Studying Abroad in Italy

Studying Abroad in Italy Preparing for Your Upcoming Study Abroad Experience ChaptersWhat Level of Italian Should an International Student or Professional Have?What Should You Know About Italian Culture?Italy’s Top Student CitiesInformation on the Italian Academic YearInternational Education: Italy’s Requirements for ForeignersSo, you’ve decided to learn Italian and spend a semester or year abroad?Congratulations! Learning Italian through an international experience like studying in Italy will not only be full of new adventures but also rich, intercultural experiences. Whether you’re striving to complete a linguistic apprenticeship, taking part in a work and travel program, have attained an internship, or simply want to study and live abroad â€" Italy is a perfect destination.While there is much to be excited about, there is also a set amount of preparation that goes into moving abroad that you should be aware of. These tasks can include administrative formalities such as finding scholarships to fund your study or set obligations like finding a place to live and learning the language.While moving abroad temporarily, or permanently, is not easy, here are a few tips that can make the transition easier.Take advantage of opportunities abroad and learn in Italy Some may argue against this, but I think a large majority would rule Italian cuisine as one of the best on the planet. Many Italians believe that work and life should be merely accompaniments to food and drink, and part of Italian culture sees locals stop working at lunchtime for a long meal and siesta (known as 'riposo' in Northern Italy and 'pennichella' or 'pisolino' in Southern Italy).   Each region has its specialities, just like its accents and dialects, and food is considered by many to be an art rather than a necessity for life. Enjoying meaningful conversations with family and friends around a dinner table chomping down pasta and sipping wine are Italians favourite moments.Did you know that the Italians have at least 10 names for their sensational coffee too?The glory and culture of Italy cannot be described in mere words; the enduring ruins of Rome, the beautiful art in Florence, the romantic gondola rides in Venice and, of course, the amazing food need to be experienced first-hand to be believed. DanielaItalian Teacher 5.00 (9) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LuciaItalian Teacher 5.00 (4) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarilùItalian Teacher 5.00 (8) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarcoItalian Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AntonellaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GiusyItalian Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EnricoItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FedericaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsItaly’s Top Student CitiesSpending some time out of your course or between programmes of study is a very wise, and also brave, move.Regardless of whether you’re thinking about applying to university, choosing a destination for your year abroad or looking for a work placement over the Summer holiday, it’s highly likely that Italy will have something to offer you. There's no way you wouldn't benefit from some time in this beautiful country!Every student is different and has their own ideas about what makes a good student city, however, some cities are renowned for being great places for international students.What are your criteria? Students tend to look for cities that:Have the best universitiesAre culturally richHave a low cost of livingHave the best nightlifeEach major city has its own advantages when you think of the above criteria, for instance, Milan is the ideal destination for fans of both football and fashion, yet, from a cultural perspective, Florence is undoubtedly an Italian gem which is not to be missed.Meanwhile, if saving money is a gamechanger for you then forget Milan straight away! Instead, think about Bologna or Palermo. Further away from Milan’s bustling tourist areas, these two towns offer more affordable living costs for students.Bologna is also one of the top Erasmus student destinations with a reputation for excellent nightlife.Here are three particularly student-friendly cities:MilanMilan boasts a large number of highly ranked universities and is in an ideal position for travelling students, allowing them to travel to almost anywhere in surrounding Europe in less than 2 hours via a range of budget airlines. What's more, internal transport is very reliable with trams and buses running until late at night and starting early in the morning.Milan is home to some wonderful tourist sights like the Duomo, but it also has some fantastic shopping centres, museums, theatres, sports grounds, gyms and green areas.People from Milan are seen by others across the country as quite serious and busy, but the Milanesi are just a bit introvert. Once you get talking to one of the locals, you will see that they are welcoming and willing to help outsiders integrate into their city.FlorenceThe city of Florence has featured on UNESCO’s World Heritage list since 1982 and is, itself, a symbol of the Renaissance.But what about the things that matter most to students?Florence is an ancient city that has modernized and, despite retaining its historic charm, it has been titled one of the top fifty fashion capitals in the