Tran Bao Linh

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

My full name is Tran Bao Linh. And my classmates love calling me by Lin Lin. I am from Vietnam, a beautiful country with numerous historical sites and stunning scenery. Since I am the only person in my family going abroad, there used to be lots of worries from my parents, but I can put them at ease now with my jokes, new stories, and photos with my brilliant smiles! With 4-year knowledge in HCMC University of Education - Vietnam and a reasonable command of English competence, I find myself adapting rather quickly to this new life.

What made you want to apply to your course and to Leeds?

Among many world-class universities, I opted for the University of Leeds in light of its global reputation and outstanding TESOL Studies MA program. Besides, the introduction of Leeds’ TESOL Studies MA program also strongly attracts me owing to the very rare combination of both Language Analysis and Language Teaching in its course content. Thus, after the course, I rationally hope my linguistic skills could be applied to various fields such as content writing, curriculum designing and translating rather than teaching only. Lastly, the fact that Leeds University grant me a 50% scholarship is one of the greatest motivation source for me to form a better version day by day.

What is it that makes you passionate about your area of study?

While I am looking forward to experiencing all subjects, I am especially curious about the Technology Enhanced Language Learning course. After many years working as an English teacher, the question of how to both enhance students’ knowledge acquisition process and equip them with necessary digital skills for the current Industry 4.0 is always of my concerns. Thus, I am looking forward to finding out more guidelines from the course and together with course mates, we explore more useful applications for this approach to enhance our students’ learning outcomes.

What do you think of your course so far – what aspects of the course have you enjoyed the most or are looking forward to the most?

During my study at school, I did struggle at the beginning with a high volume of reading. However, I could now skilfully use my scanning and time management skills to fulfil the task. And in fact, I am very much into the flipped classroom model at Leeds in which students independently do pre-sessional reading, confidently discuss controversial issues in class with peers, and do reflective tasks for final assignments. Although challenging, I feel safe when being fully supported by my lecturers and course tutor – Ms. Olena.

What would you say about the learning facilities at the University of Leeds?

I must say that I love the designs and also the size of lecture and seminar rooms at Leeds. They are not only beautifully designed but also sufficiently spacious to create a sense of comfort. And this point is also true with the library. Although I didn’t have a habit of visiting libraries in Vietnam ( as they are quite shabby and hot), I come to Edward Boyle twice a week and use the book lending-returning system quite often.  

What do you think about Leeds as a city?

Personally, I think Leeds is a very big and vibrant city. We can easily access the city centre in 15 minutes by bus or 25 minutes on foot. There are lots of shopping centres and outdoor events there, which do wonders for minimising my homesickness.

What would you say to anyone thinking of applying to your course?

Instead of waiting for the pandemic to end, act for my future and interest first. Leeds university is a very safe place with test kits, face masks and sanitisers available to protect students. Regarding the course, all lecturers and teachers are very inspirational and approachable for answering your queries. Above all, education in this industry 4.0 should not be taught with conventional textbooks, but rather up-to-date documents and issue discussion which will be provided fully by our lecturers.  

What do you plan to do once you’ve finished your course? What are you career aspirations?

I long for delivering better education for future students and more importantly, keeping the pure nature of Language Teaching besides the needs of financial benefits. When successfully graduating, I intend to come back to Vietnam and apply as a lecturer at the University of Education where I can work with the majority of teachers-to-be and pass down initiative teaching methodology accumulated at Leeds University. We will together design more effective curriculums which can guide students to freely explore the beauty of linguistics regardless of their financial backgrounds. Secondly, having an MA TESOL also grants me sufficient literature to conduct research on ELT. My current job as a lecturer-research assistant enlightens me on the inexorable link between research and professional development - one can effectively become a better teacher when actively engaging in TESOL research.