Keep Up in a Foreign Language this Summer

Requirements can be a pain in the you-know-what. Math, foreign language, physical science. I thought this was college, doesn’t this mean I can choose my own classes? Apparently not. While math, science and English classes can be easy to pick back up after summer, foreign languages can get pretty dusty if you leave them alone for three months. Unfortunately during the summer, our native Spanish speaking professor isn’t speaking to us in fluent Spanish at 8 am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. That way we would be able to keep up on our verb tenses, conjugations and vocabulary. But instead we get stuck with sleeping in and long periods of time where there is little brain work involved. Does this sound like a fair trade off? It definitely isn’t a balanced trade off. To keep our French, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin, Greek, Latin, and German in tip top shape, here are some little ways to keep our foreign languages dust-free this summer.

There are a multitude of web sites that value language, and understand the need for foreign language competency as an important trait to anyone in our global society. Here are a few of them that concentrate on vocabulary, verbs, along with giving learners opportunities for social networking in their foreign language.

Byki – This website offers 74 different languages to learners, which includes the site’s desktop software, online applications, free

Photo by El Monstrito

content, articles and games. The site seeks to go about teaching language from a different angle, that appeals more to the comprehension of adult learners. If you’re seeking to begin learning a language, or pick up where you left off on a language, this site is for you.

Lingolook – This web application was especially designed for English speaking travelers to foreign countries. The guide features basic vocabulary that travelers need, in an easy, user-friendly way. The application uses flashcards to test users, and when travelers are in a hurry for “Where is the restroom?” in French, users simply click on essentials, which leads them to a list of questions that are deemed “essential” questions, then click on “Where is the restroom?” which leads the user to a screen with the written English phrase, the written French phrase, and when clicking on the French phrase a voice says it aloud so the user knows how it is pronounced. To see for yourself, check out the site and see the demo.

vocabfish – A site that allows users to learn over 2000 words in 10 languages. With a scorecard, the site allows its users to track their progress, while the site goes back to the words that the user misses in order to test the weak spots. This site was created to master vocabulary not only through recognizing words but “recalling and pronouncing them.”

italki – This unique site connects people from around the world to learn from each other. The site is used to help connect people online to do free language exchanges, while even setting students up with teachers for paid online lessons. italki also has materials for self-study, along with questions & answer tools and group discussions.

Though we’re living in the 21st century, not all learning has to be virtual. Look up organizations in your area who promote the culture of your desired foreign language.

Alliance française is an organization that seeks to promote French culture and language outside of France. With organizations

Photo by Karen Horton

like this, who’s primary concern is teaching French as a second language, it is great to get hooked up with a membership so that learning a language isn’t simply just reading flashcards and memorizing automated foreign voices from online. But rather being a part of a community of people who are embracing the culture of a particular language, that is what is going to matter and be most valuable.

Get connected with a pen pal who is a native speaker of the language you are learning, and start writing letters! Or start emailing, if that’s your thing.

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16 Ideas to Savor this Summer

Summer 2010. We are moving back home, some to our parent’s houses, some to an independent and cheap apartment. So begins the vacation that has been looked forward to for the past 13-15 years of life. There are so many possibilities for what this summer holds, and there are ways of holding onto it longer than the short 3 months that the big guys in administration give us. So to make it go by as slow as possible, here are some ways to savor this summer, whether you are working at the gas station or within a close proximity of cleaning products that your mother has bestowed upon you. A job is a job, and with or without one you can take advantage of copious amounts of sun and a lack of nagging professors.

Take a lot of pictures. Whip out that D60, disposable, point & shoot, or iphone. That’s probably the most tech-savvy option. Road Trip

