Ask questions, get support, and practice your language skills!
Language Advisers are Occidental students with extensive experience with language, while Visiting Language Assistants are exchange students who lead conversation class and also offer drop-in tutoring hours.
Language Advisers and Visiting Language Assistants can help you:
- Practice verbal language skills;
- Practice pronunciation;
- Discuss readings for better comprehension;
- Discuss cultural, social or political issues relevant to the language of study;
- Find and view current language materials in social media and other sources;
- Work on particular needs by reviewing quizzes and exams;
- Prepare for cultural events, karaoke performances, and open mics.
Drop-in Hours
Drop-in hours for each tutor are below. Unless otherwise noted, the drop-in hours listed for each Language Adviser below will be located in the Johnson Hall Atrium.
Arabic
Arabic support is not being offered during the 2021-22 academic year.
Chinese
Shannon Xu
Hi! My name is Shannon. I am a rising senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Education and Linguistics. I'm very excited to be the Chinese Language Advisor this semester! As a native Mandarin speaker, I want to make myself available as a resource to practice your speaking in Mandarin. I also understand how frustrating it can be to learn Chinese characters, so if you need any help with your Chinese homework, please don't hesitate to drop by!
Drop-in Hours:
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 5:30-6:30pm; Friday: 12-1pm.
French
Elea Kayiranga Lionnet
Bonjour ! I am Elea and I teach French conversational classes here at Oxy. I am from Paris and French is my mother tongue. Teaching is for me a great way to connect with others.I will be glad to answer all your questions about French grammar, to help you improve your communication skills and to explore the French culture with you. Can't wait to meet and work with you. A bientôt!
Drop-in Hours:
Tuesdays: 4-7pm
Japanese
Kentaro Takayama
Hello! This is Kentaro, a senior majoring in Economics. I am from Tokyo and your Japanese tutor for this semester. I am very excited to be able to help you in my language at Oxy.
I love learning languages as I've lived in different countries. I learned French during my high school days in Switzerland and also took Chinese for two years here at Oxy. I've been studying foreign languages for five years, and I understand the difficulty of learning a new language but how fun it is at the same time. If you need help with HW and essays, or just want to have conversations, I am always here for you to help. Also, if you are interested in studying abroad in Japan, I will be happy to share my information. Please feel free to reach out at any time. I look forward to seeing you!
Drop-in Hours
Tuesdays: 5-6pm
Thursdays: 5-6pm
Fridays: 3-4pm
Russian
Hannah MacKay
More information coming soon!
Spanish
Kenji Montecinos
Bio coming soon!
Drop-in Hours
Hours coming soon!
Lana Parke-Reimer
Hello! My name is Lana and I am a Spanish major with a Cognitive Science and Linguistics minor. I am in my senior year and I tutor Spanish. I have been studying Spanish for 9 years and have had the opportunity to put myself in various immersive environments. I also love learning new languages and going back to being a beginner (I am currently learning Korean). I'd love to guide you with your Spanish homework or essays, whatever level it is, or just have a conversation. I also want to help you find ways to make language learning fun. I look forward to seeing you!
Drop-in Hours:
Mondays: 7-8pm
Tuesdays: 5-6pm
Wednesdays: 7-8pm
Daniela Sanchez
¡Hola! I'm Daniela and I teach the Spanish conversation classes. I was born and raised in Granada, a beautiful city in the south of Spain, so Spanish is my mother tongue. Spanish is a beautiful language with an incredible impact in the city of Los Angeles, but also in the whole world. Learning it can give you a different way of appreciating the world around you. In my classes you will improve your communication skills, your fluency level will increase and you will learn about different varieties of Spanish, all while having fun.
Drop-in Hours:
Tuesdays: 5-6pm
Thursdays: 5-6pm
Fridays: 5-6pm
If you need help outside of these hours, feel free to contact Daniela directly at sanchezsanch@oxy.edu.
Greek
Mate Major
Hi! My name is Mate Major, I was born and raised in Budapest, Hungary, and I am currently a junior here at Oxy, majoring in Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture. My emphasis is on the classics, which means I am studying Ancient Greek and Latin for the most part. I am hoping to go into education once I am done with my studies. I prefer spending my free time outdoors on hikes or at the beach, reading, or something equally riveting. I encourage you to get in touch if you have any questions about Ancient Greek specifically, or anything language advising or CSLC related. I look forward to meeting and working with you guys!
Drop-in Hours:
Mondays: 5:30-7:00pm
Wednesdays: 5:30-7:00pm
If you need help outside of these hours, feel free to contact Matt directly at mmajor2@oxy.edu. Please allow at least 24 hours for a response.
Latin
Hayden Osborn
Greetings to you, students of Occidental College! My name is Hayden, and I'm a senior this year. My major is Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture, and my minors are Classical Studies and Japanese Studies. I've been studying Latin for eight years, so if you ever find yourself in need of assistance with your declensions, conjugations, or any other such rhymes, I'm happy to help! I'll gladly give advice on any questions you have about departments and majors, too.
Drop-in Hours:
Wednesdays: 4:00-5:30pm
Thursdays: 5:00-6:30pm
German
Anne Werum
Hi, I'm Anne and I'm the German Language Advisor. I'm a Junior Biology Major and I'm considering Vet School after Oxy. I was born in Vienna, Austria and moved to Stuttgart, Germany when I was one year old. I grew up and went to school in Stuttgart before coming to Oxy. If you want help with grammar/vocab, just want to talk and work on speaking/pronunciation, or learn about some cultural differences, I'm always happy to help. If you're thinking of studying abroad here, I could share some things to do in Freiburg and Berlin. Also, my tiny fluff-ball of a dog will probably be hanging out during my advising hours, so come by if you want to meet him!
Drop-in Hours:
Tuesdays: 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesdays: 5:30-7:00pm
Questions about the program? Email Edmond Johnson at edmondjohnson@oxy.edu.
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*This page was last updated on September 2, 2021.
