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Innovative & Personalized Language Learning - French & German
Cordula S.

5.0 (180 ratings)

697 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $50
Contact Cordula
Response time: 37 minutes
Cordula S.'s Photo
Cordula S.'s Photo Cordula S.'s Photo

Innovative & Personalized Language Learning - French & German
Innovative & Personalized Language Learning - French & German
Cordula S.

5.0 (180 ratings)

697 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
5.0 (180 ratings)

697 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Cordula

Bio

My love of languages started early in life and gradually expanded as I lived and researched in over thirty countries around the world. I am German born and multilingual (French, German, Nepali). My experience as a professional interpreter and translator for the judicial system (county, state, and federal level) give me an edge over other educators. I also spent over 20 years in the fields of research and writing, working on international projects.

I hold a degree from Georgetown University...

My love of languages started early in life and gradually expanded as I lived and researched in over thirty countries around the world. I am German born and multilingual (French, German, Nepali). My experience as a professional interpreter and translator for the judicial system (county, state, and federal level) give me an edge over other educators. I also spent over 20 years in the fields of research and writing, working on international projects.

I hold a degree from Georgetown University and the University of Nice - Sophia Antipolis in France. My studies at GU included the School of Interpretation and Translation, an internationally recognized and unique department with very rigorous standards. I minored in linguistics and specialize in early childhood language acquisition. I have also spent a number of years volunteering as a foreign language liaison in Fairfax County Public Schools (Immersion Program).

Additionally, I conduct workshops and classes, as well as provide programs and performances on Asian culture via my organization, Utpalasia. My audiences include families and small children, K and up, and I regularly tutor ages 5+, so I am able to bring a playful, natural method to my language instruction.

Being culturally sensitive and understanding cross-cultural connections is a valuable tool in the teaching of languages. I believe that languages are acquired both in direct and nuanced ways and I strive to bring this style of teaching into my tutoring sessions. I include snippets of language origin, history, culture, art, music, and society in every class. I prefer the immersion method of instruction since it helps a student 'think' in the target language. Language is about communicating ideas, not just words.

My focus is to accommodate the needs of the individual, be they casual learning for enjoyment, structured study for school, or as a practical application towards a specific goal. I place a great deal of importance on quality achievement, rather than quantity alone, and while I expect sincere parti

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Education

Georgetown University; Universite de Nice
French and German
Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg SAI Institute
Other

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $50
  • Rate details: Students outside the 20 mile radius are subject to a higher fee. Amount is dependent on location and travel time.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • No background check

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Corporate Training

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

My professional work with refugees and immigrants has been extensive and in depth. I have a highly developed sense of people's cultural heritage and the challenges they face when they arrive in the U.S. That sensitivity and respect for cross-cultural diversity has been shaped by the many countries in which I have lived and worked. My knowledge base in this area has also made me sought after for cultural and literal interpretation and translation in the judiciary system. My program method is immersive and keeps pace with the growing ability of my students. I have found that endless patience, a great sense of humor, and focused perseverance are wonderful motivators for those willing to learn. I also speak several languages, which definitely puts many of my students more at ease when tackling the English language. I teach for confidence and success!
French,

French

I hold a degree from Georgetown University and the University of Nice, France in French. I am a court interpreter/translator for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Federal Court. I have also researched and contributed to international projects and taught French to all levels and ages using personalized, custom syllabi. I use the immersion method of instruction and reinforce each class with cultural, historical, and social background notes. I specialize in teaching children and teens and engage them actively in acquiring the language through age-appropriate methods of learning.
German

German

I have the advantage of being a native German speaker who has lived in both Germany and Austria. My academic background for studies in the language includes a degree from Georgetown University, as well as two semesters at Sophia Antipolis University in Nice, France. I have spent many years as a researcher, writer, and translator and also work as a federally approved interpreter for the court system. I prefer the immersion method of instruction as it has greater success in helping a student "think" in the target language rather than attempting to merely translate specific words or phrases. Since culture, tradition, history, and linguistic influences are important in the study of a language, I place a great deal of importance on mastering the comprehensive skills: reading, writing, and speaking. My goal is to assist every learner in becoming a good communicator because, in the end, that is what language is all about.

