SEA ROOTS WORKSHOP FAQ
Here are the most commonly asked questions about The SEAD Project’s heritage language workshops.
SEAD offers intensive and engaging 8-week workshops with an introduction to Hmong, Khmer, Lao, and Vietnamese language literacy; integrated with elements of cultural topics and storytelling. All students are part of a supportive learning cohort. Heritage learners are highly encouraged to join. If you don’t find your answers here, please email us directly at hi@theseadproject.org.
FAQ
Q: What are the classes about?
A: The classes are a fun, engaging, and student-centered environment with intensive content catered to adult learners. Curriculum is broken into weekly themed topics (geography, history, social etiquette, etc) with a balance of basics in grammar lectures, reading, writing, listening comprehension and speech practice as well as in-class exercises and light homework. To apply what students learn, there is a culminating creative final project that students are required to complete; which will be worked on throughout the course. On the last day of class, all language cohorts come together to present their final community projects.
Q: When and where are the classes held?
A: Spring workshop runs for 8 weeks starting Saturday, September 9th. Workshops are offered every spring and fall on Saturday mornings from 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM US Central Time, for 8 consecutive weeks.
All workshops are held 100% virtually to include students from across the country. Classes are taught via Zoom livestream platform, Google Drive, Google Classroom, and other tech tools.
**The Fall 2023 registration period will close on Wednesday, August 30th.
Q: How will I get my class materials?
A: All registered students will receive their coursebook and materials by mail and will need to access Google Drive and Classrooms in order to get their materials electronically. Please note that registered students will need to have stable internet access, an appropriate study area for yourself to learn without distractions (as much as possible), and other technology requirements in order to take the online class successfully.
Q: How much are the classes?
A: Registration fee will be $450 per student.
For those unable to pay the full fee, there is a sliding scale between $250 – $425 based on two requirements: 1) You identify as having Southeast Asian heritage and/or are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) and 2) You are low income (individual annual salary is less than $40,000). For those who qualify, you may pay any amount within the sliding scale range. No one will be turned away if they are unable to pay, so please reach out to us if you need financial support.
Fee includes 8 weeks of teacher’s time, class instruction, coursebook, technology, Zoom software, materials, etc. A processing fee will be charged at the time of payment. Limited scholarships are available for anyone who is unable to financially pay for the class.
There are also scholarships for those who cannot afford the fee.
Q: Who are your teachers?
A: All of our teachers come from various levels of teaching backgrounds and are made up of teams with native speakers who are fluent in the language and have a wealth of teaching, facilitation, and community experience.
Hmong Teachers Team: Yer Her and Koobmeej Lee
Lao Teachers Team: Stacey Phengvath
Khmer Teachers Team: Sotheary Duong, Bunchung (Liam) Ly
Vietnamese Teachers Team: Hung Nguyen and Tri Vo
Q: What level of language fluency do I need in order to take the class?
A: We accept all levels of language learners. The difficulty of the course is determined by our collective student registration and their abilities.
Q: What do I need to have ready for the class?
A: Bring an open and patient mindset, pencil, notebook, and a working laptop and internet. Review the student tech requirements here. And don’t forget grace. Classes will be intensive, but they’re engaging and fun and you are part of a lasting and supportive cohort community.
Q: How many hours a week should I expect to study?
A: In addition to 3.5 hours of class time, students should expect to study up to 8-10 hours per week (this includes homework exercises, etc).
Q: What is the age range for the class? Can youth take it, too?
A: The curriculum and content is geared towards adult learners who are at least 17 years old or older. If youth are under the age of 17 and would like to take the class, we will allow it as long as a parent/guardian gives permission and an adult family member (who is 17+) is able to take the class with them. Please inquire with us at hi@theseadproject.org.
Q: Are there online classes available?
A: Our audience has grown to encompass students across the country, and we will continue to teach online to make this resource accessible.
Q: I’ve decided I can’t take the class anymore. What is the refund policy?
A: In order to respect the integrity of our program and teachers’ time, energy, and resources; registration is non-refundable after the registration deadline (less any online transaction fees). If you find you can’t continue the class for any reason, we welcome you to retake the class again for free.
Last Updated: 2/2/2023