UCLan Gains 4 QS Stars

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is a rising star according to a revealing new analysis undertaken by Quacquarelli Symonds, the compilers of the prestigious QS World University Rankings.

UCLan became the first modern university to enter the QS rankings in 2010. Now the company has launched the ‘QS Stars Development Road Map’ in order to showcase the broader quality of institutions, enabling them to stand out in their particular areas of excellence.

Overall the University has been awarded four out of the maximum of five stars.

According to the QS Top Universities website: a typical four stars university is: ‘highly international, demonstrating excellence in both research and teaching. The institution provides an excellent environment for students and faculty’.

And within the sub-areas which make up the overall grading, UCLan has been awarded the maximum of five stars for teaching, infrastructure, internationalisation and engagement.

UCLan’s French Exchange

The School of Languages and International Studies has welcomed a group of French students from the University of Metz as part of a cultural exchange programme.

They spent a week in Preston staying with UCLan students to immerse themselves in English life and allow both nationalities to practise their language skills.

The visitors took part in a range of activities including a trip to the University’s Tyn Dwr Outdoor Centre in North Wales and a cheese and wine night organised by the UCLan students.

Lecturer from UCLan’s School of Languages and International Studies, Judith Broadbridge, commented: “This is a mutually beneficial exchange for all of the students involved.  It also strengthens the link between both institutions which enhances the students’ international learning experiences.”

Alicia’s Writing Dream Has Been Realised Through Her Newly Published Children’s Book

Alicia L.Wright’s debut novel Eggs, Butter, Sugar and Disaster is a quirky fantasy tale featuring strong female characters.

Its protagonist, Sera, is described by Alicia as “a normal girl who suddenly has to cope with being a goddess.”  Alicia’s humorous take on mythology sees Sera accidentally end up as the Goddess of Puddings because of a pseudonym she signs on a note.

The Japanese and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Combined Honours graduate first penned her book in 2007 as part of the NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writer's Month).  She re-wrote it several times before it was picked up by publisher Tannbourne Limited.

School’s Out For Summer!

The School of Languages and International Studies prides itself on its international perspective and the role it has to play in developing global citizens.  As the long summer vacation approaches TESOL with Modern Language students can’t wait to jet off to put their skills into practice.

Many of our students have a period of study abroad as part of their degree and receive the internationally recognised teaching qualification ‘Trinity CertTESOL’ at the end of their 2nd year which qualifies them to teach English to Speakers of Other Languages in the UK and overseas. But for lots of our students, that’s not all! As the long summer vacation approaches they can’t wait to jet off to put their skills into practice and for those graduating this year, many have already found jobs and will be off, passports in hand, to start work!

So, this summer our students are going to…

Thailand

Natalie Donohue who graduates in TESOL this year won funding from UCLan’s Travel Bursary Scheme. Natalie is putting the funding to good use – she is travelling to southern Thailand where she will teach English to underprivileged youngsters with a group called ‘Original Volunteers’.

Japan

Peter Neafcy graduates from TESOL/Japanese this summer. After spending a year in Japan as part of his course he really wanted to return. So Peter got himself a job with Aeon Language School   in Saitana, which is 40 minutes from Tokyo, as an EFLTeacher. He starts his year-long contract in July 2012.

France

Hannah Neilly a first year of TESOL/French has won £500 from the School’s Lingo Travel Award to fund her stay with a host family and study French intensively for a month in France.

USA

Toni Burke a second year of TESOL is returning to work for campleaders.co.uk  in Maryland, USA. Toni returns as a Cabin Leader with responsibility for a group of counsellors living and working at the summer camp.

TESOL Undergrad Presents At National Conference

Elise St.Hill, a final year TESOL student, presenting her dissertation at the British Conference of Undergraduate Research on 19-20 March 2012.

Elise's presentation centred around the shortage of text books in Zanzibar schools - an issue she became passionate about during her year abroad working as an English language assistant in Zanzibar in 2011. During her time there, Elise worked in local schools, teaching pupils of a variety of ages, often in difficult circumstances. She observed that most schools in rural Zanzibar were underfunded and the majority of students were unable to afford to buy their own textbooks. She felt that this lack of resources really had a detrimental effect on the students' ability to become proficient in English. Her presentation was accompanied by a handout giving further details of her findings.

Japan Here We Come ...

Final year students land exciting graduate positions 4 months prior to graduation.

The students, Sarah Gautrey (BA (Hons) Asia Pacific Studies), Jack Cutler (BA (Hons) Japanese with Independent Studies) and Peter Neafcy (BA (Hons) TESOL with Japanese) successfully came through a rigorous application process to secure the much sought-after positions with AEON Corporation, one of Japan's largest English Conversation schools.

The students will be teaching English to a wide range of audiences from business people to students and even young children. They all agree that their experiences at UCLan, particularly the year abroad, were fundamental to their success.

All three are really looking forward to getting back to Japan. AEON employees enjoy competitive salaries, assistance with their move to Japan, subsided living costs and organised social activities helping them settle in quickly. Subject Leader for Japanese, Robert Kasza said, ‘AEON looks for candidates who demonstrate ‘dedication, cultural flexibility, organization, respect, creativity, enthusiasm and professionalism’. We strive to instil all of these qualities in our students during their time here at UCLan and we are immensely proud of Sarah, Peter and Jack’s achievement.’

The students hope to stay in Japan for some time and agree that the knowledge of the language and culture gained at UCLan will ensure their successful integration. Asked about giving advice to future students Sarah said, ‘Learning Japanese is tough and it can seem a slow, frustrating process but stick with it – don’t give up! It is going in subconsciously and it’s only now in fourth year that I realise how much I’ve learned.’

SoLIS Publishes Online International Peer-reviewed Journals

Inaugural issues of the Journal of Second Language Teaching and Research (JSLTR) and Intercultural Promenades: Journal of Modern Languages and International Studies go live.

 The School of Languages and International Studies at UCLan has launched two new academic journals. Both are international, open access, peer-reviewed publications which showcase research within the School in the areas of second language teaching and research, modern languages and international studies.

They will enhance the research and learning environment for students and add to UCLan’s growing reputation for high-quality research. They also make a valuable contribution to the delivery of the internationalisation strand of UCLan's medium term strategy.