Now working at East China Normal University Affiliated Shunde Midea School

ELLS (TESOL Concentration)

The years at UIC enhanced my English ability and equipped me with professional teaching skills, which benefit me to start my teaching path confidently. The major courses enabled me to have a comprehensive understanding of linguistics, language teaching methodologies and relevant educational theories. At the same time, the practicum provided me with the opportunity to apply the learned theory to real teaching situations. That practical teaching experience further developed my teaching skills and also made me more determined to become a teacher. What’s more, the presentations, group projects and classroom interaction at the UIC study helped me to become more confident and be able to face sudden episodes more calmly.

MA in Language and intercultural communication-The University of Edinburgh

ELLS (EPC concentration)

Looking back on my four years of study, I would like to say “Sic Parvis Magna”. Be sure not to ignore the details in your studies, it is a sure way to achieve great things. Equally important, be bold. If you are brave enough to try, you will definitely gain something in your UIC career. At last, I wish all future students “Inter Pares Insignis”, being your own unique self and write academic brilliance!

MA in International Language Education （TESL）- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

ELLS (EPC concentration)

Studying in ELLS was like a pleasant and memorable exploration. I entered the academic field with full curiosity as a freshman，broadened my mind toward the goal of becoming a “Whole Person” as a sophomore，tried my best to practice what I learned as a junior，and received fruitful achievements while keeping improving myself as a senior. Various certificates and awards cannot fully summarize my four years endeavour. All the professors and schoolmates in ELLS have become my loveliest friends. Staying humble，being brave and creative，are my secrets to living a wonderful life at UIC. Go ahead and try your best. Always start your exploration by yourself.

MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - The University of Edinburgh

ELLS (TESOL concentration)

It’s really a precious and fortunate experience for me to study for four years in ELLS (TESOL). At here, I can not only learn the professional knowledge of English teaching and linguistics systematically but also have many opportunities for me to apply what I learnt to practical use. During the class, we can understand how to teach students with different backgrounds by using targeted teaching methods through mock teaching. Besides, our major also provides us opportunities to do a practicum in the primary schools and junior schools in Zhuhai, which let us get along with the real students and accumulate practical teaching experiences. My life in ELLS (TESOL) is really delightful for me. I believe that if I really become a teacher in the future, what I learnt in TESOL will still benefit me a lot.

MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages-The University of Hong Kong

ELLS (TESOL concentration)

When I was going to choose my concentration in ELLS, I chose TESL without any hesitation due to my interest in education and linguistics. The fact has proved that my choice is totally correct. During the four years of study in TESL, I have learnt a lot not only about how to study but also about how to be a responsible teacher. Learning in TESL has a very important impact on my educational career. Every mock teaching is of great significance to me. In addition, I am also very grateful for the hard work of the professors who are really like parents to us providing us with great patience and a tremendous help. Every professor and assistant teacher is selfless, friendly and helpful. At the same time, I am also happy to meet all my classmates in TESL. We learned and made progress together in these four years. It has become a very important part of my life to have the honour to study in ELLS and it always will be. Thank you, TESL and ELLS.

Now studying at University of Pennsylvania

ELLS (EPC concentration)

I had a very fulfilling four years at UIC. I would like to express my special thanks to Dr. Freek Olaf de Groot and Professor John Corbett for guiding me through my learning, discovering my potentials, and helping me find my passion for research. I would also like to thank IDO for providing me with the opportunity to exchange in Germany, allowing me to explore the diverse cultures in the world. Thanks to the various learning resources and original English textbooks provided by UIC Library. I spent many happy hours studying and reading there. Finally, I want to thank my friends in UIC, especially my roommate Wang Ruocong and Tony Dinh from ELC.

Maggie TESOL concentration

2018 - present

UICers often joke that here in UIC, you can enjoy "being a Year 3 high school student" for your four-year study in UIC. You may figure out that it won’t be a comfortable journey studying here. Nevertheless, I appreciate all the invaluable experiences at UIC. The group works "force" us to go out of our comfort zone to learn collaborating with others for a common goal; the presentations allow us to complete the transformation from a one-way "knowledge receiver" sitting under the stage to a public speaker standing on the stage with confidence. Most importantly, I began to realize that English is no longer the boring subject I used to have on the test paper when I was in Secondary School, but a necessary tool for me to explore the world. Occasional frustration and anxiety are perfectly normal obstacles in our journey because the process of growing up will not be easy anyway. The point is to learn to change the thinking mode I took for granted: TESOL Concentration has taught me not to regard assignments as mere tasks to be completed but as valuable exercise opportunities before we enter this cruel society. We may never guess who we will be one day. The unlimited possibilities may lead us anywhere. Remember to make the most of the resources available here at UIC, for as one of the UICers, we deserve a future with no boundaries.