Meet Yilong

Why I chose Newcastle

The School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences have an excellent reputation, specifically for its TESOL programmes. The curriculum was particularly appealing; it struck a perfect balance between solid theoretical foundations and practical application. 

A transformative degree

What makes the course truly special is its balance. You get the rigorous academic foundation you'd expect from a Russell Group university, but it's always tied to practical classroom application. You'll spend a significant amount of time designing lesson plans, creating materials, and even teaching your peers in a supportive, workshop-style environment.  

A second, more academic surprise, was the sheer breadth of resources and opportunities available beyond my core programme. The university frequently hosted guest lectures from leading figures in applied linguistics, and there were numerous workshops on topics ranging from corpus linguistics to using drama in the classroom. 

A diverse cohort offering a multitude of perspective

What I love most about Newcastle University is the collaborative and supportive academic atmosphere. The TESOL programme felt like a community. Our cohort was incredibly diverse, with students from all over the world, and our seminar discussions were enriched by these multitude of perspectives on language teaching. The lecturers were not only experts in their fields but also approachable mentors who genuinely cared about our development. 

Making connections and exploring the city

The social aspect has been one of the most rewarding parts of my university experience. Coming to a new country, I was initially nervous, but I found it very easy to connect with people. 

For fun, I love exploring the city with friends from my course. We often try out different cafes for a study session, have dinner at the fantastic food markets like Grainger Market, or go for walks along the Quayside. The cost of living in Newcastle also means that socialising doesn't have to be expensive, which is a huge plus for a student. 

Career support

The Careers Service was instrumental in helping me transition from student to professional. I used their one-to-one consultations to refine my CV and cover letter for international teaching positions.

The adviser, understanding the TESOL field, provided targeted feedback and even conducted a mock interview, which dramatically boosted my confidence and preparedness for the real thing.  

Looking ahead

In the immediate future, I see myself securing a position as an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Tutor at a university, either here in the UK or in my home country. In this role, I would be supporting international students with the specific academic language and literacy skills they need to succeed in higher education, which is a passion I discovered during my degree.