foot thrust (Kradot thip)slapping foot thrust (Thip top)They are essentially used to push your opponent back, executed with the sole of the foot â€" either the ball or the heel rather than the toe or the side.We visited a Muay Thai gym in London where they were learning the slapping foot thrust; it is an exercise in balance and strength!Finally, the knees.Like the elbows they are particularly devastating blows; for instance, the curving knee strike mimics the roundhouse move of the kick, adding momentum to the blow, but the point of contact is the knee. The side of the ribcage is the usual target for this type of knee strike (Ti khao, in Thai).Obviously, you would have to be in peak physical condition to deliver and be on the receiving end of such strikes; that is why Muay Thai training is so rigorous and why these fighters are in the best possible physical shape.Still, studying Muay Thai doesn’t mean that you have to be a fighter, Muay Thai gyms in Glasgow offer classes for people to get in shape; no fighting involved â€" although there may be sparring…By now you must be wondering where all of these Muay Thai gyms are located; we get to that now. You should wear Muay Thai shorts to have the freedom of movement needed to kick properly Image by Claudio_Scott from PixabayMuay Thai clubs in and Around Greater ManchesterThere are, in fact, so many Muay Thai clubs to choose from in this area that it was difficult to settle on which ones to highlight.If you live or work in the Northern Quarter area, your best bet would be Master A Muay Thai.Founded by Thai Master Sitiwatjana, this gym is smaller than the more glitzy facilities that offer a range of training such as Boxfit or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but it is nevertheless well-equipped and offers classes to people of all ages and abilities.If you are a student, you can afford a monthly membership for only £40 per month; for adults who aren’t students, the monthly fee is £10 more and children may participate for the low price of £25 per month.Staying in the northern quarter, in the Piccadilly area, you’ll find Cobra of Siam, a mid-sized gym outfitted exclusively for Muay Thai: padd ed floors, RDX bags and Thai pads. They also have a floor ring for sparring.You can buy a year’s membership to this gym for £45 and each lesson will cost £6 or you may opt to pay for monthly lessons for a fee of £30 for members; non-members will be charged £45 per month.They do offer private training sessions for £30 per hour but Superprof Muay Thai coaches charge far less…If you’re not sure whether Thai boxing is for you, you might venture into SBG Gym.This is an MMA gym that offers kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and, of course, mixed martial arts classes. This facility’s main selling points are that is it easy to get to (also in the Piccadilly area) and it is well-equipped.We like that they are serious about combat sports and that they offer a trial session at no cost. So, while you enjoy membership at the Cobra of Siam, nothing says you can’t get some sparring in at SBG.We met a Muay Thai fighter in Belfast who liked going to other clubs to see how she measured up against opponents she’d never fought before…If you happen to be in Stockport, consider yourself in luck: you have ready access to All Power Gym. It is an extremely well-equipped facility that maintains high training standards.While their focus is MMA, they nevertheless run several Muay Thai classes throughout the week for beginners, intermediate and advanced fighters. Their monthly membership prices vary, depending on whether you are a student and on your age â€" kids’ classes cost less than adult ones do.Did we leave off your gym? Why not tell us about it in the comments section below before checking out the Muay Thai clubs in Birmingham…

Practicing Singing Outside of Your Singing Lessons

Practicing Singing Outside of Your Singing Lessons How to Prepare for Upcoming Singing Classes with a Voice Coach ChaptersPreparing Pieces for Your Voice CoachMobile Apps for Singing PracticeYouTube: A Music Student’s Best FriendUsing Books in Your Singing PracticeHaving a beautiful singing voice is a dream shared by many, but this can become a reality with the help of a vocal coach!A lot of aspiring singers often believe that their age or singing ability stands in their way of improving their tone quality and extending their vocal range.However, contrary to popular belief, anyone can learn to sing well, as Emmanuelle Ayrton explains:Singing is a natural act. In actual fact, most of us sing a little every day. People can practice their singing