笔辞蝉迟罢颈尘别：8/25/2017
Gloria Sheintuch is one of the English teachers in GTIIT. She got her bachelor’s degree for English and linguistics and master’s degree for linguistics from Tel Aviv University. While she was studying for her master’s, Gloria also received a certificate for teacher training. Before she joined Haifa University and Tel Aviv University as an English and linguistics faculty member, she got her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois, specializing in Syntax. Gloria has rich experience teaching abroad. She has taught at the University of Texas and the University of Houston. Gloria was also the head of English in the Technion for preparatory programs, responsible for selecting teachers, materials and student education. Later, however, Gloria changed her career and moved to marketing of high-tech medical imaging equipment. Before Gloria came to GTIIT, she worked for large corporations such as GE as well as startups.
?
Q: Why do you teach in GTIIT?
G: My husband is the Dean of Engineering, when I heard about the project, I got excited. I have rich experience in teaching the English language both to natives and foreign students, and I had been the head of the English Preparatory Program in the Technion.
?
Q: Do you have any interesting experiences in GTIIT?
G: Yes. In the first day of class, I asked students a question. And one of the students stood up straight before he answered my question. I was surprised! I never thought that students would stand up to answer questions. (laughs) Then, I said, you don’t have to stand up, just sit and relax.
?
Q: What do you think of GTIIT students?
G: They are at a very good level. They are motivated and want to succeed. They try very hard. Some of them are still shy, speak in a low voice and are not willing to speak voluntarily.
?
Q: Do you have any advice for them?
G: Yes. It is, “Don’t be worried.” They need to be more open and free with the teacher. As I told them, ”teachers are your friends, not your bosses. Say what you want to say.” I think their attitude will change with time. They also need to be more confident, not to be afraid of trying. Some students asked me, do I need to do extra work in English? No extra English work is needed. They have the opportunity here, to listen to English and speak English all day. They are totally immersed in an English-speaking environment. I believe within one month, they will be surprised at the big difference this has made!
?
Q: What are the advantages of studying in GTIIT?
G: I think these students want to be exposed to the world. Yet, studying abroad has some drawbacks. Many students become homesick, and they need more time to adapt to the new environment. While studying at GTIIT, they can combine the advantages of both – They are exposed to an English-speaking environment which has become the language of science,? and they are exposed to western culture, but at the same time, they are in China, and feel more comfortable in their surroundings, which is ultimately good for their studies.
?
Q: GTIIT is a new university, how do you feel about the future of GTIIT?
G: I feel very confident about GTIIT. Technion brings 105 years of history and experience to the table. When it was started, it had only 2-3 undergraduate programs just like GTIIT. Technion has been growing beautifully – we have Nobel Prize laureates, high-ranking researchers and our graduates have developed amazing industrial products. The funding GTIIT receives should enable growth at a faster pace. GTIIT is supported by People’s Government of Guangdong Province, Shantou Municipal Government and Li Ka-Shing Foundation. So, I believe, within twenty years, GTIIT should become a prestigious university.
Text/ Photo: News and Public Affairs Department
