Professors and Scholars in Chemistry at McGill University

Professors and Scholars in Chemistry at McGill UniversityMcGill University Chemistry is one of the oldest college chemistry programs in Canada. The program is the first of its kind in Canada, having only opened its doors in 1968. The program features a world-class faculty of nearly 200 professors and offers experienced alumni and student faculty that has been involved in chemistry education for over thirty years.This chemistry department is home to a lot of researchers in the field of chemistry. From eminent members of the Canadian and American scientific community, to internationally renowned professors and researchers in chemistry, it is a family affair.The McGill Chemistry program offers several undergraduate programs. They include Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, Bachelor of Science in Physics, Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering, and Bachelor of Science in Biotechno logy.The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program, which is only four years long, prepares students for careers in a variety of professions, including in industry, the government, and medicine. It also provides students with a solid grounding in the application of knowledge in the realm of chemistry. Students who graduate from this program find that they have the tools to advance their careers and reach their goals in the world of science.The Bachelor of Science in Physics offers a slightly longer program than the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program and prepares students for careers in research, industry, government, and academia. In the program, students are taught about physics and the history of the discovery of the universe and the planets. Some of the most famous physicists of the modern era graduated from this program, and many of them are world-renowned.The Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering is designed for students who would like to go on to a Bachelor's degree or further studies in this field. In this program, students learn all about the practical applications of chemical engineering, as well as the vital role that knowledge and creativity play in the creative process.The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics is also designed for students who would like to further their education or want to get a Bachelor's degree in mathematics. This program is highly popular among students who want to get a higher level of education in mathematics and wants to delve more deeply into the subject.

Pilates at Home

Pilates at Home How to Do Pilates at Home ChaptersHistory of the Pilates MethodWhy Do Your Pilates Workout at Home?How to Get Started with Pilates at HomePilates for Beginners at HomeWhether you’re already a Pilates junkie who wants to be able to work out at home without having to travel to a Pilates studio or gym, or you’re a busy parent that doesn’t have room for Pilates classes in their schedule, finding out the best way to incorporate Pilates into your routine at home can keep you fit as well as keeping your time free.There are many benefits to doing your Pilates exercise at home. In addition to saving time, you’ll also save money on Pilates lessons, and if you’re someone who struggles to get going in the mornings, a quick Pilates routine in your lounge might just be the antidote.When it comes to taking up any form of exercise or a new hobby, getting started can often be a tough and confusing time when everyone seems to want to overload you with advice. Bombarded with information from the personal experiences o f others in your situation as well as the many rumours that circulate about various exercise techniques, just ‘having a go’ can feel daunting.When starting a new sport, it’s important that you follow your own path. Listen to your body and try not to measure your own progress against anyone else’s but your own.Before you start doing Pilates at home, you might want to consider going to a beginners Pilates class.The benefit of being taught by a qualified Pilates instructor is that they can advise you on your technique and correct your method if need be. This will help you get used to what Pilates is supposed to feel like and give you more confidence when going it alone at home.So, to learn more about the origins of the Pilates method, the wellness benefits of home workouts and how to prepare for an at-home Pilates session, as well as learning some basic Pilates exercises, read on! CarleyYoga Teacher 5.00 (5) £100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LynnYoga Teacher 4.89 (9) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GenYoga Teacher £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JulieYoga Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AliceYoga Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LauraYoga Teacher 5.00 (6) £70/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors UndramYoga Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LottieYoga Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHistory of the Pilates MethodWhat is Pilates? Contrary to what many people think, Pilates is not a style of yoga.In fact, Pilates has its origins in the early 20th century, whereas yoga is known to be thousands of years old.The practice of Pilates is named after its founder, Joseph Pilates. Joseph Pilates grew up in Germany studying martial arts and bodybuilding with the aim of making and keeping his full body strong and healthy. His motivation to get fit came from spending his childhood suffering from illnesses including asthma, rickets and rheum atic fever, which left his body in a weak condition.Through various methods, including gymnastics, boxing and diving, by his teenage year, Pilates had built a frame which was so toned and  well-defined that he was being paid to model for anatomical drawings.Master the art of yoga near me.Pilates was developed as a means of rehabilitation ¦ source: Pixabay - keifitHis knowledge of the various total body workout techniques used across the world formed a basis for his own method, the method of Pilates that we know