To take pictures, you first need some kind of adventure. Take a road trip and visit a historical landmark that’s nearby but has always been too touristy for your taste. Fanny packs and ugly sandals aren’t that bad.If you are working this summer, enjoy working while you do. I say, no excuses for monotony unless you are Will Ferrell in Stranger than Fiction.Have a garage sale for some quick and easy money. Getting rid of stuff and slapping a price tag on it is one of the easiest ways to make money, especially during this time of year. ‘Tis the season to go garage sale-ing.Remember that place called college? Forget about it, at least for the approximate 3 months that we have. You will have plenty of time to go back and think about it all you want. But for now, think summer and no school.If you’re in summer school, take a deep breath and say, “I’m getting ahead.” Repeat 3-5 times.Do as many things outside as possible. Help your grandmother with her garden, play Frisbee in the park, read in a hammock.Listen to summer music and watch summer movies. Personally, nothing sounds more like summer than country music which is my guilty pleasure. And no movie says summer more to me than Stand By Me. And while we’re on the subject, nothing smells more like summer to me than Aloe Vera.Learn something. Even though it’s summer, it doesn’t mean we have to remain stagnant. Brush up on a foreign language, check out a book on Russian history, learn how to cook Cajun cuisine or how to do East Coast Swing.Go to a music festival with a group of friends. Camp out, stay up all night, listen to tons of music.Take plenty of trips to large bodies of water i.e. ocean, lakes, rivers. Any beach you can find will suffice. Lather up on the sunscreen too.BBQ your heart out.Stow away those winter scarves and sweaters and bring out the shorts.Sell those old books! Half.com is a great place to sell books if you don’t end up selling them at your school’s bookstore. Photo by umjanedoan

And you can usually get more for your books when selling online or in stores that buy used books.

Take a bike ride. If you don’t have a bike yet, look for one on craigslist.Drive with the windows rolled down and the music turned up loud. This is the epitome of summer.

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Considering an Overseas Adventure?

Glide in a gondola along Italian canals Eat French Fries with a fork in FranceBackpack through IrelandTour the beautiful architecture of BarcelonaExplore Machu Picchu and “The Lost City of the Incas”Learn Arabic in Jordan from native speakersRead Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky at a cafe in MoscowHike Mt. KenyaSurf the white beaches off the eastern coast of Australia

If these things sound any bit enticing or appealing, then studying abroad is for you! Of course, as you know, earning credits overseas will be more than just surfing and eating crisp and flaky desserts. There are tons of opportunities, whatever your situation, to study abroad. All you have to decide is where on the map you want to go; how far away you want to get. And then decide whether you are up for that country’s food. Vegemite, anyone?

Why do people study abroad? Because they are thirsty for new culture, life, opportunity and adventure. What do you think? Not only is studying abroad a great way to experience these new things, it actually gives back in return. Here are some ways that studying abroad gives, instead of gets all of our American currency. And also a few reasons why you should study in a foreign country:

Learn a language. Whether it be Spanish, French, Mandarin, Portuguese or New Zealand slang, studying abroad will give you the opportunity to learn a new language and communicate with a whole new group of people. Be them the many speakers of Spanish, French, Mandarin, etc. Although with Kiwis, you might want to consider keeping the fake accent to a minimum.Take those much anticipated adventures during your time off of school. During the weekends take the train to your desirable destination and enjoy yourself. Though in a foreign country, academics can be academics. Meaning redundancy is found on all 7 continents (though Antarctica doesn’t have much going on anyway). Studying abroad encompasses so much more than the academics; it is the atmosphere and setting while studying, and the experience in between studying.Understand the life of another culture. This is a lot more broad than the traditional subjects that fall under culture such as food, language and individual habits. It digs deeper into the culture’s thoughts, beliefs and perceptions about life.Become globally literate. Understanding a larger scope of the world can be taken advantage of through news, organization efforts, talking to people from other countries and more. But these resources do not compare to going to another country and seeing for yourself what you had previously only heard about. Through education, the high hopes of America are to make students globally literate. And that is why study abroad is so encouraged.Develop helpful skills in and outside the classroom. Studying abroad gives students challenges to overcome in the classroom. Whether it be a language barrier, a heavier load or plain discomfort, students receive the opportunity to grow as students and as individuals. Being put into a new setting will challenge study abroad students in a way that forces them to come up with solutions and strategies to overcome difficulties.Maximize your hiring eligibility. Since only 4% of US undergraduates study abroad, employers see these individuals as unique, self-motivated and willing to accept challenges. When you are the only applicant who has experience studying abroad, it will set you apart from the rest.

Bon voyage! ???? Buen Viaje! Bon ferð!

*Tso Moriri Lake, India photo by: Prabhu B, Gondola photo by: Gustey Travel

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The Attire and Attitude to Attach to your Application

Part-time jobs at restaurants, department stores and the like all have the same process when it comes to applying for a job. They all ask for applicants to fill out an application. The way in which applicants should dress, act and speak when asking for and bringing back an application adhere to certain preferences. While the way someone walks, talks and dresses make them an individual, I am speaking of a certain attitude one should have in this particular setting. Therefore, when asking for an application and turning in an application, there are some definite rules that aspiring employees should follow, especially when it comes to garb.