English

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

My professional work with refugees and immigrants has been extensive and in depth. I have a highly developed sense of people's cultural heritage and the challenges they face when they arrive in the U.S. That sensitivity and respect for cross-cultural diversity has been shaped by the many countries in which I have lived and worked. My knowledge base in this area has also made me sought after for cultural and literal interpretation and translation in the judiciary system. My program method is immersive and keeps pace with the growing ability of my students. I have found that endless patience, a great sense of humor, and focused perseverance are wonderful motivators for those willing to learn. I also speak several languages, which definitely puts many of my students more at ease when tackling the English language. I teach for confidence and success!
Writing

Writing

I have worked in the field of academic research and writing for over 30 years, and have had works published here and abroad. My particular specialties are editing and the structuring of materials. I also love working with the nuances of a language to express both the meaning and the undertone of words and phrases. Writing is part of my everyday occupation and it is as natural to me as breathing. Along with writing, I am also an avid reader with a personal research library of over 60, 000 books. Over the years I have learned that details matter, grammar matters, but in the end it is all about finding voice and being able to express oneself lucidly and with skill and refinement. This is what I hope to bring to each and every one of my students - that ability to communicate at the highest and most effective levels.

Homeschool

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

My professional work with refugees and immigrants has been extensive and in depth. I have a highly developed sense of people's cultural heritage and the challenges they face when they arrive in the U.S. That sensitivity and respect for cross-cultural diversity has been shaped by the many countries in which I have lived and worked. My knowledge base in this area has also made me sought after for cultural and literal interpretation and translation in the judiciary system. My program method is immersive and keeps pace with the growing ability of my students. I have found that endless patience, a great sense of humor, and focused perseverance are wonderful motivators for those willing to learn. I also speak several languages, which definitely puts many of my students more at ease when tackling the English language. I teach for confidence and success!
French,

French

I hold a degree from Georgetown University and the University of Nice, France in French. I am a court interpreter/translator for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Federal Court. I have also researched and contributed to international projects and taught French to all levels and ages using personalized, custom syllabi. I use the immersion method of instruction and reinforce each class with cultural, historical, and social background notes. I specialize in teaching children and teens and engage them actively in acquiring the language through age-appropriate methods of learning.
Writing

Writing

I have worked in the field of academic research and writing for over 30 years, and have had works published here and abroad. My particular specialties are editing and the structuring of materials. I also love working with the nuances of a language to express both the meaning and the undertone of words and phrases. Writing is part of my everyday occupation and it is as natural to me as breathing. Along with writing, I am also an avid reader with a personal research library of over 60, 000 books. Over the years I have learned that details matter, grammar matters, but in the end it is all about finding voice and being able to express oneself lucidly and with skill and refinement. This is what I hope to bring to each and every one of my students - that ability to communicate at the highest and most effective levels.

Language

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

My professional work with refugees and immigrants has been extensive and in depth. I have a highly developed sense of people's cultural heritage and the challenges they face when they arrive in the U.S. That sensitivity and respect for cross-cultural diversity has been shaped by the many countries in which I have lived and worked. My knowledge base in this area has also made me sought after for cultural and literal interpretation and translation in the judiciary system. My program method is immersive and keeps pace with the growing ability of my students. I have found that endless patience, a great sense of humor, and focused perseverance are wonderful motivators for those willing to learn. I also speak several languages, which definitely puts many of my students more at ease when tackling the English language. I teach for confidence and success!
French,

French

I hold a degree from Georgetown University and the University of Nice, France in French. I am a court interpreter/translator for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Federal Court. I have also researched and contributed to international projects and taught French to all levels and ages using personalized, custom syllabi. I use the immersion method of instruction and reinforce each class with cultural, historical, and social background notes. I specialize in teaching children and teens and engage them actively in acquiring the language through age-appropriate methods of learning.
German

German

I have the advantage of being a native German speaker who has lived in both Germany and Austria. My academic background for studies in the language includes a degree from Georgetown University, as well as two semesters at Sophia Antipolis University in Nice, France. I have spent many years as a researcher, writer, and translator and also work as a federally approved interpreter for the court system. I prefer the immersion method of instruction as it has greater success in helping a student "think" in the target language rather than attempting to merely translate specific words or phrases. Since culture, tradition, history, and linguistic influences are important in the study of a language, I place a great deal of importance on mastering the comprehensive skills: reading, writing, and speaking. My goal is to assist every learner in becoming a good communicator because, in the end, that is what language is all about.

