Podcast-Ndeye-Ba

The speaker shares their experience in a fascinating course at the University of Antwerp. The course is interactive and engages students in discussions and presentations of assigned texts. The challenges of diving into peer literature are acknowledged, but the support and guidance from the professor and guest lecturers enrich the learning experience. The speaker's journey through applied linguistic studies has been transformative, contributing to their growth as a student and individual. The importance of language as a cultural roadmap is emphasized. Hi there, and welcome to this special episode of our podcast, where I'll be sharing with you a unique experience in the academic world. I'm Dahlia Nabar, and today I'm taking you to the University of Antwerp, where I'll be talking about a fascinating course that I'm currently endorsing. Please picture this, a Tuesday afternoon, so crisp you could hear the leaves rustling as the clock strikes 3pm. But hold on to your hats, because in Antwerp, you are more likely to hear the rain falling than anything else. It's like Mother Nature's background music to our linguistic adventures. So, students eagerly gather for our weekly rendezvous in the captivating realm of applied language studies in a multilingual and multicultural world. Lead by the esteemed Professor Chris Van De Poel, this course promises not only to educate, but to enlighten. So, every Thursday, from 3pm to 4pm, our class embarks on the enriching journey through the intricate landscape of language studies. But it isn't your run-of-the-mill lecture-style course, oh no no, it's far more interactive and engaged than that. Before each class, we are tasked with immersing ourselves in chapters containing various through-provoking texts. Our mission is to distill this complex idea into summaries, capturing the essence of each text in just a few lines. So, as we assemble in class, anticipation hangs in the air. Several students, all of them girls, yes, our class is an all-girls club, and we love it. They step up to the challenge of presenting their assigning texts. With eloquence and clarity, of course, they condense intricate concepts into concise three- to five-minute presentations, captivating the attention of their peers. But the excitement doesn't end there. The class is then divided into smaller groups to dissect and analyze the texts further. Led by the presenter, each group engages in lively discussions, exploring the nuance of the text, and sharing insights from diverse perspectives. And then, the presenter poses stimulating questions, igniting intellectual sparks that fuel the discourse. So now, let's talk about the challenges. As an Erasmus student hailing from France, where my academic diet consists of a mix of applied languages, such as English and Spanish, and other assorted goodies like economics and law, so diving headfirst into the depths of peer literature is like trying to swim with lead boats. But hey, what's the fun in smooth sailing, right? It's the roof wires that make the best story. I must also mention the invaluable contribution of our STEAMS professor. Her passion for the subject matter is palpable, and her dedication to our growth as students is unwavering. Professor Van Der Poel has a remarkable ability to instill confidence in her students, myself included. Even when I was grappling with the complexity of the text, she provided guidance and reassurance, reminding me that I was capable and that my efforts were commendable. Moreover, our learning experience is further enriched by the presence of guest lecturers, seasoned professionals, who bring real-world insight into the class. Their expertise and first-hand experiences in various linguistic domains are deaf and relevant to our studies, highlighting also the practical application of applied linguistic studies in today's globalized world. And I will admit, when it was my turn to present, nurse got the best of me. The text was dense, the concepts lofty, and the pressure palpable. But you know what they say, fortune favors the brave. But as the discussion unfolded with my group, a sense of camaraderie and sharing understanding emerged. So my journey through applied linguistic studies here at the University of Antwerp has been nothing short of transformative. From the stimulating classroom discussion to the invaluable mentorship of Professor Van Der Poel and the enriching insights from guest lecturers, every aspect of their experiences has contributed to my growth as a student and an individual. So let me leave you with a quote to ponder. Language is the roadmap of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going. So until then, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep laughing. This is Naila Nabar, and thank you for joining me on this journey.