ĐẠI HỌC BÁCH KHOA HÀ NỘI

VIỆN NGOẠI NGỮ

BÁO CÁO CUỐI KỲ

Họ và tên: Nguyễn Thị Thanh Kiều

Tháng 10, 2023

TABLE OF CONTENT
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT........................................................................................................3
A. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................4
B. INTERSHIP DESCRIPTION..........................................................................................4
1. Internship company description...................................................................................4
2. My duties and my job description during the internship...........................................6
3. My achievement related to the subjects learned in SOFL.........................................7
4. Challenges and solutions as well as the connection between assigned tasks and
SOFL modules.....................................................................................................................10
5. My personal development after the internship course.............................................12
6. My action plan to become a teacher in the future.....................................................13
C. CONCLUSION................................................................................................................15
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I want to begin by sincerely thanking everyone who provided me the opportunity and

encouragement to take part in this internship training program. I would like to express

my appreciation to the Director of the School of Foreign Languages (SOFT) in

particular for giving students a fresh experience or lesson that enabled them to validate

their learning and pinpoint any areas of weakness they still needed to improve. We

also wish to express our gratitude to my teachers for their guidance prior to and during

my internship. I am grateful to my teacher, Mrs. Nguyen Kim Phuc, who provided me

with various details and advice on how to register with my SOFL and internship

agency.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Mrs. Nguyen My Linh,

Manager of Language Link Academic at no. 24 Dai Co Viet Street, for her invaluable

leadership as well as her selfless efforts in carefully guiding and providing me with

invaluable advice when I first came for the internship or when I had to face difficulties

at all stages of the internship; thereby, creating motivation for me to complete this

research and inspiring me to continue in my teaching career. I also like to thank the

Language Link Academic Language Company employees for their enthusiastic and

unwavering support while I finished this practical training course. This enabled me to

get a variety of experiences that integrate my classroom learning with fresh workplace

learning
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A. INTRODUCTION

My internship experience from August 14th to September 22nd, 2023, is summarized in

this report. I independently acquired an internship opportunity at the English center

belonging to Language Link Vietnam Academic Company for this semester. I worked as a

teaching assistant throughout the internship term, loved the business environment with a

practical focus, and gained a number of priceless experiences with the help of company

mentors. These experiences, along with other crucial abilities, I think are crucial to my

career path. This report is divided into 6 main parts as following:

 A brief description of the company

 The during the job description during the internship

 My personal achievements associated with the subjects learned in SOFL

 Workplace challenges and solutions as well as the connection between assigned

tasks and SOFT modules

 Changes in personal development after the internship

 My future action proposal

B. INTERSHIP DESCRIPTION

1. Internship company description

One of the first native English education organizations in Vietnam, Language Link

Academic, originally known as Language Link Vietnam, was founded in 1996 in

Hanoi and has its roots in London, United Kingdom.

Language Link Academic has created a great English training program for Vietnamese

individuals using European level educational technology and a reputation spanning

more than 45 years globally. For more than 25 years, the company has collaborated

with tens of thousands of parents and students. Many of Language Link Academic's

multi-channel educational programs were developed to assist Vietnamese students in

learning English more effectively and quickly so they would be prepared and self-

assured to write their own stories anywhere in the globe, not just in Vietnam. Since

2015, Language Link Academic's training objective has been to develop international

standard English communication skills in parallel with Build a foundation of academic

knowledge. This has helped students not only speak English confidently but also pass

national and international exams, laying the groundwork for achieving excellent study

and work results. Language Link Academic is constantly innovating to better meet the

growing needs of students.

Along with the goal of raising the standard of English language instruction in

Vietnam, Language Link Academic constantly seeks to assist students in forming and

developing a thorough command of the language. This way, they are prepared and

self-assured to succeed in new endeavors, not just in their academic and professional

lives but also in all facets of their personal lives and everywhere else. Through

collaboration with the Department of Education and Training in Hanoi, Language

Link Academic has consistently been a pioneer in promoting English learning in all

high schools in Vietnam over its 25 years of operation. Every year, tens of thousands

of students sign up to compete in the English Olympiad.

As the first educational institution in Vietnam with 100% foreign investment,

Language Link Academic has implemented the ISO:9001-2000/2015 standard for its

training quality management system. Language Link Academic not only flawlessly

satisfies the demanding needs and criteria of educational standards systems, but also
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serves as a strategic partner of major universities across the world including

Cambridge University and Trinity University London. English teachers can be trained

and coached in accordance with international standards in the form of a unit that has

received official approval. education for the field of English language training.

