A Student Review of University of Notre Dame

A Student Review of University of Notre Dame The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Kenny is a St. Louis tutor specializing in Algebra tutoring, Calculus tutoring, History tutoring, and a number of other areas. He is currently a junior at University of Notre Dame majoring in Economics and Math. See what he had to share about University of Notre Dame: 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? Kenny: The University of Notre Dame campus is very beautiful. It is about an hour east of Chicago, and it is quite safe. The schools campus police swiftly handle any criminal incidents. Because the alumni and administration want to maintain a safe and friendly environment, the campus is only accessible via one main road. Buses, however, are available to take students to and from Midway and OHare Airports in Chicago. There is also an Amtrak station close by, as well as a regional airport approximately 10 minutes from campus. Many students own bikes, and they use them during the fall and spring months to more quickly access areas of campus that are far from their dorms. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Kenny:Most professors hold office hours at last three times per week, and they are often available even when they do not have posted office hours. The same is true of teaching assistants. The professors are very personable, and they are quick to respond to any difficulties you may have. The academic advisers are intelligent, engaged, and quick to respond to student needs. The First Year of Studies advisers are particularly helpful in leading each freshman to the best course of study for them. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Kenny:University of Notre Dame dorm life is very active. Students are interested in their hallmates, and you are likely to make many friends wherever you live. In other words, because the school has no fraternities, dorm communities often become tight-knit families. Rectors (headmasters) and resident assistants are, without fail, great leaders who make a vigorous effort to be involved (but not overly so) with the on-campus life of each dorm resident. The University of Notre Dame has several dining options, and its dining halls are among the best in the nation. One of them even looks like Hogwarts. The most incredible aspect of the University of Notre Dame, however, is the schools unique ability to unite strong athletics and academics with an inspired Catholic faith. No other school can offer this combination the way that University of Notre Dame does. 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? Kenny:The Mendoza College of Business has been ranked #1 for undergraduate study in the country. However, all schools (and all departments within the schools) are well represented and supported by University of Notre Dame administrators, alumni, and faculty. I studied Economics and Mathematics because I have always had a very analytical mind, and I love both Abstract and Applied Math. My professors and classmates inspired me to pursue a graduate degree in Economics. 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? Kenny:Due to its reputation as a strong Catholic institution, Greek life is literally nonexistent at University of Notre Dame. Nonetheless, and perhaps due to this unique attribute, meeting other freshmen and upperclassmen who share similar interests, goals, and values is very easy (and enjoyable). I can confidently recall having made 10 close friends within my first two weeks of college. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Kenny:The Career Center, Student Activities Office, and University Health Services are all very helpful. The University of Notre Dame hosts over 300 student-led organizations, and the Mental Health Center is a great resource for students who find themselves struggling to adjust to college life. The Career Center ensures that students have the opportunity to accept internships and jobs from such companies as Pfizer, JPMorgan, John Deere, and the American Enterprise Institute. However, the Career Center also ensures that students who wish to pursue advanced degrees have all the necessary resources to do so. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Kenny:The University of Notre Dames study areas are many and varied. Students can choose to study in one of their dorms lounges, the bookstore, the LaFortune Student Center, the Hesburgh Library (which boasts 3.39 million volumes and 14 stories), or one of the several other libraries around campus. Each of these study spaces offers something different some are busy, some are very quiet, some are best for group projects, and others are best for an intense final review before that Econometrics exam you almost forgot to study for. 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? Kenny:The campus of the University of Notre Dame offers everything that many students desire. As a result, some students may never feel a need to leave. However, when they do want to relieve stress, South Bend has several friendly bars, a fun nightclub, a minor league baseball team, and many opportunities for service. While some students spend their evenings in prayer and reflection with a few of their closest friends, others attend events off-campus. The University Park Mall and the Eddy Street Commons host several retail outlets, local restaurants, and a few evening happy hours close to campus. For many, the 57 chapels or Grand Basilica offer a refuge from the busy week of studying and extracurricular activity that almost all University of Notre Dame students undertake. The school can be as exciting or as conservative as you desire. In short, the University of Notre Dame community is incredibly well rounded and offers much for everyone. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Kenny:University of Notre Dames student body (including graduate students) is approximately 12,000 people. Around 8,000 of these students are undergraduates, a size that allows many students to know each other well without imposing on one anothers personal space. I was very pleased with my typical class sizes. I often shared the class with enough students to form study groups, but I also developed a strong personal relationship with many of my professors. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Kenny:My favorite class as a student at University of Notre Dame was Econometrics. Though many students have claimed this to be the most difficult course in the Economics major, I emerged from the class more determined to attend graduate school than ever before. My professor, the department chair, was a very difficult instructor. He was also one of the brightest, most inspiring men I have ever had the opportunity to know. Check out Kennys tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