at any age. Unfortunately, some believe that they are completely incapable of singing. This affirmation is untrue in 99% of cases.This is why many budding singers choose to take private singing lessons.There is a wide range of benefits to taking private singing lessons. As a fun and affordable way to develop your musical ear and learn about performing, i n-home singing lessons provide a regular and personalised method of teaching which is ideal for those looking to overcome their stage fright and blossom as a musician.Hiring a singing teacher is a personal investment. This is why, after carefully choosing their ideal singing teacher, students are expected to maintain a certain level of motivation and seriousness when it comes to their voice training â€" this means doing plenty of practice outside of singing lessons without your voice coach.Here is Superprof’s guide to ‘revising’ what you have been taught in each singing lesson effectively! TraceySinging Teacher 4.92 (13) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PortiaSinging Teacher 4.91 (11) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolaSinging Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JazzSinging Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PerrineSinging Teacher 5.00 (3) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Ti emSinging Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomSinging Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MiriamSinging Teacher 5.00 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsPreparing Pieces for Your Voice CoachIf you’re an aspiring singer, you will probably see your voice teacher for one to two hours per week.Of course, being led in your musical development by a professional will always be the most effective way to make progress, however, in order to make the most of your coach’s expertise, you’ll need to do a good amount of practice by yourself.Practice makes perfect! ¦ source: Pixabay - alisaappsThe first and most important piece of advice applies to musicians. Learning to play a musical instrument (such as the piano or the guitar) is particularly useful for practicing on your own as a singer. This is because students can accompany themselves and learn about placing their voice within a given rhythm and at a certain pitch.Furthermore, having a good understanding of music theory and being able to read music is indispensable for those who wish to attend auditions and take ABRSM exams.For those who don’t play any musical instruments, it is still possible to rehearse songs before your voice lessons. Instead of focussing on the relationship between your voice and your instrument, you can work on learning the lyrics and melody of a piece either on your own or with a backing track from the internet.During your first session with your vocal coach, the teacher will identify your singing ability as well as the timbre of your voice and your vocal range.There are six distinct registers when it comes to classifying singing voices:Soprano: High-pitched female voicesMezzo-soprano: Mid-range female voicesAlto: Lower female voicesTenor: High-pitched male voicesBaritone: Mid-range male voicesBass: Low male voicesStudents should, therefore, choose pieces that are suitable for their vocal range when building their repertoire â€" coaches will usually help them with this process.There are also websites which suggest songs and pieces suitable for each of the vocal registers.Training your voice requires daily practice. 90 minutes of lesson time per week is not enough to fulfil your singing potential, which is why it is advised that students spend around 30 minutes per day practicing their pieces and singing exercises.If you feel that 30 minutes of practice will tire your voice out, break it into two 15-minute sessions instead.Find your voice coach London.Working on pieces in the time between your session with help you make faster progress and get more out of your money!Mobile Apps for Singing PracticeWherever you may be, at home or on holiday, the digital age has opened up a world of possibilities for using technology to practice your vocal skills!The educational software that is available not only helps you to improve your singing skills, but also to develop your musical ear and your awareness of your breathing techn iques whilst having fun!Smartphones can do just about anything - they can even help with your singing! ¦ source: Pixabay - JESHOOTSIf you feel lost when it comes to your vocal warm ups, these applications are ideal!Certain apps aim to help users with their vocal range, whereas others focus on teaching users to recognise musical