YSU STUDENTS TEACH ENGLISH TO BRAZILIAN STUDENTS USING NEW METHODS

Anna and Julieta gained teaching experience months ago in the COIL (Collaborative online international learning) virtual exchange program, teaching English (as a second foreign language) to students at FATEK, a higher education institution in Brazil. As part of the course, they performed listening, speaking and grammar exercises. The fact that students recall the course with great enthusiasm is a testament to its success. Acting as speakers at similar courses, according to them, was one of their goals before entering the faculty, which has become a reality today. According to YSU students, the role of the faculty in this matter is invaluable. They say that they do not just learn new languages there: faculty gives more than most people think.

"The Faculty of European Languages and Communication provides an opportunity not only to master various languages, but also to study the culture, religion, and history of many countries," assures Anna.

According to her, the lecturers' way of presenting their knowledge in the most interesting ways was an example when conducting the courses organized for Armenian and foreign students.

According to Anna and Julieta, it is difficult to study, work and achieve success in the modern world without knowledge of foreign languages, especially English.

"English, being an international language, allows communicating with foreign people during work. Having mastered the language, one can say that you become a sought-after specialist not only in the local but also in the international labor market. "The role of the university and the opportunities it provides are great in being a sought-after specialist," says Julieta.

In response to the question of what other opportunities the faculty offers students in addition to academic education, they list: lectures held by representatives of prestigious international universities, seminar-discussions aimed at the development of oral speech in a foreign language, the opportunity to continue studying abroad through international exchange programs, international conferences, active involvement in the Olympiads, etc. Interestingly, fourth-year students simply do not list the above possibilities. All this was the basis that today they are passing on the valuable knowledge and skills they have acquired to their peers.

When asked if there are differences between the approaches to teaching Armenian and foreign students, they give a positive answer.

"Brazilians have a different pronunciation and accent to English. That's why I included in the teaching program exercises that develop oral speech and listening skills, based on videos, songs, excerpts from books and discussions of interesting topics," points out Julieta.

Anna, continuing her classmate's words, notes that teaching Brazilians was a good opportunity to present Armenia and Armenian culture, increasing interest in the country.

They assure, "The functions of YSU are not limited only to education, but contribute to the recognition of Armenia on wide international platforms..."

Marine Mkrtchyan