New York German Tutor Jobs

New York German Tutor JobsIf you are thinking about taking a German tutor, New York can be the place to get one. There are many people who choose to enroll in German tutoring because they find it very helpful in learning the language. Tutors provide lessons and practice sessions for their students and most of them offer their services on a long-term basis. All that is needed is to contact a company in New York that offers these services.With the recent economic recession that has hit the country, finding a job is not easy in New York. That is why most students in the city to look for a job. The good news is that there are many job opportunities available for teachers in New York.Anyone who wants to take up teaching as a career can make the switch from a private school to a public school. This is because education in New York and New Jersey is still free. The only thing that the teachers have to do is to turn in their certificates and the government would make up the difference.Teache rs who want to make more money will also be able to find some jobs in private organizations. There are many organizations that hire people who are willing to work as language teachers. Teaching for such organizations requires a lot of personal experience and skill.The position of a language teacher does not differ much from that of a teacher in an English school. The only difference is that the students are studying a different language. The only qualification that is required is the ability to speak and write in English.The number of teachers in New York has also been increasing over the years. The demand for teachers is high and finding a good teacher becomes difficult. When a teacher accepts a job, he or she will not be compensated for the training and experience.Once the teacher finds a job, he or she will need to perform some studies and try to find a job with the organization. After the job has been found, the teacher should get a list of the duties that have to be done before he or she starts working. There should also be a list of the materials that the teacher needs to get with him or her.Teachers in New York get to work either in private schools or in public schools. Many people in the city want to learn the language because they think that it is important to practice what they learn. While the job of a language teacher might seem difficult, the opportunities are many. It just takes a little hard work and effort.

Teacher Placement Coordinator QA Meet Mia!

Teacher Placement Coordinator QA Meet Mia! Meet Mia! She is one of our incredible Placement Coordinators here at Teach Away. Mia brings to Teach Away her own experience from abroad, having taught English in Spain’s Andalucía region. A year in Spain teaching ESL to 18-20 year-old native Spanish speakers proved to be a challenge, but even more so it was a year that proved to be fun, rewarding, and a great gateway to future career options for Mia.  We had the chance to chat about culture, challenges, language, and advice. Have a read (and note that all these photos were taken during Mia’s trip!):  Describe some differences you noticed between Spanish culture and your own.Mia: One of the main differences I noticed is that Spanish culture is incredibly artistic. It is normal for the streets to be filled with romantic guitar music and the bars to be buzzing with passionate flamenco dancing.  Spain is also home to a number of famous artists and architects, including Picasso and Gaudi, and because of this, you can feel the art istic expression wherever you go.  It’s important for visiting teachers to respect the traditions and cultural practices of their new countries. Were there any unique Spanish traditions that you didn’t know about before arriving?Mia: Before arriving, I was not aware of the grandiose festivals that Spain is famous for. Spanish people love to party and have wild celebrations. One festival that I was lucky to experience was Las Fallas. During the event, enormous doll-like figures are constructed and displayed throughout the city. At the end of the festival, the figures are lit on fire to a raging party. This is only one example of the rowdy festivals that the country is known for.  (Las Fallas festival)  Were you able to speak any Spanish beforehand and how did your Spanish skills develop during your time abroad?Mia: Before leaving, I was enrolled in a few Spanish courses. I entered the country with very basic, elementary level Spanish skills. The program that I was involved in all owed me to continue my Spanish education while I was in the country. Learning the language broadened my experience and helped me to build relationships.  How difficult was communicating with your students?Mia: At times I found communicating with my students to be very challenging. I was fortunate enough to be partnered with a translator, who I was especially grateful for during these times.  Were these language challenges some of the most difficult experiences of living and working in a new country?Mia: Absolutely. The biggest challenge that I faced was the communication barrier. Although I knew elementary level Spanish, it was difficult maintaining fluent conversation with locals in their own language. It’s important to keep in mind that anyone coming to a new country may experience difficulties in communication. Do not get discouraged because your skills will only improve with practice!  Tell me about the most rewarding aspects of your time in Spain.Mia: One of the best parts of my time abroad was getting to meet new people and build relationships. I did my best to take advantage of social situations and tried to say yes to everything.  As a result, I felt as if I was able to build positive friendships based on mutual interests and understandings. I also found that I learned a lot from my colleagues, students, and roommates about language and culture.During my time abroad I also traveled extensively throughout Europe.  The experiences I had and the friends that I made along the way were some extremely rewarding aspects as well.      What should teachers going abroad for the first time do to best prepare for living somewhere new?Mia: Research, research, research! It is your job to know where you are going, both geographically and culturally. Knowing specific details about the region of the world that you are about to enter will help you in the long run. Although it may be difficult, try to go into the situation without expectations and with an open mind. Letting go of preconceived notions will ultimately allow you to have the best experience possible.  As a Placement Coordinator at Teach Away, what traits have you noticed to be especially helpful to successful teach abroad candidatesMia: At Teach Away, we are always looking for individuals who are passionate about teaching, eager to learn, and ready to be challenged. It is our hope that our candidates are flexible and open to new experiences, both in and out of the classroom.    What three pieces of advice would you offer a licensed teacher who has never taught or travelled abroad, but would like to?Mia: First and foremost, it’s very important that you do your research. Take the time to research all available opportunities and the countries that you are interested in. It may also be beneficial to speak with someone who has already taught or traveled abroad; this may allow you to gain a firsthand perspective or helpful advice. I would also recommend that you remain flexible and o pen-minded about your geographic location. Try not to limit yourself and be open to more than one location and opportunity. Lastly, candidates need to be open to both professional and personal growth. Do not be afraid to acquire new skills, expand your teaching repertoire and push yourself out of your comfort zone.  For more from experienced overseas teachers, join us tomorrow at 1pm for Passport to Teach’s final day: Teacher Experiences Fireside Chat. We’ll hear from teachers as they share their experiences abroad and you’ll have the opportunity to ask your questions live! Teachers who have taught in China, Egypt, England, and Korea will be joining us.