notes using relative pitch â€" which is useful for those preparing for music exams.Here are just a few apps that you may find useful as a vocalist:Sing! By SmuleAvailable on: iOS and AndroidPrice: FreeSuperprof’s favourite feature: Duet with the song’s original artistSing! is an app aimed at casual singers and aspiring recording artists alike. Marketed as a ‘recording studio in your pocket’, this app lets you record yourself singing alone and with others â€" including your favourite artists! And once you’re finished your recording, you can add audio effects to your song.The Voice: Sing and ConnectAvailable on: iOS and AndroidPrice: FreeSuperprof’ s favourite feature: Create and edit your own music videosBased on the BBC’s talent show, The Voice, this app is similar in style to Sing! By Smule, however, it also offers social networking opportunities for its users. The Voice: sing and Connect also allows its users to auto-tune their audio recordings and use filters and visual effects in their video recording to create effective music videos of their performances.Singing Vocal Warm Ups â€" Singer’s FriendAvailable on: iOSPrice: £3.99Superprof’s favourite feature: Choose from a wide range of scales â€" perfect for exam and aural test preparation!This app is loved by amateur singers and professional vocal coaches alike. Singer’s Friend helps singers to warm up their voices by taking them through scales according to their vocal range without the need for a piano.For example, if an alto singer wanted to warm up with a harmonic minor scale, all they would have to do would be to select ‘Minor (Harmonic)’ under ‘Set Scal e’, then ‘Alto’ under ‘Set Range’ â€" then the app would play the scales for them to follow!VoxtrainAvailable on: iOSPrice: FreeSuperprof’s favourite feature: Content has been optimised for singers of varying abilitiesVoxtrain is made for everyone, regardless of whether you’re a complete singing newbie or a seasoned professional. The app is a 6-week programme for training singers by teaching them about warming up correctly, breath control techniques and increasing the user’s natural resonance.According to the app’s description, the curriculum was originally designed for a prestigious art and music school, but by using it for just 20 minutes per day, you too can receive expert vocal training!YouTube: A Music Student’s Best FriendLots of 21st-century musicians have learnt to play their instrument through online singing lessons and video tutorials.Platforms such as YouTube and Dailymotion are full of singing teachers who share videos on improving your vocal skills a nd developing as a musician.Whether you’re an aspiring opera singer, or you would just like to get started on some musical ear training, these videos are a great way to learn new singing techniques and breathing exercises to support you in your learning and help you on your way to singing success!Where will your passion for singing take you? ¦ source: Pixabay - StockSnapThe musical community on YouTube is ever-growing. Some leaders in the discipline of singing include:Felicia RicciEric ArceneauxKen Tamplin Vocal AcademyNew York Vocal CoachingUsing Books in Your Singing PracticeLearning to sing through a manual may not seem like a viable option for many, however, there are useful materials out there!The best material you will find will likely be those accredited by music examination boards such as ABRSM.When it comes to singing, these will help you with:Your posture and singing technique with the help of illustrationsYour musical memory, as many textbooks come with backing CDsYour muscle memory, as you learn scales and arpeggiosLearning from books will make you focus on the more theoretical side to singing â€" perfect for those looking to go into composing or learning a musical instrument.The authors of such manuals are usually highly-qualified professional musicians with a wealth of teaching experience â€" which makes them perfect candidates for making information accessible to learners of all abilities.These teaching books help students to extend their vocal range by getting used to using their head voice as well as their chest voice to produce a richer tone and reach higher pitches.Whether you’re learning to sing for fun, or you’d like a confidence boost before joining a choir, using this kind of material in your singing practice is usually advised by singing teachers, especially if you’re preparing for a singing exam.So, if you want to broaden your musical knowledge and gain confidence as a performer, always remember: practice makes perfect!Find ou t more about the pricing of singing tuition.

