MA Education (TESOL), 2014
“I think Oxford is the ideal size for a city and it encouraged me to read and concentrate on my studies. I thoroughly enjoyed the cultural events and festivals that take place in Oxford and the abundant art exhibitions. ”
Jihye Lee graduated from Korea University, Seoul, South Korea with a BA in English Language Education, before choosing Oxford Brookes for her Postgraduate studies.
I was teaching English in a secondary school when I decided to take an MA Education TESOL. I searched online for TESOL courses in Oxford, and chose the MA Education TESOL at Oxford Brookes as the course is relevant to my profession.
My favourite module was Reflective Personal Development, which gave me the opportunity to reflect on my learning and teaching experience. It also encouraged me to become analytical with my reading and writing, which is essential for postgraduate study; plus all the International MA students, could share their own learning and teaching experience, which was diverse and fascinating.
All members of staff were kind and considerate, when I had to move during the second term; Dr Jane Spiro wrote my reference and was supportive. Dr Paul Wickens helped me to navigate my dissertation successfully. Dr Wickens also inspired me to apply what I had learnt to my working profession and it was through Dr Wickens that I became aware of the English for Specific Purposes (ESP) field, which is of interest to me.
I found the libraries and IT system that allow access to millions of e-books and journals were so helpful with postgraduate study. I used the Bodleian Education Library, Norham Gardens, as well as the Brookes library to search for resources.
I think Oxford is the ideal size for a city and it encouraged me to read and concentrate on my studies. I thoroughly enjoyed the cultural events and festivals that take place in Oxford and the abundant art exhibitions. I will never forget the lovely footpaths and meadows where I could greet cows or horses.
If you are an international student like me, be brave and explore. If possible find volunteer work which you can do once a week. It will enlarge the group of people you know and give you friends who you can explore Oxford with.
After completing my study at Brookes, I was assigned to teach practical English in a vocational high school, where students study commerce, accounting and IT. This school was cited as having low motivation level amongst the students and difficulty in disciplining them. Yet, I was confident with dealing with them and to put into practice what I had learnt on the MA Education TESOL.