YEREVAN, Armenia — From April 6 to 18, AUA hosted six students from the University of Leeds Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA TESOL) program, accompanied by their instructor, AUA alumna Dr. Taguhi Sahakyan (MATEFL’06). This marks the third consecutive year of the study abroad program, where selected MA TESOL students visit AUA for a teaching practicum experience and participate in the Master of Arts program in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (MATEFL) courses.
The teaching practicum took place within the EEC Afterschool English Program, which enrolls approximately 1,000 schoolchildren and allows AUA MATEFL students to gain hands-on experience in classroom observation, teaching, and educational research. The Leeds students, with their MATEFL peers, observed EEC classes, designed lessons, taught under the supervision of EEC cooperating teachers and MATEFL faculty, and reflected on their strengths and areas of growth. This intensive experience allowed them to apply theoretical knowledge in a real classroom setting and receive structured feedback from both AUA faculty and EEC teachers.
Reflecting on the practicum experience, one Leeds student shared: “After teaching two sessions, I found myself enjoying the experience far more than I anticipated. Working closely with my supervisor and receiving constructive feedback helped me improve significantly and feel more confident in my teaching.” Another participant noted that the experience helped build confidence and adaptability in the classroom, particularly through engaging with students across language differences.
Students also emphasized the value of the program’s cultural dimension. As one participant explained: “What I appreciated most was the balance between professional development and cultural immersion. I not only gained hands-on teaching experience, but I was also able to explore a new culture, interact with local people, and build meaningful connections with fellow interns.”
The Leeds students visited several sites, including Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, and Symphony of Stones, and participated in traditional lavash baking, along with other activities.
Reflecting on the collaboration with the University of Leeds, Dr. Irshat Madyarov, MATEFL program chair, noted: “We look forward to this study abroad experience every spring because it brings diversity not only to our MATEFL classes, but also to the EEC children. They get to work with teachers from other countries, and this sends a clear message that English has many accents and faces around the world.”
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 (WSCUC) 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.
