Experiences shared by 2007 ELTF participants


Language classes were well conducted and were an absolutely wonderful refresher course.  I was challenged, involved, entertained and rewarded by the experience.

- Jennifer Abernethy

I was excited to go beyond language I was already confident in using and introduced to new sentence patterns in an interesting way.

- Cushla Bosanko

I have really developed my confidence in my listening and speaking skills – going from being apprehensive about speaking the language to wanting to speak it all the time.

- Emma Burchall

Field trips were particularly excellent, especially when we were placed in situations where we had to use Chinese because the other person couldn’t speak English. (Taxis rides in particular)………Also tour guides would often speak Chinese, or could not speak English, this was a great opportunity to practise and learn new things.

- Tony Hardman

Participating in the programme has meant a wonderful, invaluable opportunity to develop further my language proficiency - this is crucial at the primary level where I am the sole LOTE person in the school. Also of enormous value has been the opportunity to network with colleagues and exchange ideas and opinions, including curriculum matters, teaching materials and support in the promotion of LOTE. I have been provided with the chance to enrich my teaching and to share my increased knowledge and experiences with the education community- from my school to local and regional educational groups and LOTE professional associations.

- Michelle Payne

I was really impressed with the teachers at CAVILAM. They were all passionate about teaching language skills and that came across in their attitude to us.

- Susan Gardner

I think it is so awesome to be able to visit the country and have first hand experience, to be able to speak and hear French daily in so many different contexts for 3 solid weeks….

- Bev Wilkinson

I was impressed by how ‘progressive’ the teachers were at the Goethe Institut.  I expected ‘traditional’ style of ‘chalk and talk’ but found the variety of well-planned activities stimulating and engaging e.g. talks by students, news reports, listening exercises, ‘treasure hunt’ around the city plus many more.

- Linton Roe

Invaluable – nothing can beat speaking the language in-country.  You learn so much faster and you learn the up-to-date language.  This is what teachers need to be able to give the students accurate language skills, as often textbooks are outdated.

- Nathalie Huth

This has been an amazing experience, both in the language programme and other activities, especially the inclusion of the young and enthusiastic pre-service teachers.

- Nicola Barkley

This has been a great experience that I don’t believe we could have had anywhere else in Australia apart from Darwin and in-country.

- Josie McInerney

As a pre-service teacher this opportunity has been excellent and I would definitely recommend it for other pre-service teachers.

- Megan Webster

The lecturers from Indonesia were very professional and made an outstanding effort to improve and enrich our language experience and understanding of Indonesian culture.

- Raelene Wilson

LOTE (Languages) teachers need to have a bigger profile in schools and this programme most certainly is integral in achieving this status.

-Ines (Agnese) Cilmi

I came away with a renewed passion and enthusiasm for teaching Italian. I also discovered new and practical ways of teaching the four macro skills …..

- Michelle Della Porta

It gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in the Italian way of life which you can’t expect back at home.

- Lidia Faranda

As a teacher I feel that the wealth of language and cultural examples upon which I will be able to draw will enrich my teaching for my students’ sake and increase the enjoyment I already derive from my work.

- Robert Pegolo

My cultural awareness of many aspects of Japan has been increased due to the knowledge that our tour guides shared during the field trips. I have learnt many new things that I will now share with my students.
The primary school visit on the Friday before our homestay was excellent. It opened my eyes to the current trends in education in Japan today.

- Tina Cantrell

I have found the planning and execution of the programme overall to be excellent and the work done by the group leaders to be faultless. Their knowledge and guidance was invaluable to the group as a whole.

- Wesley Branchflower

Professionally, the course was enriching on many levels. Being in a Spanish speaking country, perfecting and using the language coupled with the more formal lessons at the university gave me a thorough insight on linguistic and cultural aspects. Furthermore, being surrounded by a group of dedicated and inquisitive colleagues, all sharing the same passion, gave me the opportunity to explore our craft further.

- Marcela Ayas

I really appreciate this wonderful and unforgettable experience. The teamwork and fellowship amongst all participants has been great.
I am very thankful to the ELTF programme for this excellent opportunity, which has been an invaluable learning experience. I wish that many teachers keep having access to this excellent learning programme.

- Maria Sanchez