Hello everyone.

Congratulations on your admission at HUFS TESOL program. I am honored to give you a speech about my experience of studying here. Even though I am not a good speaker, I gladly accepted the request of giving a speech because my experience here was so meaningful and precious that I felt it's worth sharing with you. Another reason I've decided to stand here is that I really want to say thank you to all the professors who taught me so many beneficial and valuable things about teaching. I am sure what I learned from them will make me a good teacher in the future. Once you experience classes with them just a couple of weeks, you will know how lucky you are and what a good choice you made in selecting the tesol program.

As long as I am concerned, I taught students for a long time thinking I am a good teacher. I used to think if I give students a good and passionate lecture, it makes me a good teacher. However, as soon as I started studying here, I realized that teaching is not learning and a good lecture doesn't mean a good teaching. It really shocked me and aroused the wish to learn about teaching and becoming a teacher from the beginning. Through 6 classes offered here I learned many beneficial teaching methods, various fun activities, making a lesson plan, making a valid and reliable test, and using various multi media and materials. Most importantly, through the whole process, I learned teaching and learning principles for learner-centered education.

Of course, the process was not easy. Many assignments were given each week. Sometimes I got exhausted with a lot of homework including reading, writing, making a lesson plan and preparing for tests. I couldn't relax even on Sunday and had to stop all the social meetings and family events. I remember staying up all night several times to finish the assignments because I had to work during the day.

But don't be afraid. Sadly or gladly, the 16 weeks fly so fast. As long as you don't skip the class and delay the assignment, you can survive very well. All the professors are very kind and get ready to help you. All you have to do is get prepared for the class and submit the assignment by the due date. Here I want to give you one advice. If you want to get the best result from this course, don't be absent. Don't put other things before the class for the 16 weeks. If you skip even one class, you will miss many important things.

As long as you keep the pace each week, you will reach the final line soon and find you’ve got so many things beneficial for your career and your life.

I wish all of you the best of luck. Thank you.