Abayneh Haile

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I live in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. I am married and have one child. My background is in teaching English, teacher training and also project management.

What motivated you to apply for your course at Leeds?

I chose Leeds because I had heard that it was a very good place to study Teacher Development which is an area that I wanted to learn more about.

How would you describe your experience at the University?

I enjoyed my time at the University of Leeds. I think of all the things, I enjoyed the lectures the most. They were very stimulating and the lecturers have practical experience in their field not only in the UK but abroad too. They are also very friendly and supportive. Therefore I would say that the teachers were the ones who enabled me to have a very productive time in Leeds.

What did you think of your course? How has this helped in your chosen career?

The course was useful. It has helped me to design English language programmes for teachers in my current job. The courses in Leeds have helped me explore several options in designing courses and to focus on the current realities and contexts of the teachers.  

What do you think of the facilities?

The facilities are great. I enjoyed using the library and the gym as well. Also the art gallery in Parkinson Court was a very good place to unwind.

What would you say about Leeds as a city?

Leeds is a big city and it offered everything that I needed. My favourite place was to have coffee at the Waterstones bookshop while browsing books. 

Please tell us about your development since graduating?

After graduating from Leeds, I was employed by British Council as Programme Manager for the English language department. I believe my time in Leeds has helped me both to secure this job and also to perform well since I started this job in Sept 2014. I am still using the things that I have learnt today. I think I am lucky that I am doing something that I really enjoy and the course in Leeds is still useful to my role.

Please tell us about your current role/research. What are your plans for the future?

My current role is mainly leadership and management in ELT. I would like to continue to do what I am doing for the time being. I am sure a time will come when I will do my PhD. I know what my interests are. When I did my MA in Leeds, it helped me to identify what my research interests were. I believe this is one of the main advantages from studying TESOL.

What would be your top tips for current students?

Personally the fact that I kept in contact with my colleagues and friends back in Ethiopia did help. Therefore one of my tips is that even if it is a busy to study at Leeds, students should make time and keep in touch with their contacts in their home country. The other tip is that to remain focussed on the area that you are interested in. For me it has always been Teacher Development.