How to Solve Word Problems in Chemistry

How to Solve Word Problems in ChemistryWord problems in chemistry can be hard. This is a major cause of failure in a lot of chemistry courses. There are many reasons for this, but the main one is that they have a very hard time being able to figure out what the word means and how it should fit into the equation. Many students don't know how to answer them.The way to solve these word problems is to figure out the different parts that make up the word. In order to do this you need to understand the process of algebra. There are some things that are easier than others and sometimes the methods are very different, but once you learn how to do this, you will have a very good grasp on the word problems in chemistry.Find a definition that relates to the word. This might take some time, but if you understand it, you will be able to figure out what the word means. In order to find out what the definition is, you will need to first understand what it means. Once you have figured this out, you can then figure out what it means in relation to the equation.You need to learn the different parts of an equation and how to use them together in order to come up with the right answers to help you out with your research. You need to know how to read a chemical equation. This is very important because it will make your job much easier.Once you have the right tools and you have a good understanding of the processes involved in solving word problems in chemistry, you will be able to figure out all of the other problems. There is always going to be a way to change the equation, or add something to it. The process will always be there. You just need to find out how to do it.Before you can figure out any process, you need to know where to begin. You need to have an idea of what you are doing and what your goal is. If you have an idea in your head about what you are doing, you can figure out how to solve the problem, but if you don't, then you won't know how to do it. You have to have an idea before you can do anything else.Make sure that you make a list of all of the different types of equations. Then you need to look through all of them and try to figure out what is going on. Once you figure out what is going on, you can then figure out how to solve it and what the correct answer is.If you can do this, you will be able to solve all of the word problems in chemistry. You will be able to easily find answers to them. If you keep working at it, you will be able to easily figure out the problems in chemistry.

5 Reasons the New Year is the Best Time to Get a Tutor

5 Reasons the New Year is the Best Time to Get a Tutor 5 reasons the New Year is the best time to get a tutor Its just about that time; kids are back in school, and they are nearly halfway through the school year. They have learned a ton of information in the short few months between summer and winter break and have been demonstrating this knowledge through assignments and tests throughout the first term. One thing that can be a little bit difficult this time of year is that students have been using mental energy consistently, Monday through Friday, for several months. Additionally, they have several months left to complete until they reach their summer break. As a result, January is a great time for kids to get a little bit of extra help with personal organization and academics (Our private Orange Country tutoring will help you succeed in the New Year. Call us today to learn more). 1.   Maintain mental energy We ask a lot of kids to be successful in the classroom ten months out of the year. They have to maintain mental focus and absorb new information constantly throughout this period as well as demonstrate it through assignments and exams. Many students get totally overwhelmed with the amount of focus required to be successful. However, working with a tutor in a one-on-one environment can help kids discover their organization, learning style, and individual academic needs. Tutors can help students work more effectively and efficiently, so they dont use more energy than is necessary to reach their goals. 2. Improve grades This time of year parents get their kid’s final grade sheet for the first part of the year. This offers a chance to reflect and look at how well students have performed and how well they are likely to do until the end of the year. Working with a tutor in the comfort of the student’s home can help them improve grades and tackle those difficult topics that end up bringing down their overall GPA. 3. Start preparing for college As students progress through high school, they may also need help preparing to apply to college. College prep can become so time-consuming that its almost like having a part-time job in addition to all of the assignments students are already doing in the classroom. One on one tutors can help streamline the process of applying to college whether they’re working with students to study for the SAT, choosing the right set of colleges to apply to, or working on those all important personal statements (READ: San Diego Tutoring Tips: Teach Your Kids About Internet Research) . 4. Get a fresh start In many instances, students just need a fresh start at this point in the year. Maybe theyre struggling with personal organization, behavior, or self-motivation. Perhaps a student has been overwhelmed with a really difficult subject, and the stress is affecting their ability to do well in their other courses. January is an ideal time for students to get this fresh start and look forward to the rest of the school year with a positive attitude and a good chance at success. When students work with a tutor, they have an opportunity to put the previous semester behind them and look forward to a future of positive solutions to academic problems. 5. Give parents a break Another great reason to work with a tutor during the New Year is to give parents a break from helping with after-school work. Parents are a great help to their kids but spending countless hours explaining math and English concepts can become just as overwhelming to the parent as to the student. One-on-one tutors can help alleviate stress and give parents time back so they can have quality time with their family or enjoy some well-deserved peace and quiet. Make 2017 the year of academic success with the help of our Orange County private tutoring. From test prep to foreign languages and college admissions, our experienced SoCal tutors are here to help. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

Is Online English Teaching and Learning the Right Choice?

