About our “getting around the world” module, I watched a video regarding Dublin City University (DCU), and in particular its learning program of the English language. I found this program really interesting because it is mainly intended for foreigner students who want to learn English through direct use. In my opinion, there are several differences between Dublin City University and Italian schools. For instance, one of the teachers said that their main goal is to teach the students something which will be useful for them in every situation, according to the idea that a university should be a place where students also learn to become independent. Indeed, teaching is not centered on theoretical notions, but on the acquisition of practical abilities.

Moreover, lessons are not considered a passive listening activity, but they are based on the interaction between students and teachers. All professors assure that students are always full of questions and ready to be involved in discussions, so that lessons are also moments of fun and enrichment on the human side.

Beside, the campus is provided with all necessary facilities, such as shops, bars and gardens, which, together with the students’ lodgings, are meant to create a quiet atmosphere and to make students feel at ease even if they are far away from home. A complete bus service is also provided. Finally, there are some people in the university staff whose job is to help students in making satisfying decisions in their study career.

The video also included some interviews to students at the DCU coming from all over the world, and, even though some of them had pronunciation problems, they all agreed that the university is not a place just aimed to learning, but also to meet other people and grow in a multicultural environment.   

Video URL:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O85ZT31gtA