Student Profile

Kia ora, I am Shin Ishihara and I have been studying Tourism Studies at the university for three years. I have taken ESLA courses as my supporting subject.

As I come from Japan and obviously English is my second language, it was compulsory to take the paper, ESLA101 and ESLA102 in the beginning of my university study. After I completed these two papers, I realized that the papers have given great assistance for my academic writing skills and presentation skills; therefore I decided to have the ESLA courses as the supporting subject of my degree.

In addition to these two papers, I have also completed ESLA200, 201 and 202 which provide more detailed guidelines for becoming successful in university study as an international student. Particularly, ESLA200 offered me tons of essay-writing skills, such as the planning and structuring of an essay. All the skills from the paper could be used in other papers and hence, I was able to obtain high grade for my work. Moreover, I have particularly enjoyed ESLA202 as the course required me to communicate with group-mates for presentations. This course provided many opportunities to discuss a number of topics or questions with other classmates and teachers during lectures as well as presentations. I personally believe that this is the best part of the course and I enjoyed most.

In terms of the effectiveness, ESLA101 and ESLA200 are probably the courses which helped me very much to study at this university. As I major in Tourism Studies, there were essay assignments. These two papers introduced knowledge about academic writing, including the guideline of APA referencing. I suppose that ESLA101 and ELSA200 can be a core paper for international students to become successful in university study.

As I have completed my degree, I will have to move onto next stage of my life by finding a job and I am majoring in Tourism Studies, I intend to seek a job relevant to my major. If I get a job in tourism and hospitality industry like a tour planner, I will be required to do many presenta-tions to promote a number of destinations. When this happens, skills and experience from ESLA courses can be practically helpful, particularly ESLA102 and 202.

Finally, I strongly recommend taking ESLA papers if you are very new to the tertiary education in New Zealand. ESLA papers definitely make you feel more familiar with the university study as well as improving your academic skills. Helpful support and feedback from friendly ESLA teachers and staff are also important features of the courses. There will be no any disappointment in the class, yet there will be lots of improvement and development in your study skills.