An Introductory Guide To German Attractions

An Introductory Guide To German Attractions Visit Germany: Must-See Attractions And Places In Germany ChaptersMust-See German Monuments And Sightseeing Spots For TouristsIs it time to visit Germany? Yes, it is! When you think of travel to Germany, you may think of German beer, German wine, German food like its pretzels, perhaps its romantic castles or the vibrant beer festival Oktoberfest in Munich. Maybe you will remember its dark past under the Nazi regime or the separation of the capital city Berlin into east and west by the Berlin Wall. But Germany today is a very different place from the past. It’s has developed into an unmissable culturally rich country with a strong heritage that is unique in Central Europe.Every year, millions of tourists make travel plans and take a trip to Germany. This number has risen since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1998, and the country has opened up to mass tourism. Now we all have the chance to discover Germany’s beauty and historical sites. From taking cruises on the Rhine, trekking through the black forest, to going back in time by visiting famous castles and places or maybe to be shocked by the past of the destructive Nazi period and concentration camps.Germany is full of monuments and places that are essential to visit if you want to learn about German culture and get a feel for its rich heritage. No matter where you visit in Germany this is an amazing country with lots of surprises that can only be uncovered by visiting. This is not a Germany Travel guide but collections of useful travel tips for the tourist who wants an introduction to German attractions. While the bustling Berlin city is great, these tips will hopefully encourage you to venture out of just the cities in Germany to find some new German Scenery. With the aim of helping you to make the most of your trip to Germany.Germany welcomes tourists from all over the world. Photo Source: UnsplashGerman is overflowing with opportunity for you to discover on your trip to Germany. Have fun visiting Germany. SönkeGerman Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Dis cover all our tutors ClaudiaGerman Teacher 4.89 (9) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SefaGerman Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HilaryGerman Teacher 5.00 (16) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LisaGerman Teacher 5.00 (8) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChrisGerman Teacher 5.00 (19) £39/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors WendyGerman Teacher 5.00 (2) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HowardGerman Teacher 5.00 (6) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors

Getting Started with Boxing

Getting Started with Boxing The Quick Guide to Combat Sports ChaptersWhat Type of Boxing Should You Start With?Which Combat Sport Should You Learn for Self-defence?The Best Type of Boxing for RelaxingThe Best Types of Boxing for Weight Loss“The important thing in life is not victory but combat; it is not to have vanquished but to have fought well.” - Pierre de CoubertinFamous for being one of the most complete sports, boxing involves athleticism, uses almost every muscle in the body, and requires agility, endurance, and core strength. Since the Olympic Games in 2012, the number of boxing clubs has increased.There was a 10.2% rise in sports clubs across the UK and boxing and wrestling have been the driving factor behind them.  While boxing had the image of being a violent sport for men, its image is changing.So what type of boxing should you do?Here’s our advice for choosing the right discipline. AndreyBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KostiaBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all o ur 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 Type of Boxing Should You Start With?Before you join a boxing club, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself. The most important one is which type of boxing you should do. There are different types of boxing and each has its advantages and disadvantages. (Source: tacofleur)While the main type of boxing like in the Olympic Games, there are also other types of boxing.  There are other disciplines relating to boxing including savate, Thai boxing, and kickboxing.  These European, American, and Asian combat sports have also been adapted for fitness purposes with cardio boxing, fitness boxing, aerobic boxing, etc.You should try a few of the different disciplines before you sign up for a whole year as this will help you pick the right one.You should also think about your personal goals.Would you like to tone your body, lose weight, build your self-confidence, improve your health, or go pro? How hard do you plan on working out? Would you like to learn self-defence, get rid of stress, or hone your reflexes?Here’s our advice for starting with boxing.  As we mentioned earlier, there are 4 main types of boxing:BoxingSavateKick-boxingThai boxing or Muay ThaiTradi tional boxing was inspired by Greek boxing and spread throughout English towns in the 19th century.  This boxing uses only punches and focuses on strength, speed, and defence. A skipping rope is one of the most common tools for warming up before boxing.Savate, or French boxing, began in the 20th century and uses both kicking and punching.  It focuses on flexibility, tactics, precision, endurance, and agility.Kick-boxing was created in the 1990s and allows kicking, punching, and kneeing. You can strike your opponent with your shins or feet as high as their head.  This type of boxing focuses on flexibility, strength, agility, and technique.Known for being particularly violent, Thai boxing also allows elbowing. In short, almost any blow is allowed.  Choose this type of boxing if you like combat shorts but expect to spend time wringing out your clothes after each session.  When it comes to Thai boxing warm-ups, get ready for burpees, squats, push-ups, and a lot of ab workouts.Which Comb at Sport Should You Learn for Self-defence?Would you like to learn some self-defence?A lot of women choose to learn combat sports or martial arts such as Taekwondo, Krav Maga, mixed martial arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and boxing to defend themselves.It’s a falsehood that boxing clubs teach you just how to scrap...  Nevertheless, the techniques taught can be used to help you out in one. Learning to box isn't about going out and picking fights, but the techniques can help get you out of dangerous situations. (Source: Claudio_Scott)So which type of boxing is best for defending yourself?Any of them can be useful!Boxing is a high-intensity physical activity that’ll improve your endurance, strength, determination, and discipline.  You’ll also hone your reflexes, think strategically, and tone your body.  Boxing is a way to learn how to fight using powerful and measured blows.  Similarly, the combat techniques learnt (blocking, tactics, punches, footwork, etc.) can also be used to defend yourself.  The goal is to avoid conflict rather than to get involved in it.Respect is one of the most important aspects of boxing.  