What is Language Direct ?

Language Direct program is a peer-tutoring program in foreign languages, committed to high educational standards in foreign language instruction. We deliver tutoring and instructional tools to help Penn students excel in their foreign language studies. We offer tutors in the following foreign languages:

American Sign Language
Chinese
German
French
Italian
Japanese
Russian
Spanish

Tutoring in other languages may be available. Please contact us for more information.

What exactly does Language Direct provide?

LD provides some essential tools to help students excel in the foreign language curriculum at University of Pennsylvania. We deliver one-on-one tutoring services and learning aids over the Internet. We complement this information with supplemental materials, such as BlackBoard and voice-email, and on-line teaching materials.

What levels of foreign language competency does Language Direct offer?

For most languages, tutoring is available in all three levels – beginner, intermediate and advanced.

What are the educational objectives of LD?

LD team developed this program with extremely high standards. Our goal is to help students obtain a level of foreign language competency that is comparable to that provided by the best foreign language programs in other universities.

What role do tutors play in LD? How much time should I expect to spend with a language tutor?

Tutor-student interaction is central to LD's purpose. You'll spend about 2 hours directly working with a tutor; during the remaining time students will engage in other study activities over via the internet.

Is LD for undergraduate or graduate students?

It is for both, LD helps make students better language learners and tutors better language instructors.

How do I apply for a tutoring job?

To apply for a position, click here for the online application form. You can also email your resume and a brief cover letter, including language experience to vassilie@sas.upenn.edu. Or you can mail your resume to Penn Language Centerl.

What instructional materials are included in the curriculum?

LD provides one-on-one tutoring during office hours, as well as hands-on learning aids and tools, and online programs. We carefully selected these materials to give students a unique learning experience.

What tools are available for tutors?

Along with the curriculum, we give language tutors workshops and progress tools to help them plan tutoring. In addition, our built-in online tracking system helps us to determine how a student is progressing in terms of pace and development.

What role do computers play in the LD tutoring program?

Generally, students do about 80 percent of the work online. They do much of the work online--they write, read, and exchange opinions. However, offline work with a language tutor will also be essential.

How do I enroll in LD?

Click here for an enrollment form.

When do tutorials begin and end?

Tutoring help is available at the beginning of each semester. LD follows the university academic calendar.

What computer equipment is required to use LD?

You need either a Windows-based or Apple Macintosh computer with an Internet connection . You will need Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 (or higher) or Netscape Navigator 4.0 (or higher).

Can you guarantee that my information is secure?

Yes, we guarantee that we will not share your information with anyone.

What kind of tutoring does LD provide?

Every tutor offers step-by-step guidance for students. Tutors also provide online teaching and editing tips that offer additional assistance to written and oral homework if students are having problems mastering grammatical or communicative concepts in a foreign language.