Language Direct FAQs
What is Language Direct?
Language Direct is Penn Language Center’s free peer-tutoring program in foreign languages, committed to high educational standards. We deliver tutoring and instructional tools to help Penn students excel in their foreign language studies.
What exactly does Language Direct provide?
Language Direct provides some essential tools to help students excel in the foreign language curriculum at the University of Pennsylvania. We deliver one-on-one, face-to-face tutoring as well as learning aids over the Internet. We also supplement this service with online capability such as BlackBoard and voice-email.
What are the educational objectives of Language Direct?
Penn Language Center 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 languages are available?
We currently offer tutoring in the following foreign languages:
American Sign Language
Chinese
French
German
Greek
Hebrew
Japanese
Russian
Spanish
Turkish
Zulu
Tutoring in other languages may be available. Please contact us for more information.
Who can request a tutor?
Language Direct is available only to Penn students, undergraduate or graduate, who are currently enrolled in a foreign language course.
Is Language Direct free?
Yes, Language Direct is free to all students who are eligible for the service. The tutors are paid by Penn Language Center.
Who are the tutors?
Our Language Direct tutors are a diverse group of Penn students. Some are native speakers or heritage speakers, while others reached foreign language proficiency through their coursework at Penn or elsewhere. Most, but not all, are undergraduates.
How do I request a tutor?
Click here for the Language Direct Tutor Request form.
How long does it take to get a tutor?
Please allow yourself at least three business days to set up a meeting with a tutor. This gives Penn Language Center time to forward your request to the next available tutor, for the tutor to contact you, and to then set up a meeting. Requests for tutoring are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. During busy periods such as midterms and finals, please take into consideration that our tutors may not be as readily available.
When is Language Direct available?
The Language Direct progam follows the Penn academic calendar and is only available during the Fall and Spring semesters. Tutoring sessions can be scheduled at any time that is convenient for both the tutor and student.
Where does tutoring take place?
For one-on-one meetings, tutoring takes place at a mutually agreeable location determined by the tutor and the student. We advise our tutors to only meet with their students in safe, public spaces such as the library, Houston Hall, a café, etc.
I want to learn Chinese/Spanish/other language, but I don’t have time in my schedule. Can I get a tutor?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Language Direct is a program intended to support foreign language students in their current coursework.
I have a paper due tomorrow. Can I email it to you for editing?
No. We recommend our tutors to meet with their students in person before allowing them to work together online. By meeting with you person, our tutors can better assess your language skills and your needs. Our tutors are also discouraged from simply “editing” papers for students. Rather, they are advised to make general comments and suggestions for improving written work.
How much time should I expect to spend with a language tutor?
The amount of time you should expect to spend with a tutor largely depends on your needs. Students are limited to two hours per week to meet with their tutors.
What levels of foreign language proficiency does Language Direct offer?
All of our tutors are equipped to help students in the beginner and intermediate levels. For some languages, tutoring may be available for advanced-level students upon the request of your instructor. Please check with us on the availability of those tutors.
How do I apply for a tutoring job?
To apply for a position, click here for the online application form.
Can you guarantee that my information is secure?
Yes, we guarantee that we will not share your information with anyone.