To defend yourself in the street, however, you won’t be fighting to Queensbury Rules. Similarly, boxing bare-knuckled can cause injury and when you have to defend yourself, you won’t have your usual protection including a gum shield, shin guards, or a cup.When it comes to self-defence, we could also mention Brazilian jiu-jitsu, mixed martial arts (MMA), and Krav Maga. These are all combat sports and martial arts that include techniques for neutralising an opponent. Whether you’re a man or a woman, all types of boxing are useful for defending yourself.Here’s some key advice for boxing:Learn to box in tight spacesBe aware of your rangeStand correctlyBe fluid and flexible so that you can avoid your opponent’s attacksBreathe with each punchKeep your guard upLook your opponent in the eyeIt’s also a good idea to pick up a punching bag for your home and a skipping rope.The Best Type of Boxing for RelaxingAnother reason people box is to get rid of stress. You'll be surprised at just how relaxed you'll feel after boxing. (Source: leninscape)You can practise punching and kicking on a punching bag or with a sparring partner with pads and blow off some steam while you do.  Boxing classes with coaches and trainers are also a good way to get rid of daily stress. Stress can build up daily and regularly practising a combat sport is a good way to manage it.In addition to being a great way to stay in shape, it’s great for dealing with stress.  A 90-minute boxing session spent focusing on your punches is a great way to relax.The same is true while you’re thinking about your footwork.  You need to think about the present. There’s no time to think about other concerns.So which type of boxing is best for unwinding?No particular type of boxing is better than another. If you’d prefer something technical, opt for savate.  If you want to throw punches like Muhammad Ali, traditional boxing is the way to go. To get your heart pumping, choose kick -boxing.  And if you want to tone your body while getting rid of stress, some cardio boxing on a punching bag is a great choice.It all depends on your tastes.The Best Types of Boxing for Weight LossSo how can you lose weight?Burning calories at a boxing club, of course! If you want to lose weight, there are few activities better than boxing. (Source: PublicDomainPictures)The good thing is that there are often multiple sessions a week.Boxing is a way to fight obesity. You burn a lot of calories during each session and convert fat into muscle.  You’ll probably gain muscle mass but also lose weight.  However, since muscle ways more than fat, the number on the scales may be bigger.  That said, you’ll be in much better shape with a leaner and more toned body.  Boxing is a good way to achieve a healthy body mass index (BMI).  Again, you’re probably wondering which type is the best.So which type of boxing is the best for losing weight?No matter which type you do, you’ll break a sweat and tone muscle. All types of boxing make use of almost every muscle in your body.Scientific studies show that an hour per week isn’t enough.  On average, a 90-minute session will burn around 1,250 calories, which will result in around a pound lost each week.  You co uld lose around 4 pounds a month if you attended 4 sessions a week. Of course, this weight-loss will plateau and you’ll start gaining muscle weight. Furthermore, boxing burns more calories than surfing or cycling. To lose weight through boxing, we recommend that you do at least two sessions a week.If you'd like to do boxing, mixed martial arts, or kickboxing classes, consider getting in touch with one of the many talented and experienced tutors on Superprof. There are three main types of tutorial available, face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials, and each type comes with its pros and cons.Group tutorials tend to be the cheapest per student per hour since they're all paying for a share of the tutor's time. Of course, this means that you'll get less one-on-one time with your tutor or coach and they won't be able to tailor the sessions to just you as they'll have other clients that they need to keep happy.Face-to-face tutorials are just between you and your pri vate tutor. In this case, you'll be paying for a bespoke and tailored service and during your lessons, you'll enjoy the tutor or coach's undivided attention. This all comes at a price and while face-to-face private tutorials are the most cost-effective, they also tend to be the most costly per hour.Finally, thanks to the advent of the internet, you can now enjoy online private tutorials. With video conferencing software, a webcam, a microphone, and a decent internet connection, you can enjoy private tutoring from tutors all over the world. Since the tutor won't be travelling to their students and they can schedule more tutorials each week, they can charge a more competitive rate and online tutorials are usually cheaper per hour than face-to-face tutorials.