It’s important to look nice when asking and turning in an application. These are the employer’s first impressions of you as a hirable employee, so it is important to give them a glimpse into who you are through these first impressions. Men: Wear something decent like khakis and a nice polo or button up shirt, with nice loafers or dress shoes. No suit required. And make sure to trim up that beard, boys… Women: Wear appropriate and business-like clothing such as slacks or a skirt that is at least long enough to hit the knees. Pair this with a blouse and some nice flats or pumps. Men and Women: Stick to dressing in neutral colors—blacks, whites, blues, browns—that  aren’t overwhelming, trim finger nails to an appropriate and professional length and comb hair back and out of your face, so that it is tangle free.

The last thing you would want while asking and turning in an application is for the secretary, employee or manager to think you are unprofessional. It’s definitely better to be safe than sorry with your attire when applying for a job. Men: Avoid jeans, t-shirts and cut off shirts. It would show the employer you are unorganized and unprofessional. Women: Avoid stilettos, tank tops and halter tops. Men and Women: Avoid bright colors and crazy patterns, as well as strong cologne or perfume. When it comes to footwear, avoid athletic shoes or any kind of sandal. You should probably avoid mustard stains as well…

With a professional look and a positive attitude, you should have no problem getting that interview.

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The Balancing Act of a Part-Time Job and a Full-Time Student

Though we would like to play ultimate Frisbee all day, read books of our choice all night, and make time for eight hours of sleep in between all of that, it isn’t possible while being an employed student. The reality of college life is that there are hours spent daily on textbook readings, writing papers, working so that tuition is paid for, and then class. For some reason I thought I would be much more willing to do work once I was in college. And that is partially true, because what I am learning is applicable to my future career and that glorious diploma.

But overall, there are just a lot more activities cramped into a smaller amount of time. That is the college life, and we are supposed to deal with it somehow. There are some practical things students can do to balance a life of school, work, sleep and play. So why didn’t they tell us these things before we started this kind of life? Because they say we are supposed to learn on our own.  They are right in doing this. But now I will tell you some things that have been helpful to me on this journey thus far.

Addressing procrastination: If I would have realized it was okay to say ‘no’ to friends, then I would have said it a lot earlier and a lot more. But one of the issues (partially) is that there is always a trip to Bubble Tea or another episode of Lost being watched. It’s so easy to make the decision to put off homework until 11 pm. And then when the time comes to do work there is a lack of motivation and an overwhelming presence of drowsiness. For me, the drowsiness usually trumps the little motivation that is there and I submit to defeat once more. The moral of the story is, just say ‘no’ when you know you should go do what needs to be done. Having a flexible job is extremely helpful when you are a student. During the weeks when classes are heavier, it is reassuring to be able to reschedule work around big exams and study sessions. The flexibility may rest upon the duties of the job, your employer, and other factors. If working for your school, chances are they are going to be more flexible when it comes to your hours and your schedule around high-stress weeks. Even the fact that you are a student should be proof to your employer that you are a student first, but your job is still important to you. All in all, try to find a job with flexible hours in case school gets too heavy. At the beginning of each quarter or semester, create a schedule for classes, work, important events and deadlines. Having this information down in print will be a relief when deadlines are approaching and stress levels start rising. Having a schedule and sticking to it is the goal. If this goal is attained, you have succeeded in self-discipline and organization skills. Juggling classes and work is no easy task, but it is definitely doable. Pencil yourself in. Intentionally take time out of your week for yourself. This time should be spent doing whatever it is that you love, or whatever will keep the big picture in mind. Whether it is going for a run, playing a good game of chess or laying in the grass and looking at the clouds, make that time for yourself during the hustle and bustle of the week that requires more work than play. Go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday. Doing this will help you get into a groove for your schedule, regardless of what you have planned for the day.

Best of luck to you on balancing the different aspects of your life. Knowing what your priorities are is key. Do this and you will not have to worry about missing deadlines because another area of your life is too overwhelming.