today, which he called ‘Contrology’.When the First World War broke out, Pilates, who had been working in England as a circus performer, was interned in a British camp due to his German nationality. In the camp, he took on some responsibilities in the sickbay where he worked as a nurse. This was where he started to develop and refine the equipment that is used in Pilates today, such as the Pilates reformer and Cadillac, as he sought ways to help patients improve their str ength and recover without further injury.Joseph Pilates set up the first ever Pilates studio in New York City in 1926, and the rest is history!Why Do Your Pilates Workout at Home?There are many reasons why you might want to practice your Pilates routine at home. Maybe you already go to all of the classes available at your local leisure centre and you just can’t get enough of it, or perhaps you already have a good idea of the basics and want to save a bit of extra cash.Whatever your motives for doing Pilates at home, there are many benefits to home workouts to be considered:Extra comfort: In your own house, there’s no need to put on your best activewear, do your make up, or brush your hair to look presentable. Enjoy a hassle-free Pilates session.Do it your way: Some people feel self-conscious taking part in large Pilates classes, especially men who may think it is a female form of fitness, so staying at home to do Pilates is a good option if you take comfort in the fact that no o ne is watching. Do your workout how you like it!Save money: Gym subscriptions and even costs for one-off classes can be costly, so doing Pilates at home can help you save for a rainy day.Save time: If your family or professional life is particularly demanding, you may not have the time to travel to and from a Pilates studio.A great start to the day: If you’re someone who needs to do a bit of moving around to get going in the mornings, Pilates is a great way to stretch your tired muscles and get energised.How to Get Started with Pilates at HomeDoing your first Pilates workout at home can feel quite strange, especially if you’re used to the studio atmosphere.But if you’re thinking about making at-home Pilates sessions part of your routine, what do you need to know? Learning the Pilates BasicsTo get started doing Pilates on your own in a way that you feel comfortable, you’ll need to get advice on the basics of Pilates at the very least so that you can get to know what is correc t and the effects that Pilates should have on your body.There are several places you can get advice, each with their own pros and cons:Pilates instructor: This is by far the best way to get professional advice before you start conducting Pilates workouts on your own. Take a course at a Pilates studio or leisure centre, try some of the movements at home and speak to your instructor about how you get on. This is also advisable if you are pregnant.Fitness websites: Less hands-on but much more accessible than in-person help, you can consult the internet for Pilates guidance. Websites such as Verywellfit feature entire Pilates workouts as well as advice on other aspects of fitness.DVD or YouTube: Fitness videos have been around for decades, and since they’re usually led by professionals, they’re often the next best thing to taking exercise classes. Why not buy yourself a Pilates DVD or search YouTube to find a Pilates video that suits you?Pilates EquipmentThe beauty of Pilates is its adaptability.Whether you have access to the specialist apparatus or all you own is a yoga mat, you can reap the same benefits from this method of exercise ¦ source: Pixabay - Ben_KerckxHere are some items of Pilates equipment you may wish to use at home:Exercise mat: This is an essential item you probably already have. The purpose of a Pilates mat is to prevent you from slipping whilst supporting your weight on the ground. They also provide some cushioning when laid on a hard floor.Resistance bands: These are common on Pilates studios. Hook your resistance band around your feet or knees (depending on the exercise) and work against them to build strength. They can also help to build flexibility.Resistance ring: This is one piece of Pilates apparatus which is small enough to keep at home. Also known as the ‘magic circle’, the resistance ring is used to help people find their centre and provide resistance.Pilates for Beginners at HomeFor those who are completely new to Pilates, i t can be hard to know what to expect.Here are three basic Pilates moves you’re likely to find in any Pilates routine:Rolling Like a BallThis is a fun exercise which engages the abdominal muscles as well as offering a massage for your upper and lower back!Begin in a seated position with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor in front on you. Next, lift your feet up off the floor, balancing on your seat bones, hook your hands around the backs of your knees and use your core to rock your whole body back and forth on the mat.Criss-CrossYou may have seen this exercise being done in gyms before. It’s one of the more challenging exercises but works your entire powerhouse.Laying down, lift your head and neck and put your hands behind your head. Then, lift both straight legs off the floor at a 45-degree angle. Next, bend one knee so that it comes towards you whilst bringing your head towards it at the same time. Repeat other side and repeat this simultaneous movement.The 100This exercise is fundamental to Pilates, and it’s also one of the simplest moves. The 100 raises the heart rate, making it perfect for a warm-up.Start by lying on your back with your knees bent and above your hips so that your calves form a right angle with your thighs. Engage your core and bring your head and shoulders off the ground. Next, hold your arms in a straight line with your hips with your palms facing down. Starting moving your hands up and down, inhaling for every five counts and exhaling for another five counts. The challenge is to hold this for 100 counts, but aim for a smaller number if you need to.Perhaps, even after all of this, you would still be interested in finding a studio of yoga near me...

