YEREVAN, Armenia — In April, the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) program at the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted four study abroad students from the University of Leeds (U.K.) The students had the opportunity to carry out their Teaching Practicum in an Armenian teaching setting for two weeks. The Practicum was conducted at the EEC After School English Program’s classes. In addition to their Practicum, the Leeds students also participated in TEFL academic classes both at AUA and the Najarian Center.
The students also enjoyed the chance to familiarize themselves with Armenian culture. They visited Matenadaran and went on an inspiring trip to Armenian cultural sights. Overall, the impressions were very positive. We asked each student to expand further on their experience at AUA and in Armenia.
Reflecting on some of the key insights gained from their engagement in the Teaching Practicum at EEC, one of the Leeds students explained: “Spending time observing lessons was very interesting to see the differences and similarities between Armenian and U.K. schools and how the students engage with the lesson. The lessons on teaching methodology reinforced a lot of what I have learned about teaching pedagogy in the U.K.”
Another Leeds student commented on the future benefits this internship will yield, saying, “In terms of professional benefits, the internship at EEC has further ignited my passion for teaching, affirming my commitment to pursuing a career in education.”
Speaking about memorable interactions with local Armenian students, one of the Leeds students noted: “The classes at the University were open to people from all walks of life. This, in my view, was a wonderful way of introducing realism and making the sessions inclusive. The educators adopted a student-centered approach in the way they rendered their teaching: it was more group work, ensuring the groups were always different. The educators were facilitators of learning and understanding, thereby setting excellent examples of how we should be as teachers in a classroom.” Another added: “I remember, during the first week, I observed a class of 12-13-year-old teenagers. As soon as I entered the classroom, the students stared at us with curious eyes. Their enthusiasm caught me off guard, because I had never experienced such high levels of attention before. They crowded around, asking about our backgrounds and culture.”
Finally, considering how this program has enriched their understanding of teaching English as a foreign language, especially in a multicultural context like Armenia, one of the Leeds students said: “Through observing Armenia’s English classes, I am even more convinced that we can teach English in a happy way.”
Summarizing this experience, AUA TEFL Program Chair and Associate Professor Dr. Irshat Madyarov said: “The study abroad students from Leeds have brought much-needed diversity to both our graduate TEFL courses and children’s classes in our EEC After School English Program. Encouraged by this positive experience, we intend to continue and expand this collaboration with our colleagues at Leeds.”
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.