Is Online English Teaching and Learning the Right Choice?English teaching & learning online is no longer just a dream for the college degree seekers and private tutors. It is becoming a reality with the rise of Internet websites providing English teaching tools and courses to the aspiring teachers and tutors from across the globe.In spite of the fact that there are plenty of opportunities for such teaching and learning skills in today's times, the student teachers and the college-going students who wish to advance into such fields do not think of it as a possibility because they think that there is no need for this option and that there is no easy way to learn this language. And thus there is a vast confusion amongst those who are considering the offering of English learning and teaching services. For the past one and half decades, there have been scores of institutes which provide such online courses for the student teachers and the students.However, in this era, the internet ha s made the world a smaller place. One can now find it easier to find the possible opportunities and solutions that are available even in remote places. This aspect has made it easier for the students to find various ways of making the English teaching and learning easy. They can choose the best option for them.But, the first thing that the student teacher or the students should know about English teaching and learning online is that the problem of working is not so high in this era. So, finding a job while studying is more available to the students and the student teachers.The second thing that the students should understand about this online option is that the new generation of students knows all these things. Therefore, they are more open about this option and they are more ready to learn any English teaching tool. The most effective reason for this increase in the number of students opting for online colleges and institutes is the fact that they are more open to get the online ed ucation.The major reason for this is the fact that they are not spending their valuable time and energy for conducting an examination for getting an online degree in English. That is why most of the online schools and colleges prefer to give out degrees in English. The students are more open in a modern generation to having an English education, and they are more open to the online courses offered by English teaching and learning institutions.Therefore, you can say that there is a greater chance for the student to find out the right English teaching and learning institution and to study in this field than to go to the university or the college for completing his education. So, the question of finding the right English teaching and learning institution or program becomes easier to answer. And, the students can find out the right type of English teaching and learning options.

How To Use Online Tutoring For Personal Or Business Improvement

How To Use Online Tutoring For Personal Or Business ImprovementWhen you are working towards an online degree or a community college degree, it is possible to obtain a tutor from a good tutor service provider. Many people also utilize tutoring for their children. When you work in the tutoring field, your first concern will be to see that you get enough practice from different tutors. You can find some sites where you can check on some free trial periods.Tutoring for adults has become more popular in recent years. Most people feel that with the internet these days, you can easily access any information at anytime and that it can be easily obtained. With the advancement of technology, more people have started using online tutoring as a way to supplement their income. While there are some drawbacks associated with it, it is still a good option for most people.Many self-employed people are able to use the internet for quick searches. Once you are able to find the best online tutoring serv ice, you can then contact that tutoring service and make an appointment for a test or even a business consultation. By using the internet, you can find hundreds of tutoring websites. The good thing about online tutoring is that it is convenient and you will be able to gain valuable knowledge without having to leave your home.There are many tutors who have great flexibility with their schedules. If you do not find a suitable one for yourself, you can always search for another. Tutoring can be done for free, but you have to make sure that you know the correct procedure. It is not a good idea to sign up for an unlimited trial period.If you are looking for a tutor who will help you learn the basics and the fundamentals of playing piano, you can choose one who is comfortable with a faster tempo. Sometimes, the instructor might call on a slow tempo because he is putting emphasis on a particular part of the piece. The simple thing is to practice with someone who is very fast paced.The adva ntage of having a tutor is that you are able to improve your playing in a short period of time. The person will also give you extra confidence since he or she has already had an experience with you. With the more competent player, you will be able to get faster results with less effort.Once you become a skilled student, you will be ready to play on a high level. To become one, you will need to learn from the top players. Many times, the experienced players will even take you under their wing in order to mentor you.