world. What's more, Florence is typically a lot cleaner than other big cities such as Rome.Florence has quite a homely feel and doesn't have a metro system so you're encouraged to get around by foot. As it's not a huge city, it won't take more than a couple of weeks for you to know your way around the city.Students seeking a truly authentic Italian learning experience will discover that colleges and unis in Florence are more intimate and focused and, because Florence is in the region of Tuscany, some establishments will offer wine and cooking courses.Finally, for those of you who like to travel or frequently go home, Florence is an ideal departure point for travel throughout Italy and Europe. It’s located on the main north-south train line in Italy, and most major European cities are easily accessible.BolognaLast but not least, let's consider Bologna and its own university, Universita di Bologna. Founded in 1088, this university is one of the oldest in the country (and the world), which is a draw in itself!With its faculty for Latin history, which opened in 2015, studying here will give you the opportunity to learn more about the history of the Italian language and how Latin formed a basis for Italian grammar and vocabulary.Universita di Bologna offers modules in literature, Italian art history and conversational Italian classes â€" these are just a few examples of the classes which will help you in your learning about the Italian language and culture.Bologna may be one of the smaller Italian cities offering opportunities to study abro ad, making it slightly different than Rome, Florence and Pisa. However, Bologna has one of the largest numbers of international students and therefore offers a variety of things for students to do, with nightlife at the very top of this list!Information on the Italian Academic YearBeing part of a study abroad program or professional work environment in Italy is not just about learning the language, but also learning about the Italian system itself. It is natural to have questions about professional opportunities, what it’s like to study there, student life and even daily expenses. Getting into contact with alumni or taking part in online forums is a great way to start amassing information.If you’re in your first year or at the end of your work term, a linguistic stay in Italy can be a great experience, and a great way to master some essential points in Italian life. Generally, whether you’re a recent graduate or looking for opportunities abroad, there are three common possibil ities for living in Italy:UniversityArtistic or musical endeavoursProfessional formationsFollowing the same system as many countries around the world, Italy has three levels of higher education. Whether your purpose is to get a degree, or aren’t sure what to write as your educational qualifications for your CV, understanding this system is simple. The three levels of higher education in Italy are:LaureaLaurea MagistraleDottoratoUniversity semesters normally begin between the months of September and November, so if you need to either apply or prepare for your travels, keep these months in mind.The breakdown of the Italian university system is divided between 60 public universities and 17 private ones. Out of all the public universities, two of them are more equipped for international studies: Siena and Perugia.For those looking for professional opportunities, every major Italian city offers artistic and musical formations, work in the public and private sector and more!There's more to the life of an exchange student than studying: enjoy the dolce vita!International Education: Italy’s Requirements for ForeignersWhatever your reason to go abroad, be it an on an exchange program or to work in a private or public institution, there are a few formalities that you will have to consider before leaving your current country of residence.Living in ItalyThe first step is to decide on an apartment or other housing situation that suite your lifestyle in your weeks or years of living in Italy. Often, people think it’s easier to find lodging once you’ve arrived in Italy, however, keep in mind that this process takes time and it might be a good idea to check out some resources before leaving:University residences: this is most often reserved to only students and has a limited amount of spots open. Talk to an advisor working in your study abroad office as to how your education abroad can qualify you for housingPublic lodgings: this can be part of a work and study progra m, or simply as an exchange for work. For example, working in a hostel and receiving free accommodationShared apartment: this is a great option if you’re looking to keep it affordable, living with either 1 or more people and sharing a room or a flat.Make sure to check out some sites like Casa, Studenti, and Tecnocasa  in order to get the full information.Medical help in ItalyWhile understanding the intricacies of a foreign health insurance system can be daunting, you don’t necessarily have to become an expert in order to benefit from the system. The first step towards understanding the medical help system in Italy is to research and sign up for the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, or SSN.Get familiar with your rights as a foreigner in Italy by looking up the Azienda Sanitaria Locale closest to where you will be staying, as well as the services you will qualify for.If you visit a doctor