Why You Should Take Notes By Hand

Why You Should Take Notes By Hand Attending classes, college lectures or conferences leave your laptop in its bag, or don`t bring it at all. Because if learning is your goal, using a laptop during class is a terrible idea. Try to use traditional tools: paper and a pen and you will find something surprising. Scientific research says youll get much more out of classes when you are taking notes by hand instead of using laptop. Whats more, students perform worse on exams when they use laptops in class. So, whats the reason? Researchers have found that laptop use during class-time might be distracting. In other words, a laptop is whole world of distraction: its so easy to click over to Facebook or buy things on Amazon during the lecture. And even when students arent distracted with their laptops, the act of taking notes using keyboards actually seems to interfere with their ability to remember information. Typing is faster than handwriting for most people and it can come in handy when theres a lot of information. But it turns out the fact that you are slower when you take notes by hand is what makes it more useful for better long-term comprehension. It happens because students on laptops usually just mindlessly type everything a teacher says without extra processing of the material. But students taking notes the old-fashioned way, have to actively listen and select whats important. And this extra processing of the material ultimately benefits them. So, despite of the fact that the idea of taking notes by hand just seems old-fashioned to many students today. There are still advantages of taking notes with a pen and paper. If you want to learn something and remember lectures better maybe you should put your laptop away. And ask our Writing Tutors about simple techniques how to take notes more effectively. Why You Should Take Notes By Hand Attending classes, college lectures or conferences leave your laptop in its bag, or don`t bring it at all. Because if learning is your goal, using a laptop during class is a terrible idea. Try to use traditional tools: paper and a pen and you will find something surprising. Scientific research says youll get much more out of classes when you are taking notes by hand instead of using laptop. Whats more, students perform worse on exams when they use laptops in class. So, whats the reason? Researchers have found that laptop use during class-time might be distracting. In other words, a laptop is whole world of distraction: its so easy to click over to Facebook or buy things on Amazon during the lecture. And even when students arent distracted with their laptops, the act of taking notes using keyboards actually seems to interfere with their ability to remember information. Typing is faster than handwriting for most people and it can come in handy when theres a lot of information. But it turns out the fact that you are slower when you take notes by hand is what makes it more useful for better long-term comprehension. It happens because students on laptops usually just mindlessly type everything a teacher says without extra processing of the material. But students taking notes the old-fashioned way, have to actively listen and select whats important. And this extra processing of the material ultimately benefits them. So, despite of the fact that the idea of taking notes by hand just seems old-fashioned to many students today. There are still advantages of taking notes with a pen and paper. If you want to learn something and remember lectures better maybe you should put your laptop away. And ask our Writing Tutors about simple techniques how to take notes more effectively.