Should I Go To Yale University

Should I Go To Yale University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Eva graduated from Yale University in 2010 with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. She is a Boston tutor specializing in Biology tutoring, Reading tutoring, Algebra tutoring, and much more. See what she had to say about her undergraduate experience: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Eva: Yale is located in the heart of downtown New Haven (my hometown!), and students are required to live on campus the first two years, making transportation a non-issue. As upperclassmen, however, students often do move off campus, but there are lots of apartments right near campus. Nevertheless, there is a wonderful shuttle system that you can track on your phone. The bus picks up at certain locations and runs regularly all day 7 days/week, and even picks up at the train station for students coming back from break. At night there are smaller vans that you can call to be picked up if its too late to walk home or there is inclement weather. It is an urban setting, and like any city, being street smart is important for keeping safe. However, Yale Police and New Haven Police are a strong presence and if you are aware of your surroundings and stay around campus you will be fine. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Eva: Professors are very available they all offer office hours to meet with students and all full professors (tenured, etc.) are required to teach undergraduates, so you get access to top scholars in their fields. The T.A.s are also very available for meeting to discuss an assignment, and in my experience were very knowledgeable about the course. Academic advisors are assigned in freshman year and then you choose an advisor within your major once youve decided on one. There is additional advisement available from the Deans of each college (dorms you are assigned to for all four years, sort of like Harry Potter) who help with academic decisions and are available for recommendation letters and career advice. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Eva: Dorm life is fantastic! The community feel of the colleges is wonderful and everyone tends to have a lot of college pride thanks to intramural competitions between the colleges. The dining halls (one within each college) serve delicious, sustainable and often organic and locally grown food. There are tons of options and is all buffet style so you can eat your full. The dorms are located all over campus, mostly clustered in a few locations, but are all convenient to classroom buildings. Rooms vary depending on which college you are in, but tend to be spacious, clustered into several room suites with large common spaces, and shared bathrooms with other suites. Another perk is that each college has its own library and gym so in the winter months you dont have to brave the weather much. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Eva: Its hard to say which majors are best represented and supported because in my experience they all seemed to be well supported. I was a Psychology major because I fell in love with the subject during a freshman Intro course, and as one of the largest majors at Yale, it is very well supported with an impressive faculty of leading scholars. VT: 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? Eva: It was incredibly easy to meet people as a freshman all freshmen live on Old Campus, a quad surrounded by dorm buildings dedicated to freshmen and freshmen counsellors (seniors selected by their colleges master and dean to mentor incoming students). Because they are all in the same location, meeting other freshmen is incredibly easy. Greek life has recently become more significant, with the three on-campus sororities doubling or tripling in size. The 7 + fraternities always maintain steady numbers and are a great source for socializing events on campus. However, joining Greek life is in no way a pre-rec for having a social life, as there are (if I recall correctly) roughly 4 student organizations per student on campus. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Eva: The Career Center is very helpful both as an undergraduate and as an alumnus, as the services are available to you forever after you graduate. Career Services is available to practice interviewing and workshop your resume and cover letter at no cost. The staff are knowledgeable and skilled at what they do. Tons of very desirable companies recruit on campus in all fields, holding on-campus interviews as well as attending career fairs on campus. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Eva: As I mentioned, there is a library in each of the twelve colleges, and there are several additional libraries around campus (both main libraries such as Sterling and Bass, and specialized ones such as the music library and the art and architecture library). They are very available, particularly because the in-college libraries are open 24/7, and due to the sheer number of libraries, they are rarely overcrowded. The colleges also all have large common rooms and basement lounge areas for students to use at all hours. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Eva: New Haven, in my admittedly biased opinion, is a great town to go to school in. There are at least two distinct restaurant districts (with NYC-quality food) and the town is known for its theater offerings (both from the Yale School of Drama and the nationally renowned Schubert Theater that brings in shows from NYC). There are local parks and places to hike if you enjoy the outdoors, and there are also many galleries for those who enjoy non-theatrical art. The city is a quick train ride from NYC, which makes weekend trips easy. Finally, New Haven is known for its pizza and for inventing the original hamburger just one part of the citys long history (there are also tons of museums for history-files) that must be checked out. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Eva: The student body is around 5,000 and most classes have less than 20 people unless they are large lecture/Intro courses. This allows for wonderful discussion and collaborative learning with other students and professors, and for personalized attention. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Eva: One memorable experience was in my Developmental Psychology class when the professor taught from his soon-to-be-published textbook. The class bought the text book as an unbound book, complete with temporary, novice-drawn illustrations that would be redone by professionals when the book was published. The text was wonderful (and entertaining) and the professor is an expert in the field, but seeing the silly place-holders in the text and hearing the professor lecture and recognizing his speaking style in the books text was a memorable experience. Its a pretty incredible (though not uncommon at Yale) experience to be taught a course by your textbooks author. Check out Evas tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