or a dentist, know that their services are free for foreign students as well as for locals, with the simple condition that you consult a general practitioner of the Unita Sanitaria Locale (USL).It is worth noting that in any emergency, hospital services are free in public establishments. For all other complementary information, consult the website for the Italian Ministry of Public Health or Ministero della Salute.An international exchange involves cultural immersionWorking in Italy:Whatever your reason for searching for a job overseas, there are many professional opportunities in many Italian cities. Whether you’re going to be an intern abroad, are taking part in some of the exchange programs some international companies offer, or simply want to earn some extra cash outside the classroom â€" there are many different methods to find employment.If you will be interning in Italy through some of the various abroad programs offered, be sure to check what kind of academic credit you can get from your work experience. If you are still looking for an internship abroad, check out the admission office of programs abroad. Remember that learning to speak this beautiful language can be possible simply by a professional opportunity abroad.If you’re looking to gain some money on the side from things you might already own or have acquired during your stay, you can look at sites like Bakeca a Milano or Kijiji.The Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Italy also posts job offerings regularly, along with Informagiovani, which is a centre of information concerning international mobility.It is also a good idea to know the regional help concerning job searches. For example, in Rome, Portaportese is a local job journal that posts announcements regularly.Your CV should be either in Italian or English, depending on the job you will be applying to

The University of Virginia College Experience

The University of Virginia College Experience Azam is a current student at the University of Virginia. He is majoring in economics, and specializes in algebra tutoring, English tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, he shares his experience at the University of Virginia: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Azam: The campus of University of Virginia is gorgeous. The fall is my favorite time, as all of the trees change color and the entire campus is beautiful. I feel very safe on campus, and there is always transportation for us to get to different places on campus. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Azam: The professors encourage students to come to their office hours. For academic advisors, we must make an appointment earlier to meet with them. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Azam: There are three dorm room options for first year students at UVa. Old dorms, new dorms, and Gooch-Dillard. Each one allows you to build a community that you will keep for all four years. Dining options are fine, and there are social opportunities every single weekend for everybody. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Azam: I would say that UVa represents a lot of different majors and programs. I am currently studying economics and my university continually supports this department. 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? Azam: It was quite simple to meet people. I simply went up to people in the dining halls or social events and introduced myself. Greek life is huge on the UVa campus, providing many chances for you to be part of an on-campus family. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Azam: The Career Center provides amazing opportunities for us to grow. There are many reputable companies that come to the University of Virginia to recruit. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Azam: The libraries are clean and busy. My favorite is Alderman Library, since it has some noise and natural lighting. The dorm lounges in Gooch Dillard and new dorms are amazing, however the lounges in old dorms are sometimes very busy and hard to study well there. Describe the surrounding town. Azam: UVa is located in Charlottesville, VA. The most popular thing to do outside of campus is to go to Downtown Mall. There, you can shop, go to the movies, and eat awesome food. I head to the Downtown Mall around once every 2-3 weeks. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Azam: The UVa student body size is perfect, in my opinion. Its not too large that youd feel invisible. Also, its not too small that you will not find a place for you to feel loved and like you are at home. There is a place for everyone at UVa. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Azam: One memorable experience occurred when I woke up late and had to run to my English class. It was in the early part of the first semester, and I ran in late feeling extremely scared that the professor would hate me for being late once. I was super nervous! Luckily, I redeemed myself by participating a lot that day in class and staying after class to explain that this would never happen again. Apparently it worked, as she gave me a letter of recommendation after the semester ended for an internship opportunity! Check out Azams tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

A Spooktacular Halloween with ADHD

