Peer Language Advising

Students in a study area in Johnson Hall.

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 for Fall 2025 starting on Sunday, September 7.

(��APP log-in required).

Joy Botros

Hi! My name is Joy and I’m a junior majoring in Computer Science and Cognitive Science. I grew up in Los Angeles, California, but I’m Egyptian and have spoken Arabic my whole life. I took Arabic 101 with Professor Lina last year to learn how to read and write, and it was such a fun and meaningful experience to connect more deeply with my cultural roots through the language. I’m super excited to share Arabic with others and help you feel more confident speaking, understanding, reading, and writing it. I’m here for whatever you need whether it’s homework help, grammar, translations, or just practicing conversation. Don’t hesitate to reach out or stop by! I’m looking forward to meeting you!

Drop-in Hours:

McKinnon Center for Global Affairs, Johnson Hall Sunday 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30a.m.; Wednesday, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Ethan Kerman

Hello everyone! My name is Ethan Kerman and I am the peer tutor for Mandarin Chinese. I am a senior from Portland, Oregon, and I am a double major in Urban and Environmental Policy and Chinese Studies. I started learning Mandarin at a Chinese immersion school when I was four years old, and I've been studying Chinese ever since! Like learning any other language, learning Chinese can be very challenging, but it can also be really fun! Please come and see me for anything you need help with in Chinese; I'm available to help you review vocabulary, grammar, or any other concept you're studying in class. I hope to see you soon!

Drop-in Hours:

McKinnon Center for Global Affairs, Johnson Hall Sunday 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Tuesday 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Thursday 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Rose LeGoff: Visiting Language Assistant

Bonjour ! I am Rose (she/her), the French Visiting Language Assistant for the 2024-2025 year.

I am from Brittany, a coastal region in the northwest of France. I am a graduate student and I have a Bachelor in French Literature and a Bachelor in English studies. I have a little experience in teaching as I worked in a French immersion school in Kansas City (MO) for a year, as well as in a middle school in France.

I will be tutoring for the French department at ��APP this year, as well as leading conversation classes and the language tables. I am passionate about discovering new cultures and sharing mine so whether you need help for an exam or just feel like chatting in French, please come by during my tutoring hours.

I look forward to meeting you, à bientôt !

Drop-in Hours:

McKinnon Center for Global Affairs, Johnson Hall Sunday, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m; Monday, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Vivian Anderson

Hi! I’m Vivian (she/her), and I am a junior CSLC major and German and RELS minor from St. Louis, Missouri. I started taking German classes in 7th grade, and haven’t stopped since! In high school I was awarded the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy in German and was part of German National Honor Society. I have taken a number of interesting German classes at ��APP, but one of my favorites has been Grimm’s Fairy Tales. I am excited to pass on what I know and help you through your German classes!

Drop-in Hours:

McKinnon Center for Global Affairs, Johnson Hall Sunday, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m

Caitlin Cabanilla

Hi everyone! My name is Caitlin Joy Cabanilla and I’m currently a Senior majoring in Economics & Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture. I’ve been studying Ancient Greek since my Freshman year and I’m excited to be working with you all as the Greek Peer Tutor for this year! I know it can be difficulty going through the Greek gauntlet so I’m here to support you through all your questions and struggles. If you have any questions about translations, grammar, or tips for growing confident in your Greek skills – don’t hesitate to stop by! I’m also happy to chat about career interests or about my majors. Looking forward to seeing you at Language Tutoring!

Drop-in Hours:

McKinnon Center for Global Affairs, Johnson Hall Sunday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Elise Coffey

Hi! My name is Elise and I am a sophomore biology major and Japanese studies minor. I am half-Japanese and grew up in Portland, Oregon. I studied Japanese in an immersion program from kindergarten through high school and I am excited to continue my Japanese studies at ��APP. I was lucky enough to travel to Japan with my class in eighth grade and loved immersing myself in the language and culture. I am here to help with homework, grammar, kanji, studying for exams, or if you want to practice conversational skills! Please don't hesitate to reach out or stop by, I look forward to meeting you!

Drop-in Hours

McKinnon Center for Global Affairs, Johnson Hall Sunday, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Tuesday & Thursday, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Sofia Lauro

Hi! I’m Sofia, a senior CSLC major and German/CTSJ minor going into my 3rd year working for you all as Peer Latin Tutor. I’m in my ninth year studying Latin, and last summer I took part in an immersive spoken Latin program in Rome. I also study Ancient Greek, Italian, and German, but have been working the longest with Latin. From my time with the language I know firsthand how difficult it can be, from the memorization it requires, to its complicated grammar, to even the distinctness of its sentence structure. I look forward to helping you make all aspects of your learning process easier and more enriching!

Drop-in Hours

McKinnon Center for Global Affairs, Johnson Hall Sunday, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; & Thursday, 5:00- 6:00 p.m.

Garrett Howard

Всем привет! My name is Garrett, I’ll be your Russian language peer advisor. I am a senior majoring in Comparative Studies in Literature & Culture (CSLC) with a minor in Linguistics. I’ve studied Russian at ��APP since my freshman year and I’m excited to help in whatever area you’d like to work on. I also speak Serbo-Croatian and currently study French, and love to talk about anything language related. Hope to see you soon!

Drop-in Hours

McKinnon Center for Global Affairs, Johnson Hall Sunday, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Martina Policicchio: Visiting Language Assistant

¡Hola! My name is Martina and I am from Badajoz, a not so well-known Spanish city next to the border with Portugal. I hold a degree in Translation and Interpreting Studies, and I have just finished my master’s in Legal translation. I have studied at the University of Granada, in Spain, and at the University of Bologna, in Italy.

My true passion lies in teaching languages, so I will be delighted to help you get even more fluent in Spanish through fun activities and interesting conversations. I also love everything that has to do with theater and cinema, so if you are into the scenic arts you already know who you can turn to! I am looking forward to meeting you all and creating a unique and successful path towards your goals regarding the Spanish language.

I am sure we will enjoy our time together. Can’t wait!

Drop-in Hours

McKinnon Center for Global Affairs, Johnson Hall Sunday, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m; Tuesday 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Spanish

Mercedes Garcia: Visiting Language Assistant

¡Hola!My name is Mercedes García, and I’m from Huelva, a beautiful city on the southwest coast of Spain. I have a degree in Hispanic Philology and two Master’s degrees — one in Education and another in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language.

I’ve lived in different cities across Spain, like Seville and Granada, and I’ve always been fascinated by the mix of cultures and the chance to meet people from different backgrounds. I also love art and sports, as I believe both are great ways to express ourselves and connect with others.

I’m really excited to meet you, learn about your culture and share with you the richness and diversity of the Spanish language. It will be a pleasure to support you in your learning journey, whether that’s in tutoring sessions, conversation classes, or just around campus.

¡Nos vemos muy pronto!

Drop-in Hours

McKinnon Center for Global Affairs, Johnson Hall Sunday, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Monday, 5:00 to 6:00p.m.; Tuesday, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.

Questions about the program? Email Luz Forero at lforero@oxy.edu.

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