ACT Writing Test

ACT Writing Test ACT, also known as American College Testing is the student assessment test taken by high school students to get into good colleges and universities in the United States. ACT exam consists of 4 main sections: English, Mathematics, Reading and Science reasoning. There is an optional Writing section which the students can prefer if they want their ACT scores including their writing score. ACT writing test is for 30 minutes time span. In the Writing section, the students are given a topic or an issue and there will be two points of view on that issue. Students have to write an essay by understanding the given issue and by supporting any one point of view in the given options or can also present their own point of view. In this writing test, students have to first properly understand the given topic and should think about which perspective they support. ACT writing test is only for 30 minutes and it measures students skills in writing and their ability to present their opinion in a soft convincing way. The reader should be able to understand the explanation or the point of view of the writer, and hence the student should put forward their point of opinion in a very clear and logical way. Vague statements can leave the reader confused about the issue, and hence students must try to use precise words and good sentence structures so that the essay contains good organization of thoughts and ideas.

How You Can Learn to Sing Online

How You Can Learn to Sing Online Multimedia Tools Apps to Improve your Singing Voice ChaptersKaraoke AppsHow Can You Download Karaoke Videos?Tools for Recording Your VoiceThe Best Sites for Learning Music TheoryThere are plenty of benefits to singing: It’s good for moral, can improve your mood, and also comes with a number of physiological benefits. There’s also studies showing that singing can improve your vocal muscles and reduce snoring.Rather than detailing all the benefits of working on your singing voice, in this article, we’re going to go over a unique type of vocal training to help you learn how to sing.Do you tend to break into song at random moments throughout the day?Are you unashamedly one of those people who always sings in the shower?If so, this is the article for you. If you’re too nervous to sing a song in public because you’re afraid of singing out of tune, here are some tips to find your voice and improve your singing quickly...Singplay: Firstly, it’s free! Secondly, it can convert the mp3s from your smartphone or tablet into karaoke tra cks.Yokee: This app has an impressive library of tracks and allows you to add effects to your voice. While it’s free, there are in-app purchases which can actually set you back a significant amount of money.The Voice: On Stage: If you’re a fan of the TV show, you’re going to love this app. Put yourself in the shoes of a contestant and unlock new songs through your performances. Competitive people will love it.Sing! Karaoke by Smule: If you want to compare yourself to other singers, this is the app you’ll need since you can sing with other connected users. By paying a few quid for the premium version, you’ll gain access to 800,000 titles which should keep you busy for a while.You can also check out Red Karaoke Sing Record or StarMaker...Generally, karaoke apps allow you to record and work on your voice, to share your performances on social networks, and add effects to your voice (reverb, echo, etc,). Not only will these features help you improve your singing, they can help make the learning process more fun. Bit by bit, you’ll start gaining some self-confidence.If you're living in a big city, find singing lessons London or  singing lessons Manchester and start to learn how to sing like a pro. Or check out singing lessons online.How Can You Download Karaoke Videos?Now that we’ve established the essential mobile apps that every amateur singer should download, let’s have a look at how you can download karaoke videos.In just a few clicks, you can prepare an evening of party games.Make your parties more interesting with karaoke! (Source: pixabay.com)There are a few options available to those who’d like to download videos and instrumental versions of songs with the lyrics. Don’t forget that YouTube has an impressive number of karaoke videos. As always, in terms of music, it’s your best friend for successful karaoke nights. Don’t forget to look for singing tutorials online, too. You’ll find tonnes of useful tips and tricks for improving your voice.Similarly, you could opt to pay for Karafun and enjoy the platform without adverts and having to look all over the place for karaoke videos. When you subscribe, you can access a database of around 27,000 titles and save your favourites to your computer.There are plenty of sites that also allow you to directly download karaoke videos. You can use them to build your own personal repertoire of karaoke songs for practising your singing or making your evenings unforgettable.If you want to get things moving along even more quickly and improve your vocal technique, you should consider downloading the best (free) apps so that you can work on your singing.Kanto Karaoke: A veritable professional studio, this singing app includes a mixing deck and the option to easily record your voice. You