Vasileios Kafes (Basil) is a previous administrator and now President of the Linguistics Society here at ARU. The Linguistics Society helps to coordinate English Language Courses for fellow international ARU students in Cambridge who require extra lessons or who cannot afford tutors. Classes are run and taught by current students who hold CELTA Qualifications. Basil’s main work is to discuss lesson plans and syllabus with volunteer teachers and to promote the events of the society.

The Society also works closely with the Zion Baptist Church (next to the university) to run a Community English Programme. Students are able to plan their own syllabus and course delivery to teach students and community members. This enables them to build their confidence in teaching and build the skills they need towards a career in teaching.

“I enjoy the time when I contribute to research in our linguistic/teaching field, to share and spread knowledge in my area of expertise [and] when I prepare or organise events and talks for students in Linguistics.”

By taking up the role of President, Basil has commented that the biggest skill he has learnt is teamwork; how to coordinate a committee and how to develop a successful society structure that benefits their members the most.

“[The Volunteering Service has] helped me to log my hours and make a profile that could be useful in my CV. But the most important [aspect of working with the Volunteering Service] was to be involved and engaged in a diverse range of activities [that they offer]. I learned to be more confident and open.”

Basil has worked extremely hard this year to develop the society and being able to offer invaluable help and support to a whole host of his fellow students.

“The aim of our Society is to provide a common platform for students of ARU, doing an English Language and Linguistics or English Language Teaching course. It aims to encourage members to get to know each other better, share and exchange ideas, and encourage extra-curricular activities in the interest of linguistics and its surrounding topics.”

Congratulations Basil on your hard work and passion, keep up the great work!