Chemistry Oven - Useful For Every Student to Teach

Chemistry Oven - Useful For Every Student to TeachIt is not uncommon for a lot of science classes at school to be taught using chemistry ovens. Because chemistry is an easy subject to learn, it can easily be taught in a classroom environment, where many students may have no prior chemistry experience.Chemistry ovens are an essential part of any teacher's arsenal for teaching the subject in a classroom setting. Without one, students would have to come up with different ways to bring about the reactions that the teacher is looking for, and this would be very time consuming and often not very accurate.The next step in teaching chemistry would be to allow students to experiment on their own. This can help with maintaining good habits. With this, they would start using the correct reaction that the teacher wants them to use and making sure that they take all necessary precautions when handling chemicals.Students would also make mistakes and use their chemistry ovens to help them learn fro m their mistakes. This would also improve the students' time management, as well as their comprehension and confidence in using their chemistry ovens to conduct experiments.They could also teach their chemistry class students about how to apply the principles of chemistry using various metals and other chemicals. In many cases, these would include creating new combinations to solve chemical problems and a variety of other things.A chemistry oven is also perfect for students who are teaching other science classes at school. If a student wants to teach the chemistry of oil, for example, they would use the right utensil to do so.For cooking classes, a laboratory oven would also be useful. The oven could be used to create different types of foods, ranging from the basic popcorn to kimchi, in various amounts.

Chemistry Combustion - How it Can Help You

Chemistry Combustion - How it Can Help YouChemistry combustion refers to the process in which chemicals react in an environment to produce heat. The process starts with a chemical compound called an oxidant and the gas phase called a clean agent. The reactants become unstable and burn with the heat produced. Chemical reactions occur on a microscopic level in the atmosphere because of the varying levels of oxygen present in the air.Heat from chemical combustion is commonly felt in areas where there is windy conditions. Windy conditions create turbulent conditions, which allow the volatile molecules of the gas to mix. This mixing produces more combustible gases that can then reach the surface. The first reason that a person would look into how to control chemical combustion is because they want to enjoy more space while driving. When it comes to cold temperatures, you don't need to waste your precious fuel.Another common example is when people use the sulfuric acid in home remedies or detergents to clean up their homes. The sulfurous properties allow the cleaning agent to react with the cleaning solvent, which will combine all together, resulting in a beautiful odorless, colorless liquid. The combination of chemicals is what results in the reaction between the cleaner and the cleaning solvent.The use of gas chromatography and high-speed processing equipment has changed the way that people experience some types of chemical reactions. This process involves a chemical compound to be put through the different stages of the chemical process. Once the compound is put through the process, the components of the compound are separated and placed in different bottles that have the specific numbers so that the mixture can be analyzed.The large company that manufactures the equipment has a wide range of products that will help you analyze this compound. There are tests that you can do to test for the reaction time and other variables that can affect the reaction and that you can even add your own customized tests to help you understand the reaction. Since this process is going to be used in your business, you want to ensure that you are fully familiar with the software.This procedure also allows a chemist to separate the compound to be used into smaller parts that are easier to handle. The larger compound makes for more expensive work and this is where the cleaning and the analysis come in. This method allows the product to be cut into pieces that can be easily handled. It also allows the work to be done at a higher speed.When you start talking about this procedure, the application of chemicals is not the only thing that is involved. You will need to take care of the clean up. This can include any type of cleaning fluids that the product may require and you will need to remove the contaminants. In some cases, there are quite a few that you will need to deal with.