can also convert midi files into mp3s and build your own personalised playlist.Siglos Karaoke Player: This app, which plays and records karaoke, also allows you to change the key of a song that doesn ’t correspond to your range.Karaokay: Simple and easy to use, this singing app is really useful for those who’ve just started singing.Tools for Recording Your VoiceSinging your favourite tunes in front of the mirror is fun. However, if your goal is to improve your singing, you have to regularly work on your singing and the songs you’d like to perform. This starts by first recording your own voice.This is a simple and effective technique even though it can be a little disappointing the first few times you hear yourself singing. While the recording’s accurate, you’ll need to move on from it. Motivate yourself to keep trying and improving. You’ll soon become aware of the qualities and flaws of your voice.Investing in good equipment pays dividends when it comes to improving your singing. (Source:  pixabay.com)So let’s not waste any more time and get the necessary equipment for recording your voice. It’s quite simple to create a home studio or mini recording studio with j ust a few carefully-chosen devices and programmes:Microphone: This is essential. Recording yourself with the built-in microphone on your computer isn’t the best way to achieve good sound quality. It’s much better to get a good external microphone with anti-pop and a stand.Headphones or speakers: These are useful for listening to your recordings without affecting the sound quality.A Programme like Audacity. This programme is the most downloaded and, best of all, it’s free! It’s easy to use and a favourite amongst amateur artists and music lovers. It can record digital audio files (.wav, .mp3) and inlcludes a number of functions such as filters, tempo, volume, voice changers, etc. You can also remove the vocals from songs in order to turn them into instrumental versions.Before recording your voice, try to create the perfect conditions:Find a calm and quiet place where you won’t be bothered by background noises that’ll be picked up on the recording.Test your microphone in o rder to check the levels and settings (it can be pretty pointless to finish recording a song only to find out that you can’t even hear your voice!).If possible, you should film yourself as you record your voice since if you want to perform in front of a audience, your stage presence is as important as your singing!The Best Sites for Learning Music TheoryIt’s not enough to just sing in order to improve your voice, you need to understand the underlying concepts of music and, in particular, music theory. Good musical training is really important when it comes to being able to sing well.Do you have a good ear for music and a beautiful voice?If you want to become a good singer, this is an essential part of it. Singing by just listening has its limits. Furthermore, this can open a whole wealth of new possibilities. Whether you want to sing in a group or on your own, you should read the music and learn the notes. That means you’re going to have to learn music theory.While this might seem impossible in the beginning, the internet is here to help you. You can easily learn music theory activities online.Which are the best sites for easily learning music theory?You can find plenty of sites (including ones for children) with fun tools for learning the names of the notes, reading sheet music, understanding the differences between sharps and flats, learning scales, etc.If you want to improve your singing, you'll need to study music theory. (Source: pixabay.com)WebsiteContentOne Minute Music LessonThis site is one of the best around. It includes short video lessons covering even the most basic concepts of music theory.MetronimoYou can learn music theory with games thanks to this site aimed at children. There’s an app you can download for free.MusicTheory.netThis site has interactive music theory activities for you to practise what you’ve learnt.TeoríaThis site includes varied resources on music theory and tutorials. There are also exercises for training your ear.T oneSavvyThis site (which was formerly known as eMusicTheory) includes a plethora of music theory resources for both students and teachers.Despite all the tools available, learning to sing can be really difficult if you never take a single singing lesson and don't get help from a singing teacher. It’s all up to you to objectively analyse your performance and singing techniques, choose the right warm up exercises to train your vocal chords, and making sure you're in tune.If you want to improve quickly, you should also try and develop good habits:Warm up your voice with vocal exercisesDo breathing exercisesAdopt the right positionBroaden your vocal rangeLearn to breathe correctlyArticulate yourself wellEtc.When learning without a vocal coach, we can sometimes pick up bad habits. With the right vocal warmups, you’ll be able to sing better without straining your vocal chords too much.If you have the chance to go to a singing school or take private tutorials with a singing coach, you should definitely consider them as you’ll soon become the star of your karaoke nights! With a bit of talent and the help of YouTube, you might become the next big star!

