MA Applied Linguistics and TESOL
Monika Grzadka - MA Applied Linguistics And Teaching English As A Foreign Language
When I came to Portsmouth for the first time I had different plans regarding my education and had actually made other decisions about my postgraduate studies. However, I did not take me long to change my mind. Not only I fell in love with this coastal city but most importantly, found out about the MA course at the University of Portsmouth, which at the time met my needs in two hundred percent. Plus everyone around, by sharing their experiences as students there, was so encouraging. I had no other choice but to stay.
It has been only few months since the graduation ceremony but over a year since finishing the course and completing my dissertation. Nevertheless, the memories of great and passionate lecturers, the masters of their professions, engaging discussions, as well as wonderful facilities of the university, such as the library, where I spent a lot of my free time, still remain vivid. There is no other place where I was given and learned that much. For the first time I was shown the sides of teaching that I never had thought about, a lot of practical ideas and solutions, all coming from experienced teachers, who at some point in their lives had to deal with exactly the same issues I have to face now, as an EFL teacher.
Portsmouth is a wonderful place to study. The seafront is charming at any time of the day. Plenty of open space, ideal for relaxing and thoughtful walks along the beach. I did a lot of walking in Portsmouth, I must admit. Buses are usually behind schedule and as a student you cannot always indulge yourself with the luxury of taking a taxi, but everything is so close that really, all you need is an iPod or a friend to keep you company. I easily found a part-time job, which not only helped me to make ends meet but also allowed me to visit the fine shopping areas in Commercial Road and Gunwharf Quays quite often.
I am writing this in between my classes at the English Institute in Colombia, Latin America. I am currently applying for a teaching position at university here. The obtained knowledge and the MA award earned at the University of Portsmouth, not only have opened many doors for me but also gave me the courage to enter those ones that require a lot of effort and need pushing. I do miss Portsmouth a lot because it became my second home. I made a lot of friends there, some of them I believe are for life and if/when I finally get back to Europe, I am planning on visiting it regularly, since being there simply brings a smile onto my face.
Penny Black - MA Applied Linguistics And Teaching English As A Foreign Language
Having spent a period of time teaching English as a foreign language in Thailand it became obvious that to further my career I needed to update my skills and knowledge. From information available on university websites and listings, the University of Portsmouth seemed well placed with a course that offered everything I was looking for as well as having a language department of high repute. Having grown up and studied in and around Portsmouth I was confident that it was also an area that I was happy to return to and spend time in whilst I was studying.
My experience at UoP has been a wholly enjoyable one. All of the units introduced me to a range of new information, ideas, and current discussion topics in the world of English language teaching. As it had been some time since I had previously studied, I had concerns about achieving the standards expected at Master’s level but I found a lot of support.
At Master’s level, the onus is on the student, however there are many resources available through the library, workshops, ASK, the Resource Centre, the UoP website and the Victory learning platform. The lecturers are willing to assist and it is due to their help and support that I feel I have been able to achieve so much in completing this course. Above all, the university is interested in students’ opinions in order to try to improve their courses. Through end of unit feedback and Course Representative Meetings our group was able to present issues that caused problems as well as let our lecturers know what worked for us.
The course has given me a lot more confidence, skills, and knowledge in many new areas, and opened my eyes to issues I was previously unaware of. Taking on a Master’s degree requires dedication, persistence, and motivation, and the sense of achievement I have gained in completing this course of study is immeasurable. In respect of looking for a new position, I now have a clearer focus of what areas I am interested in and what I am capable of achieving.
It is with a great sense of satisfaction that I have now found a job working on a new project in teacher training with the British Council.