Frequently Asked Questions
F.A.Q.
- Do you have beginners' classes?
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Can we continue our sessions into the winter break, summer or next semester?
What kind of focus do the tutorials offer?
The focus of the maintenance tutorials is to practice a language you already know. Most tutorials focus on spoken language and conversation practice. Tutors tend to be very accommodating, and will help you with specific grammar points as the need arises.
Do you have beginners classes?
No, you can't learn a language from scratch by studying once per week. You should contact the language department for the language you wish to study for an introductory course.
We will try to find you a tutor in any language you wish to study! What language interests you for this semester?
Sometimes, though, we are not able to find a qualified tutor for less-common languages. We will inform you of the results of our searches.
Are there groups for all the languages offered?
In order to set up a group we need at least two students of the same level that are available to meet for at least two hours a week. For most common languages, we are usually able to find groups. Nevertheless if students have too few hours available or choose to study a less common language it may not be possible to set group tutorials. In those cases we advise to take an individual tutorial. If you have a friend with your same interest and level in a language, we will be happy to set a group for you!
Do you offer tutorials over the summer?
No. Most of our tutors are not in the city during the all of the summer months, so we cannot guarantee a given number of tutorials or continuity for your meetings. But you can register as soon as the Registrations open in either the Spring or Fall semester, and we'll try to set your tutorial as early in the semester as possible.
At the convenience of the students and teachers, we set up a schedule based on you availability. What days and times work well for you?
Can I know my exact schedule beforehand?
We wil try to find someone who is available to teach the language you want at the times you are available. However, since schedules change semester to semester, we cannot know in advance when a tutor might be able to meet with you. We will make sure that your tutor will be available at least for one of the blocks you marked in your schedule as available. After you meet with the tutor or with your group, and if everyone agrees, you can then change your meeting times to an hour /day that is more convienient for all of you.
The tutors are generally graduate students and instructors in the language departments at Columbia. For less commonly taught languages tutors might be from other departments, preferably with experience teaching. The Language Resource Center periodically offers a training workshop for our LMT Tutors.
We know from experience that knowing how to speak a language - even one's native language - does not guarantee one is able to teach it. We offer training for our tutors and make sure your tutors are qualified to teach. We are sure you will enjoy working with them and will learn from their expertise.
I'd like to focus on legal/ medical/ business/ travel/ conversation. Is there a specialized course in my language?
We'll see if we can find a qualified and interested teacher to help you to maintain your skills in a particular specialization --and if other students are interested, you could even form a language group.
Can we meet twice a week for shorter classes?
Yes, as long as you meet for the right number of hours total an both tutor and student are happy.
May I cancel a session or reschedule?
You may reschedule with 48- hours notice. You may not cancel at the last minute, unless you plan to forfeit that class session. If you are in a conversation group and the other students are able to meet at the regular time and prefer not to reschedule, then you may not reschedule either and you lose that session.
Can we continue our sessions into the winter break, summer or next semester?
No, unless your tutor offers to do this as a special favor to you. We encourage the tutorials to be finished before the end of each semester. All tutorials should be able to meet 10 weeks (during a 16-weeks semester) without going past the year's end, and if tutors and students agree they can meet more than once in a week.
You choose the location in which you want to work. Our tutors work in several places around the campus. Butler Cafe, Cafe 212 in Lerner, some Lerner Hall lounges, Law School lounges, Business School Library, Tom's Kitchen, the department's graduate student offices or departmental lounges, as well as some nearby cafes are among the favorites.
Can I get credit for the tutorial?
No, that's what the language departments are for!
Can I get my department or graduate fellowship to pay?
Ask your department --Some departments have sponsored the tutorials for their students. And check the subsidies and grants that we have available for this semester.