Wauwatosa Free Algebra Homework Help - Find Help With Maths

Wauwatosa Free Algebra Homework Help - Find Help With MathsIn Wauwatosa, WI a high-school has introduced a new program in the area of Math. They have introduced Math homework help from parents and the district office, that will take it from your class when you arrive for the next grade. The importance of homework has increased in today's society due to competition of which students are the best at their jobs and if they fail to do homework they will be known as lazy. Also it is necessary to do some homework, in order to pass an exam.Every student can now enroll for Math classes because of this program. This makes the future of math much brighter, thanks to this, the fact that there is more competition in the math level. There is also a lot of competition between students and teachers is really a great motivator to help the students achieve their goals.Students must realize that they have to excel at Math, just like in other subjects such as English, History, Science, and others, beca use of such high demand for the courses, there is not enough time for student learning. In Wauwatosa, WI the attention of the teachers and the students is quite focused on Maths. Because of this, Math homework help is very important. If you are interested in Maths, you will definitely benefit from this.For anyone who has not been to high school yet, math is basically doing numbers and studying them. Math is about memorizing and studying the various angles, directions, distances, etc., in order to arrive at one conclusion. Once you have memorized the algebra facts, you will discover the truth of the matter. It is not simply solving equations. However, in mathematics, we are still used to know the basics of Maths.When you visit your teacher, ask about algebra homework help, as a solution to your problem. They are really worried and confused, as there are several students who are failing in Maths and are really in a big trouble. As the teacher, you can easily find a solution for them a nd help them improve their Maths skills.In case of the difficulties in Maths, it is better to ask the Math instructor, but it is not as easy as asking for algebra homework help. The number of math problems given by the students is higher than the number of algebra problems.So, the best way to get help in Maths is to find the right source of Math homework help that is completely designed for your needs. It is easy to locate good sources of algebra homework help. You just need to type in 'Algebra Help' in any search engine and you will see numerous sites offering high quality sources of Math homework help.