College Preparation for High School Students

College Preparation for High School Students While your teen certainly deserves a mental break from the hectic pace of school, holiday break is an ideal opportunity to focus on the things he or she needs to do in preparation for college. The quiet of holiday break is a good time for teens to make sure they are on top of all of their college to-dos, says Eileen Huntington, co-founder of Huntington Learning Center. There is a lot for juniors and seniors to think about this time of year, and now is a perfect opportunity for students to review it all. Huntington offers the following reminders for parents and teens: Consider retaking the ACT or SAT If your junior wasnt satisfied with his or her ACT or SAT scores, he or she must register for the upcoming test in the winter or early spring. Many SAT Subject Tests are also offered in January if your student recently finished a course that corresponds to such a test, he or she should consider taking the January test while the subject matter is fresh in his or her mind. Remember that the next opportunity is not until spring. Sign up for test prep. A post-holiday exam preparation course may be just what your teen needs to raise his or her ACT or SAT score and achieve his or her goals. If your teen wants a boost, consider Huntingtons individualized Premier, 32-hour, 14-hour SAT or ACT prep courses, which will help him or her target weaker exam areas. Brainstorm essay topics. Its not too early for juniors to begin thinking about the application essay. While he or she may not be ready to write it, now is an ideal time for your teen to reflect on this important component of the application package and start a list of the life experiences that have shaped him or her. Double check all application deadlines. With many colleges regular application deadlines as early as January 1 for incoming freshmen, your teen should be sure he or she has everything necessary to send off college applications on time. Check each colleges website carefully. Does your teen have all paperwork ready to go? Has he or she completed all requirements (including SAT Subject Test scores, essays and recommendation letters)? Rest up for a great finish to the year. With summer vacation around the corner, some teens struggle to stay focused and on task leading up to the end of the school year. While holiday break is a good time to catch up on college to-dos, its also a chance for your teen to recharge so that come January, he or she is ready to take on the spring semesterperhaps his or her final semester of high schoolwith energy and enthusiasm. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help atwww.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visitwww.huntingtonfranchise.com. 2018 Huntington Mark, LLC. Huntington Learning Center, the three-leaf logo, and 1 800 CAN LEARN are registered trademarks of Huntington Mark, LLC. Each franchised Huntington Learning Center is operated under a franchise agreement with Huntington Learning Centers, Inc.

English for Air Travel in the United States

English for Air Travel in the United States Teauna and I are spending the holidays with my parents, sisters and brother in Southern Illinois, near St. Louis. We flew from Montana, and during the trip, I couldnt help but remember my last plane trip, when I returned from Buenos Aires to the United States a year ago.A plane on the runway in Minnesota.I remember the confusion it caused when we were going through the airport and someone asked us a question we werent prepared for in Spanish. Today someone in airport security asked my wife a question that I couldnt quite hear, and I immediately thought there was a translation problem.Of course, we were in the United States, and the unexpected question was why her ticket didnt say that we had an infant child with us. Mine did, and we quickly fixed the situation and continued to our plane.Afterward, I thought about the steps we had to go through to travel by plane in the United States.Arrival at the AirportWhen you first arrive at an airport in the U.S. youll have to check in. Check in has changed quite a bit over the years. These days, youll likely be checked in by a computer terminal at the airport entrance. The easiest way to check in is to put the credit card you used to buy the tickets into the machine.After that, the computer will find your name and ask a series of questions about your flight. Usually the questions are available in several languages, so this part should be easy. When youre finished with this process you should have your tickets in hand, and your luggage should be with the airline.SecurityThis is perhaps the most stressful part of flying in the United States. Youll want to have your identification in hand, along with your plane tickets. The first thing youll do (probably after waiting in a long line) is show your ID and your tickets to a security worker, who will inspect them.After that, youll move on to the scanning area. Here, youll have to remove your coat and shoes and put them in bins (grey plastic boxes) so they can be scanned. Your ca rry on bags (the bags you take with you on the plane) will also have to go through the scanner. If you have a laptop, youll have to take it out of its bag and put it into a separate bin. Then youll have to go through a scanner yourself.Most of the time after you and your bags have gone through the scanning process, youll be ready to go wait for your plane. But sometimes you may be randomly selected for additional inspection. If this happens, you may be asked to step aside, please.Step aside is a phrasal verb meaning for you to move out of the main line. Airport security workers may then give you an additional inspection in which they pat you down (patting your body with their hands to see if there is something hidden on you body). They may also want to wipe your hands, clothes and baggage with a special material that will reveal if you have handled a bomb recently. I dont know what happens to you if you dont pass this test.They may also ask you to open your bags so that they can mor e closely inspect the objects in them. The simplest way to get to this process is to listen carefully to the security workers, and do as they ask. They have a stressful job, and the best thing to do is stay relaxed and help them do their job.When youre finally through this part, you can go to the boarding area, where youll wait until its time to board the plane. Listen carefully for the airline workers to call your seating section to board the plane, or just watch the gate area and join everyone else when they line up.

