Student Voices: Kriti

The ILE: TESOL Program was a transformative experience that enabled me to transition from being an amateur tutor to a professional educator and researcher. The curriculum features a diverse range of courses in addition to a semester-long practicum, which provides invaluable hands-on experience, bridging the gap between theory and praxis. The meticulous guidance of the faculty members coupled with the exposure to diverse teaching backgrounds and perspectives of a global student cohort helps students develop their identity as a teacher as well as find their voice as a researcher. While the program’s academic rigour demands commitment and resilience, the journey is richly rewarding—providing opportunities to work as teaching and research assistants as well as opening doors to the wider community of academia through participation in international conferences. Ultimately, the ILE: TESOL Program is an intensive journey which, if navigated with focus and perseverance, can equip one with the tools needed to thrive as a language teacher and researcher.