Photography Courses Best Photography Books

Photography Courses Best Photography Books What Are The Best Photography Books to Supplement Your Courses? ChaptersThe Best Photography MagazinesThe Best Books on  PhotographyAre you enraptured with the idea of learning photography? Are you doing your best to learn what you can on your own, but are perhaps overwhelmed by the sheer volume of study material available?Whether through magazines or textbooks, such volumes are a great way to discover the basics of photography, which you could then put into practice, either on a solo photo shoot or during a workshop, with a teacher.Being a self-taught photographer is not uncommon; the only difficulty is choosing the right guidance.The manuals you select to learn from will shape your skills set and experience behind the lens, so we urge you to choose your study materials carefully.To that end, let us recommend the top books and magazines to learn the art of photography from!Excellent kit reviews from professionalsRelevant articles, tied to seasonal subjectsHow to photograph fall leaf colours, for example, or winter wildlife and nature photography All photos include shot details: how the photographer set his aperture and white balance; zoom and exposure timePractical experience articles, such as: timeless baby portraits, and articles on night photographyAimed at serious digital SLR enthusiasts and professionalsIf you are just getting started in photography; only now discovering the joy of digital image capture, this may not be the mag for you.Take some  online photography courses.Most of the kit demonstrated or advertised within these pages is quite pricey, which could lead to frustration for those with limited resources, who might be just learning how to photograph.Read the 20 best photography quotes!If you are cultivating your photography skills and wondering how far they will take you, you might benefit more from Digital Photographer's website.There, you will find convenient subscription options â€" their quarterly or yearly offers, and occasional giveaways.You can also access archived copies of past issues, or find articl es on a particular topic that interests you.Why not buy your first issue today, no matter what your level, just to get an idea of what gear pro photographers take to the field?Learn all about your DSLR and how to use it with a magazine created by professional photographers Source: Pixabay Credit: Tero VesalainienDigital SLR PhotographyThis is the magazine created by professional photographers that covers everything from night photography to macro photography â€" the imaging of tiny particles, be they food, jewellery or insects.With headliners such as Simple Steps to Creative Lighting, you know this publication is aimed at beginners, amateurs and maybe even students  who are enroled in photography school.As for you, you may want to photograph your pet, or learn how to use filters so you can shoot the sunset on the beach during your upcoming holiday.If so, this is the magazine for you. Among its features, you will find:Reader's showcase â€" send your pictures in for publicationif you intend to go pro, this type of advertising can only help you!Most printed photos include shot details: how the photographer set the cameraPanel review: amateurs send their images in for critique by expert photographerssaid experts recommend post processing tweaks to turn your nice image stunning.Kit reviews: everything from camouflage clothing for wildlife photography, to accessoriesAs it happens, Digital SLR is right now promoting its magazine for a special rate of 5 issues for £5!You can order your issues to come by post, to your digital device, or both.In summary: this magazine puts technique before the more the artistic and cultural aspects of photography.Therefore, this publication presents a good opportunity to develop your skill and learn through concrete examples, including digital editing of images prior to submitting them for print and evaluation.Practical PhotographyWould you like to learn more about photo editing and post production, portraiture or nature photography, t o become a professional photographer?The opening pages of this magazine feature some stunning images captured by pros / semi-pros, which sets the tone for the quality of this mag.They also indicate its target audience: intermediate to pro, and enthusiastic amateurs.With the wealth of picture-worthy subject material around our country, it could be sometimes difficult to choose what to shoot; what specialty to settle focus on.Practical Photography's segment, Photo Ideas, gives you a bit of technical suggestion â€" what filter to use and what setting for your camera's  aperture.Those experts then plow on through the garden, the woods and around town, capturing unique visions that you could recreate in your own milieu.This publication puts heavy emphasis on Photoshop, as though it were the only editing software available.Its sister magazine, Digital Photo, touts nothing but Adobe Photoshop, to the exclusion of all else, in spite of some excellent web-based image editing applications tha t come with tutorials.Anyone who has undergone any photography training, knows that there is far more out there than Adobe products!Still: this magazine's tutorials translate well to other applications, and it never hurts to know more about Adobe products, which are considered the industry's standard.Highlights of this mag include:How to's: what to shoot and how best to shoot itTargeted to beginner photography; perhaps an amateur who has just enroled in photography coursesKit reviews: in-depth accounting of DSLR camera and accessoriesRelevant adverts: You won't see any Cartier watches or Rolls Royces among these pages!You will find camo gear, beanbags and studio lighting, though.If your goal is to become a commercial photographer, a travel photographer or a photojournalist, this could become your go-to outlet for the latest and greatest of the trade.Conversely, if you have no intention of going pro, you should check out:Learn how to use natural light to best advantage through magazi ne tutorials Source: Pixabay Credit: Pixel2013Amateur PhotographerIn print continuously for  125 years, this gem has kept photo enthusiasts informed of every aspect of their hobby.Its sections are clearly marked, and they include:  interviews with renown photographers, photographic  equipment â€" where you could cast your vote for the best kit, how-to: a series of articles relevant to the season, and more!There is even a review of smartphone cameras on their web page!Highlights of this publication include:Separate sections for videography, photography, tutorials, and recommendationsA readers' forum, where you can pose a question or detail your success in capturing a particularly difficult subjectIcons of photography â€" articles about notable equipment or persons in the history of photographyPhoto Insight, a segment wherein photographers opine on a selected image, explaining both the technique and artistic representation.News â€" of events, of new product launches, of competitions; everything new about digital and film photographyThis weekly publication is remarkable, not just for its content but for its longevity.You may choose to enter its monthly competition, which is theme-based, for a shot at being named  Amateur Photographer of the Year.This competition is only open to amateurs, so if you earn your living by photographing subjects, you cannot earn this accolade.A rolling subscription runs £22.24 per quarter, subject to automatic renewal.A year's subscription realises you a 39% savings: 51 issues for £93.49Now, let us look at rounding out your photography lessons with books that are considered must-have by anyone in the photography business.The Best Books on  PhotographyChris Gatcum: Complete PhotographyAre you on the hunt for some of the recommended photography books; one that will instruct you on how to take quality snaps or even take professional quality shots?Chris Gatcum offers accelerated photo training, especially designed for absolute beginners in the art of photography.What is hyperfocal distance? What is a wireless flash trigger? When should you use a telephoto lens?All of these questions and more are answered within the pages of this manual.Why not let Chris Gatcum, with his more than 20 years of advanced photography, teach you everything you need to know about digital photography and the components that make up a digital camera?This handy guide is sure to help you learn how to capture images, after just a few weeks of studying!Between those covers you will find:Introduction to the basics of photography,Tips for working with natural light,Instructions for choosing camera settings,Explanations for  exposure time,Instruction on HDR, white balance and exposure correction,This book is fully illustrated  to help you better understand what this master describes.Investing in a copy of this work is akin to taking a photography class with a personal tutor, without subjecting yourself to a traditional learning environment.If you have declared a photographic specialty â€" commercial photography, for example, or travel photography, you will see a dramatic improvement to your art after only a few hours of reading!Travel photography will hold no more mystery for you once you learn all of its tricks! Source: Pixabay Credit: VutrongtienScott Kelby: The Digital Photography BookWhy not learn photography in the company of a proven artist?Known the world over for his work as a teacher of photography, Scott Kelby is the founder of Photoshop User Magazine, helping photographers improve their image editing in post-production.Be it with Adobe Lightroom, InDesign or other web based software!Let us not lose sight that, to become an artist, taking a beautiful photo is not an end in itself.The majority of photo processing work takes place in the darkroom or on a computer, and it takes more than a measure of skill in order to get the best possible rendering.In his illustrated  book, Scott Kelby dispenses tips and tutelage, bo th for the photographer cradling a digital SLR camera for the first time, and for those who have never used any software to enhance an image.Digesting this tome cover to cover will reveal:Basics of photography,Evaluations of different brands of cameras,Comparisons of digital devices,Narratives on studio photography,A particular focus that zooms in on the techniques of professional photographers,Illustrations, comprehensively drawn, to better understand the exercises.Although this book ranks high with amateur photographers of all stripes, you should note that Scott Kelby's photography manual requires a certain amount of time in experimentation behind the lens before fully absorbing these teachings.It would behoove you to study up on your camera's capabilities before applying the tips and instruction you will find in this book.Bear in mind that any photo book is far from equalling a  session in the company of a photography teacher.However, a photography manual is an ideal tool to stud y between photography classes in school, or with an instructor at home.Showing a bit of incentive through independent study will help you progress faster.Becoming an ace in photojournalism or portrait photography will happen much sooner if you combine photography lessons  with a few hours of weekly reading.In which photo school would you like to learn this art? Maybe you're looking for priavte lessons? If so why not search for photography courses London, Manchester, Glasgow or elsewhere int he UK.

