Frequently Asked Questions

Access & Hours of Opperation

The LLC promotes the study of world languages and cultures with a variety of resources based on research-informed practices. 

The LLC The LLC offers a variety of resources to enhance students’ language preparation and appreciation of cultures. Our goals are to (1) improve oral, listening, reading, and writing skills development supported by emerging technologies; (2) enrich traditional classroom and online learning environments, (3) and actively contribute to students’ language experience to become global citizens. 

 

The LLC is located in the College of Arts and Letters in the Batten Arts and Letters Building, Room 3061.

The LLC is open Monday-Friday and is closed Saturday-Sunday.

Our virtual and in-person hours require that you make an appointment. We will accommodate walk-in requests when available.

The LLC has a friendly, knowledgeable, and international staff to assist you with your world language learning questions and needs.

The LLC staff is happy to serve students, faculty, and the Hampton Roads community.

Stop by the LLC and ask our staff or check out our website.

Tutoring

CRLA certified peer language tutors are available on-site in the LLC or remotely: Make an appointment. Students may also access Tutor.com via Canvas.

Remote tutoring opportunities are available by appointment: Make an appointment. The peer tutor will send you a Zoom link to connect to your scheduled session.

All tutoring options are offered free to our students and community members.

LLC peer language tutors are available depending on the Student Assistant staff (Check our website). Tutor.com is available for Beginning-Intermediate levels of French, German, Italian, and Spanish. 

Tutoring sessions may be one-one or small group sessions.

Tutoring sessions are scheduled for 30-minutes and you may return as often as necessary.

Our LLC peer tutors are CRLA (College Reading and Learning Association) trained undergraduate and graduate students who provide course specific tutoring. Peer tutors consult with our WL&C faculty.

The LLC welcomes your feedback to improve our services. Please complete the Tutoring Satisfaction Survey.

Assessment

The ODU Credentialing Center provides world language placement testing for French, German, Japanese, and Spanish and is located in the Student Success Center of the Library.

American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages-Language Testing International. ACTFL is the Specialized Professional Association representing the foreign language specialty area of the Council of Teacher Education.

An official language certification from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) leads to increased job opportunities, instills confidence, and creates a significant professional advantage in the global marketplace.

If you are graduating as a major from the Department of World Languages and Cultures, you are required to take the ACTFL-LTI tests.

The Department of World Languages and Cultures at ODU requires that majors take the (1) OPIc, (2) Listening Proficiency Test, and (3) Writing Proficiency Test.

You may schedule your tests anytime during your senior year before graduation.

LTI’s remote proctored language assessments are designed to evaluate students’ language proficiency anytime, anywhere, safely, and securely. You will be required to schedule your language proficiency testing with remote proctor.

ACTFL-LTI assessments are rated by language professionals that have passed the rigorous ACTFL Tester Certification Process, one of the most selective and respected language proficiency tester trainings in the world.

You will receive an official certificate to include on your résumé, CV, and website.

Betty Rose Facer, LLC Director, can be reached at bfacer@odu.edu

Surveys

The LLC staff welcomes your comments and feedback to improve services! Please complete our Student Satisfaction Survey at: https://www.odu.edu/languagelearningcenter/assessment

The LLC welcomes your feedback to improve our services. Please complete the Tutoring Satisfaction Survey at: https://www.odu.edu/languagelearningcenter/tutoring.html.html

LLC Resources

The LLC provides a myriad of resources to enhance your world language learning. If you are unsure of what to use or have specific needs, please make an appointment with our Director or staff. 

There are several platforms to use to practice speaking a world language, including TalkAbroad. Check with our staff for more telecollaborative ideas.

This is an excellent opportunity to practice speaking in the target language in an informal setting hosted by our LLC Assistants (native speakers or WL&C majors and minors). All levels of language learners are welcome to join the conversations.

LLChat is the Language Learning Center’s Podcast on issues related to world languages and cultures from the perspective of students, faculty, and community members.

ImmerseMe is a virtual reality platform that immerses students in  real-world scenarios. The LLC offers Meta Quest glasses to enhance your VR experience and language practice. 

Title VI Language Resource Centers (LRCs) support the nation’s capacity for language teaching and learning. LRCs offer free or low-cost teaching materials, professional development opportunities, assessment and evaluation services, and more.

The Satellite Communications for Learning is a non-profit educational organization that provides television programming from more than 140 countries in more than 170 native languages. These programs are available to ODU students and faculty through our affiliation. Check with the LLC staff for login information.

NewsMap is a tool that lets you visualize global news in a nonlinear way from different countries in their language at: https://newsmap-js.herokuapp.com/

The Radio Garden is a tool that allows you to listen to live radio in various native languages by rotating an interactive globe.

The LLC has a substantial collection of international films for viewing in the Language Learning Center. Ask the Student Assistant at the front desk for help.

Professional Development

The LLC offers world language and technology workshops and training opportunities. 

Check our Events Calendar for the most up-to-date information.

Community Outreach

The LLC offers Language in Motion (LiM-ODU) and the Visiting Alumni Lecture Series (VALS).

Language in Motion

LiM is a cooperative effort to join experienced ODU alumni teachers with current ODU students in the elementary, middle school, and high school classrooms to promote world languages and cultures.

LiM-ODU started as an outreach program in 2015 with the help of an ODU Alumni Association Special Project Grant Program to promote both current ODU students and Alumni teaching professionals. It is now offered as a course.

LiM-ODU promotes (1) study abroad returnees and/or (2) students who have worked or lived abroad for a significant period of time. You must have approval from the instructor.

Contact Betty Rose Facer for more information at: bfacer@odu.edu

Visiting Alumni Lecture Series (VALS)

The Visiting Alumni Lecture Series began in 2011 thanks to the ODU Alumni Association Special Project Grant Program. VALS fosters partnerships with successful ODU Alumni and ODU students. It highlights the real-life work experiences of Old Dominion University Alumni by providing a platform to discuss their experiences using world languages. 

VALS (1) generates interest in diverse career fields requiring foreign language skills, such as teaching, localization and translation, interpreting, government, business, etc., (2) provides networking possibilities and potential internships, (3) provides an opportunity to meet professionals with the same interests and ask questions, (4) gives students a chance to practice their language skills.

Look for upcoming VALS announcements under Events or contact Betty Rose Facer at: bfacer@odu.edu

LLC Employment

ODU students may apply for employment as an LLC Student Assistant in the Department of World Languages and Cultures  by submitting their application. Please review the position description and submission process.

Although knowledge of a world language is not required, it is highly recommended.

Tutoring is a major part of the LLC Student Assistant’s position, however, it is not the only responsibility. You will gain experience working with emerging technologies, collaborating with WL&C faculty, assisting all students with resources, assisting with grant-funded research, and more.