Get Math Homework Help To Learn Tricky Topics With Ease

Get Math Homework Help To Learn Tricky Topics With Ease Homework is an integral part of a student’s day to day activity and most students find math homework quite difficult to fathom. Since they find it tough, they are reluctant to proceed with it. And while away a lot of time without actually working on it. Homework is designed to help students acquaint themselves with the subject and explore topics discussed in class and its very purpose gets defeated when the topic at hand is difficult. Also, when students don’t spend time on their homework, they are bound to score poorly or fail the subject altogether and this leads to disastrous GPAs! The ideal solution to this problem is online math homework help and homework help in any other subject that they may require. Read To Know Top 13 #iPad #Educational #Apps For Kids http://t.co/c6NhHOQilv pic.twitter.com/OW3DcOg9Kq â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) October 7, 2015 What to look for in an online tutor? While choosing to learn online, there are a couple of things parents and students must keep in mind and they are: Expertise of the tutor in the subject xperience in teaching the subject and proficiency in it Teaching aids employed Availability and whether they are open to flexible schedules Rates charged (per hour or per session or monthly/weekly basis) Reviews and ratings the online math tutor has received from other students Look for a demo session to see if the tutor’s style suits your/your ward’s needs Patience the tutor exhibits towards slow learners and how he/she focuses on the learning needs of the student being taught. Comfort level of the student with the tutor Teaching methods employed by the tutor When choosing an online tutor, these are the things that one must look for (or for their wards in case of parents) and only then decide to enroll with them. Some students may not require complete help and may need instructions in a few topics or simply help with their homework or assignments and in such cases online tutors are flexible and provide the right sort of help as required by the students. How To Prepare For Your #Math Final #Exam Without Losing Your Sleep http://t.co/DjJbnRge9D pic.twitter.com/lJk9MkY9LA â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) September 16, 2015 Why get homework help? When a student opts for homework help, he/she gets a dedicated tutor who will break down a problem in step by step solutions and work with them till they get the hang of the topic. This helps improve the students’ understanding of the topic and in turn leads to better performance in tests and exams. Also, students voice their doubts without hesitation in such classes and get a lot of attention too which helps them focus and learn better. Math assignment help can lend a hand to a student flailing his/her arms about and who is drowning in math! Since assignments are evaluated and scored, students can get better GPAs and also understand the topic well. When they understand a topic well, they get perform better in exams and their revision and study time before exams is also reduced. Tutor Pace Offering #HighSchool #Math #Tutoring In Just $299.99, 20% #OFF To 1st 50 #Students http://t.co/Nd0pgaMK1l pic.twitter.com/2fSOZd24Y1 â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) August 6, 2015 Thus, roping in the right help is the key to better understanding, good scores and a healthy GPA!