3 Tips for Starting Graduate School

3 Tips for Starting Graduate School The decision to continue your education by attending graduate school is exciting, but it can also feel very daunting. Graduate school is a very different experience than your undergraduate years, and it requires a different set of skills. Here are three tips to help you succeed as you begin graduate school: 1. Manage your time One of the best things you can do to ensure a smooth graduate experience is to develop an effective time management strategy. Many graduate students must also juggle employment, family, and social commitments. Learning to efficiently allot your time is imperative to your success. Different students utilize different strategies, and it is important to determine which technique works well for you. Consider color-coding tasks based on their importance, dedicating certain hours of the day to your responsibilities (both academic and otherwise), or maintaining a calendar. With any time management strategy, it is important to be flexible; remember that emergencies arise, professors assign last-minute papers and projects, and certain tasks may take longer to complete than you originally believe. Here are some great tips on how to avoid study distractions. Prioritize your time, and realize that as a graduate student, you may need to say no to activities that you would have previously engaged in. Remember that graduate school is a set period of timethose activities will still be available to you when you have completed your degree. 2. Read efficiently As a graduate student, you will be inundated with articles, books, and journals to read about your area of study. While it can be exciting to learn so much about your academic passion, it can also be overwhelming. Learn to read with purpose. Ask yourself before you read about what you are hoping to gain. Skim the text first to ensure it aligns with your purpose, as well as your research goals. Take notes and cite sources as you read to avoid doing so later. After you finish a piece, it is sometimes helpful to briefly summarize the content on an index card so you can easily locate references in the future. These are some great tips on how to identify your study style, which you may find useful. 3. Create a support network During your time in graduate school, it is very important to have a group of people who support you. Reach out to fellow classmates and form study groups. Research with these students, or simply discuss your classes in order to decompress.Consider working with a tutorif you need help in a particular subject area that your peers are not as comfortable with. Develop a rapport with your professors, and commit to asking frequent questions. Surround yourself with family or friends who are proud of your choice to continue your education. When you feel overwhelmed by school, these individuals can help to remind you of your end goal, or when you have been studying for hours, they can bring you food and double-check that you care for your needs (i.e. proper sleep). Graduate school is a time of tremendous learning and growth, but it also requires plenty of dedication and commitment. It is important for you to learn skills that will help you succeed in your studies, as well as to always remember why you chose to continue your education.