A Spooktacular Halloween with ADHD Spiderman. Elsa. Pokmon. Batman. Halloween is always an exciting holiday for kids, dressing up as their favorite characters and heading out for Trick-or-Treating. All that candy! For any parent, managing the bag of candy that comes home that night can be challenging. But for parents whose children have ADHD, with all of that candy comes extra stress. For years researchers have been studying the effects of sugar on kids with ADHD. If youve ever attended a childs birthday party then youve witnessed the surge of energy that fills the room after cake and ice cream have been served. So, it may seem like a no brainer that kids with ADHD, who already have a lot of energy, are going to be even more hyperactive after eating sugary food and drinks which may leave you wondering why researchers even need to study something that seems so obvious! Well, the results from this research may surprise you. Many studies have found no causal relationship between sugar and hyperactivity in kids with ADHD, while others suggest that only a subset of kids with ADHD experience a negative reaction to sugar. Another line of research indicates that certain food dyes, which are often found in sugary foods and drinks, only modestly increase hyperactivity in kids with ADHD, and may have the greatest effect on kids who are very sensitive to food additives. But wait, you know your child, and you know their ADHD gets worse when they eat sugar. Youve seen it! Well, your child may simply be more sensitive to sugar or food dyes than many of the kids in these studies. Or, maybe there are alternative explainations that published research findings have not yet addressed. For starters, kids with ADHD are often more emotional than kids without ADHD, and when they get excited they are bursting with energy and enthusiasm. So, on holidays like Halloween they may get caught up in the excitement and their hyperactivity may shoot through the roof regardless of what they eat. Alternatively, when any child (or adult) eats way too much sugar in one sitting far more sugar than has been examined in any studies they become more hyperactive, inattentive, and irritable. Impulsive kids with ADHD are less likely to have an off switch when it comes to eating candy, and in fact some researchers have shown the kids with ADHD eat more sugar than kids without ADHD on a regular basis. In practice this means that they will continue to eat more candy long after many other children have stopped, especially when presented with a nearly bottomless bag of Halloween treats. And since they have eaten so much more sugar, it wouldnt be surprising if they experienced greater side effects than kids without ADHD. If Halloween candy causes problems for your child, either because they eat too much or because they are very sensitive to the effects of sugar and food additives, then there are things that you can do to limit how much candy they eat without taking the fun out of Trick-or-Treating. The Switch WitchTM www.switch-witch.com is a great option that kids love. The night of Halloween, kids leave a pile of candy next to an adorable stuffed witch, who magically trades it out for special non-sugary gifts while they sleep. Kids still get treats, like small toys or healthier fun foods like popcorn, which helps them feel okay about giving up their candy. As an alternative, some parents simply allow their kids to trade their candy for money, 10 cents for each piece or a dollar per pound, which usually goes over pretty well too! Not sure what you would do with all of the candy that your child wont be eating? Consider donating to a local soup kitchen or to troops stationed overseas through a candy b uy-back program at a local dentists office www.halloweencandybuyback.com or through Operation Gratitude www.operationgraditude.com. Sugar can be tricky, not wanting to deny your kids the fun and connections to friends that happen around birthday cakes, ice cream and Halloween candy. But moderating the sugar intake of all kids and especially those with ADHD and sugar sensitivities can actually help keep your childs energy and emotions in balance so they can connect with friends and enjoy the parties and holiday that they look forward to all year long. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

14 Phrasal Verbs with FALL with meanings - Learn English with Harry ????

14 Phrasal Verbs with FALL with meanings - Learn English with Harry ???? In this post you will learn 14 Phrasal Verbs with FALL with meanings and examples. Scroll down to watch a video lesson.English verb TO FALL is short in letters but has many applications. Fall, fell and fallen are its three forms.I always fall in love with the wrong guys.He has fallen in love yet again.We can also use FALL  as a phrasal verb or in idiomatic expressions in so many ways. Take a look at these: Enjoyed this infographic? Here’s what you can do next: 14 Phrasal Verbs with FALL FALL DOWNMeaning: to collapse or to fall to the groundHe was not feeling very well and he collapsed or fell  down.FALL OVERMeaning: to topple overThe wind was blowing very strongly and the bicycle fell over (toppled over) on  to the ground.FALL APARTMeaning: to go into pieces, to break upI made a book shelf but when I put some books on it, it fell apart. I had forgotten to put in  the nails!!FALL ABOUTMeaning: to laugh continuouslyMy friend has a great sense of humour and tells very funny stories. I always fall about  laughing at him. So literally you cannot stop laughing as the stories