Sehriban Al Issa, MSc TESOL 2022

'Seize the opportunity to pursue your MSc TESOL at the University of Edinburgh, and you can be confident that you will be supported, challenged, and inspired throughout your educational experience.'

What were you doing before you studied at the University of Edinburgh?

I am from Turkey, and before joining the MSc TESOL program at the University of Edinburgh, I worked as a university foundation program English language instructor in Oman.

Why did you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh?

I chose to study at the University of Edinburgh because pursuing a master's degree in TESOL at a UK university had always been a long-standing dream of mine. The University of Edinburgh, which is globally renowned for its top-tier education standards, admirable research output, and esteemed reputation in the field of education, caught my attention. I knew it would broaden my knowledge in language teaching, strengthen my career prospects, open up more employment opportunities, and provide a solid foundation for my aspiration to pursue a PhD.

Why did you choose to study this degree?

Getting the MSc TESOL degree was an essential step towards achieving my goal of becoming an academic and a teacher trainer. Moreover, I was excited about the various career prospects this program could lead to, such as pursuing roles as a curriculum developer, an online course designer, an examiner, or a test developer.

What did you enjoy most about the programme?

What truly attracted me during my time in the program was its immersive collaborative environment. I cherished the deep, insightful discussions with my fellow students and professors inside and outside the classroom. The hands-on opportunities through micro-teaching, lesson planning, assessment design, online course development, and analyzing a curriculum I was familiar with further enriched my learning experience in the program. Reflecting on and critically evaluating these experiences under the guidance of our scholarly readings brought immense value to my learning journey.

What specific skills did you develop?

The program honed my skills in effective information search, critical reading, and reflective writing, underlining the importance of evidence-based practice in the field of TESOL. This enabled me to analyze literature critically, contribute more effectively and meaningfully to class discussions, and encouraged me to implement evidence-based teaching approaches.

What was the most useful thing you learned in your lectures, workshops and tutorials?

The power of reflection was the most valuable takeaway for me. It was deeply embedded in our lectures, workshops, and tutorials, was instrumental in shaping my understanding, and transformed how I approach my teaching practice and research. Reflection will serve as a guiding tool for me to refine my teaching skills and create an optimal learning experience for my students.

Why would you recommend the programme to others?

I highly recommend this programme to others because of its wealth of physical and virtual resources. My tutors were exceptional educators with diverse and strong teaching and research backgrounds. They were knowledgeable, approachable, and supportive, which greatly enriched my understanding of the courses and success in the program.

One of the program's highlights is the availability of personal tutoring sessions, where I received invaluable individualized academic support, motivation, and assistance. This personalized guidance made me feel supported and empowered throughout my studies.

The Moray House School of Education and Sports' Student Support Office further contributes to the program's nurturing environment by offering ample support to students. Their support was significant as I settled into life in Edinburgh.

Additionally, the main library, a stunning facility that overlooks the serene Meadows Park, is open 24/7 and provides access to a vast array of online and physical resources. This enriched my studies and offered me breaks and exercise opportunities, promoting my overall well-being.

The MSc TESOL program at the University of Edinburgh goes beyond academic success and prioritizes the well-being of its students. Through weekly tutorials and regular Dissertation briefings, the program takes a proactive approach in gradually preparing and supporting students throughout their journey. This comprehensive support system gave me the guidance and resources I needed to excel academically and thrive personally.

Seize the opportunity to pursue your MSc TESOL at the University of Edinburgh, and you can be confident that you will be supported, challenged, and inspired throughout your educational experience.

In what way do you think the degree will contribute to your career?

I firmly believe that this degree will significantly enhance my role as an EFL/ESL instructor. It will empower me to take a proactive approach to enhancing and maintaining the standards of the curriculum I teach. With the knowledge and skills I gained from the program, I will be able to design online courses that encompass teaching, social, and cognitive presences, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience for my students. Additionally, I am confident that this degree has equipped me to design and implement high-quality assessments that effectively measure students' progress. Moreover, this degree has instilled confidence in my ability to engage in research, whether it involves utilizing evidence-based teaching practices or conducting my own research to contribute to the ever-growing body of knowledge in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT).

What advice would you give to someone considering studying this programme at Edinburgh?

This intensive yet rewarding MSc TESOL program demands strong critical reading and writing skills. My advice would be to immerse yourself in research papers, fully utilize the resources provided by the programme, and balance your academic life with exploring the beautiful city of Edinburgh. Additionally, I encourage you to visit the MSc TESOL programme page, where you can find the course catalogue containing information about compulsory and optional courses, enabling you to familiarize yourself with the programme's content. Lastly, consider reaching out to programme alumni to gain valuable study tips from their experiences.

What is your current role or occupation?

As a graduate, I am in the process of resuming my teaching career as a university foundation program EFL instructor in the Middle East.

How did your experience at Edinburgh help you get where you are today?

My Edinburgh experience instilled in me a consistent reading habit, especially research papers, which has enabled me to refer to research papers to guide my teaching. It also broadened my perspective and understanding of global language learning differences, equipping me to teach in various contexts.

What advice would you have for someone looking to work in your industry?

For anyone considering a career in language teaching, I would advise striving for the highest educational qualification you can attain from the best educational institution you can get into and applying what you have learned in your practice through face-to-face and/or online teaching experience. Continuous reflection on your teaching practice in the light of research and adaptation to the job market demands will help you succeed.

As a proud graduate of the MSc TESOL programme at the University of Edinburgh, I wish those embarking on their priceless educational journey at the University of Edinburgh the best of luck!