Most Popular

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

My professional work with refugees and immigrants has been extensive and in depth. I have a highly developed sense of people's cultural heritage and the challenges they face when they arrive in the U.S. That sensitivity and respect for cross-cultural diversity has been shaped by the many countries in which I have lived and worked. My knowledge base in this area has also made me sought after for cultural and literal interpretation and translation in the judiciary system. My program method is immersive and keeps pace with the growing ability of my students. I have found that endless patience, a great sense of humor, and focused perseverance are wonderful motivators for those willing to learn. I also speak several languages, which definitely puts many of my students more at ease when tackling the English language. I teach for confidence and success!
French,

French

I hold a degree from Georgetown University and the University of Nice, France in French. I am a court interpreter/translator for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Federal Court. I have also researched and contributed to international projects and taught French to all levels and ages using personalized, custom syllabi. I use the immersion method of instruction and reinforce each class with cultural, historical, and social background notes. I specialize in teaching children and teens and engage them actively in acquiring the language through age-appropriate methods of learning.
Writing

Writing

I have worked in the field of academic research and writing for over 30 years, and have had works published here and abroad. My particular specialties are editing and the structuring of materials. I also love working with the nuances of a language to express both the meaning and the undertone of words and phrases. Writing is part of my everyday occupation and it is as natural to me as breathing. Along with writing, I am also an avid reader with a personal research library of over 60, 000 books. Over the years I have learned that details matter, grammar matters, but in the end it is all about finding voice and being able to express oneself lucidly and with skill and refinement. This is what I hope to bring to each and every one of my students - that ability to communicate at the highest and most effective levels.

Other

ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

My professional work with refugees and immigrants has been extensive and in depth. I have a highly developed sense of people's cultural heritage and the challenges they face when they arrive in the U.S. That sensitivity and respect for cross-cultural diversity has been shaped by the many countries in which I have lived and worked. My knowledge base in this area has also made me sought after for cultural and literal interpretation and translation in the judiciary system. My program method is immersive and keeps pace with the growing ability of my students. I have found that endless patience, a great sense of humor, and focused perseverance are wonderful motivators for those willing to learn. I also speak several languages, which definitely puts many of my students more at ease when tackling the English language. I teach for confidence and success!

Summer

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

My professional work with refugees and immigrants has been extensive and in depth. I have a highly developed sense of people's cultural heritage and the challenges they face when they arrive in the U.S. That sensitivity and respect for cross-cultural diversity has been shaped by the many countries in which I have lived and worked. My knowledge base in this area has also made me sought after for cultural and literal interpretation and translation in the judiciary system. My program method is immersive and keeps pace with the growing ability of my students. I have found that endless patience, a great sense of humor, and focused perseverance are wonderful motivators for those willing to learn. I also speak several languages, which definitely puts many of my students more at ease when tackling the English language. I teach for confidence and success!
French,

French

I hold a degree from Georgetown University and the University of Nice, France in French. I am a court interpreter/translator for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Federal Court. I have also researched and contributed to international projects and taught French to all levels and ages using personalized, custom syllabi. I use the immersion method of instruction and reinforce each class with cultural, historical, and social background notes. I specialize in teaching children and teens and engage them actively in acquiring the language through age-appropriate methods of learning.
German,

German

I have the advantage of being a native German speaker who has lived in both Germany and Austria. My academic background for studies in the language includes a degree from Georgetown University, as well as two semesters at Sophia Antipolis University in Nice, France. I have spent many years as a researcher, writer, and translator and also work as a federally approved interpreter for the court system. I prefer the immersion method of instruction as it has greater success in helping a student "think" in the target language rather than attempting to merely translate specific words or phrases. Since culture, tradition, history, and linguistic influences are important in the study of a language, I place a great deal of importance on mastering the comprehensive skills: reading, writing, and speaking. My goal is to assist every learner in becoming a good communicator because, in the end, that is what language is all about.
Writing

Writing

I have worked in the field of academic research and writing for over 30 years, and have had works published here and abroad. My particular specialties are editing and the structuring of materials. I also love working with the nuances of a language to express both the meaning and the undertone of words and phrases. Writing is part of my everyday occupation and it is as natural to me as breathing. Along with writing, I am also an avid reader with a personal research library of over 60, 000 books. Over the years I have learned that details matter, grammar matters, but in the end it is all about finding voice and being able to express oneself lucidly and with skill and refinement. This is what I hope to bring to each and every one of my students - that ability to communicate at the highest and most effective levels.

