No. 54: Mr. HUANG Hao (Tohoku University, completed AELC in March, 2023)
Greetings, everyone. I am Hao Huang, a member of the Graduate School of Education at Tohoku University in Japan. I am delighted to share the transformative journey I underwent with AELC. This journey encompassed the summer course at Tohoku University in August 2022, followed by the winter course at Nanjing Normal University in January 2023. The culmination of this experience was marked by my receipt of the Joint Certificate of Completion in June 2023. I am enthusiastic about conveying the profound impact that this journey has had on me.
Allow me to reflect on the AEL courses, shedding light on how they significantly influenced both my personal and academic growth. My intention is to provide valuable insights for those contemplating participation in this program and to extend encouragement for more individuals to embrace this remarkable opportunity.
First and foremost, AELC played a pivotal role in honing my English speaking and writing skills. In the context of East Asia, where reading and listening proficiency often excel, verbal and written communication can present challenges. AELC, as an immersive English environment, fosters dialogue and interaction solely in English, facilitating intensive learning. Engaging in daily English discussions contributes to fluency, and the requirement to submit assignments exclusively in English underscores the program's dedication to linguistic enhancement. As someone who initially grappled with speaking English confidently, AELC marked a turning point for me. I came to understand that imperfect English articulation does not lead to judgment but rather evokes empathy and camaraderie among non-native speakers. In this inclusive environment, I found the courage to voice my thoughts in English, buoyed by a community that values effort over flawless expression.
Furthermore, AELC serves as a gateway to diverse interdisciplinary knowledge. As a graduate student in global education, I encountered subjects spanning from educational psychology to educational sociology within the AELC curriculum. Expert instructors well-versed in qualitative and quantitative research contribute to a rich tapestry of learning. The program encourages us to venture beyond our core domains, emphasizing the significance of holistic education in a swiftly evolving world. AELC underscores that our pursuit of knowledge, as students, should transcend disciplinary boundaries, empowering us to flourish in an ever-evolving landscape of information.
Lastly, I would like to emphasize that AELC is a collaborative endeavor involving four distinct countries and regions: Nanjing, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. The program's location rotates annually among these locales. While recent years saw a shift to online formats due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, beginning with the 2023 summer courses, in-person classes have fully resumed. This exciting development means that all future participants will have the opportunity to engage face-to-face with peers from diverse universities, schools, and countries. Additionally, they will have the chance to immerse themselves in various cultures through travel. This presents an unparalleled opportunity for growth and enrichment.
As an enthusiastic AEL graduate, I eagerly anticipate more learners joining the vibrant AELC community. I encourage you to approach AELC with an open heart, embarking not only on an educational journey but also on a unique voyage of learning and personal development.