Editorial
Danijela Bojanić is the Pilgrims Scholarship winner for 2014 which made it possible for her to attend the IATEFL 2014 Conference in Harrogate, UK.

After the Conference

Danijela Bojanić, Serbia

Danijela Bojanić is an EFL teacher and teacher trainer from Valjevo, Serbia. She has been working in both state and private sectors with a variety of learner levels and ages. Her job description comprises mentorship, work on course syllabi, evaluating and creating materials, apart from regular English language teaching and teacher training. She holds a Master’s degree in English language, literature and culture.
E-mail: dade@ptt.rs

‘’I have never been to the UK. I have never presented at an IATEFL conference.” With these thoughts in my mind I applied for the Pilgrims scholarship hoping that my application would, in the end, bring me tremendous joy and satisfaction as the winner. The fact that my talk was scheduled for the middle of the conference soothed my nerves and provided me with an opportunity to find my bearings in Harrogate and its surroundings, giving me time to meet other colleagues from all around the world.

As someone who finds preparation to be the key to success, on the day before, I had deliberately gone to the same room where I was supposed to give my talk in order to check whether technology was working smoothly - something I cannot help fretting about every time I present, and to get familiar with the ambience. After the workshop I approached the presenter to congratulate him on his excellent delivery and ask about the equipment. Not only did he assure me that everything was all right but he asked if I would like him to come to my talk. I accepted, thinking he would probably forget about it. How surprised I was to see his and some other familiar faces on the following day - for instance, of a lady from Brazil whom I had previously met on the train to York and with whom I had exchanged talk titles. This prompted me to do my best by emitting as much of positive energy as I could and conveying the message about the connection between personalization and motivation, that is self-esteem, as clearly as possible.

Generally speaking, apart from a wide array of exquisite talks and workshops at the conference what struck me most was the very fact that the audience at my talk was so warm and supportive. They participated with keen interest in the topic showing astute observations and a certain pre-knowledge. Such a valuable experience is definitely going to boost my future career aspirations. Another thing I was impressed by was the concept of “demand high” in EFL teaching - the idea I will definitely remember this conference by. “Pushing” our students and asking ourselves where real learning lies is something especially we, language teachers, need to be constantly aware of. There is way much more out there to aim for.

For those couple of days of the conference I vigorously sailed through the crowd of different cultures, nations and presentation styles inside of the conference hall, seeing smiling faces all around me and sensing nothing but positive vibes of the attendees. My idea was to try to make the most out of it. I had already been surrounded by other ELT professionals at international conferences but mainly from my own and the neighbouring countries. This fact accentuated the feeling I had about my presence at the conference and everything that was going on there. Deep inside I felt immense appreciation for such a professional opportunity that came my way, and which I grabbed with both hands. Until I find it again I can only try to share my views with other EFL teachers in Serbia and talk about the experience so that it stays as vivid and fresh in my mind as possible. Till some other time!