Introduction to Spanish Culture Daily Life More

Introduction to Spanish Culture Daily Life More Suzy S. The Spanish culture is one of the most beautiful and exciting in the world. Its no wonder Spain is one of the top travel destinations for tourists every year! If youve already checked out our infographic with  50 interesting facts about Spain, now its time to dive a little deeper! Whether youre planning a trip to visit this enchanting country, or youre just curious about it, heres a little introduction to Spanish culture and its customs. Let’s go Vamanos! Intro to Spanish Culture Spanish Food Dining Spain is a wonderful country for many reasons, but one of our favorite reasons is the food! In Spain there are many bars. On small streets you can find two, sometimes three bars all right next to each other. These bars offer  more than just tasty drinks; they usually have delicious  food as well! The tradition in Spain when going out to eat is to go for tapas   small portions of food that used to be made to enhance the taste of liquor. However, the tapas later became just as important as the liquor, and today its a highly distinguished cuisine. When you go out to eat in Spain, try a variety of tapas bars and a variety of tapas. Here are some popular Spanish tapas that youll undoubtedly come across: Albóndigas: Meatballs with sauce. Allioli: Garlic and oil the classic ingredients are only garlic, oil, and salt, but a  common form of it includes mayonnaise. It is served on bread or with grilled fish, meat, or vegetables. Bacalao: Salted cod loin sliced very thinly, usually served with bread and tomatoes. Boquerones: White anchovies served in vinegar (boquerones en vinagre), or deep fried. Calamares or rabas: Rings of battered squid. Carne mechada: Slow-cooked, tender beef. Chorizo al vino: Chorizo sausage slowly cooked in wine. Chorizo a la sidra: Chorizo sausage slowly cooked in cider. Croquetas: A common sight in bar counters and homes across Spain, served as a tapa, a light lunch, or a dinner along with a salad. Empanadillas: Large or small turnovers filled with meat and vegetables. Ensaladilla rusa: Mixed boiled vegetables with tuna, olives, and mayonnaise. Gambas: Prawns sauteed in salsa negra (peppercorn sauce), al ajillo (with garlic), or pil-pil (with chopped chili peppers). Papas arrugadas or papas con mojo: Very small potatoes boiled in salt water, then drained, and slightly roasted. Theyre served with mojo, a garlic, Spanish paprika, red pepper, cumin, olive oil, wine vinegar, salt, and bread crumb thickener. Queso con anchoas: Castilla or Manchego cured cheese with anchovies on top. Solomillo al whisky: Fried pork scallops, marinated using whisky, brandy, or white wine and olive oil. As you can see, the food in the Spanish culture usually has a LOT of garlic! They also serve, and are very proud of, their jamón serrano, or rustic ham. Its very common for bars to compete and claim they have the best jamón. Religion in Spain One thing to be aware of in Spain is the importance and prominence of Roman Catholicism. Its by far the most prominent religion in the country. In fact, 68% of Spaniards identify themselves as Catholics! Thats a big statistic, and it explains why there are so many churches and beautifully decorated cathedrals in Spanish culture. Religious Celebrations in Spain If youre planning on going to Andalucia during the week leading up to Easter, check out one of the biggest festivals of the year Semana Santa. The festival is particularly celebrated in Seville and it runs for one week. This week is a big deal in Spain. Some people will spend all year planning for it! Streets are blocked off, bands will come out and play, and bars and restaurants participate by having specials. SEE ALSO: 20 Spanish Traditions and Customs Spanish Culture in Daily Life The daily life in Spain is much different than what you find in other countries. You always feel great in Spain because everything seems so relaxed. The streets are relaxed  and  the people are relaxed. The key difference in Spanish culture is that people don’t get stressed out over simple things. If youre five  or 10 minutes late for something, they simply say, “No pasa nada!” This Spanish  phrase basically translates to, “Don’t worry about it. (Of course, when it comes to business meetings and occasions where you have time limits, then this might be frowned upon by some.) Siestas in Spanish Culture Perhaps the most difficult part of getting used to Spanish culture is the daily work schedule. All throughout Spain, they have the infamous tradition of the siesta. This is an old tradition that  involves taking an afternoon nap in the middle of the day, which is usually the hottest time of the day. The siesta is a wonderful thing if you feel like taking a nap or just relaxing after lunch. The problem is that if you have things you