are so funny. Please share now FALL BACK ONMeaning: to turn to somebody or something for help when other plans have failedKeep some money in the bank to fall back on in case you lose your job.FALL BEHINDMeaning: to fail to keep up with, to fail to do something on timeAfter losing her job, she fell behind on her mortgage repayments.I was ill for 3 weeks, and fell behind with my final project.FALL FORMeanings:1. to fall in love with somebodyPeter fell for Sarah the moment he saw her.2. to be deceived by somethingIt was amazing how everybody fell for his lies.FALL INMeaning: to collapseIf that is not rectified, the roof will fall in, and eventually the walls and so on. Phrasal Verbs with FALL FALL FLAT (ON)Meaning: When someone hope you do not succeed at something or if you make a mistake and something turns out to be a disaster we can say: I hope he falls flat on his face or he fell flat on his face.David did not like Paul. When he heard he was opening a new business he said. “ I hope it’s a  disaster I hope he falls flat on his face with this!”FALL OUT WITHMeaning: When we have an argument with a friend or family member and we do not talk to them for a long while we can say that we have fallen out with Mike”.He fell out with his cousin  over an argument about who owned the bike.FALL OUTMeanings:1. soldiers fall out and move out of lineSoldiers fell out and started talking.2. to have a row and stop talking to someone, to quarrelSarah has decided to ignore Paula since they fell out last night. Phrasal Verbs with Fall with Meanings Don't keep this to yourself, share it! FALL INTOMeanings:1. to start doing somethingHe quickly fell into the habit of drinking too much, a habit, which lasted over 10 years.2. to be divided into (categories, parts)The book falls into two main parts.FALL IN WITHMeaning: to agree withAll members of the board readily fell in with the suggestion and the necessary expert was quickly engaged.FALL THROUGHMeaning: to fail to happen We ended up cancelling the lunch. The plans fell through. Common Idiomatic Expressions with FALL TO FALL ON DEAF EARSYou make a suggestion that you believe is good but nobody agrees or takes up your suggestion. It fell on deaf ears.ex. Mike suggested that we advertise the new product on the  internet as that is where everyone looks first these days. Nobody agreed and they advertised on the  radio as they always did. His suggestion fell on deaf ears.And finallyIT DIDNT FALL FAR FROM THE TREEWhen someone has a characteristic that was also part of theirmothers’ or fathers’ character we usually say “Well, it did not fall far from the tree”.John had a  short (quick) temper and he got angry very quickly. His father reacted in the same way when he was  young. His grandmother would always say well it did not fall far from the tree your father was  always the same at your age.I also have a short video lesson for you about common phrasal verbs with FALL. Phrasal Verbs with FALL - Video Lesson

Common entrance exams Maths - Test yourself!

Common entrance exams Maths - Test yourself! Entrance exams, 11 +, 13 exams...now is the time to start warming your children to practise tests for their next step into BIG school! In preparation for common entrance exams and by courtesy of Galore Park Mathematics revision guides for the ISEB board, we will be regularly posting tests for your children to practise. We invite you to post your comments with your answers! Remember that you should be familiar with all of the material in the National Curriculum. You should also now be able to do the following: Understand fully the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) and the associated language. Use a range of mental methods of computation with the four operations when solving number problems (including mental recall of multiplication facts up to 10 x 10 and quick derivation of corresponding division facts) Check the reasonableness by your results by reference to your knowledge of the context or to the size of the numbers. Interpret calculator displays. Use efficient written methods of addition and subtraction and of short multiplication and division (including division and subtraction of decimals to two places, and ordering decimals to three places) Use all four with decimals to two places (where multiplication and division are always by a integer less than 10, and rounding to the nearest integer. Use and understand an appropriate non-calculator method for multiplying and three-digit number by any two-digit number. Test yourself! Before moving on to the next chapter, make sure you can answer the following questions: Brian has multiplied 197 x 15 and has written the answer incorrectly as 1182 (courtesy of Galore Park for the ISEB board) Suggest at least two reasons why Brian should realise straight away that his answer is incorrect. What should the answer be? Suggest what error Brian made. Calculate the square of 19 (courtesy of Galore Park for the ISEB board) Which number between 240 and 250 divides exactly by 7? (Courtesy of Galore Park for the ISEB board)

The Fine Line Between Appreciation And Racism