ACT Math Strategy Series [Part 1 of 3]

ACT Math Strategy Series [Part 1 of 3] ACT SAT Prep and College Admissions Blog Math is a subject that most students either love or hate. In either case, preparing thoroughly for the Math section of the ACT is important in order to do your best. If math is not your strongest subject, building a solid foundation of understanding will be important for maintaining a decent overall score. If math comes easily for you, reviewing will still be important in order to fill in the gaps in your knowledge, especially if you want your score to truly reflect your ability. Either way, this series of posts gives you valuable strategies that will help you maximize your score. This post is the first of a three part series that looks at strategies for acing the ACT Math section. Knowledge Is More Important Than Strategy Keep in mind, strategy is a supplement for a basic understanding of the subject, not a substitute for it. The ACT measures your knowledge directly and your test taking ability only indirectly, so all the strategy in the world won’t help you if you don’t have the underlying subject knowledge. Focusing on knowledge first and strategy second ensures that you get both the most benefit from your education and the maximum score. Strategy #1: Know Your Outcome Having a target score in mind will help you prepare. If you are strong in math and want your results to show it, you will need to have a very strong understanding of the topics covered as well as be proficient with strategies and shortcuts that will allow you to complete the test questions quickly and accurately. But answering just two thirds of the questions correctly will earn you a solid, respectable 23, which is the average score. This may be acceptable to you if math isn’t your strong suit and you are aiming for a higher score on the other sections. Strategy #2: Use Your Brain Before Your Calculator A calculator is allowed for the ACT Math section, but all of the calculations are based on simple arithmetic (adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing) and can be done without one. If you are good at basic arithmetic a calculator won’t necessarily help you to answer questions faster or more accurately, and it certainly won’t help you do the necessary thinking to solve the problems. Using a calculator can actually slow you down if you reach for it reflexively every time, especially if you end up hitting the wrong button and have to start over. Using a calculator is just a different skill, and doesn’t make up for a well-exercised brain, which is the most reliable tool that you have. Strategy #3: Use Drawings To Help You Think A picture is worth a thousand words, or sometimes a thousand equations if it helps you to understand a problem more clearly. Some problems will describe a figure but not display it, for example, in which case it can help you to draw it for yourself so that you can have it in front of you. Other problems will just be easier to understand and solve if you draw them out. Don’t draw or write more than you need to, but do make efficient use of the space you have provided for scratchwork. Dane Dormio is an online tutor and blogger with an unconventional approach to education. Visit his tutoring blog at www.synergy-tutoring.com. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(215486, '89b61843-23df-46ce-834f-80b7364de1b7', {});

16 Phrasal Verbs with Push - English Lesson via Skype

16 Phrasal Verbs with Push - English Lesson via Skype Here you will learn 16 Phrasal Verbs with Push.Watch this short video lesson and learn 4 phrasal verbs. After that, scroll down for a beautiful infographic and learn 12 more .Enjoy! Phrasal Verbs with Push Hi there.    Welcome to Harrys World of Words and Phrases and English in a Minute.  Were now looking at phrasal verbs with the verb push.  And were going to use prepositions ON, OFF, OVER and AROUND. Okay.  So TO PUSH ON means to get on and get something done.  Oh I have to push on. Ive got lots of work to do and I have to be home by 5 oclock so lets get moving.  PUSH AROUND means to bully somebody up, to get them to do something   Do that. Stop pushing me around.  Okay. We can PUSH OFF which means will you go away and stop annoying you.  Just push off and bother somebody else.  And then PUSH OVER means to knock over so that something falls on the ground  We can use PUSHOVER as a noun.  He isnt a pushover.  Meaning hes not so easy to persuade or hes not so easy to get him to change his mind.  Okay so phrasal verbs connected with PUSH.    Push on means to continue or get going  Push over means to knock over  Push around to bully and  Push off means to go away  Okay so as always sub scribe to our Channel and join us on www.englishlessonviaskype.com and wed be seeing you soon.   Phrasal Verbs with Push - Infographic Don't keep this to yourself, tell the world: PUSH SOMETHING ON TO SOMEONEto force or impose something on to someone when not wantedExample: They keep pushing all the boring tasks on to the new employee. It is not fair.PUSH FORto try to persuade other people to help you achieve somethingExample: The oppostion is trying to push for an early election.PUSH INto move in front of other people who have been waiting in a line for something (British English)Example: He pushed in in front of me not saying a word.  PUSH SOMETHING UPto elevate or lift up somethingExample: Wages were pushed up and the manufacturing sector lost competitiveness.PUSH SOMETHING THROUGHto succeed in getting a law, plan or some proposal officially acceptedExample: Parliament had pushed through a new law.PUSH SOMETHING DOWNto move something to a lower level or decrease the value of somethingExample: Economic problems have pushed the prices down.PUSH AHEADto continue trying to achieve something in a determined wayExample: Federation is pushing ahead with plans to t erminate his contract.PUSH ALONGto go away, to leave (British English, old fashioned)Example: Im afraid Ive got to be pushing along.PUSH BACKto reschedule something for a later time/dateExample: Can we push back this meeting by half an hour?PUSH FORWARDto reschedule something for an earlier time/date than the original meeting, eventExample: The arrival date has been pushed forward to April.PUSH ASIDEto ignore or disregard somethingExample: She pushed negative thoughts aside and tried to relax.PUSH SOMEONE AWAYto distance yourself from other people, to refuse to be close with themExample: I keep pushing people away because Im afraid I may hurt them.