Georgia`s Black Families Replace Schools With Tutors

Georgia`s Black Families Replace Schools With Tutors Georgias black families now gravitate to tutoring and homeschooling. This fact is surprising because in the 1960, they fought a hard battle to gain access to the public school system. Today, this hard-won victory appears to be in vain as more and more black families leaving public schools and turn towards tutoring and homeschooling. One of these parents is Nikita Bush, former public school teacher, now homeschooling mom. She explains: Despite the promises of the civil rights movement, people are starting to realize that public education in America was designed for the masses of poor, and its intent has been to trap poor people into being workers and servants. If you dont want that for your children, then you look for something else, she says. This sentiment is statistically supported by a poll conducted by the Leadership Conference Education Fund which concluded: Nine-out-of-ten African Americans and 84 percent of Latinos disagree that students today work hard enough and instead believe that students should be challenged more to help ensure they are successful later in life. In another study the reading, math and language scores of black home-schooled and tutored students in Georgia was compared with back public schooled students. In all three categories students who received tutoring at home outperformed their counterparts by a large margin. Why are black students in the state of Georgia so successful? Cheryl Fields-Smith, a professor of education at the University of Georgia, knows the reason: Georgia has less bad regulations. Fields-Smith explains, While most states prohibit homeschooling parents from tutoring anybody except their own children, Georgia has no such restriction. That has given rise to co-ops, where, in essence, groups of parents serve as rotating tutors, based on their own skill sets, talents, and fortes. It is surprising how this relatively small piece legislative easement can give rise to better educated black students. Moreover, Georgias excellent tutors support this positive fact, many of whom now work on TutorZ. Georgia`s Black Families Replace Schools With Tutors Georgias black families now gravitate to tutoring and homeschooling. This fact is surprising because in the 1960, they fought a hard battle to gain access to the public school system. Today, this hard-won victory appears to be in vain as more and more black families leaving public schools and turn towards tutoring and homeschooling. One of these parents is Nikita Bush, former public school teacher, now homeschooling mom. She explains: Despite the promises of the civil rights movement, people are starting to realize that public education in America was designed for the masses of poor, and its intent has been to trap poor people into being workers and servants. If you dont want that for your children, then you look for something else, she says. This sentiment is statistically supported by a poll conducted by the Leadership Conference Education Fund which concluded: Nine-out-of-ten African Americans and 84 percent of Latinos disagree that students today work hard enough and instead believe that students should be challenged more to help ensure they are successful later in life. In another study the reading, math and language scores of black home-schooled and tutored students in Georgia was compared with back public schooled students. In all three categories students who received tutoring at home outperformed their counterparts by a large margin. Why are black students in the state of Georgia so successful? Cheryl Fields-Smith, a professor of education at the University of Georgia, knows the reason: Georgia has less bad regulations. Fields-Smith explains, While most states prohibit homeschooling parents from tutoring anybody except their own children, Georgia has no such restriction. That has given rise to co-ops, where, in essence, groups of parents serve as rotating tutors, based on their own skill sets, talents, and fortes. It is surprising how this relatively small piece legislative easement can give rise to better educated black students. Moreover, Georgias excellent tutors support this positive fact, many of whom now work on TutorZ.

