In May this year, we updated you on the nine British Council sponsored scholars who were just completing their first year of online MA studies in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and were about to embark on their two week study placement to Northern Ireland.
They have just completed their two weeks in Northern Ireland so we invited them to reflect on their trip and share with us a little more about their experience and what they have learnt from their visit. Read on to learn what they have to share.
'During the past two weeks, I have gained valuable insights into both academic and UK-Irish culture through the programme in Northern Ireland. The workshops enriched my knowledge of leadership and innovative teaching techniques, inspiring me to find new ways to enhance my teaching practice. The teachers and staff at Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) were energetic, and offered us positive feedback, and endless support, which was greatly appreciated. This two-week experience has motivated me to grow academically and contribute more effectively to the educational development of my own community in Viet Nam.'- Huong Tra – teacher from Thai Nguyen
'I experienced remarkable opportunities for professional connection. The trips brought me closer to colleagues in the English teaching field. I loved the friendly atmosphere where we could sit together and openly share our teaching practices, discuss issues and challenges, and exchange ideas. This collaborative environment was highly beneficial, bringing a sense of community and mutual support which will be invaluable in the future. The trip has significantly widened my professional network and deepened my engagement with fellow educators.' - An Nguyen – lecturer from HUFLIS, Hue
'Personally, learning about Northern Ireland's history and education system, I have identified many parallels with Viet Nam: the post-conflict revitalisation with its opportunities and challenges. It is a shame that the average Vietnamese citizen have little knowledge about Northern Ireland, but I really hope that now that these new connections have been established, that will soon change, benefitting both sides.'- Bao Huynh – teacher from HCMC
We also caught up with some of their Northern Ireland hosts to hear their reflections on the scholars’ recent visit.
'It has been an amazing two weeks with the Scholars here in Northern Ireland. To see how they have grown, and continue to grow, in their professional, personal, and academic journeys is an inspiration. They have had the opportunity to engage in a series of academic workshops from expert staff at Ulster University’s School of Education and Centre for English Language Teaching, identifying areas of good practise to bring back with them to Viet Nam. The group collaborated to deliver a highly successful and engaging professional development session on Learner Motivation with our colleagues at INTO QUB and a set of excellent English lessons for learners with Refuge Language in Belfast. These two widely differing experiences demonstrate their ability to adapt, work as a team, and also their genuine motivation to support every English Language learner.'- Cain Barriskill, MA TESOL Scholarship project coordinator, Ulster University.
'We had the pleasure of supporting a fantastic group of Vietnamese English language educators in their study tour of Northern Ireland. All our learners greatly benefitted from the lessons. It is also motivational for them to see non-native English speakers who are so fluent! Our students loved their classes!' - Rebekah Smyth - Managing Director, Refuge Language
To learn more about their visit, click here.
So, what’s the next stop on their professional journey? Six of the nine scholars have been accepted to present at the forthcoming VietTESOL International Convention 2024, 26–28 July in Ho Chi Minh City.