TESOL Graduate

Jeon, Dong Ki

 

Before talking about my experience in the TESOL program at HUFS,

I wish to extend my warmest welcome to you who have come to attend the admission ceremony despite your busy schedule.

 

The Honourable 이길영, Dean of the College of Education; The Respectable 김현정, Director of the TESOL Professional Centre; The Distinguished Members of the TESOL Faculty and Administration Office; and all of you who celebrate the first day of the TESOL program!

I am greatly honoured to have this opportunity to stand in front of you and share with you what I have learned and experienced from the finest TESOL program and the best teaching staff in Korea.

I am neither an eloquent speaker nor an excellent presenter. I, though, would like to share with you a time for reflection on my study, or I would say “Six-months long mountain climbing.”

 

When I decided to study TESOL at HUFS, I did not expect a heavy homework load. But in the course of time, I got stressed out by a lot of homework I have to do for every class. Eventually I ended up finding myself flooded with assignments and writings. I am working full-time. So it was not easy for me to do a lot of homework. Besides, as I mentioned earlier, this course can be likened as mountaineering. In the beginning, you could have high expectations and hopes. A few weeks later, you would find yourself enjoying in-class activities with your classmates. However, facing with some challenges in the mid-term exam, courses like “Testing” could dash your high hopes. But they are no more than the tip of the iceberg. Coming on the heels of this, you have to prepare for your small teachings and final grades.

After pushing through all the requirements, now I would like to say this program is not a small hill that anyone can easily climb up but the top of a high mountain worthwhile for those who are never afraid of a new challenge.

 

After all, I realised that four props always encouraged me to tackle many challenges I faced during my study. First of all, you must communicate with your professors. They will provide the key to dealing with any challenges. Never be shy or afraid of asking questions. Second, TESOL theory and methodology classes are finely interconnected with the other practical classes such as multimedia and materials classes. We have six courses and five classes. They are closely related with each other. So you need to study every course in an interdisciplinary way. Third, please be objective about yourself and your way of teaching. At the end of the program, you have to practice teaching in front of the classmates and two graders. To do so, you need to look at yourself in an objective way. Last but not the least, please get on well with your classmates. They will give you the courage to address any head-on challenges and guide you in the right direction.

Indeed, all these four things that helped me successfully complete this program speak volumes about the reputation of TESOL at HUFS. I strongly believe that they will also help you reach the crest of the mountain.

 

Today is the first day ahead of making a six-month long journey. But you have to keep in mind “A long journey starts with a small step.” I wish you all the best for your long journey to becoming a professional English teacher. Once again, I would like to offer my gratitude for giving me this opportunity to celebrate your small but significant step.