American Collegiate Welcomes You to Shorelight’s Center for Academic Success!
Discover how to access the program resources designed just for you!
Hi,
How Can We Help You Today?
Start Your Courses
We know you are excited to start your ACL program courses! Access your orientation courses by clicking here.
Watch a Webinar
You may have some webinars included in your courses, but we wanted to offer you some more just for fun! Click here to find them.
Schedule Tutoring
While you are studying with us, you will always have access to live virtual tutoring. Click here to pick a tutor and schedule a session.
Start Learning Today
Your Courses
Schedule Online Tutoring
Our professional tutors are experts in their fields.
They can help you with skills such as...
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Academic writing – generating ideas, organizing, summarizing, paraphrasing, revising/editing
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Research skills – finding credible sources and academic articles; understanding academic integrity; avoiding plagiarism
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MLA & APA citations and format and other citation styles with advance notice
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Academic presentation preparation and practice
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Reading strategies, note-taking skills, test preparation
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Class and groupwork participation strategies; discussion and group leader skills
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English grammar rules and practice; English pronunciation and accent reduction
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Academic communication etiquette – emails, office hours, requesting letters of recommendation
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Business writing – emails, reports, meeting summaries
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Career development – resume and cover letter writing; online professional profile creation
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University applications – writing personal statements, answering supplemental questions, etc.
Choose a tutor & Book a session
Academic & English Skills Tutors
Bianca Coria
I am Bianca Coria. I have eight years of experience teaching English at various levels in Asia and the United States. I currently work as an English instructor and course developer, and I hold certifications in TESOL, TEFL, and TEYL. I have experience working with students of all ages, from toddlers to adults from various backgrounds. In addition to enjoying my career, I also enjoy meeting new people, visiting new places, tasting new foods, and spending time with my family. I love working with students, and I strive to create a positive and enjoyable environment. I look forward to working with you.
Fatemeh Bordbarjavidi
I am Fatemeh Bordbarjavidi. I hold a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics and Technology from Iowa State University, as well as a Master’s in TESOL from the University of Northern Iowa. Currently, I am an ESL lecturer at Shorelight teaching academic skills courses to international students. I specialize in corpus linguistics and academic writing, and have a passion for the intersection of Applied Linguistics and Technology. Originally from Tehran, Iran, my background in English Language and Literature has enriched my global perspective on language and culture. I taught a range of ESL courses at Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa, as well as linguistics courses at Indiana State University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Additionally, I spent four years contributing to the Online Professional English Network (OPEN) programs, shaping learners' language skills and advancing their professional development.
Summer Peixoto
I am Summer Peixoto. With over two decades of teaching and training experience at the university level, I am a passionate educator deeply committed to international education. Throughout my career, I have contributed greatly by creating educational technology interest sections, supporting colleagues in professional development, and advocating for international students and teachers, which is evidenced by my current role as a Specialist and an Ambassador for the US Department of State’s English Language Programs. In my free time, I play tennis, listen to music from different countries, travel, and podcast. I adore working with students in learning academic skills for reading, vocabulary, and note-taking, and my ultimate goal is to set students up for a lifetime of success!
Kara Marín
I am Kara Marín. Language, culture, and teaching have always been passions of mine, which led me to pursue a Master's in Applied Linguistics: TESOL at the University of South Florida. My graduate research focused mostly on second language acquisition and fluency. I have experience working with international students of various levels and backgrounds, particularly in higher education and ESL contexts. In my free time, I love to do improv comedy, visit theme parks, and enjoy movies and music from all around the world! I love working with students and finding ways to develop long-lasting skills you can carry outside of the classroom. I look forward to meeting and working with you!
Dijana Trajchevska
I am Dijana Trajchevska. I have a Master's degree from the University of Utah. I am originally from North Macedonia where I received my BA in English Language and Literature. Five years ago, I moved to Utah to further develop my education. I have experience teaching in higher education. My experience mostly focuses on ESL classes, such as speaking, listening, reading, and academic writing. I also have experience teaching communication skills to non-native speakers of English. I am passionate about applied linguistics and subjects on cross-cultural communication. I hope to work with you in the future!
3 Steps to Prepare for Your Tutoring Session
Be Specific
Your tutor needs to know the specific topic or task that you want help with.
Provide details such as why you need help and any assignments or due dates you have on the form you fill out.
Bring Your Work
If related to a professor's class assignment, have a digital copy of the assignment ready. You can also bring any work you
have started or would like to start to the session.
State Your Goal
Be clear about what you hope to get done in your tutoring session. Write down your goal. If multiple sessions are needed, that's fine. Your tutor can help you reach the goal as quickly as possible.
Tutoring FAQs
No Zoom Link
Immediately after you schedule with a tutor, you should get an email from Calendly with the Zoom link for the session. If you do not see the email, please contact Live Chat for help right away. Our Live Chat can contact the tutor and get the Zoom link for you. Of course, the sooner you get the link, the better, so you won't be late for your appointment.
Need to Cancel
If your schedule changes and you need to cancel your appointment, we understand. It is much better to cancel than to not show up! There is a link in your confirmation email from Calendly that you can use to cancel, or you can ask our Live Chat to cancel for you: Just be sure to give them the tutor's name and your appointment day and time.
Missing Tutor
Sometimes a tutor might have an emergency or a mix-up in their schedule. If your tutor is not on Zoom within 5 minutes of your appointment start time, please contact Live Chat and give them the tutor's name. Meanwhile, if you are more than 10 minutes late to the appointment, please know that the tutor will try to contact you first, but after that they may leave.
Our Latest Webinars
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Alexa Squire, Presenter
Separating Fact from Fiction
Are you able to separate fact from fiction when choosing sources for your university assignments? Join Alexa Squire as she teaches you how to evaluate credibility, distinguish between authentic and misleading sources, and find unbiased news and sources for the all-important research you need to do throughout your university studies.
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Jessica wakelyn, Presenter
Using AI Tools in the Classroom
Are you curious how to use AI tools like ChatGPT? Maybe you are nervous that you might get in trouble if you use them? Join Jessica Wakelyn as she introduces how to use these tools safely and effectively.