Judith Husmann
After finishing high school, Judith took a gap year in London to improve her English. There, she met a dedicated teacher who sparked her curiosity for the language and motivated her to become an English teacher herself. Judith initially followed a teaching programme for English and Chemistry in Germany, but discovered it wasn’t quite what she expected. So, she decided to take a different route and switched to NHL Stenden’s International Teacher Education for Secondary Schools (ITESS) programme, where she could be fully immersed in English education.
“I’m currently a third-year ITESS student specialising in English, and I absolutely love it! The lecturers are always supportive and provide practical guidance. Lessons combine theory with real classroom applications, thanks to the Design-Based Education approach, and we often discuss pressing global issues. There are even workshops, like How to Deal with Undesirable Behaviour, that prepare you for teaching challenges and enrich your development as a future teacher.”
“If you’re unsure about your specialisation, then you really should go to NHL Stenden’s open day or check out the online version if you live abroad. You can even sign up for a walk & talk tour or shadow a student to experience daily life at ITESS. For me, the opportunity to go on teaching practice each year was what excited me most. These internships in schools allow you to observe, teach, and learn many valuable strategies and methods for your future career. It’s this aspect that is especially important to me as I'd one day like to become a teacher at an international school where I can help future generations discover their worth and potential.”
The write choice
“I chose English as my specialisation because I love reading, discussing literature, and exploring the social impact of books. In this specialisation, we dive into the history and influence of the English language, how a person’s first language affects learning English, and how to teach at different proficiency levels.”
“ITESS classes are set up to encourage participation and discussion. Instead of traditional lecture hall rows, tables are often arranged in groups or a U-shape, which aims to facilitate collaboration. The ITESS building is right next to the ITEPS (International Teacher Education for Primary Schools) building in Meppel, making it easy for students from the different programmes to connect, join clubs, or simply hang out with each other. It really is a place where people from many backgrounds learn and grow together, and I’ve already made unforgettable memories with students and colleagues that I will cherish forever.”
“Talking to teachers during my teaching practices has given me new insights and reminded me that teaching is not just about delivering lessons – it's also about growing alongside your students and understanding different perspectives. These moments have made me realise that this is the path I want to follow.”
Teaching with purpose
“I’m so happy with my choice to specialise in English and study at NHL Stenden, especially because it’s inspired me to keep on learning. Once I graduate, I’m thinking about doing a master’s in a field related to inclusive learning support. I want to better understand and support children with diverse needs to ensure that they have the opportunity to develop their English skills and more with confidence. Teaching English, or any subject for that matter, is one thing, but encouraging people to become lifelong learners is something else – this challenge has become my greatest motivation, and I can’t wait to bring that passion into my future classroom.”
Find out more about ITESS on the programme’s website.