Ukrainian English Teacher Liudmyla tells us about her experiences teaching the ‘Community English Classes’ at the University of Plymouth.
Hello Liudmyla, Good to see you again – first of all, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hello Joe! Thank you for the invitation. Let me give you a brief overview ‘about me’:
On one hand, I am a teacher, a business trainer, a life coach, a school tutor, and a gestalt therapist. On the other hand, I am a businesswoman, a manager, and a leader. Lastly, I am a mother of three children—this fact is what I consider to be my greatest pride and achievement.
Great – can you tell us about the ‘Community English Classes’ you teach at the University of Plymouth?
The ‘Community English Classes’ unite students from all over the world. My students are from a diverse mix of countries, including Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Afghanistan, France, Colombia and China… oh yes, and we also have a lot of students from my country, Ukraine!
Some students have come to the UK in search of a better life, some in search of their dream, and some had to leave their own countries because of war.
But the Community English Classes are not just about language. They’re also about our shared experiences, hopes and desires, because we are all immigrants who dream of creating meaningful lives in our new country. We share many of the same challenges as we struggle to find new homes, new jobs and new friends, all the while trying to understand and be understood. These commonalities unite all who attend the Community English Classes, making a new community within the classes.
How long have you been teaching these classes?
I started in September 2023. So, well over a year now.
What do you find most rewarding about this role?
What I find most rewarding about this teacher role is the opportunity to inspire and empower students. Watching them grow, gain confidence, and achieve their goals is incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, the chance to share my knowledge and experiences, and to see students apply what they’ve learned in real-world situations, brings me great satisfaction and joy.
Have you encountered any challenges while teaching the ‘Community English Class’?
The most rewarding aspect of this teacher role is the opportunity to work with students from different countries and cultures. It presents a unique challenge because you are interacting with people of diverse backgrounds and nationalities. One of the biggest challenges is understanding students’ accents, but it’s also a valuable skill to develop. For instance, I can now easily distinguish Indian, Chinese, African, and other accents when listening to various radio interviews.
In what ways do the students benefit from these classes?
Students benefit from the Community English Classes by improving their language skills through practical interaction with peers and teachers. These classes foster cultural awareness by exposing students to diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Additionally, students gain confidence in using English in social settings, creating a supportive environment for language learning and integration into the community.
How do you feel you have benefitted from teaching these classes?
Teaching these classes has been immensely beneficial personally and professionally. I’ve developed stronger communication and interpersonal skills through interactions with diverse students. It’s been rewarding to witness their progress and confidence grow in English language proficiency. Additionally, teaching has deepened my cultural understanding and empathy.
Teaching these classes has been a fulfilling experience that has contributed significantly to my growth as an educator and as an individual.
Regardless of the nationality of my students, they all share one thing – the desire to learn English. Some of my students are reviving previously acquired knowledge, while others have started learning English from scratch. We have a beginner who has just taken up English at the ag of 60, and another student determined to keep learning, at the ae of 75. Their determination and commitment is a real inspiration to me!
What are your plans for the future?
My future plans involve continuing my career as a teacher in the business sector. I believe I have valuable insights to share from my previous business experience.
Any advice to people thinking of attending the Community English Classes?
Don’t hesitate, just come along and join us!