The Fine Line Between Appreciation And Racism image via http://www.cnn.com I hear you, somewhat politically and culturally aware person. You arent all like that. You arent all belittling other peoples cultures and traditions. I hear ya. What about when you participate in that fun event that has come to be known as the Color Run? Well, thats a bit iffy. People will say that its got nothing to do with Hinduism or traditionally Indian spring festivals, but the thing is that it has been commodified and stripped of all meaning. Religious, cultural and historical significance  were just erased to make it a carefree, palatable event for American tweens. Its even gained popularity in some South American countries. No harm done, right? You might be a little wrong there. When you wash a holiday so important to Hinduism, you rob the people who practice it as well as their history so that you can feel unique and have a laugh. Days of such importance should keep their original intent and origins. Its not Halloween. You cannot steal something from someone else and say you made it up. That is cultural plagiarism. Its called Holi: remember that. image via http://keepingupwiththecyperts.blogspot.com/2013/02/color-run.html Another example of cultural plagiarism is black culture. Their music, slang and manner of dress is passed off as cheap, insulting and just plain vulgar. But when a rich white girl like Miley Cyrus adopts twerking, all of white America wants to do it too. They want to be gh*tto and r*tchet because its in. You know, because before it wasnt, and thanks to Cyrus, its the latest fad. Like it didnt exist before, but it was made trendy by someone who does not understand the history of twerking, or its African roots. Kind of like when Columbus claimed to discover the Americas. In a sense, appropriating cultural traits and stripping them of their history is a form of Columbusing. Claiming that twerking didnt exist before Cyrus, or that rap has only existed since white rappers like Eminem or Macklemore is just plain disrespectful. There is indeed a thin line between homage and racism. By taking only certain elements of a culture that one regards as trendy, one is reducing an entire culture to a fashion statement. Wearing a bindi or a headdress for sheer fun, or getting dreads and forgetting the religious implications of all of the above isnt just having fun. Its taking what you want and making it into a caricature of that group of people. Take a look at some Coachella fashion, and look how this uber-Hipster festival seems to give leeway for just about anyone to sport whatever they see fit.  A headdress is earned, not just bought at a souvenir shop for you and your racist hipster friends.  Coachella is also guilty of renting out tipis to give people the full native experience. How nice of them. image via http://scissor-fingers.com Hold up, you say. They really dont mean anything by it. Theyre just cool and edgy kids who want to look cool and edgy. Yeah, thats the problem. In their attempt at uniqueness, they are mocking and openly belittling something that is very important to some peoplesomething that to some is not only sacred, but to see it used in such a manner is almost akin to sacrilege. When you dress up as a native for Halloween, youre again reducing people to a costume and to a romanticized version of what you think that group of people are. Theres a reason why you dont do blackface or yellow-face anymore without getting called on it, and why many colleges are cracking down on such blatantly racist behavior. But as long as you do it under the guise of Halloween and dressing up for that awesome costume party your friend Mike is throwing, who could say anything about it, right? If they do, theyre being oversensitive and PC and youre just going to laugh at them. Look at how awesome you look. image via http://bossip.com Why, you ask, do people care about how other cultures and minorities are represented and perceived as by the public at large? Because it says a lot about how said group will be treated in societythat their culture is disrespected and they are made into jokes or costumes tells us that they are not being taken seriously. As long as cultural theft and appropriation and ridicule are glossed over, racism and ethnic bias arent likely to end.  When you have Japanese culture reduced to Anime/Manga and people claiming to know the culture as long as they read about a very narrow aspect of it is plain ignorance. And that is where it stems from: ignorance and white entitlement. image via http://funny-pictures.picphotos.net I ask you to understand, then, why non-whites and natives will get upset and demand that others stop turning that which defines their rich history into something to make a profit from: festivals and celebrations that are white-washed, musical and dance genres that are completely and utterly re-made and only pushed into the spotlight by white artists and an entire society reduced to cartoonish depictions of its people and its customs. When they ask that you dont call natives the r-word, they mean it. When Rroma cringe at the sound of the word g*psy its because those are slurs used against them for centuries. They arent asking the impossible. They are simply asking respect and recognition. Not erasure. Not being bought or sold. Cultural appropriation isnt appreciation. If you like a particular culture, group of people or ethnic minority, learn about them, dont just try to pass yourself off as one of them or dress in their traditional clothing for your own amusement. Let actors of that group play roles that require actors from that group. Dont cast Johnny Depp as Tonto, an already cartoonish depiction of natives to begin with. Its not that difficult.