The Essential Guide to Skype Language Exchange

The Essential Guide to Skype Language Exchange The Top 10 Sites for Skype Language Exchange and 10 Tips for Success By the end of this post, youll  have done 3 huge things.1. Youll  have saved yourself $1,200.2. Youll  be able to meet someone wholl drastically change the trajectory of your linguistic journey.3. Youll look at Skype in a whole new way.What’s $1,200? It’s the average price of a ticket from Seattle, USA to Madrid, Spain.  Its also the price of your typical Japanese  language immersion class.Bottom line, thats the price  you pay when you want to have an immersive language  experience  and be surrounded by native speakers, regardless of the language youre learning.Not anymore.Enter language exchange websites. These are places online where people who want to learn a new language go to meet the native speakers of their target languages.The magic of language exchange happens as follows. Let’s say you, an English speaker, want to learn how to speak German. You go to a language exchange site and look for a native German speaker who wants to learn English. (Maybe he’s planning to go t o the States soon and wanted to practice English beforehand.)So, anyway, it’s a match. You want what he’s got and he wants what you got. Then you help each other out. 3 Simple Steps for Starting a Language Exchange1.  Go to a language exchange site and  answer the  two crucial questions.  These questions are, of course, “what language you do want to  learn?” and “whats your native language?”  The site will find matches for you in a matter of seconds.2.  Make the move and message a  partner-of-interest. Say, “Hello there. I’m”  3. Boot up Skype. Once youve made initial contact and have exchanged messages back and forth, export that “friendship” to Skype and engage in video chats. This takes the connection to another level and puts a face behind those Hi’s and Hello’s.For those whove been living under a rock, Skype is the coolest thing. Unlike the old rotary phone, it lets you see the person youre talking to.  This gives you access to language partners all over the worldâ€"for  free.Even Benny Lewis, the well-known  polyglot  behind the Fluent in 3 Months blog, says  that you can learn a whole new language through Skype.The question on your mind right now is probably, “where do I find these language exchange sites?” Well, you don’t need to look for them. Ive narrowed the numerous possibilities down to the 10 very best language exchange sites.The Top 10 Sites for Skype Language Exchange and 10 Tips for Success10 Places Where You Can Trade Languages1.  italki“Become Fluent in Any Language”This a popular language exchange site that’s gaining tons of new sign-ups by the hour. You have the choice  of getting lessons from (1) professional language teachers, (2) native speakers who love to tutor and (3) language exchange with another language learner. You’re looking for number 3. It’s completely free and youll gain a new friend in the process.2.  Livemocha“Real Conversations with Real People”Livemocha is a community of p eople who function as both teachers and learners. Its language exchange section allows you to incorporate all those vocabulary,  grammar language usage lessons into guided conversations. Livemocha pre-empts the “so, what do you wanna talk about?” question with its unique guided conversations feature outlining how the session will go. Thanks to this, there will be no awkward pauses. Only thoughtful ones.3.  Busuu“Which language would you like to learn?”Busuu is a language spoken in Cameroon. Busuu, the web site, is the world’s largest language learning network. It has won numerous accolades over the years including the European Language Label Award for 2009 and the Best Education Startup Award from Tech Crunch in 2011.Busuu offers free learning modules for 12 major languages. Its language exchange section houses a great number of language enthusiasts and native speakers who can give you infinite number of practice hours of your target language.4.  Lingua Swap“Love Langua ge, Live Life.”This one’s a real treat for students learning a foreign language. The site is for students to have the chance to practice the language theyre learning in school with native speakers who are their own age. So if youd prefer to interact with people your own age for language exchange, Lingua Swap connects you with fellows in the right age bracket. Winner of the European Language Label Award for 2013, the site is still in Beta.5.  Coeffee“Learn Languages as a game”As the above tagline explains, Coeffee is a game-oriented language learning resource. What’s quite unique about Coeffee’s games is that theyre played in teams. So in games like “Word Explainer” you might be playing with a learner from the Middle East against a team composed of an Australian fellow and a Chinese genius.The game spirit fosters not only friendly competition but community as well. Because of the bonds forged in the games, the next natural step is to export that bond to Skype and get the language dirt that only native speakers can give.6.  