Student Profile

Makoto Arakawa
student is 2011/2012　Age：36

Working background

working at mainly private high school for 10 years

Future employment plan

probably working at high school in Japan again

My experience of TESOL and the University of Wollongong

I participated in the TESOL program in the Master of Education. I used to work as an English teacher in Japan for ten years before coming to Australia. Currently, the purpose of learning English in Japan is changing into a more communicative one. I decided to study abroad in order to learn the ESL & EFL teaching method and theory, and also to improve my English. The reason I chose UOW is that some of my ex-colleagues studied here and recommended UOW, and the reputation of the TESOL course is quite high.
TESOL offered me both a practical and theoretical lecture, which is what I was looking for. And also we can take field experience at a local school. I am sure that it will be a valuable experience for my future teaching.
The students in the TESOL course came from a wide variety of countries, and they all have plenty of experience in the field of Education. We exchanged our ideas, methods, and perspectives in terms of education in the class discussions.
Wollongong is located in a peaceful and quiet beach side environment, surrounded by beautiful nature. I could concentrate on my studies in good atmosphere and without stress. The facilities of UOW are also excellent, and above all, modern with a great spacious library – to really help me get ahead with my study.

About my English language preparation at the University of Wollongong College - UOWC (before starting the Master of Education - TESOL)

Studying at University of Wollongong College Australia helped me to prepare for my study in the masters course. I was able to get accustomed to academic life through this period. UOWC Academic English lesson enabled me to prepare for the fundamental and specific academic skills required at the University, English development, the knowledge of essay structure, and the skills of presentation and/or research, for example.
Furthermore, I keep in touch with the classmates at UOWC from variety of countries even now, and they are still my best friends. It could be said that UOWC experience play a significant role in my university life.