My name is Ariana Jauregui, I am an international student based in Japan. Course you are enrolled in:
Master of Education (TESOL)
What was your previous qualification and background (work experience)?
I got the CELTA in Krakow, Poland in 2008. I had also been teaching in Kochi, Japan for four years prior to applying to the UTAS masters program.
Why did you decide to pursue postgraduate study?
I wanted to learn about teaching and to become a better teacher. I am also interested in teaching at a university or opening my own English school. Either way, I knew that I had to know more about teaching.
Why did you decide to study with University of Tasmania?
I was fascinated by the freedom and independence of the program. What also appealed to be was the idea of learning and reflecting, not only being asked to follow someone else's theories and ideas.
What is your favourite unit/subject so far? Why?
Thus far, my favourite unit has been ESG 716, Language, Culture and Society. Being that I am a Mexican-American woman teaching English in Japan, this class encouraged me to explore a lot of issues about how I was raised and how I learned English. I did my minor essay on bilingualism, which was really interesting, as I was raised bilingually. Also, I am teaching at an international kindergarten where we seek to reproduce bilingual-like circumstances in English and Japanese.
Highlights of your study/experience so far?
I really enjoy observing how my teaching has improved as well as the progress my students are making thanks to the increased awareness which being better educated provides me. I teach young children, mostly of preschool age; in the classroom last semester, in ESG 721, Language and Communication, I got to apply what I was focusing on, that was, teaching reading to young EFL learners. My students went above and beyond my expectations.
Any advice for future students?
Take your time and ask a lot of questions; make the best of this chance to learn. I also think that it reflection is what will enable us to improve our teaching.
Where you would like to see yourself in 5 years time?
I am not sure, but perhaps working more independently. I want to keep my options open, though. I enjoy teaching children the most, so I could open a school for kids only.
Any other comments?
I am glad that I enrolled in this program, as it truly broadened my horizons; and not only with regards to teaching. I became interested in writing again, and I am thinking more globally as well as inter culturally. The program has definitely opened a lot of doors to numerous possibilities, and for that I am grateful.