Language Link Academic's children's English programs are designed to assist

youngsters in studying effectively and preparing for entrance exams to elite schools,

specialized schools, international schools, or national dual degree programs.

international. Students may definitely pass the admission exam for international

institutions, apply for scholarships at foreign universities, and get valuable IELTS

scores with the knowledge and abilities they receive in the courses. Language Link

Academic's adult English programs are designed to assist students achieve their

academic objectives by maximizing their performance on worldwide standard English

certification exams including the IELTS, TOEIC, and VSTEP or chances for

professional progress in a global setting.

2. My duties and my job description during the internship

In the Language Link Academic center, each class is performed for 90 minutes,

including EC class with native teachers and VNC class with Vietnamese teachers, and

Study Link class with teaching assistant.

At EC and VNC class, my responsibilities were approximately similar as the

following details. Before the class started, I had to come to the center about 15

minutes early to get the room ready and prepare for the lesson. Usually, I had to come

to the teacher’s room 5 minutes to prepare for the admin task and talk to the teacher

about the upcoming lesson. Therefore, I and teachers were able to collaborate and

make the lesson occur smoothly. Then, I came to the classroom 5 minutes before the

lesson to check student attendance and inform to the Caring Assistant staff by making

a note in register form. At the same time, I collected students’ notebooks and
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workbooks to check their homework of the previous lesson. I needed to correct and

edited the notes if there were some mistakes. During the lesson, I had to make sure all

students were behaving, staying on task and listening to the teacher. Sometimes, there

were some practicing activities and I helped the teacher to set up them, for example,

students were asked to work in pairs or in groups and I needed to take care of all of

them. While students were working, I walked around to guide them and check their

work, so that I could make sure they were on task and participating as instructed. I

always asked students in English before repeating in Vietnamese, if necessary. After

the lesson, I worked online at home as required. My online work via CRM platform

included sending email to students’ parents about the lesson content and informing

them noticeable problems, and making TA’s recording in the register form (as I

provided evidence weekly).

In the case that some students were absent or some special students were struggling to

follow the lesson, I had to work at Study Link class on my own. It was completely

different from working as a Teaching Assistant, but is the same with a teacher with a

small number of students. In the other words, I had to spend time preparing lesson

content and material for the lesson based on the pacing guide (lesson timeline) of the

teacher, which always took two hours to complete the preparation. Then, I came to

class and taught students by myself. I performed the lesson by mixing different

activities, such as playing games, watch videos and doing worksheets (evidences in

the Study Link class). I periodically planned games or physical activities that are

related to the particular unit that students were studying. I had to maintain discipline in

the classroom and guarantee that each student was listening carefully and paying

attention. At the end of the term, I frequently gave my pupils small gifts to encourage

them. My goals were to help them concentrate well and review the lesson, and

remember the knowledge effectively.

3. My achievement related to the subjects learned in SOFL

First, through observing the primary instructor instruct the children during my

internship, I gained knowledge on how to successfully communicate lessons to pupils.

I had no idea how to organize the class or instruct the pupils in following the lesson

from the start. I picked up a lot of methods from other experienced teachers after

seeing them, and I steadily improved my teaching style. I learned and saw firsthand

how the primary teacher ran the class, gave out grades, and evaluated the progress of

each student. The way in which instructors design activities or, at the very least,

lighten the mood in the classroom as opposed to simply cramming material into

students’ minds. I won't have these things if I solely learn from books; the only way I

can gain knowledge that is relevant to me is through experience and in-person

observation. Moreover, I acquired a lot about informatics and the use of software for

instruction while I worked online via the CRM platform. Also, I can find and choose

material that is suitable for students at different levels. It's also essential to organize

games or activities that are suitable for each student's age. Additionally, the selection

of activities or games that are appropriate for the children' ages is crucial for

enhancing their ability to explore. Inappropriately challenging tasks can prevent

students from understanding and will cause them to lose interest in studying.

Second, I improved my communication skill a lot through working at the Study Link

class as I faced students directly. I had to try to be confident and manage the class as

effectively as possible. In addition, throughout the duration of my internship, I've

gotten to know my students, mentors, cooperating teachers, and other staff members. I

used to be confused and struggle to talk with new employees or other strangers. I

realized that poor internal communication was a serious issue and was one of the most

crucial components of the job. I spent more time engaging with my coworkers, which

started with finding and expressing our shared interests, because the only way to get
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better at something is to use it frequently. As a result, we became more effective at co-

working and got closer. My confidence to perform in front of an audience, especially

in front of my younger students, is particularly growing. It is also thanks to my

chances in SOFL when I did my presentation every semester that enhance my

communication skill and boost my confidence significantly.

Third, I have broadened my knowledge about problem solving skill during my

internship, especially when I was of charge in study link class. I had to manage the

task by myself, from preparing material to teaching. I always work with misbehaved

and lazy students; however, I tried to get on well with them and be friends with them. I

believe a friendly environment can encourage students and minimize the pressure a

lot. I had to try to find out the most effective and straightforward ways that help

students understand the lesson effectively and create the studying motivation at the

class atmosphere.

