Soo Jung 

Master of Applied Linguistics

I am from Korea. In my country I am an English language teacher. I have worked as high school teacher of English as a second language for 10 years now. I thoroughly love and enjoy my job, and constantly try to improve both my English language proficiency and my teaching skills. That's why I decided to take up postgraduate studies in TESOL at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia. I am doing the Master of Applied Linguistics Program (Specialising in TESOL).

I have already finished one semester of study and there is one more to go. I find the Program quite demanding and I have had to work very hard, but all the courses I have been doing are very interesting and useful, and I have had lots of help both from my lecturers and my fellow-students. Everyone has been so helpful. Also as an international student I have been able to take advantage of the free English language classes provided at the Language Centre. The Master of Applied Linguistics Program involves both theoretical courses (such as Second Language Acquisition) and practical courses, such as Language Testing and TESOL Practicum. The latter provides students with opportunities to develop their language teaching skills by practising as ESL teachers at local schools or language centres.

Newcastle is a very neat and beautiful city, providing a safe and friendly environment for international students. There is little doubt in my mind that as a language teaching professional I have gained tremendously from my participation in the Master of Applied Linguistics Program and my stay in Newcastle.