Written by: Qianhui
Learning English used to be tedious and painful for me, but pre-MDM allowed me to enjoy this process. Let me tell you why from the course organization.
Projects
I have heard that “the best way to learn a language is to use it.” Unlike other ESL ( English as a second language) lessons, most pre-MDM courses are project-based. And the projects cover different types of products. In the first semester, we have an app project, game project, and e-book for the second semester. Combining professional training and English practice simultaneously makes the courses fun and efficient. For example, I learned UX workflow in The Neesh project. But what surprised me the most? The improvement in vocabulary base and English expressions. Due to using the product design terminology every day in group discussions, presentations, report routines, and project proposals, I remembered them without trying to memorize them!
JEs
Journal entries were mandatory weekly assignments. English writing has always given me a headache. I used to write Chinese sentences first and then tried to translate them one by one. In this way, my article was full of Chinglish and looked unnatural. However, after writing 20 JEs, I can finally organize sentences directly in English, and I’m not afraid of writing anymore.
Brainstorming
We spent tons of time brainstorming, especially in Jason’s class. Have you ever seen five-year-old kids arguing? That was how we initially looked when we tried to express our ideas. Our speaking ability basically from jumping out several separate words, with the help of body language, to a certain level at which everybody can organize a complete sentence. It all happened gradually and unconsciously. The desire to let people hear our voices and contribute to the team forced us to speak more. And the more we speak, the easier to keep talking.
Conversation clubs
Casual talk is also one of my favourites. Every week we would invite a guest to start a conversation. Instead of traditional learning how to speak, I’m more interested in the way people talk in Canada. The greetings, the jokes, the life stories, the intonation, and the relaxed vibes…It’s more of a cultural exchange conversation. Although it still pressures me to jump in, I’ve done my best to embrace the culture here.
Other
We’re here not just to study in class. We live and experience. The people in pre-MDM are friendly, and we had a perfect time exploring together. That’s a good sign for living in a new country. That means we build connections and we can support each other. We celebrated after finishing projects. We explored fabulous restaurants, went to bars, and laughed together I love you all, pre-MDM people!