Ask the Expert 5 Reasons Your Child Could Benefit from an Academic Enrichment Program

Ask the Expert 5 Reasons Your Child Could Benefit from an Academic Enrichment Program Ask the Expert: 5 Reasons Your Child Could Benefit from an Academic Enrichment Program Whether parents hope to have their early learners reading before kindergarten, are looking for a little extra help for their struggling student or want to give their children a competitive advantage in the classroom, there are many reasons why parents seek out academic enrichment programs. It’s true that children gain a wealth of knowledge from a variety of topics introduced at school, but some students could really benefit from additional academic programs. The goal of enrichment programs is to help students develop a love for learning, while demonstrating proficiency in academics. The programs also help children develop critical thinking skills and effective learning methods. Have you ever wondered if your children could benefit from an academic enrichment program? Here are five things to consider. 1) Kindergarten Readiness. Each year, four million curious minds enter kindergarten for the first time, eager to start elementary school just like the big kids. But what should kindergarteners know by the first day of school? This question is one of the most frequently asked by many parents of preschoolers. From following directions to working independently to academic skills, readiness for school is one of the most important factors in your child’s academic success. After-school academic enrichment programs, like Kumon, help preschoolers develop important skills, including the ability to work independently, identify sounds and letters, and strengthen fine motor skills. Parents even see their preschoolers showcase improved attentiveness, perseverance and time management. 2) Supplemental Education. If you think your child can do better than he did on his last report card, or if you’ve noticed a decline in his test scores, after-school academic enrichment programs are useful in filling learning gaps. They help children who may be struggling in a traditional classroom setting reach their maximum potential. Specialized programs can help find the root of the problem and then work not only to fix it, but also continue to help the child progress. This results in improved academic performance and attitude towards school. 3) Study Skills. Do you have concerns with your child’s time management skills? Have you noticed he puts off projects or postpones homework? An occasional delay can be expected, but consistent procrastination can be a sign of a larger issue. High-quality academic enrichment programs don’t just focus on the academics. They also help children learn how to learn properly. Throughout the process, students cultivate important work and study skills, like improved focus and concentration, perseverance, confidence and independence. 4) Confidence.It’s natural to be uncertain when learning a new concept. Remember the first time you tried to ride a bike? You probably didn’t feel very confident at first, but over time and with practice, you got better and faster. The key was practice, and like many things in life, practice nourishes success. We all want our children to be confident in anything they do, so it’s difficult when we see our children lack confidence in their academic performance. After-school academic enrichment programs can help children become self-assured, which will lead to more participation in the classroom. 5) Academic Advantage.  Do your children complain about being bored in school and show a desire for wanting to learn more? Some academic enrichment programs, like Kumon, allow children to advance based on their ability rather than their age or grade. This can result in children studying above their school grade level. Students studying above grade level usually have more positive attitudes towards school, improved concentration skills, better study habits, increased accuracy and the ability to work independently. In fact, research shows there are many benefits to studying above grade level. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students reading above grade level in the 3rd grade are more likely to graduate from high school, and students who take advanced math courses are more likely to attend and graduate from college. When schools, families and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school and stay in school longer. Parents can support their child’s educational development by working with educators to support learning. Play an active role in your child’s education by knowing what they are studying and routinely communicating with their teacher. About the Author Dr. Mary Mokris, Ph.D., is the manager of the Materials Team at Kumon North America. She began her career at Kumon nearly 20 years ago as the director of a company-owned Kumon Center, instructing 200 math and reading students in Atlanta before being relocated to Kumon’s headquarters in Teaneck, N.J. Dr. Mokris led Kumon’s Reading Team, and worked to develop and revise the reading curriculum, which covers materials from preschool to high school. Prior to joining Kumon, Dr. Mokris was a tenured Associate Professor of English Language and Literature at Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska, for six years. Dr. Mokris holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, a master’s from the University of Chicago, and a doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She also spent five years teaching at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro College and High Point University. Dr. Mokris is a regular presenter at conferences and symposiums and has pu blished numerous articles in a variety of academic publications. You might also be interested in: Harvard Bound Kumon Dual Program Completer Gives Advice on College Admissions Process Is your Child Ready for Kindergarten? Why is Dual Enrollment in Kumon Math and Reading Important? Slowing Down in the Face of Challenge