A Columbia University College Experience

A Columbia University College Experience The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Amy is currently a student at Columbia University studying human rights, English, and business management. She specializes in many areas of SAT tutoring, in addition to other subjects. See what she had to share about her experience at Columbia University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Amy: Columbia blends the best of both worlds with its urban setting and homey campus. Though exploring skyscraper-filled New York City is always fun, it can be a relief to come home to a school dominated by a blend of classical and modern architecture. As for transportation, Columbia has its own subway stop right outside the Broadway gates for students the city isnt very car or bike friendly, unfortunately. Ive never felt unsafe on or in the areas surrounding campus, either; police escorts and emergency services are always readily available. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Amy: Columbia prides itself on a culture of the love of intellectual pursuit, and its professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants certainly contribute toward that mold. Both students and professors embrace challenge and curiosity in the classrooms; office hours for professors are packed with students discussing everything from general theories to paper topics. How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Amy: Interestingly, students receive lots of opportunities to score single rooms their freshman year. Certain dorms are more coveted than others, but freshmen seem to be generally satisfied (and even proud) of their residence halls. Im in the social, all-first-year dorm, and I couldnt imagine myself living anywhere else. Theres never a dull moment, and I have opportunities to meet new people every day in the elevator, at residence hall events, and through mutual friends. As for dining, Columbia has three main dining halls that offer a wide variety of selections. The dining staff always tries to provide vegetarian and vegan options, too, and locally sources a lot of produce from nearby neighborhood farms. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Amy: A wide variety of majors are represented at Columbia, but the university does a good job of providing support for every department regardless of its size. Popular majors include the social sciences, computer science, and various engineering fields, but interdisciplinary pursuits are encouraged as well. Im actually studying a strange combination: Im double majoring in Human Rights (with a specialization in Political Science) and English, and concentrating (essentially the universitys term for a minor) in Business Management. I really appreciate Columbias flexibility in allowing me to combine such different pursuits into one streamlined form of study, and Ive definitely received lots of support from academic advisers and professors, too. 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? Amy: Ive been very satisfied with the opportunities Ive received to meet new people and make new friends. The unique thing about Columbia is that its less of an enclosed campus, meaning people will go out into the city to explore rather than staying in, so meeting people requires a bit more energy and proactivity. Greek life definitely is present on campus and is growing, but is in no way an integral part of Columbias social scene. It can be a great way to find a community, but probably just due to geographical factors concerning housing, Columbias Greek scene isnt as traditional as one one might find at a big state school. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Amy: The Center for Career Education is great and is available for students as a resource to find internships and jobs downtown. Columbia recognizes the worth of internships in a students career, and offers significantly less classes on Fridays to give students a day to work at a job/internship if need be. The university also hosts lots of career fairs, in which companies from high-level investment banks to local startups to nonprofits come to campus to recruit Columbia/Barnard students for part-time/full-time job opportunities. New York City is one of a Columbia students greatest resources for job searching, simply because it offers something for everyone from the engineer to the journalist to the aspiring researcher. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Amy: Butler Library is a huge, beautiful structure that resembles an Athenian temple more than it does a study space. Its the go-to for most students for late-night sessions, open 24-7 for all cramming needs. During midterms and finals, it gets pretty difficult to find a spot inside the library, so students turn to other study spots around and outside campus. Describe the surrounding town. Amy: Youll never get bored at Columbia: on campus or off campus, theres always something going on. Even exploring the couple of blocks surrounding campus never gets old! Theres everything from restaurants to bookstores within Columbias vicinity, and most students will spend a Friday or Saturday night hanging out with friends at Mels or 1020, two popular bars within walking distance. Of course, New York City has a bustling nightlife scene downtown. Students can visit a club in East Village or check out a jazz venue near Chelsea Pier. Columbia students also get free admission to museums like The Met or MOMA with their student IDs, so a lot of students spend Saturday afternoons art-gallery hopping. Central Park is also about six blocks from campus, so when the weather is nice, students can study, relax, or even picnic in the park. The campus is also bordered by Morningside Park and Riverside Park, great for morning runs or just a change of scenery. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Amy: Columbia definitely has a larger number of graduate students, but each undergraduate class has about 1400 students, which is pretty sizable, too. Some lecture classes have a large amount of students, but Columbia actually offers lots of seminars that have no more than 15 or 16 people. Personalized educational attention carries a lot of intellectual value, and many professors and students prefer the personalized, seminar-style approach to large lecture halls. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Amy: Columbias most prized intellectual tradition is its Core Curriculum, a set of classes every student attending the university takes. This semester, Im in Literature Humanities, dedicated to round-table discussions of a Western literary canon that includes works from ancient Greek poets to Dostoyevsky. Its a lot of reading and writing, but my entire class gets together regularly before midterms and tests to have study sessions in somebodys dorm room. Columbia recognizes the bonds students who go through the Core together form, and Im no exception Ive definitely made friendships and connections as a result of the Core. Check out Amys tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.