English Vowel Pronunciation Exam - with Audio

English Vowel Pronunciation Exam - with Audio Assessment by Kate YoonVoice by Teauna PetersHow isyour English pronunciation?LOI English has created a self assessment, with recordings that you can compare yourself to.Instructions: Read aloud the sentence. Ask yourself the question. Your answer should be yes.Rate the level of difficulty 0-5 (0=Not difficult, 5=very difficult).1. Please believe that meat, beans, and cheese are good to eat. Eat them at least three times a week.Q: Are your [i] sounds long? Does it sound like the recording? Level of difficulty (0-5)?2. Jims big sister swims a little bit. It keeps her fit, slim, and trim.Q: Are your [?] sounds short?Does it sound like the recording? Level of difficulty (0-5)?3.Babe Ruth was a famous baseball player. He became a baseball legend.Q: Does each [ei] vowel sound like ay in day?Does it sound like the recording? Level of difficulty (0-5)?4. Ten times seven is seventy. Seven times eleven is seventy-seven.Q: Are your [?] sounds short?Does it sound like the recording? Level of di fficulty (0-5)?5.The Titanic was a grand and elaborate ship that had over 2,000 passengers.Q: Do you open your mouth more for [æ] than for [?]?Does it sound like the recording? Level of difficulty (0-5)?6.During Thanksgiving, children eat turkey and learn about the early settlers who journeyed to America.Q: Do ur, ear, and our sound the same when you say them?Does it sound like the recording? Level of difficulty (0-5)?7.Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor, rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief!Q: Do er, or, ier, and ar sound the same when you say them?Does it sound like the recording? Level of difficulty (0-5)?8.Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America comprise five of the continents. South America is another continent.Q: Do all of the boldfaced letters sound the same when you say them?Does it sound like the recording? Level of difficulty (0-5)?9.New Orleans is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. It has good food and music.Q: Are your [u] sounds long?Does i t sound like the recording? Level of difficulty (0-5)?10.Little Red Riding Hood is one of my favorite childhood books. When I was little, I would read it whenever I could.Q: Are your [?] sounds shorter than your [u] sounds?Does it sound like the recording? Level of difficulty (0-5)?11.Turn the oven up to three hundred degrees and bake one-half hour or until done.Q: Does each boldfaced letter sound like the u in fun or sun?Does it sound like the recording? Level of difficulty (0-5)?12.I dont want to go to Rome. We dont know anyone there. Lets go to Arizona instead.Q: Are your [o?] sounds long?Does it sound like the recording? Level of difficulty (0-5)?13.He talked to an audience of more than fourteen thousand. According to newspaper reports, his speech was lauded.Q: Do al and au sound the same when you say them?Does it sound like the recording? Level of difficulty (0-5)?14.The U.S. Constitution is the basis of U.S. democracy. It has been constant but responsive to change.Q: Does your [?] vowel sound like ah when you say it?Does it sound like the recording? Level of difficulty (0-5)?15.Did you hear the loud sounds outside last night? Our neighbors were shouting and howling.Q: Is your mouth wide open when you say [a] in [a?]?Does it sound like the recording? Level of difficulty (0-5)?16.Good liars can be quite likeable, have a charming style, and can look you right in the eye.Q: Is your tongue near the roof of your mouth when you say [?] in [a?]?Does it sound like the recording? Level of difficulty (0-5)?17.We have quite a choice of toys. Let me point out this train. Your boy will enjoy it, Mr. Lloyd.Q: Do your lips start out oval shaped and quickly flatten when you say [??]?Does it sound like the recording? Level of difficulty (0-5)?How did you do? Any soundsthat you scored 3, 4, or 5 on are the ones you should be studying. LOI English offers individual English pronunciation classes with native speakers who are trained to help you.You can study 7-10 vowels with up to 3 review lessons in a 5-hour pronunciation course or 12-17 vowels with up to 5 reviews in a 10-hour pronunciation course.Click here to learn more and register. Write down your scores and share them with the teacher, and well be able to start quickly!