My Language Exchange“Your Language Exchange Online Community”This is a no-fuss language exchange site boasting over a million members from 133 countries studying 115 languages.If you don’t find language partners on other sites because youre trying to learn something esoteric, you might have better chances here. Dan Yuen, one of the site’s founders, says that My Language Exchange tends to attract the serious language learners, who, by extension, turn out to be great language exchange partners.7.  Conversation Exchange“Over a cup of coffee?”This is one of the earlier language exchange sites and has a very basic interface. Just by typing in the appropriate boxes, you can use it to find native speakers of your target language and engage them in 3 different ways. One, you can set up a face-to-face meeting if that route is practical. Two, practice your written and grammar chops with text-based correspondence. Finally, an d the most recommended route, go to Skype and video chat your way to second language fluency.8.  InterpalsThis one’s not just a simple language exchange site. People here expect you to be more than a language partner. They actually want to be pals. So exchanges here arent so much, how do you conjugate the Spanish verb estar?” but more like “what are your hobbies?” or “what did you have for lunch?”If your idea of language exchange is leaning a bit on the friendly or romantic side, then Interpals is a good place to look.9.  CouchSurfingSurprised? You shouldn’t be. Travel is the cousin of language learning. CouchSurfing is a hospitality-exchange concept where a host takes care of you when you visit his or her home country. And when she visits your city in turn, you return the favor and show them  a good time. Of course, returning the favor isnt an obligationâ€"its just fun!The site is full of fun and outgoing personalities who can teach you a thing or two about their nati ve languages. If people on this site are willing to open their homes to strangers through hospitality-exchange, don’t you think theyd be ecstatic to help you with languages?Sign up, get involved in the online community, chat with people and start making friends. You might end up planning an international excursion in the process!10.  FacebookThink about it. Everybodys on Facebook. And not only that, you can learn  so much about your future language partner. Not just because of her hundred pictures, she also lets you in on her likes, dislikes, hobbies, favorite movies, books and more just by friending you. Just looking at her profile, you already know so much about her.Try this: type “language exchange” into the Facebook search bar. See what it gets you.  For starters, there’s a group called Language Exchange Through Skype. Theres plenty more out there just like that, and many are specific to certain languages.Okay, now that you know where to find these people, let’s see ho w youre going to approach, interact and develop relationships with all of these wonderful fellow language learners.The 10  Commandments of Language Exchange1. Manage expectations and start off on the right foot.Tandem learning is an art and not a science.  There are no codified rules for language exchange.In short, you and your partner will make up the rules for your specific situation. So even before you relocate the exchange to Skype, make sure you’ve got the ground rules covered. In your text chats, for example, determine details like: How long will each session be? What will happen during the session? What are your expectations?Communicate them early for a smoother experience later. But this doesnt mean theyre etched in stone. When you feel, for example, that the time allotted is too long or too short, by all means change it into something more agreeable for both of you.2. Don’t be lateBe considerate. Your partner might be sipping coffee because it’s 2AM where he’s locat ed. At least have the courtesy to be on time.3. Watch your backRemember, this is a video feed. People can see the wall behind you. Please tidy up the mess in your room and bring down posters that are in poor taste. Theyll be very distracting and send the wrong message. Have you seen the interviews done via Skype on major  news channels? Ugh! Make yourself presentable on screen.You may not think it makes much of a difference, but you should also clean yourself up before you  meet your language partner. The eyes can smell. Yes, even if youre on  the other side of the world.4. Give!This is called a language exchange  for a reason. Your partner is giving you the time of day because hes expecting to learn something from you as well. Don’t be so obsessed with your target language and your personal goals that you forget your obligation to impart something of value to your partner.If all you do is take and take, your partner will feel like he’s wasting his time. Remember, this is give-a nd-take. Divide the time equally