The Prospects of ASASI TESL (UiTM) – 2018/2019

I know this post is quite late. I mean UPU will be closing this 10th of April. Well I don’t mind that. I mean mind can change at any second. Anyway, the reason I’m making this post is because somehow, though I didn’t further my study in TESL, been receiving a lot of inquiries from acquaintances, strangers, juniors and close friends regarding TESL stream. Specifically in UiTM. Since I’m quite tired to explain stuffs over and over again… I suppose this will help not only this year’s intake but for the upcoming intake too.. Hope so.. Well here’s my simple brief on what’s ASASI TESL and why I recommend this to you:
FIRST THINGS FIRST, WHAT THE HELL IS ASASI TESL?

Well Asasi TESL is basically a foundation program by UiTM. For those who have no idea what is foundation, it’s kinda like a matriculation program but in a university instead of a designated college. Plus, a foundation offers you a fast-track for you to further in Bachelor Studies. Basically no need for a diploma. Swift!

So what is TESL then? It’s an acronym for Teaching English as Second Language. Get the idea? You’ll be taught in English on how to teach English to non-native English speakers. Lol. Too many English in one sentence. Well at least that’s the rough idea. Unlike other Asasi programs such as Science, Engineering and Law, TESL studies will bring you deeper into the beauty of English (plus some basic principles of education).

“So why ah, I should join this program?”

“Am I suitable for this loh?”

“My SPM ok kah for this?”

Lots and lots of questions. Why study here, you ask. Apparently I have one word to reason with that: FUN. no not the spongebob one. like pure fun.

Okay.. okay… I know it’s a lot to take in but let me try to break this down for you;

1. Lecturers!!!

Nothing beats fun more than lecturers being participative and sporting and stuff. Well in Asasi TESL Dengkil, we have that. I know I might be old to tell this old stories… I mean me and my batch, we are like the pioneers of Dengkil. But the lecturers remain. I dont want to list out names but I tell you, they will always be there for you. No matter what! Activities, assignments, and even hanging out!! They will be there. Of course there are annoying lecturers too, but that won’t outweigh the fact that the majority of our lecturers are motherly, fatherly, brotherly and sisterly. To make it simple, we are FAMILY!.

2. The courses

I don’t know about you, but I love every single courses offered in this program. Like for real. I mean was a science stream student back in high school. Not gonna lie, it was depressing. To be introduced to language stream, and for that matter, TESL, I must say it is fun to discover English interactively.

Throughout the year, the courses are

COLLEGE WRITING – where you’ll learn to write academically. and many forms of essay.

COLLEGE READING – where you’ll read, read and read. It helps improve your vocabulary and comprehension. Yeah this subject introduce me with lots of rare English words. No lie.

LISTENING & SPEAKING – this can be somehow frustrating sometimes. you’ll be introduced to phonetics (pronunciations for English words) and at the same time you’ll be presenting your topics of choice. It enhances your verbal proficiency I assure you.

GRAMMAR – many people hates grammar. that applies even to TESLIANS. yet, I love it somehow. I guess because of the satisfaction that you can correct someone’s mistakes. Damn GRAMMAR NAZI! Hahaha

INTRODUCTORY LITERATURE – kinda like Literature Component where you learn back in high school. yeah not much different. I love it though.

LANGUAGE & DRAMA – this is surely everyone’s favourite. Drama class is like a Physical Education class back in high school. lol. seriously. you’ll do a lot of physical activities that are fun. at the same time, you’ll also analyse some great drama components. It’s good. seriously. Oh one more thing, your carry marks will be graded based on your drama performance!

Fun right? No? Well let me help you to be optimistic… you don’t need to bring calculator throughout the semester. I mean, no calculation involves! No numbers!! AYEEEE!!

3. The Atmosphere (Applies to other Dengkil programs too)

FUN itself is an atmosphere. Well we’re going to focus more on the campus itself. The activities and what can you do there. A brief introduction: the Dengkil campus was opened on December 2015, it houses six residential colleges, three academic complex and an administration building (which basically is the tallest structure in Dengkil). How bout dat? In addition, as it is a very new campus, the facilities are good. You have washing machines, a food court which can accomodate all six colleges, a drama studio, a sports field and a mosque. Yeah basically Dengkil is self-sufficient.

Studio Orkid, this is where Language & Drama class will be held

Well if facilities aren’t your type of fun, I tell you the activities. We’re going to focus more on TESL here. To be honest, my batch never had the chance the experience all the activities in Dengkil so what I’m telling you is based on the second batch of Dengkil. Which were my juniors too.

PAIRED DRAMA PERFORMANCE – every TESLIANS will be performing. I mean they are graded.

That’s a dynamic duo to you.. Paired Performance yass

READER’S THEATRE – also graded for the TESLIANS. well I favour this one more as it instill numbers of humour and at the same time being interactive with the audience.

Seems empty but the theatre performance is one in a million!

MOVIE CIRCLE – that’s just how university students make money don’t we?

SPORTS DAY – I am not a man of sport, but it is fun to see each college competing. I mean I love competition though. This is when we feel united.

LIVE BUSKING – the best thing is those who are busking might be your friends! Wouldn’t you be proud to see your friends singing or jamming? I will!

And many more other activities that I can’t recall. To check out more, you can search #dengkilperform on twitter.

Oh ya! And a special mention to my pioneer TESL batch’s event: #GlowDGKL
WOAH! TESL SOUNDS COOL… SO ERM.. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO SIGN HERE?

Not many things to considered. Like seriously. Though the exact requirements for SPM leavers to join this program are quite blurry, I would say you need to score at least an “A” in English for your SPM and at the same time, didn’t fail in your ADD MATH and MATH. Plus, before even being selected as TESLIANS, there will be a written test and an interview to prove your worthy. So yeah, go and google all your seniors’ previous interviewing experiences. It’s lit!
FINAL THOUGHTS

As an alumni to Asasi TESL, of course I will suggest this program to everyone. Just ask yourself, are you game for a language stream? Don’t be afraid and overthink over your job scope, I mean I was a TESLIAN but turns out I further my Bachelor in German Studies. How rare is that? Still, TESL taught me a lot. Know this one thing, language connects all the knowledges in the world. Be proud of language stream! Oh btw, UiTM is not the only university that offers Asasi in English. IIUM offers it too though the difference is they weren’t taught on Basic Principles of Education. All in all, I wish you all the best in your future ventures! I will be glad to help you guys from A-Z if this stream is your interest.

p/s : sorry for the lack of photos. I mean this is quite last minute thoughts