would like to get done, you really can’t go to any stores because everything is closed! The typical work hours in Spain are from 9 AM 2 PM, and then the city shuts down. Afterward, however, things open back up again from 5 or 6 to 10 PM, or even later. This can be a very hard schedule to get used to, but if youre there (especially in the summer), youll see why this tradition is actually very necessary because of the heat! Family Dynamic in Spain This brings us to another difference about Spanish culture: people are very friendly because they  look at one another as family. In Spain its very typical to be close to your family, and this helps them in treating neighbors  just the same. Its not uncommon for  family members to live just a couple houses down the street, or even in the same house together for their entire lives. This creates a strong family dynamic and level of trust between other people you get close to as well. Nightlife in Spain The nightlife is an extremely exciting part of Spain! In Spain, its normal to stay up until midnight  or later on weekdays. However, the  weekends are  when the fun really begins. A typical Spanish evening out on the town does not start before 11 or 12 PM. People will stay out until 5 AM, or sometimes later when they go out for parties, clubs, or even just drinks! Other Social Events in Spanish Culture If youre a true Spaniard, you might go see an evening bull fight (corrida de toros), or sometimes a night of listening to live flamenco music. The tradition of bull fighting has actually subsided quite a lot in Spain, and now you can only see it in the south of Spain. Flamenco music, on the other hand, is everywhere throughout Spain. Its considered a high art form, and you can find flamenco dancers (bailes de flamenco) and shows in almost any city. In reality, though, not all Spaniards like to go out and watch flamenco all the time. Some do, but its actually a spectacle thats mostly catered toward tourists. The real Spanish thing to do is to go out for tapas and then go see a  fútbol (soccer) match. Holidays in Spain The people in Spain know how to party!   They also have a lot of holiday time off. In Spain, every saint gets their own holiday, and depending on which city youre in, or what churches are nearby, you might get a day off (usually three or more per year). Besides the religious holidays like Easter, Christmas, and Semana Santa, there are many other great occasions to celebrate in Spanish culture. One is La Feria (the fair), or if youre in other parts of Spain, they might have Carnaval. This is a time when every city in Spain has their own celebration. Nobody works and its fun for the whole week. People dress up in traditional flamenco-like dresses at La Feria, and for Carnaval, everyone dresses up in a ridiculous costume (like Halloween, except its for a whole week). Common Spanish Phrases Here are some Spanish phrases and words youll hear used a lot around Spain. They might not be in every travel dictionary you can pick up at the store! Venga: Come on/let’s go/yeah right This word is just a small exclamation, but Spaniards use it all the time. It can be used in a variety of contexts so its a good phrase to know. Yo quiero/yo no quiero:  I want/I don’t want Me gustaría:  I would like (polite) These two Spanish phrases are  helpful for when  you  need to ask for things during your travels. ¿Dónde está…?:  Where is… This is a  good phrase to know if youre in unfamiliar places and you need directions from  a local. Así:  Like this/like that/this way This is a handy little word  that  you can pair with a word like como  if you want to say “like this/that” (Como así). Por favor:  Please Gracias:  Thank you These are VERY IMPORTANT words in Spanish, especially when speaking  with people you just met! SEE ALSO: Best Apps to Learn Spanish A Note on Spanish Greetings Its good to know how to greet someone politely in Spanish culture. In English, even speaking with people you may not know, its common and acceptable to simply say “Hi” or “Hello.” However, in most romance languages its common to greet people you dont  know formally. Buenos días:  Good morning Buenas tardes:  Good afternoon Buenas noches:  Good evening Hola: Hi  (for people you know) These are just glimpses of the cultural experiences youll discover in this amazing country. There are many more customs and traditions unlike anything we have here in the U.S.! The Spanish culture is truly remarkable, and if you get the chance to go to Europe, you must visit this wonderful place. Who knows, you may never want to leave! Post Author:  Christopher S. Christopher S. teaches Spanish and Italian in West Columbia, SC. He received his Bachelors degree from Humboldt State University  and has been teaching since 2004.  Learn more about Christopher S. here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