between the two of you and your respective target languages.5. Dont be a boreYour partner probably went to one of the sites above because he got comatose-bored by teachers in the classroom setting. Are you gonna serve him the same experience?The solution to many of your concerns, like “what do I say next?”, “how do I avoid the awkward pauses?” and how can I be an interesting language partner?” is preparation.Believe it or not, you have to prepare a bit for your Skype sessions. Itll make a world of difference. It’s good to at least have an idea of what the session will be about, so a slightly structured approach is advisable.Have a cheat sheet of topics youd like to discuss. Be ready when the conversation hits a brick wall and segue into other topics. Prepare especially for those times when youll be talking in your partner’s native tongue. Prepare so that you can say what it is you really want to say.6. Consider yourself free to make mis takesYoure there to learn, not to prove to your partner that you know how to speak his language. Liberate yourself from the need to be grammatically perfect. Dont  be embarrassed when you make mistakes, and dont stop when you make a booboo. Continue, get into the rhythm and then later ask your partner about the most common, repeated mistakes you made.7. Dont overwhelm your partnerThis is the other side of the coin. When it’s your partner’s turn to speak or practice, dont correct him every 3 seconds. Instead, listen patiently and take note of his most common mistakes. Let him finish. And when he’s done, give your comments in as constructive a manner as possible.When you teach him about your native tongue, dont be a showoff and overwhelm him with too much material. Trust me, he won’t get any of it. Give him tidbits of info instead. It’s not your job to upload your knowledge of a language that took you years to master.8. Let it be more than language exchangeParadoxically, suc cessful language exchanges don’t involve partners who obsess about each other’s grammar rules and vocabulary. Instead, it’s really a conversation between friends who correct each other’s usage from time to time.It’s not so much about “How do you conjugate this verb?” It’s more like “You did that on vacation? Amazing! Oh, by the way, you should conjugate “saltar” (jump) this way because it’s in the past tense. So tell me more about your vacation.”You really have to be interested in your partner as a person, not just as a language resource. Ask interesting questions. Get to know as much about him as possible. Share info about yourself also. Tell him your hobbies, your dreams and things that friends talk over a cup of coffee. Of course itll be a bit awkward and difficult at first. But as long as youre having fun, language acquisition will only be a matter of time.  9. Have a reliable internet connectionThis might seem obvious, but a bad connection is very comm on for native speakers whose countries are playing technological catch-up. If this is the case, you might have to settle for times when internet traffic is lowest, at odds time of the day.You have no idea how troublesome a lag can be. It’s irritating and disorienting for anyone Skype conversationâ€"how much more frustrating would it be to have lag when youre trying to listen to a foreign language? Make sure that when you hear that ubiquitous Skype ringing tone, you can have smooth and interruption-free conversation.10. Have more than oneYou should only have one girlfriend. Good thing to remember. But that rule doesnt necessarily apply to language partners. In fact, get as many as you can manage.This is so you can get as much practice as possible. And not only that, language exchange is an art. Some of your language partners will be better than others. Some partners will be less dedicated and not show up to Skype dates. You have to play the numbers game so you can land language par tners wholl do you loads of good.So there you go. 10 sites that lead to language partners and 10 commandments that tell you how to deal with them.Now, take deep breaths. Listen very closely.Can you hear the reverberations of the Skype ringtone?It’s your language partner calling from the other side of the world.What are you gonna do about it? And One More ThingNeed some inspiration for your language exchange? FluentU has authentic content thatll give you plenty to talk about.  FluentU makes it possible to learn languages  from music videos, commercials, news and inspiring talks.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that real people speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos, like movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse ScreenFluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts .Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover over or tap on the subtitles to instantly view definitions.FluentU Interactive TranscriptsYou can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs quiz mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.