Can a Private Math Tutor Help - Private Tutoring

Can a Private Math Tutor Help Jelena Jan 13, 2016 The transition from early math of elementary school to that of middle and high school can be difficult for many kids.   Its also a time when parents are frequently in search of academic assistance and support in areas such as English, languages or looking for a quality 7th grade math tutor.   Whether you’d like your child to earn higher grades or just to make academic life easier for your child, tutoring is always a good option. 7th grade is a big step further into various mathematical areas such as algebra, geometry, measurements, fractions and so much more.   What your student learns this year will be the basis for higher level mathematics, and we are all aware that the base is what makes the house stable and firm, so making sure kids firmly understand the fundamentals now is critical for future success. Why Tutoring? Students in 7th grade are in transition at this age and children often have problems concentrating and keep the focus on the topic at hand. They wander away, don’t listen closely and math is not the first thing on their “to do” list when they get home. Tutoring will help your child understand what he or she missed in class as well as getting additional practice for the topic being covered. For my son, when I realized that he had a gap in what he knew and what he was expected to know about mid-year, the tutor was able to help him get an understanding on those topics well before his 7th grade final exam. Private Tutors Build Confidence and Help Students Grow Your private tutor will encourage children who have problems and/or a fear of failure; they will explain it’s not about the mark they will get, it’s about the knowledge they have. They need to understand the importance of problem solving and how it affects their way of thinking. Most of the children (and adults!) just think about the solution or the results, while the actual meaning of mathematics is the problem-solving way that shapes the way we think rationally and logically all our lives. 7th-grade Math Homework Help Tutors will always make sure homework is done, and the unit has been completely understood before moving on to the next topic. 7th-grade math has many new things that need additional explanations or examples; some students are too shy to ask the teacher to repeat or explain the problematic part to them, because they are ashamed or they think everybody else except them understands (And to all you students out there, you are NOT the only one who doesnt get it). Tutors are always there to answer the student’s question and make sure the unit is clear. At Home Tutors are There to Support and Give Answers When You Can’t Another important plus for hiring a tutor is time management. Parents usually don’t have as much time as they would like to sit and help their children with homework or to explain to them what they don’t understand. Tutoring will make sure your child has all the support and help he needs to understand the matter and to score well on the next test. 7th-grade homework help can be challenging even for adults; we forget those formulas and equations, and we can’t help if we don’t know, right? What are the Areas of 7th-Grade Math? Theres a ton of topics covered during this academic year.   Its truly a transition from lower level math.   7th-grade math areas are: Numbers and operations:   rational/irrational numbers, square roots, proportional reasoning, problems with discounts, tax, rates, work with decimals, integers, and fractions Geometry and measurement: angles, problems with various geometric shapes/figures, sketching them, analyzing, constructing, measuring them, etc. Functions and algebra: variables, algebraic expressions, simple formulas and simplification of algebraic equation Data, statistics and probability: analyzing the data to justify conclusions and make predictions, experiments, range, mode, mean and median, representation of data, various predictions and determinations of events, etc. Private Math Tutoring Makes Sure Your Child Understands the Subject Matter Personalized attention for students is imperative because they often get lost in new things they havent come across before and when you have so much to deal with, you lose your focus and will to work and study because you are overwhelmed.   Kids are also easily frustrated and discouraged at this age, so struggles in school make for some challenging times for both parents and kids.   Private tutoring offers a chance to get really into the matter and understand the root of the topic. Without understanding the basics, students will get lost until the end of school year. Unfortunately, once a student falls behind in math, catching up the next year becomes more difficult.   So staying on track through each year makes for an easier and better academic year. Pre-Test Examples for Reducing Stress and Anxiety Private tutoring offers a chance to keep up with school and even be ahead of the class. It all depends on the time needed for understanding and time available for practice. Tutors give homework and tests similar to those at school. These pre-test tests are helpful because they psychologically prepare the student for the upcoming exam pressure. Many students do not do as well as they might because of the fear they have, or they are too focused on scoring well than in solving the problem right. Pre-tests give them the chance to get to know how the test might look and what are the problems they might find on the school test. Setting the students mind in the right “mood” for math problem solving is crucial for success. The way of thinking and logic is what math is trying to help each of us develop. For the Future As mentioned, 7th-grade math is the basis for further education, and if this base is solid, the education will be solid, and the student won’t have major academic problems later. Investing in math tutoring is one of the best things you can do for your child. You are giving him or her a chance to become better and to develop a new way of thinking. A student will have time to understand the topics, and the tutor will make sure to ignite the fire of knowledge in your child. People who do their job with love and purpose can have a significant influence on younger people. Tutors are trained professionals who love teaching and sharing their knowledge. Finding a Great 7th Grade Math Tutor Online Private Tutors The Internet gives us many great things, and one of them is online tutoring. It saves you time from commuting.   