Lina

Receiving a scholarship for the EAS Pre-sessional course was a defining moment in my educational journey. As a refugee, this opportunity was especially profound, opening doors to advanced education and providing me with a robust academic foundation. The 10-week course significantly helped enhance my writing, reading, and critical thinking skills which have proven invaluable in my master's studies, where the demands for high-quality academic writing are heightened.

Iwona

I met Lina in 2022 when testing a more flexible approach to the EAS Sanctuary Programme. The Programme enables forcibly displaced students to join the EAS summer pre-sessional course, meet language criteria, and begin their university degrees. Until that point, only July pre-sessional was included in the programme, but this intensive 5-week course requires students to already have solid academic foundations in place. Although a great opportunity for some, I believed the Programme needed to also accommodate those who may need more time to succeed, as many displaced students do. Lina was the first such student. She attended the 10-week course, showing real passion for learning and achieving the grades required for her TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) studies. Her success strengthened my argument that a flexible approach to the EAS sanctuary provision is essential to truly respond to the needs of forcibly displaced students. Completing her master's degree with distinction, Lina embodies all the values the displaced students bring to the university and wider Scottish society.

Vanessa

Lina and I first met on in September 2022 on one of the core methodology courses on TESOL, Classroom Processes, but I really got to know her when working with her as her microteaching tutor on Developing Professional Practice (DPP) from January to March 2023. Throughout microteaching Lina clearly showed her interest in, and love of, teaching. She was always an active participant when others were teaching with thoughtful reflections and questions about her own teaching as well as supporting others. Lina sought help and support as needed and it was always a pleasure to meet with her and discuss different aspects of teaching and learning. I was delighted for her when she completed the programme with distinction.

Louise

Lina and I met in spring and summer of 2024 to discuss her TESOL Master’s dissertation. We soon connected on our shared interest: what impacts students’ confidence when speaking at university and how to boost it. Specifically, Lina researched foreign language speaking anxiety among Arab students at UK universities, showing flexibility, determination and rigour in her approach. Through her palpable personal commitment to this research topic, Lina carefully crafted a dissertation that was a joy to read. She shared students’ experiences speaking in university classrooms, unearthing important takeaways for compassionate educators. Lina is a talented researcher and advocate who certainly energized me as a teacher and researcher.

Lina

My progress through the EAS Pre-sessional course and subsequent part-time studies illustrate the transformative impact of effective mentorship and academic support. Iwona's exceptional dedication to aiding students from diverse backgrounds was crucial in helping me successfully navigate the initial academic challenges. Vanessa expanded on this foundation by explaining complex concepts and extending additional support as needed. Her guidance was vital across various TESOL modules. Likewise, Louise, my dissertation supervisor, provided insightful feedback and encouragement. Her mentorship was instrumental in developing my independent thinking and research abilities, which were pivotal during that phase of my degree. These experiences have not only prepared me academically but also highlighted the importance of perseverance and targeted support in achieving educational success.

First published: 29 January 2025

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