Additionally, applying to be a teaching assistant helps me better manage my time. A

class session lasts 90 minutes, so I had experience with time management. This is

because if I am not aware of time, my work will not be very efficient and I will run out

of time. In order to comprehend the teaching strategy and how to set the time

effectively, I need to pay attention to how the center organizes time and schedule in a

class. This will serve as my future basis. English centers make the most of their time

since they require students to conclude a session on time in about two hours to

increase their working efficiency. I am aware that it is a rigid professional

requirement.

Finally, while I worked, I put a lot of what I had learned to use and saw how much of

what I had learned could be used in the actual world. Additionally, I learn more about

the lessons I was given that I previously did not comprehend. My foundational

education taught me these English skills. For me to be able to work as a teacher or

teaching assistant in an English language school, I must develop English language

skills such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing as well as knowledge of IELTS

preparation. I have to speak and interact with everyone during work hours using only

English.

4. Challenges and solutions as well as the connection between assigned tasks and

SOFL modules

Besides several achievements and successes mentioned before, I was in trouble with

some difficulties. I will separate this part into three sub parts: difficulties with co-

worker, students and myself.

About my co-worker and working environment, after becoming familiar with the

workplace culture, I quickly understood that everyone had their own objectives and

intended to work, and most of the time dissent happened. The toughest obstacle at

work is undoubtedly coping with such a wide spectrum of personalities on a daily

basis. However, I realized I had to get used to it because that is how collective

intelligence works. Despite our disagreements with one another, we had to collaborate

to complete the shared work. Fortunately, I was able to work with them fluently, based

on the teamwork skill that I gained from teamwork exercises, such as making

presentations in groups in Sematics, Lexicology and Research Methodology modules.

In terms of obstacles with students, I figured out that working with students is not easy

as I expected. Children have a variety of personalities and needs and every case is

distinct. I found out that there are variations in the approaches that must be used as

well. My students were mainly from 5 to 12 years old. They were so energetic and

talkative; therefore, I realized that it was so hard for them to concentrate and sit in one

place during 90-minute lesson. There were many problems which occurred at my

students. For example, whether they are working in groups, coping with personal

issues, having special needs, or are upset with their assessment, or students who were
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very advanced to poorer students who were falling behind in the course could have

varying levels of topic knowledge. In the other cases, with disabled students, it was a

big problem when they became the prank of the other students. Sometimes, I was

really exhausted and did not know how to solve this problem. Moreover, there were

some students who could not follow the lesson as they were struggle with doing

exercise or with understanding teacher’s speech. I had to try my best to use my

experience and my knowledge that I have studied from my major, for example,

translation skill and speaking skill, so that I could transfer the native teacher’s speech

to students by simplifying it and using Vietnamese if necessary. Instead of giving

pupils direct lectures, I frequently prepare activities or create a fun atmosphere.

Numerous studies have examined how the classroom environment affects students'

thinking. I used a number of in-class exercises and teaching techniques throughout the

course to keep my students' attention focused, such as by presenting examples relating

to some recently prominent speeches and online trends.

Finally, about my personal challenges, it was the first time I worked in an educational

official atmosphere and I felt so stressful at the beginning. I am not a pedagogy

student, thus my capacity as a teacher is still constrained. Initially, I encountered

difficulty in explaining the lesson and I was so confused to instruct students clearly.

However, through the process of researching and observing individuals around me, I

have learned how to improve myself. I realized that to complete my work, I needed to

acquire new knowledge about the educational sector and teaching method which is

one of my subjects in this semester. This module helped me a lot when I was struggle

with my students. Moreover, I met an obstacle with time management. Because I am

still a student, participating in the internship course sometimes made me overloaded. It

was difficult to juggle my personal and academic obligations with my duties as a

teaching assistant.
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Therefore, I had to try to handle several responsibility and deadlines and ensured all

my work would be completed on time, which was occasionally daunting. Luckily, my

supervisor – Mrs. Nguyen Kim Phuc and my manager – Ms. Nguyen My Linh gave

me advices which were so constructive and necessary for me. Following their

instruction, I consequently complete my internship course successfully and dealt with

my own problem directly.

5. My personal development after the internship course

When I finished my internship course, I finally recognized that my personal

development is noticeable. Because individual development is a continuous path, I

have to try my hardest to be the best version of myself by learning and practicing. It

was the advice Mrs. Nguyen My Linh gave me when I felt stressed due to overloaded

deadlines that helps me significantly when engaging in self-reflection and self-

improvement.