Its a great option to explore if in home tutors in the topics you need arent available. Tutoring online is great; it allows you to do things at your own pace in the comfort of your home. These days we can get all the knowledge we need in just one click and find a great tutor that has the ability to help us or our kids ace math! Electronic devices are in use in schools all day long. Students are attached to their smartphones, iPads or tablets. Make knowledge easily available and make learning more interesting by introducing an online tutoring platform to them. Use this opportunity and don’t forget â€" knowledge is power. Find the Best Private Tutors At Reasonable Rates - Get Real Results Fast! Choose Your Subject - Add Your Zip Code - Find Top Rated Tutors Today InPerson or Online Online InPerson

Meet the teacher Certified teacher, Bill, in Delhi, India

Meet the teacher Certified teacher, Bill, in Delhi, India Bill, a certified teacher from Bellingham, Washington, began his Teach Away placement at iDiscoveri Education in Gurgaon, South Delhi, India, about 3 weeks ago. Instead of teaching, he is developing a Science Curriculum for the institute. We caught up with him to learn how he’s enjoying his Teach Away experience so far, and to see whether he has any advice for others who are interested in teaching in India or Asia. What interested you in teaching abroad? I worked in China two years ago and I caught the travel bug. I like to experience new places and cultures. I also like to try new and different foods. I’m working for a company that makes educational curricula instead of working as a certified teacher as I’m used to, but the new challenge is interesting. Why did you decide on India specifically? The position in India seemed to be a good match for me. India can be a very challenging place to live, but there are many great things here too if you can be patient and let your Indian experience unfold. Did you have any concerns before you left? What were they? How have those concerns since been mitigated? My biggest concerns were whether I’d be able to handle the demands of the job and adjust to living and working in India. Once my answers were yes to both of those questions, I accepted the position and moved to India. I also read a couple books about living in India and Delhi. That definitely helped ease the transition -- less surprises. My concerns were mostly involved with wrapping up details of one life in the States and beginning fresh on the Indian subcontinent. It just takes lots of time, attention to detail, and lots of patience. Anyone can make the transition if you are willing to experience some culture shock and be patient with your new way of doing things. The culture shock is what makes these experiences so rich. Never a dull moment. Describe your workplace and what a typical workday looks like. Because I’m not currently teaching but designing curriculum, I cannot speak to what a typical day at a school looks like, but I have visited two schools in Delhi. I found the classes to be very teacher-directed. I think Indian schools could benefit from a professional exchange with other teachers from around the world. Every teacher who works overseas has an opportunity to make a small ripple in a very large pond. Sometimes, combined ripples become waves of change. What have you learned about life in India from your teaching experience? What do you like the most? The spirit of the local people and what it means to be Indian is the best and I’m enjoying learning about this. I could take a lifetime to fully understand the nuances, but even after three weeks in India, I am already learning that it is a big, diverse, and amazing country with a very rich and storied history. I will probably just scratch the surface while I am here, but it will be a scratch/itch I will always cherish. What have you noticed about the education system in India? The students are very respectful of teachers and adults in India. Because of this, classrooms can seem a bit formal -- this means students standing to ask and answer questions at times, students clapping when a classmate gives a correct answer, etc. It’s quite different than the middle school I taught at in the States. What is your favourite meal that you’ve had? My favorite meal so far has been chicken masala prepared by my personal cook and housekeeper. Hey, life is good...a western salary in India goes a long way! What’s your neighbourhood like? I looked at 10 apartments and then decided to commute to work by metro train. It was important to me to live in a professional community with like-minded people, but with a local twist. I also wanted a rich cultural experience with lots to do nearby. I found all that in South Delhi. It means that I commute one hour each way, door to door, each day, 30 minutes of which is on metro train (modern subway). Do you have any tips for teachers who are looking to apply to teach in India? My tip is do lots of reading and research before you take the plunge in the deep end of the pool. Talk to lots of people. Try to do some traveling that’s unusual or off the beaten path before you head off to be sure you have the physical and mental toughness to acclimatize to new or challenging places. Then when you find a place that you love, and it feels right, go for it, and don't look back. Where would you like to go next? I may return to China sometime. My Mandarin started to show some real progress!

2014 italki New Years Language Challenge Review