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The Perks of an Unpaid Internship

When there is no money attached to a job, it is hard to be enthusiastic about it. But internships have a lot attached to them that college students should be optimistic about. Unlike a job at a gas station or department store, internships are interesting and most of the time geared toward what YOU are interested in. We are usually only employed at those other places because we need cold hard cash. And while unpaid internships don’t give that opportunity, they are pleasing to the soul (and to the resumé). Here is a list of reasons why you should consider an unpaid internship, because experience can be more valuable than minimum wage.

I will say it again, experience is more valuable than a job that pays minimum wage. Doing something that you love and is relevant to your intended field of interest is appealing to your future employers. Thinking of the future is so important during these times when there is still time to gain experience. Time is valuable, and if you have the time to take an unpaid internship before you graduate, it would be a great opportunity for you to gain that credibility that is harder to gain once you are out of school and there aren’t as many chances to take unpaid internships. Because loan bills will be sent to us as soon as our diplomas are handed to us. But we don’t have to talk about that yet… Photo by lululemon athletica

While a paid internship would be great because it does pay, think of how good it will feel to do something that you enjoy and want to take time out of your schedule to do while not getting paid. There is something that is selfless and fulfilling about volunteering, and that is what unpaid interns are doing, while getting rewards in return that are more valuable to your future. Because while there may be no current benefits, there will definitely be future benefits.Gain skills that are relevant to what you love doing. There are tons of opportunities through universities and the areas around them that offer internships to college students that specifically target students of particular majors. There may be an opportunity for biology majors to do lab work, or an editorial job for English majors. The possibilities are honestly endless, and finding out where these opportunities are comes through networking. Talk to your professors and advisers. They know people who want a student like you to be their intern.Learn how to work in a professional setting, without the pressure of being fired because you are being paid. Depending on who you are working for, unpaid internships don’t carry the weight and pressure of being a paid intern. If anything, the employers will be thankful that you are volunteering your time to work for them. Think of flexible hours, easy-going Photo by NewsPhoto!

coworkers, and enjoying going to work. Work should be fun, and this could be a way of learning to love the work without the money.

There has some controversy about unpaid interns in the past few months, like in this article in the NYTimes. But I think that there is still a lot of positive things that we can take from them, even though there is no pay. You can make the call, based on your financial need and your desire for experience. But it’s something to definitely consider, while we have the time during these college years to do something that is beneficial to others and our futures.

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Make Money by Recycling

Right now is the perfect time to do some post-spring deep cleaning out of closets, bookshelves and garages. School has just ended for those on the quarter schedule, and behold it is summer. Whether your closets are bulging with clothes, your bookshelves are bending from too much weight, or you’ve got an unused bike in the garage collecting dust, think about recycling your stuff to businesses that would buy them from you. Some extra cash and extra room sounds nice, does it not?

When selling clothes there are a couple of things to look for, before taking them directly from closet to store. Most shops only take clothes that are in good condition. Which means:

Photo by apreche

rip and tear-freeno loose seamsstain-freegood condition

Some shops may only take clothes that are ‘in season.’ This means during summer season they will not take winter jackets, and during winter they will not take shorts and tank tops. Keep these things in mind, so you aren’t rejected for all of your winter clothes when you go in during July. You can call certain stores like Buffalo Exchange and ask what kinds of items they are currently buying from sellers. Some other places you can sell clothes: Plato’s Closet, Ebay, Crossroads Trading

Depending on where you sell your used books, there are certain things that buyers look for. It is most likely that buyers will not buy a book if it has these qualities:

Photo by Rob Enslin

Rips, tears, stains or odorsTape repairsBeaten up, in worn-conditionCovered in stickers or price markings from other storesWriting or highlighting (with the exception of owner’s name in front)Pages falling outBroken spines/bindings

These are the qualifications for Powell’s Books in Portland, OR. It is also mentioned that the prices they pay for books, online or in-store, are based off of what they think it will sell for, as well as the ‘desirability, current and historic market values, in-print prices, conditions, and [their] current stock levels.’ Some other places you can sell your books: Cash4books, Half.com, Barnes & Noble, Amazon

When selling old bikes, furniture, televisions and other things that are stowed away in the garage, there is usually more leeway when it comes to pricing, because it’s the seller who sets the price. Selling these items is usually done online so the price is comparable to the quality. Here are some websites where you can sell your stuff: Craigslist, Ebay

Photo by jayhay312

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