Teaching in the Middle East with your family Kuwait vs Dubai (With job postings)

Teaching in the Middle East with your family Kuwait vs Dubai (With job postings) While many teachers dream of living abroad, they can often feel scared to make such a big life change. That change can feel even more daunting when you’re relocating with your family. Despite the potential hurdles you might encounter on the way, though, there are so many great reasons to raise your family abroad. The benefits of moving overseas with your family Teaching abroad is a life-changing opportunity for your whole family to witness the world from a culture that differs from your own. Your children will get access to a diverse and unique education, becoming truly global citizens and developing a stronger understanding of other cultures and backgrounds in the process. Plus, it’s a great chance for them to experience more of the world and even learn a new language! Kicking off your research Anyone with parental responsibilities will know that, regardless of where you choose to live in the world, there are a number of issues relating to the needs of your family that have to be taken into careful consideration. The quality and cost of living, especially, are important things you need to think about when living and teaching abroad with children. So, if you’re thinking of taking the plunge and teaching abroad with your family, your next step should be to undertake some in-depth research into the most family-friendly teach abroad destinations out there. As you’re googling, more often than not, you’ll probably see the Middle East topping most lists, if not all, as the most attractive location for experienced educators with families. This is, in large part, due to the tax-free salary and sweet parental perks like free tuition. The best country in the Middle East for teachers with families While many teaching families do end up living in or near cities in the UAE, like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, it's still well worth investigating other countries in the Middle East you may have otherwise overlooked in your search. Especially Kuwait - one of the most family-friendly teach abroad destinations in the world. Right now, Teach Away is recruiting experienced educators for a wide range of teaching jobs at the American United School of Kuwait (all of which offer unbeatable family perks): Math teachers Science teachers English teachers Kindergarten teachers Elementary teachers Elementary counselor ELA teacher ICT teachers High school PE teachers Librarian/Information Specialist AP economics teacher AP environmental science teacher AP geography teacher AP English teacher Despite their close proximity, Kuwait and Dubai offer very different things to teachers looking to raise children abroad. Here’s why Kuwait might be a better fit for you and your family: 1. Teaching salaries in Kuwait are higher. This isn’t to say that teaching salaries in Dubai aren’t also sought after (they are). But the vastly higher cost of living in Dubai is bound to eat into a fairly large portion of your take-home pay. Especially given the fact that you won’t be on the hook for housing or tuition, your saving potential will be much higher in Kuwait. Depending on your teaching experience and subject, teaching salaries at Kuwait international schools, such as the American United School of Kuwait and American Creativity Academy Kuwait range from about $2,500 - 4,800 USD monthly, tax-free. Which leads us to our next point: 2. The cost of living in Kuwait is lower than Dubai. Compared with Dubai, Kuwait is far more affordable for families. While Dubai offers an incredible lifestyle, it comes at a high cost. In fact, Dubai was recently ranked the eighth-most-expensive city to live in the world. Although not necessarily a hard-and-fast rule, we often find that fast-paced Dubai is a better fit for single teachers or child-free teaching couples, rather than families. Want to find out your earning potential teaching anywhere in the world? Get a decent idea of what you can expect with the help of our free teach abroad salary calculator! 3. The lifestyle in Kuwait is more kid-friendly. Overall, the lifestyle in Kuwait is more laid back and less hectic than the bustle of Dubai. The climate and outdoors activities offered by both Kuwait and Dubai are quite similar - there’s plenty of sunshine and easy access to beaches in both locations. However, Kuwait has much lower humidity levels, making it more comfortable to play outside for young children year round. The traffic in Dubai - especially during rush hour - is chaotic. This can be a rough transition if your children are used to a quieter pace of life. Also, although Dhabi is justifiably world famous for its luxurious restaurants, the local cuisine in Kuwait is, in a word, sensational. There are also plenty of grocery stores selling important western foods that aren’t ridiculously overpriced - thanks to the fact that there are also no taxes in Kuwait. 4. The quality of education is exceptional in Kuwait - and tuition is free. Finding the right school for your children to attend won’t be much of a struggle in Kuwait. Over 60% of the population is made up of expats and it’s home to a thriving international community. When it comes to education options for your family, Kuwait definitely clinches the top spot. With programs like the American United School of Kuwait covering tuition for successful candidates with children, you can take your pick of over 90 international schools in the region, offering a range of curricula including UK, US and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses of study. Teaching jobs in Kuwait in 2018 Search and apply for the latest teaching jobs with the American United School of Kuwait Search and apply for the latest teaching jobs with the American Creativity Academy 5. Accommodation in Kuwait is more suited to families. Unless you want to live further outside of the city, expect sky-high rental and property prices in Dubai. If you’re looking for a living space with a garden for your children to play in, Kuwait is your best bet. 6. Kuwait is a great base to explore the world. Are you a family of aspiring globetrotters? One of the biggest benefits of teaching abroad is all the time you’ll have to travel as a family - thanks to the ample vacation time. Not only is Kuwait a wonderful place to raise kids - it's also a great base to travel the world from. It happens to be conveniently located smack bang in the middle of the other major Middle Eastern and South Asian countries. Kuwait offers lots of direct flights to cities in Europe, the Middle East and Asia - even Australia and New Zealand! So there you have it, folks - just a few of the reasons why Kuwait is the best country for teaching families to move to in the Middle East! If you’re thinking about taking the leap and moving abroad to teach with your kids, don’t forget that doing your research and preparing as much as possible will ensure a smooth move and help you and your family settle into your new life in no time at all. As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

