I appreciate my study in the UK. I'd like to thank our government for giving me the opportunity to visit the country and study English there. I think it is worthwhile and I'd like to share my experiences in the UK with everyone.

　　It is said that English is spoken as a first language by over 300 million people and it is used as a means of communication by many more worldwide. As anyone can know, English is very useful and helpful in our daily life, for example, it can be used in many kinds of magazines, books, newspapers, radios, TVs, international conferences even on the internet. Now, more and more people from all parts of the world are learning English. So do we, in China. In many parts of our country, we take it as a first foreign language in schools.

　　Since I studied English in Embassy CES in Hastings, England, I've made great progress especially in listening and speaking. What's more, I think I've been given important insights into contemporary language and lifestyles in the UK. The more I learned, the more fantastic I found the idiomatic expressions and picturesque speeches. And I'm very excited about the course we've taken------General English and teaching methodology.

　　What made me most excited was that this was the first time I've been abroad to study. It seems to me that I've had a big challenge and responsibility for studying well.
During my study in the UK, the most significant things I've learned about English were listening, speaking (pronunciation, intonation etc.)and teaching methodology as well as lifestyles in this English-speaking country.

　　First, from my own experience as a teacher and language learner, I firmly believe that pronunciation is an essential part of the business of making the speaker understood. Stress and intonation, as well as individual sounds are also important for communicating successfully. Listening practice is the key to language learning. So an important part of my study has been learning how to learn through listening and sharing my ideas about process with friends and native speakers.

　　For example, how interesting to continue a conversation it is when we say "Really?" expressing the speaker is interested in the topic, while "Really?" the speaker is not interested whereas "Really?" the speaker doesn't believe what he heard.

　　Second, as a teacher, I know there are many ways of teaching and learning English. Now, I've also increased my understanding of methodology in English teaching. I appreciate the tuition given by my tutors.

　　What interested me most is that the technique is a conscious way of affecting the students' unconscious relation to the new lesson, that's to say, the most important contribution of the work is the opening of new vistas in teaching. Preparing the students to continue the language-learning process independently and confidently is the way to encourage them to involve actively in the discovery process. For example, in our tutors' lessons, I've often heard "It's a good guess, but it isn't the right answer." "What do you think?" more often than "Do you agree?".

　　In addition, I found it vivid and meaningful and helpful to provide students with a visual stimulus for thought and memory by gestures, mime, pictures, diagrams, demonstrations and so on.

　　Third, another major goal of my course is to learn about contemporary lifestyles in the UK. Therefore, I will have increased my understanding of life there and have had much experience.

　　During the stay there, I've been to many cities of England, such as Cambridge, London, Oxford, Stradford etc. In general, these cities have much in common. They are all famous and beautiful cities in the UK. To my curiosity, there are more old buildings with charming architecture. And London is one of the beautiful and attractive cities in the world. And Oxford and Cambridge are well-known as cities of universities in the world, too.

　　What struck me most was the beautiful and peaceful environment where man and animals live in harmony. Through the windows from room, I can enjoy the beautiful and tranquil scene of which the pigeons fly freely and merrily in the blue sky and rest on the green trees singing happily. They share natural atmosphere together with man. Besides, all kinds of beautiful flowers in blossom and trees are seen everywhere. So I couldn't help thinking of what Grey Owl, Father of Nature, said "You belong to nature, not it to you." What a vivid and harmony picture it is!

　　Fourth, now what I want to mention is the philosophy of people. They do work hard while working and play well while playing. Normally, at the sunset, many couples with their children have a stroll along the seafront, enjoying the beautiful sunset glow. In the evenings, many people including couples are seen drinking, talking and laughing in the pubs. And at weekends, most families prefer outdoor life. Some play happily on the beaches while some just lie on the sands relaxingly in the sun. They really know what natural philosophy is. What a leisured and peaceful life they are living. Maybe to us, we work too hard, even on Sundays, we seem to have too little leisure.

　　Well, I've had a favorable impression of the natives. They are so nice, kind, friendly and well-behaved.

　　And talking of the local people, I'd like to mention my hostess, Ms Tina Palmer. She is not a hostess but also a tutor as well as a respected and beloved mother. She is generous and hospitable not only to but to my Chinese friends. We once were invited to dinner with a local couple, Robert and Celia, and we all enjoyed a wonderful, unforgettable and typical British dinner party. She always shares her philosophical ideas with me and teaches me how to look on the bright side of life. I've learned more from her about the culture in some way. So in my speech, I would especially like to thank her for her kindness, friendliness, generosity, hospitality and patience during my stay.