My experience with British Council can be seen via several perspectives or roles, as you may call it.
British Council – my inspiring library
I first got to know about British Council when I was at my first year at ULIS, via the introduction of my English teacher. When I got to British Council on Cao Ba Quat Street, I was overwhelmed by hundreds of books and resources. Later, when it was moved to Cat Linh Street, which was closer to my house, I went there at least 3 days during the week. There, I could read books, watch films or use the Internet to search for information just for free, which motivated me a lot in my learning journey as a student of English. British Council at that time was a magnificent library for me, inspiring me to learn more about the language, literature, movies and culture of Britain. I think I must have been blessed with such a support coming from British Council, which has made me who I am now.
British Council – my professional development
When I was a lecturer of English at HNUE, I went to lots of workshops held by British Council. They were opportunities for me to share my ideas with other lecturers like me, listen to and learn from other colleagues. One course, PToT, which was organized by British Council, did make a huge change in my teaching method. Even though it was to raise the awareness and to improve methodology in teaching English to young learners, I learned a lot from it to teach to my students at my university. I now understand more of learning English as a sustainable journey, which has really encouraged to better myself everyday so as to motivate more students to master the language. And as for the PToT learners of the time, we are still in touch to share ideas on our journeys as a teacher of English.
British Council – my choice for my children
When my daughter turned 9, I decided to send her to British Council to learn English. The Council at the time was so far from my house, but I believe it was worth it. Twice a week, I would take her to the council at Thuy Khue street and it is forever her rewarding experience with English. She learned different kinds of topics, explored a lot of words and their uses in different contexts, and somehow English has become so easy for her. I love the teaching at British Council for my daughter, as it is sustainable and long-lasting. She has become so confident in using English as she did have so many chances to speak in front of the class, to work with other students in groups to express her views. Not only did she get more fluent in English but she could overcome her shyness to speak in public.
Phan Phuong Thao, teacher at High School for Gifted Students, HNUE.