10 tips for teaching in ESL classrooms

10 tips for teaching in ESL classrooms Are you gearing up for a new adventure as an ESL teacher abroad? An experienced educator heading overseas to teach looking to learn some teaching strategies for the ESL classroom? If you fall into either of these categories, this blog post is for you! I’ve been in your shoes before - I lived in the UAE for six years, teaching English language learners (ELLs). While teaching students who have a limited understanding of the English language can feel like a daunting task, at its core, teaching ELLs isn’t really all that fundamentally different from teaching native speakers. The same basic principles should apply as in all good classrooms - a lesson should be organized, engaging and cater to students’ different learning needs. However, there are certain unique challenges - teaching students from an array of cultures, learning styles, education backgrounds, along with a language barrier - that come with teaching in a foreign language classroom. So, before you walk into that classroom on the first day of school, here are 10 top tips every new ESL/ELL teacher needs to know. 1. Bond with your students Picture yourself as a student, sitting in a classroom, with a person at the front of the classroom that comes from a completely different place, has a different culture and speaks a completely different language. That’s intimidating! Simply addressing students by name, greeting each student, physically getting down to their level and making a genuine effort to getting to know them will go a long way in building strong relationships. It’s important to remember, kids don’t learn from people that they don’t like and respect. 2. Create a safe learning environment Students need to feel safe and secure in order to fully express themselves. By creating a positive learning environment, not just physically but emotionally as well, students will be more willing to try new things and, more importantly, practice their English language skills. Correct errors with compassion. ELL students are bound to make mistakes - that’s how they learn! Positive reinforcement strategies, such as rewarding good work and effort, is a great way to not only make students feel safe but also build a rapport with their teacher. It’s also very important to give students time to finish their work and answer questions 0 be patient! ELL students will most likely need to translate a question you’ve asked in their head to their native language, formulate an answer and then translate it back to English. That whole process can take a bit of time, so it’s important when asking questions to give students a chance to think it through rather than demanding a quick immediate answer. Using teaching strategies like Think-Pair-Share will give students the time they require to process information and answer confidently effectively increasing student participation. If you’re considering getting TEFL certified as part of your application for teaching jobs abroad, then check out TEFL certifications that offer additional specializations in teaching English to young learners. 3. Establish routines Children thrive in an environment with routines. Writing a daily agenda, having circle time or a sit-down activity for students when they enter the classroom will help students to find meaning in your lesson plans. Make sure as well to post clear objectives, using “kid-friendly” language. ELL students need to understand the purpose or end goal of the activity or lesson to help them comprehend the content of the lesson. Using exemplars is a great way to bridge the gap between communicating objectives and student comprehension. 4. Make things visual It’s really important to enforce curriculum content with visuals in an ELL classroom. Providing students with easy access to the English language is essential to increasing vocabulary awareness and building confidence. Using bilingual labels to label everyday classroom resources (like chairs, doors, desks, computers, pencils, etc.) will help students absorb new English vocabulary and make it easier for them to communicate with you. Also, word walls are a great way to create print-rich environments. I highly recommend building a visual wall where words are accompanied by a picture to help students match meanings with words. 5. Be adaptable Teaching in an ELL classroom can be unpredictable. I remember working so hard on preparing a lesson plan only to arrive into my classroom, explain the activity and...cue a series of blank faces. OK, I thought, maybe the point of the activity wasn’t clear, so I adjusted my explanation and still...blank faces. It’s important to bear in mind that lesson activities can (and will) fall flat on a number of occasions. As a result, I had to become flexible within my lessons and prepare multiple ways to teach a certain concept in advance. Preparation is key! Quick aside: The phrase, “do you understand?” should never, in my opinion, be uttered in an ESL/ELL classroom. Students are frequently eager to please their teacher and will almost always answer this question in the affirmative. 6. Teach by doing Small practices that we, as native English speakers, can take for granted, can make learning English a whole lot easier. Do everything out loud (think think alouds!) and make sure to demonstrate concepts multiple ways to increase student understanding and reach multiple learning styles. Using visuals, close activities and graphic organizers can all aid ELL students in their learning. I would often teach the same concept multiple times using different strategies such as singing, videos, actions, stories, etc. By the time I had returned home from teaching abroad, I was no longer just a teacher - I was an actress, singer and author, too! 7. Introduce new vocabulary before use in lesson plans As part of my regular classroom routine, I created a list of words that were related to the weekly themes. At the beginning of each week, we’d go through each word, discussing the meaning and practicing its use in sentences. Each word was posted for the week at the front of the classroom, along with a visual conveying its meaning. I found that allowing students to understand the meaning behind key vocabulary prior to reading a story or starting a science lesson helped students focus less on understanding the meaning of the words, freeing them up to focus on the overall learning objectives of the lesson. After the week was up, I’d post each new word on the word wall that built up throughout the entire school year. 8. Practice differentiated teaching strategies Teaching abroad taught me the importance of differentiation - not just for students that have special needs or individualized educational plans but also for mainstream students that find themselves below, at and above grade level. Differentiation goes so much further than having high, medium and low leveled worksheets and activities. I was able to successfully differentiate by product (allowing students to choose how to display their own learning), process (creating activities that appealed to multiple learning styles) and content (leveling outcomes and activities based on ability). Providing students with choice in learning increased student engagement in my classroom. I used a lot of center-based, hands-on learning activities. I also found grouping students in mixed ability and ability groupings helped them work more independently. For more ideas, check out websites that provide lesson plans and resources for teachers, including Education.com, Scholastic, Share My Lesson and Learning Games For Kids, all designed to help enhance student learning experience in your classroom. 9. Learn about your students’ cultural background ELL students need to retain recently acquired English vocabulary by relating it to their own real-life experiences in order to store it in their long-term memory. Make sure to do some research before going to your international teaching destination and familiarize yourself with the culture, customs and everyday life of your students. Use that knowledge in your classroom to help students retain vocabulary and abstract concepts. If you’re looking for practical ways to help create a more culturally responsive classroom, check out Teach Away’s professional development course for teachers, Culturally Responsive Teaching: Connecting with students and parents of different cultures. 10. Incorporate technology Welcome to the 21st century! We live in a digital world - kids nowadays are growing up in a world dominated by technology tools and apps. Incorporating digital tools and technologies into your curriculum and lesson plans is a great way to reach and engage digitally-savvy students in more creative ways. So, how can you grow your own digital skills as well as those of your students? Get started by trying out some free classroom apps like ClassDojo and Quizlet. Teach Away also recently launched an online course for teachers to help bring digital literacy and learning into the classroom, Digital Learning for the K-8 Classroom, in partnership with Teachers College, Columbia University. So there you have it - our top 10 essential tips for navigating the foreign language classroom. Now that you’re an ESL classroom pro, head on over to the Teach Away job board to apply for the latest teaching job abroad!