2014 italki New Years Language Challenge Review Congratulations to everyone who participated in our 2014 italki New Years Language Challenge!  This was our largest Language Challenge to date with  hundreds of Challengers learning more than 30+ languages on italki! We had representation from Challengers from over 50 countries all over the world! Language Challenge Results   Heres a quick summary of the Language Challenge results! The Language Challenge is Completely  Achievable! Out of the hundreds of Language Challenge participants, just under  50% (48%) completed the Challenge!  Is this Language Challenge too easy?!? Out of the Language Challenge Winners 40% actually completed more than 30 sessions or more! Instant Tutoring  significantly helped many of the Challengers finish the Challenge!   If you really want to improve your Language ability, the Language Challenge works!   In just 6-weeks many of our Language Challenge participants went from zero language ability to fluency!  Some of our Challengers were so happy with their results that they submitted videos of their speaking ability before and after!  We were very impressed. Watch these before and after videos! John was one of our Challenge participants who was learning Portuguese because he is going to the World Cup in Brazil!  He pretty much  started with ZERO Portuguese ability.  His improvement is absolutely amazing and inspiring!  Click here to view his before and after video. Challengers who made a Public Video Pledge are more likely to complete the Challenge! 85% of the Challenges who actually put up a Public Video Pledge actually completed the Challenge (compared to only 48% of those who did not). (Our Challenge  confirmed what  Life Hacks research  concluded that  if you put yourself up to something by doing it in public, you follow through!  Things that you put on the Web have a better chance of getting done!) Advice:  If you are planning on taking the Challenge in the future, make a Public Video Pledge, it will help you reach your goal! Challenge Demographic Breakdowns Challenger Distribution North America (U.S.A. Canada) 30% Western Europe 25% Eastern Europe 11% Asia 16% South America 4% Top 10 Languages Learned in the Challenge 1.  English 2.  Spanish 3.  French 4. Chinese 5.  German 6.  Japanese 7.  Russian 8.  Portuguese 9.  Korean 10.  Arabic Interesting Tidbits! We had a lot of italki teachers who took the Challenge as well!  Actually Teachers as a whole did much better than students!  More than 60% of the teachers who took the Challenge completed it! Chinese, Germans, Russian and Spaniards have the highest completion rate!  50% or more of Challengers from these countries complete the Challenge! Challenge participants from the United States are on par with a 48% completion rate! We had  one italki Language Challenger who completed over 100 sessions during the Challenge!  That’s more than 2 session a day!  You know who you are and you absolutely rock! We’ve gotten tons of positive responses from our 2014 italki New Years Challenge.  If you enjoyed this challenge or would like to participate in future italki Language Challenges, please click on the link below. I want to receive more information about  future italki Language Challenges! One Last Note As a surprise bonus, we actually decided to give away free italki t-shirts to all the winners! This was quite difficult to do as we needed to mail out the t-shirts by hand to winners in over  50+ countries! If you send us a post a photo of yourself online wearing your italki t-shirt and let us know the link, we know there is at least one guy who would be very, very happy that he took the trouble to navigate through the Chinese Postal System. Lamar pushing a box of t-shirts to the Post Office 2014 italki New Years Language Challenge Review Congratulations to everyone who participated in our 2014 italki New Years Language Challenge!  This was our largest Language Challenge to date with  hundreds of Challengers learning more than 30+ languages on italki! We had representation from Challengers from over 50 countries all over the world! Language Challenge Results   Heres a quick summary of the Language Challenge results! The Language Challenge is Completely  Achievable! Out of the hundreds of Language Challenge participants, just under  50% (48%) completed the Challenge!  Is this Language Challenge too easy?!? Out of the Language Challenge Winners 40% actually completed more than 30 sessions or more! Instant Tutoring  significantly helped many of the Challengers finish the Challenge!   If you really want to improve your Language ability, the Language Challenge works!   In just 6-weeks many of our Language Challenge participants went from zero language ability to fluency!  Some of our Challengers were so happy with their results that they submitted videos of their speaking ability before and after!  We were very impressed. Watch these before and after videos! John was one of our Challenge participants who was learning Portuguese because he is going to the World Cup in Brazil!  He pretty much  started with ZERO Portuguese ability.  His improvement is absolutely amazing and inspiring!  Click here to view his before and after video. Challengers who made a Public Video Pledge are more likely to complete the Challenge! 85% of the Challenges who actually put up a Public Video Pledge actually completed the Challenge (compared to only 48% of those who did not). (Our Challenge  confirmed what  Life Hacks research  concluded that  if you put yourself up to something by doing it in public, you follow through!  Things that you put on the Web have a better chance of getting done!) Advice:  If you are planning on taking the Challenge in the future, make a Public Video Pledge, it will help you reach your goal! Challenge Demographic Breakdowns Challenger Distribution North America (U.S.A. Canada) 30% Western Europe 25% Eastern Europe 11% Asia 16% South America 4% Top 10 Languages Learned in the Challenge 1.  English 2.  Spanish 3.  French 4. Chinese 5.  German 6.  Japanese 7.  Russian 8.  Portuguese 9.  Korean 10.  Arabic Interesting Tidbits! We had a lot of italki teachers who took the Challenge as well!  Actually Teachers as a whole did much better than students!  More than 60% of the teachers who took the Challenge completed it! Chinese, Germans, Russian and Spaniards have the highest completion rate!  50% or more of Challengers from these countries complete the Challenge! Challenge participants from the United States are on par with a 48% completion rate! We had  one italki Language Challenger who completed over 100 sessions during the Challenge!  That’s more than 2 session a day!  You know who you are and you absolutely rock! We’ve gotten tons of positive responses from our 2014 italki New Years Challenge.  