Ziqing Zhu, Graduate Student
Home University: Zhejiang Normal University
Major: TESOL
Post-Graduation Plans: Being an English teacher in mainland China
Why Temple University? When I was an undergraduate student, I participated in an exchange program in the U.S. and fell in love with the country. I decided to come back to America to pursue my master’s degree. Temple University was my first choice due to its great reputation in China and its cooperation with my home university.
The TESOL program: Honestly, the TESOL program is the best and most meaningful program that I’ve ever encountered. Faculty are very helpful and supportive, both inside and outside the classroom. I also had the opportunity to teach in an immigrant organization, which helped me to become a more experienced English teacher.
The Temple community: Temple University has a cooperative, dynamic, and diverse community. The professors and students support one another, creating a great learning environment. A variety of activities, like basketball and football games, offer a lot of fun and passion to students’ lives. The large number of international students at Temple also enhances Temple’s cultural diversity.
What professors are like: I like my professors a lot, especially Dr. Pavlenko. Though her class can be challenging, I gain a lot of practical knowledge from it. I strive to produce effective and creative lesson plans for her class, which are important for being an outstanding teacher.
Research completed at Temple: During my graduate studies, I completed research focusing on Miranda rights, which exerted high obstacles on L2 English learners’ comprehension and self-protection in legal systems. I also learned the ways to detect students’ linguistic deficiency and to plan corresponding lesson plans for them, which were the key premises for being a professional teacher.
Resources on campus: I frequently visited the Writing Center to polish my papers. I also participated in some interesting activities held by the Writing Center. The Writing Center is truly one of the most helpful organizations at Temple.
Favorite things about Philadelphia: This beautiful city, Philadelphia, is one of the main reasons I love Temple so much. When I have free time, I hang out with friends and explore every corner of this historic city. I also enjoy tasting the authentic Chinese foods in Chinatown, trying American brunch in center city, and tasting Italian foods in the Italian Market.
How being international has enhanced my experience: As an international student, I was able to share perspectives that differ from my domestic students in the classroom. People are always willing to listen to my ideas, which are rooted in my national and cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, as an English learner, I have a better understanding of English as second language (ESL) learners’ studying challenges, which means that I am able to integrate more meaningful information into my work based on my personal learning experiences.
How Temple has helped me grow: In the student-centered classrooms, I voluntarily answer instructors’ questions and actively engage in group discussions. It is enabling me to be more a more independent and energetic person.
Career plans: I plan to go back to China to be an English teacher. Many public and private schools in China need English teachers with study abroad experience.
Advice for future students: Considering Temple’s advantageous location in Philly, professional and supportive instructors, and culturally diverse campus environment, it is a great place to be. I really appreciate the variety of activities available to international students, including Thanksgiving dinners with American families, a trip to Longwood Gardens, and much more.