5 French Holidays to Celebrate This Spring and Summer

5 French Holidays to Celebrate This Spring and Summer Suzy S. When in France, party like the French do! Whether youre preparing to study abroad or you just want to bring a little piece of France into your home, French tutor  Carol Beth L.s guide to French holidays this spring and summer will give you something to celebrate French holidays share some similarities with American holidays, but they arent all exactly the same â€" nor do they occur at the same time. If youre looking for some fun French festivities, here are a few spring and summer holidays to celebrate. 1) Heure dété  Daylight Savings Time Daylight savings time isnt really a holiday, but it is something to which everyone in France must pay attention, just as we do in the United States. Frances daylight savings time change also occurs on a Sunday, but not the same Sunday as in the United States. Usually, we Americans turn our clocks forward about a week before the French do. As a result, for about a week every spring, the time difference between the two countries diminishes from eight hours to seven. 2) Pâques Easter Easter is traditionally a religious holiday which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. Though France like the United States has gradually become more diverse and secular over the years, France is traditionally a Catholic country. Even after many French Revolutionaries criticized the Catholic Church for corruption at the end of the 18th century, Napoleon brought it back in the early 1800s. In 1980, 80% of the French population identified as Catholic. Today, many statistics put the number at a similar percentage, but the number who actually go to church has decreased and religious diversity, as well as the number of religiously-unaffiliated people, is rising. Even so, just as in the US where many Americans may celebrate Christmas and Easter without attending church, many French do the same. 3)  La  Fête  de lAscension Ascension Day La Fête de lAscension (Ascension Day) is also a traditionally Christian holiday, but in France, it is also a public holiday. It celebrates the day Jesus ascended to heaven, forty days after rising from the dead. Like Easter, its roots (naturally) come from Frances Catholic past. Regardless of religious affiliation, however, most French people appreciate the day off! 4) La Fête du Travail Labor Day Labor Day in the United States doesnt come until September. In France, however, it occurs in May, the same month we celebrate Memorial Day. But while we celebrate Memorial Day towards the end of the month, the French celebrate Labor Day at the beginning â€" on May 1st. 5) La Fête Nationale Bastille Day We celebrate our independence day on the 4th of July. The French celebrate theirs 10 days later on the 14th of July, better known as Bastille Day. On that day in 1789, French revolutionaries, mostly from French societys lower classes, stormed the Bastille a fortress and prison in Paris. For revolutionaries, it stood for the nobility and clergys hypocrisy and corruption, as the French clergy and nobility strongly influenced government of the day. Although many French were inspired by Americas revolution, their revolutions bloodiness shocked many Americans and other Europeans. Still, it set France on a zig-zag course between monarchy and representative government, finally ending with the forced abdication of its last king, Charles Philip I, in 1848. Due to a few additional interruptions stemming from wars with (and invasions from) neighboring countries, France is now in its 5th republic, which began with President Charles de Gaulle following World War II. If youre studying French in the US, look out for opportunities to celebrate with the French community in your area, especially on Bastille Day. This tends to be a favorite celebration for French and francophiles abroad. Discover more about French language and culture when you study with a French tutor. Tutors are available to work with you online via Skype or locally depending on  your location. Find your French tutor today! Carol Beth L. teaches  French lessons in San Francisco, CA. She has her Masters in French language education from the Sorbonne University in Paris and has been teaching since 2009.  Learn more about Carol Beth here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photos by Jim Nix,  jamieanne,  Jean-Pierre,  anw, and  Yann Caradec