If you enjoyed this challenge or would like to participate in future italki Language Challenges, please click on the link below. I want to receive more information about  future italki Language Challenges! One Last Note As a surprise bonus, we actually decided to give away free italki t-shirts to all the winners! This was quite difficult to do as we needed to mail out the t-shirts by hand to winners in over  50+ countries! If you send us a post a photo of yourself online wearing your italki t-shirt and let us know the link, we know there is at least one guy who would be very, very happy that he took the trouble to navigate through the Chinese Postal System. Lamar pushing a box of t-shirts to the Post Office 2014 italki New Years Language Challenge Review Congratulations to everyone who participated in our 2014 italki New Years Language Challenge!  This was our largest Language Challenge to date with  hundreds of Challengers learning more than 30+ languages on italki! We had representation from Challengers from over 50 countries all over the world! Language Challenge Results   Heres a quick summary of the Language Challenge results! The Language Challenge is Completely  Achievable! Out of the hundreds of Language Challenge participants, just under  50% (48%) completed the Challenge!  Is this Language Challenge too easy?!? Out of the Language Challenge Winners 40% actually completed more than 30 sessions or more! Instant Tutoring  significantly helped many of the Challengers finish the Challenge!   If you really want to improve your Language ability, the Language Challenge works!   In just 6-weeks many of our Language Challenge participants went from zero language ability to fluency!  Some of our Challengers were so happy with their results that they submitted videos of their speaking ability before and after!  We were very impressed. Watch these before and after videos! John was one of our Challenge participants who was learning Portuguese because he is going to the World Cup in Brazil!  He pretty much  started with ZERO Portuguese ability.  His improvement is absolutely amazing and inspiring!  Click here to view his before and after video. Challengers who made a Public Video Pledge are more likely to complete the Challenge! 85% of the Challenges who actually put up a Public Video Pledge actually completed the Challenge (compared to only 48% of those who did not). (Our Challenge  confirmed what  Life Hacks research  concluded that  if you put yourself up to something by doing it in public, you follow through!  Things that you put on the Web have a better chance of getting done!) Advice:  If you are planning on taking the Challenge in the future, make a Public Video Pledge, it will help you reach your goal! Challenge Demographic Breakdowns Challenger Distribution North America (U.S.A. Canada) 30% Western Europe 25% Eastern Europe 11% Asia 16% South America 4% Top 10 Languages Learned in the Challenge 1.  English 2.  Spanish 3.  French 4. Chinese 5.  German 6.  Japanese 7.  Russian 8.  Portuguese 9.  Korean 10.  Arabic Interesting Tidbits! We had a lot of italki teachers who took the Challenge as well!  Actually Teachers as a whole did much better than students!  More than 60% of the teachers who took the Challenge completed it! Chinese, Germans, Russian and Spaniards have the highest completion rate!  50% or more of Challengers from these countries complete the Challenge! Challenge participants from the United States are on par with a 48% completion rate! We had  one italki Language Challenger who completed over 100 sessions during the Challenge!  That’s more than 2 session a day!  You know who you are and you absolutely rock! We’ve gotten tons of positive responses from our 2014 italki New Years Challenge.  If you enjoyed this challenge or would like to participate in future italki Language Challenges, please click on the link below. I want to receive more information about  future italki Language Challenges! One Last Note As a surprise bonus, we actually decided to give away free italki t-shirts to all the winners! This was quite difficult to do as we needed to mail out the t-shirts by hand to winners in over  50+ countries! If you send us a post a photo of yourself online wearing your italki t-shirt and let us know the link, we know there is at least one guy who would be very, very happy that he took the trouble to navigate through the Chinese Postal System. Lamar pushing a box of t-shirts to the Post Office

Brazilian Gringo italki Challenge Update 1

Brazilian Gringo italki Challenge Update 1 Josh is taking the language challenge to learn Spanish.  He posted about his experiences on his website Brazilian Gringo a blog that was born out of a need to share a more realistic perspective about Brazil, and our mission here is to share language and cultural insights to make Brazil more accessible for people to live, work and do business. Reposted with permission. Original post here. A few weeks ago I announced that I was participating in the iTalki challenge to improve my Spanish since I am going to be living in Chile for a while. I wanted to give a quick update on what’s been happening since then both in regards to life and language learning. Shortly after making that announcement I got news that my grandfather was ill, so I flew back to the US to see him before he passed away. Fortunately I was able to go back and see him in the hospital one last time before he died. My father passed away a few years ago while I was in Brazil and the worst part about that experience was  not being able to be near my family while they were all grieving. This time I didn’t get to miss any of the fun of crying at  the hospital. I’ve been in the US for about two weeks now, which though unexpected is kind of nice. I’ve been on the record as saying that I don’t like living in the US, but it’s really not that bad since I’m spending 90% of my time with my family.  