Through working at Language Link Academic Company, I have got more chances to

enhance my soft skills, such as communication skill, time management, and classroom

management. Because of this, I've improved my ability to adjust to different

personalities. After the course, I'm more receptive to criticism from my mentor and

even my coworkers. As a result, I can get useful criticism, which helps me effectively

correct my errors. Teamwork is yet another crucial skill I have acquired during the

course. I get the chance to learn from the team members that have a lot of expertise

and always work to improve the team's performance when completing jobs that we all

do. I have gradually gained a deeper understanding of the other trainees and brothers

in the firm via discussion of shared issues and experiences, and we are able to forge

lasting partnerships.
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Secondly, Language Link Vietnam Academic is also a suitable environment for me to

improve my pedagogy knowledge and my teaching method. I need to think about the

values and tenets that influence my instructional strategies. Therefore, I can become a

more deliberate and successful educator by thinking about and improving my teaching

philosophy. At the same time, my social network is broaden and my professional

development could be enhanced through networking when I have opportunities to

connect and work with native teachers, other teaching assistants like me, professors

and educators in my company. I am able to share my thoughts and collaborate with

them easily, which were so difficult for me before working at this company. When I

always put my heart into each word so that students can learn the most important

information, I understand better as a teacher. That, in my opinion, is the pride a

teacher feels. Although I may not have loved kids in the past since they were so

mischievous, I now think they are so adorable. When they welcomed me or rushed to

give me a warm hug when I arrived at class, it made me very happy.

On my teaching route, I am truly discovering enthusiasm, inspiration, and clearer

goals. In comparison to my first few teaching days, I did not even know how to

interact with the students. I had a lot of concerns when I first started attending the

center and taking a class with fifteen students, including how to manage and

communicate with them effectively. Now that I feel good about myself, I look forward

to speaking in front of my pupils. Being a teacher requires ongoing learning and

development. I spent many days monitoring my coworkers and picked up on their

various skills and limitations, then I put what I had learned to use. Finally, I

progressively enhanced my teaching methodology. The kids come to know me, listen

to me, and focus more on learning as time goes on. I am now able to speak to pupils in

the most comprehensible manner, which encourages a greater level of interest in

attending class. I'm proud that my development has been much more positive than it

was back when I initially joined the center, even though it's not the best.

6. My action plan to become a teacher in the future

Becoming a teacher is my ultimate career ambition since I believe I have the skills and

passion necessary to thrive in a profession in education. First and first, I ought to

increase our knowledge since a skilled teacher has the power to transform a life. I'm

right now getting ready for the IELTS exam in order to increase my prospects and

have the chance to get a pedagogy qualification in the near future. I have to

continuously enhance myself by engaging in professional development activity, for

example, volunteering in teaching for students in rural areas, attending workshops,

conferences and online courses relevant to teaching methods and to my major, which

are held annually in SOFL.

Besides that, it is essential for me to make connections with other educators, join a

trade association, and look for mentoring options. Developing a network can lead to

helpful ideas, assistance, and career opportunities. I always ask my supervisor and my

teacher about my problem. They are my mentors who provide advice and support for

my work through difficulties in my teaching career.

Additionally, I need to improve my time management abilities as well. I have to

prepare lessons in advance in addition to spending time teaching before class. I must

constantly keep an eye out for questions from brand-new students and respond to them

promptly and correctly. As a result, teachers now place a high value on excellent time

management. This functionality is used by teachers in the classroom to allow students

enough time to complete the lesson plan. I must now do better because I frequently

fail to complete all of my preparations.

Last but not least, my teamwork skill needs to be improveed as soon as possible. The

educational process does not include reading or copying. Many teachers regard
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themselves as leaders who also serve as educators for the kids. However, for me,

school is more challenging than that. Instead of leading, a teacher should serve as a

guide. As a result, effective communication skills and a flexible teaching style are

essential for teaching procedures. In order to approach pupils as successfully as

possible in the future, I am trying to gain some experience being at ease with myself.

At present, I am looking for chances to get real-world experience in the classroom. A

student teaching internship, working as a teaching assistant, or volunteering as a tutor

are some examples of this. Practical experience will help you build crucial abilities

and will give you insightful information about the teaching profession. Being a teacher

significantly depends on my unique circumstances, and the road to becoming a teacher

may be different with each person. Therefore, I need to be studious, flexible and

continuously look for new opportunities to work in the educational sector and make

my dream come true.

C. CONCLUSION

For the benefit of the intern's career, the internship offers new experiences and makes

it straightforward for students to experience genuine work conditions. Additionally, it

allows students to bridge the gap between academic study and actual employment by

applying their knowledge to actual work. During my internship, I gained a lot of

knowledge and received excellent guidance from the company's senior employees and

mentors. I'm content with the results I obtained and am anxious to begin working with

the internship agency. This was a chance I seized, and the meeting marked a

significant turning point in the development of my profession.

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