Sumin chose to pursue a postgraduate Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
degree to deepen her understanding of language learning, identity and education beyond classroom practice.
With experience as a language teaching assistant and an undergraduate degree in Business English, she wanted to explore how language proficiency, self and social context interacted in real learning experience.
“Completing my dissertation into the relationship between language competence and second language identity among Chinese postgraduate students in the UK was a particularly rewarding experience.
“Presenting my ideas, receiving constructive supervision, and seeing my research recognised was a defining moment in my academic journey and I was honoured that my work received a distinction.
“All of this strengthened my confidence as an emerging researcher and reinforced my ambition to continue in doctoral research in applied linguistics.”
Building research skills and academic confidence
Sumin chose to come to Southampton for her postgraduate study due to its strong reputation in applied linguistics and TESOL, as well as its emphasis on research-informed teaching.
“The programme’s balance between theory and empirical research particularly appealed to me, as I was keen to develop both academic rigour and practical insight,” she explained.
“Southampton also offered a supportive and international academic environment, which I believed would be crucial for my personal and academic growth as an international student,” she added.
She says her time at Southampton was both challenging and inspiring, with facilities that created an excellent environment for focused study and research.
“What I enjoyed most was the intellectually stimulating learning environment and close engagement with lecturers who are active researchers in their field,” she recalled.
Support beyond the lecture hall
Beyond her course, Sumin highlights the wider support network that is available to postgraduate students.
Academic skills workshops, wellbeing services and flexible learning resources played a key role in helping her manage challenges and maintain balance during an intensive postgraduate programme.
Outside her academic work, she found a strong sense of community both on campus and in the city.
She said: “Southampton is a welcoming and student-friendly city. It offers a good balance between a vibrant student life and a calm, safe environment for study. The city has convenient transport links, green spaces, and cultural activities that made it easy to settle in and feel at home. Its proximity to Winchester and London also adds to its appeal.”
During her studies, she lived in halls of residence which she said offered a safe, well-supported living environment with 24-hour security and well-maintained facilities that helped her settle smoothly into university life.
“I particularly appreciated the shared common spaces that encouraged us to relax, socialise and build connections beyond our academic studies.
“These areas contributed greatly to my sense of belonging and made my time at Southampton both meaningful and memorable,” she said.