Though I’ll be glad to be out of here again in a few weeks, I’ll also be genuinely sad to leave this time. Coming back to the US disrupted my plans to learn Chilean Spanish a bit though. I was planning on taking 2-3 hours of classes a week for the 6 weeks of the challenge, and supplement that study time with interactions with Chileans in Santiago. Things were pretty hectic so I have only taken a few hours of classes so far, but now that I’ve  got a routine here things will progress more smoothly. As far as the lessons go, I’m really enjoying my teacher. He is a complete language nerd as well, and speaks something like 7 languages to varying degrees of fluency. He showed me this cool trick where he called his cousin and they spoke a hybrid language of English and Spanish where they would switch languages every few words. Being able to switch between languages like that is a pretty cool skill to have. Speaking both Spanish and Portuguese presents some challenges because of how similar the two languages are.  Being able to go back and forth between the two takes a bit of work, though it is still easier for me to speak Portuguese. I can speak Spanish reasonably well, but I still haven’t  attached my  identity to the Spanish language like I have with Portuguese. I’m not sure on the science behind this, but in my head there are two distinct characters: Brazilian Josh and American Josh. They both have unique ways of thinking and speaking as well as their own mannerisms.  I can switch between the American Josh and Brazilian Josh without much trouble because they are both strong characters in my mind, whereas Latino Josh still hasn’t been developed. This means that sometimes Latino Josh will borrow parts of his identity from Brazilian or American Josh to fill in the blanks. I went to a Forró class this week and got to interact with Brazilians in person for the first time in a few weeks.  Kind of in the same way how if you locked yourself in a room for a few days and didn’t interact with anybody you’d be kind of slow in reacting to things people say, Brazilian Josh wasn’t as spontaneous as he was when he was living in Brazil. My Portuguese came out ok, but my body language definitely has lost some of it’s Brazilianness since leaving Brazil. Overall the experience of learning Spanish on iTalki has been very productive and I’ve learned a lot not just about Chilean Spanish but language learning in general. It’s not easy to find a good language teacher, but when you do the results can be magical. I just wanted to get this quick update out there, but later on I’ll publish some insights as they relate to Spanish and Portuguese. Hasta luego Brazilian Gringo italki Challenge Update 1 Josh is taking the language challenge to learn Spanish.  He posted about his experiences on his website Brazilian Gringo a blog that was born out of a need to share a more realistic perspective about Brazil, and our mission here is to share language and cultural insights to make Brazil more accessible for people to live, work and do business. Reposted with permission. Original post here. A few weeks ago I announced that I was participating in the iTalki challenge to improve my Spanish since I am going to be living in Chile for a while. I wanted to give a quick update on what’s been happening since then both in regards to life and language learning. Shortly after making that announcement I got news that my grandfather was ill, so I flew back to the US to see him before he passed away. Fortunately I was able to go back and see him in the hospital one last time before he died. My father passed away a few years ago while I was in Brazil and the worst part about that experience was  not being able to be near my family while they were all grieving. This time I didn’t get to miss any of the fun of crying at  the hospital. I’ve been in the US for about two weeks now, which though unexpected is kind of nice. I’ve been on the record as saying that I don’t like living in the US, but it’s really not that bad since I’m spending 90% of my time with my family.  Though I’ll be glad to be out of here again in a few weeks, I’ll also be genuinely sad to leave this time. Coming back to the US disrupted my plans to learn Chilean Spanish a bit though. I was planning on taking 2-3 hours of classes a week for the 6 weeks of the challenge, and supplement that study time with interactions with Chileans in Santiago. Things were pretty hectic so I have only taken a few hours of classes so far, but now that I’ve  got a routine here things will progress more smoothly. As far as the lessons go, I’m really enjoying my teacher. He is a complete language nerd as well, and speaks something like 7 languages to varying degrees of fluency. He showed me this cool trick where he called his cousin and they spoke a hybrid language of English and Spanish where they would switch languages every few words. Being able to switch between languages like that is a pretty cool skill to have. Speaking both Spanish and Portuguese presents some challenges because of how similar the two languages are.  Being able to go back and forth between the two takes a bit of work, though it is still easier for me to speak Portuguese. I can speak Spanish reasonably well, but I still haven’t  attached my  identity to the Spanish language like I have with Portuguese. I’m not sure on the science behind this, but in my head there are two distinct characters: Brazilian Josh and American Josh. They both have unique ways of thinking and speaking as well as their own mannerisms.  I can switch between the American Josh and Brazilian Josh without much trouble because they are both strong characters in my mind, whereas Latino Josh still hasn’t been developed. This means that sometimes Latino Josh will borrow parts of his identity from Brazilian or American Josh to fill in the blanks. I went to a Forró class this week and got to interact with Brazilians in person for the first time in a few weeks.  Kind of in the same way how if you locked yourself in a room for a few days and didn’t interact with anybody you’d be kind of slow in reacting to things people say, Brazilian Josh wasn’t as spontaneous as he was when he was living in Brazil. My Portuguese came out ok, but my body language definitely has lost some of it’s Brazilianness since leaving Brazil. Overall the experience of learning Spanish on iTalki has been very productive and I’ve learned a lot not just about Chilean Spanish but language learning in general. It’s not easy to find a good language teacher, but when you do the results can be magical. I just wanted to get this quick update out there, but later on I’ll publish some insights as they relate to Spanish and Portuguese. Hasta luego