is the Key to this Students Academic Success Ask the Expert 5 Reasons Your Child Could Benefit from an Academic Enrichment Program Ask the Expert: 5 Reasons Your Child Could Benefit from an Academic Enrichment Program Whether parents hope to have their early learners reading before kindergarten, are looking for a little extra help for their struggling student or want to give their children a competitive advantage in the classroom, there are many reasons why parents seek out academic enrichment programs. It’s true that children gain a wealth of knowledge from a variety of topics introduced at school, but some students could really benefit from additional academic programs. The goal of enrichment programs is to help students develop a love for learning, while demonstrating proficiency in academics. The programs also help children develop critical thinking skills and effective learning methods. Have you ever wondered if your children could benefit from an academic enrichment program? Here are five things to consider. 1) Kindergarten Readiness. Each year, four million curious minds enter kindergarten for the first time, eager to start elementary school just like the big kids. But what should kindergarteners know by the first day of school? This question is one of the most frequently asked by many parents of preschoolers. From following directions to working independently to academic skills, readiness for school is one of the most important factors in your child’s academic success. After-school academic enrichment programs, like Kumon, help preschoolers develop important skills, including the ability to work independently, identify sounds and letters, and strengthen fine motor skills. Parents even see their preschoolers showcase improved attentiveness, perseverance and time management. 2) Supplemental Education. If you think your child can do better than he did on his last report card, or if you’ve noticed a decline in his test scores, after-school academic enrichment programs are useful in filling learning gaps. They help children who may be struggling in a traditional classroom setting reach their maximum potential. Specialized programs can help find the root of the problem and then work not only to fix it, but also continue to help the child progress. This results in improved academic performance and attitude towards school. 3) Study Skills. Do you have concerns with your child’s time management skills? Have you noticed he puts off projects or postpones homework? An occasional delay can be expected, but consistent procrastination can be a sign of a larger issue. High-quality academic enrichment programs don’t just focus on the academics. They also help children learn how to learn properly. Throughout the process, students cultivate important work and study skills, like improved focus and concentration, perseverance, confidence and independence. 4) Confidence.It’s natural to be uncertain when learning a new concept. Remember the first time you tried to ride a bike? You probably didn’t feel very confident at first, but over time and with practice, you got better and faster. The key was practice, and like many things in life, practice nourishes success. We all want our children to be confident in anything they do, so it’s difficult when we see our children lack confidence in their academic performance. After-school academic enrichment programs can help children become self-assured, which will lead to more participation in the classroom. 5) Academic Advantage.  Do your children complain about being bored in school and show a desire for wanting to learn more? Some academic enrichment programs, like Kumon, allow children to advance based on their ability rather than their age or grade. This can result in children studying above their school grade level. Students studying above grade level usually have more positive attitudes towards school, improved concentration skills, better study habits, increased accuracy and the ability to work independently. In fact, research shows there are many benefits to studying above grade level. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students reading above grade level in the 3rd grade are more likely to graduate from high school, and students who take advanced math courses are more likely to attend and graduate from college. When schools, families and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school and stay in school longer. Parents can support their child’s educational development by working with educators to support learning. Play an active role in your child’s education by knowing what they are studying and routinely communicating with their teacher. About the Author Dr. Mary Mokris, Ph.D., is the manager of the Materials Team at Kumon North America. She began her career at Kumon nearly 20 years ago as the director of a company-owned Kumon Center, instructing 200 math and reading students in Atlanta before being relocated to Kumon’s headquarters in Teaneck, N.J. Dr. Mokris led Kumon’s Reading Team, and worked to develop and revise the reading curriculum, which covers materials from preschool to high school. Prior to joining Kumon, Dr. Mokris was a tenured Associate Professor of English Language and Literature at Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska, for six years. Dr. Mokris holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, a master’s from the University of Chicago, and a doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She also spent five years teaching at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro College and High Point University. Dr. Mokris is a regular presenter at conferences and symposiums and has pu blished numerous articles in a variety of academic publications. You might also be interested in: Harvard Bound Kumon Dual Program Completer Gives Advice on College Admissions Process Is your Child Ready for Kindergarten? Why is Dual Enrollment in Kumon Math and Reading Important? Slowing Down in the Face of Challenge is the Key to this Students Academic Success