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (180 ratings)
5 star
(178)
4 star
(1)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(1)

Reviews

Helpful support and accent guidance

Cordula assessed my level very well and gave me materials that made sense for my level. She helped me understand some pronunciation issues I didn’t even realize I had been doing. Great teacher.

Cathy, 1 lesson with Cordula

Recommended!!

We highly recommend Cordula as a French tutor! She helped our daughter prepare for her upcoming IB French final exam by building her vocabulary base as well as improve her listening and speaking skills. Cordula’s innovative approach to the subject matter, her meticulous preparation for each lesson and ability to boost our daughter’s confidence in the language made all the difference. A special bonus for us was her fluency in German, since our daughter first started learning French from German.

John, 10 lessons with Cordula

Personable, Knowledgable, Patient

I enthusiastically recommend Cordula as a German language tutor. She uses children's stories to teach basic vocabulary in an entertaining way. Cordula is a native speaker who provides context and explains nuance--making new vocabulary easier to remember. My reading comprehension and pronunciation have improved dramatically since I began working with her almost eight months ago and I plan to continue my work with her.

Christopher, 37 lessons with Cordula

Committed & Professional

Ms. Cordula taught my daughter French for over a year. She was able to connect with my daughter very well very quickly. She is committed and professional tutor with many years of experience. She was never late to any of the sessions, she always brought her tools and came very well prepared to all sessions, this is rare to find these days. I would highly recommend her as a tutor.

Asma, 43 lessons with Cordula

Amazing Teacher

My daughter has been working with Cordula a few months now with absolutely amazing results. We started to get her a head start on French for school and she is currently holding 105 percent in the class. Cordula is patient and attentive to what works best with my daughter. I would recommend her over and over again and cannot wait to see how much further she goes working with Cordula.

Marisa, 48 lessons with Cordula

Knowledgeable, encouraging and patient tutor

The first lesson in German and Cordula assessed where the student was, worked with him while encouraging along the way and gave him key points to take away to build off of.

Julie, 12 lessons with Cordula

Beyond All Expectations

My daughter has been working with Cordula since the spring of last year. In that time I have seen her transform from being an anxious, distressed and discouraged French Language student, to a confident, assured and engaged learner. Even though the school year ended in June, we will be continuing the lessons with Cordula indefinitely. I know that the work Cordula has done with my daughter built a foundation that will allow her to be successful in high school and beyond. This has become more than learning a language for a class. Cordula’s love of languages is obvious and infectious; her enthusiasm for her students and their learning, (not just the language but the culture as well), has brought out my daughter’s own excitement and that wasn't there before. My daughter thoroughly enjoys the lessons with Cordula; she is so patient with her. French used to be a meltdown waiting to happen; ever since we found Cordula, it’s been a wonderful learning experience. I am so glad we found Cordula, we could not have asked for a better tutor.

Melissa, 46 lessons with Cordula

What a tutor should be and more...

Cordula brings to the table many years of working with students as well as a strong command of the language. I've had her working with my son for several months now. He previously had his ups and downs with French and the downs were tied to frustrations with the class setting. Distractions and lacks of one-on-one time with his high school teacher caused his grade to plummet to an "F" for French 2. Cordula helped immensely! She identified within the first session his weaknesses and continued to work with him. He finished the academic year with a "B." I know he could have had an "A" because of the Cordula’s instruction, but teenagers are teenagers (who are sometimes lazy and don’t want to study). I’ve had her continue to work with him over the summer in preparation for his next year of French, and if the trend continues, I know he will be well prepared. As for scheduling, Cordula has been extremely flexible. There have been on occasions where I’ve asked if she had availability to help my son study for a big test or guide him on large project that I found out about before its due (or the last minute) and she generally has some scheduling options that work. I’d highly recommend Cordula as she not only guides but also helps mentor her students as well as getting them back on track where the school has failed.

Shaun, 48 lessons with Cordula

So patient and understanding

Cordula is always accommodating to my level and is very comfortable to speak with, which is very important when trying to get over the fear of messing up when speaking. Another great lesson and excited to return next week.

Hannah, 5 lessons with Cordula
Hourly Rate: $50
Response time: 37 minutes
Contact Cordula