Reflections & Insights from a TOEFL^® Scholar's First IATEFL Conference

Presenting at IATEFL had long been on my professional to-do list. Once I earned my PhD, I felt it was finally the right time to take that step. Around the same time, I came across the call for the TOEFL scholarship to attend the conference. I wasn’t sure if I stood a chance, but I thought: Why not give it a try? To my great surprise and joy, I was selected. That decision - to apply and to step forward - turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences in my academic journey. 

It was my first time attending IATEFL, and also my first time in Scotland. From the moment I arrived, I was struck not only by the beauty of the city but also by the sheer scale and energy of the conference. IATEFL is by far the biggest ELT event I’ve ever attended, and it absolutely deserves its reputation as one of the most anticipated events in our field. The atmosphere was vibrant, welcoming, and filled with professionals and scholars from all over the world. 

Before heading to Scotland, I downloaded the conference app and began browsing the programme. I was genuinely amazed by the breadth and depth of topics - I don’t think they missed a thing! The variety was remarkable: sessions on global business English, creating AI assistants for education, inclusive practices for learners with ADHD and dyslexia, sustainability issues in adult education, intersectional pedagogy, visual literacy, and many more. I made a point to attend a diverse mix of session types, including research talks, hands-on workshops, and engaging panel discussions. Each session I joined was thoughtfully curated and expertly delivered, leaving me with new perspectives, practical strategies, and valuable resources to apply in my own teaching context. 

I also had the opportunity to present my own session under TEASIG, where I shared my doctoral research on translanguaging-informed assessment design for argumentative writing. I crafted my workshop to be as hands-on and practical as possible. Rather than simply presenting my study, I invited participants to step into the shoes of learners, experiencing the assessment design I had implemented in my own EAP classroom. The goal was not only to showcase the design but also to spark reflection: How would this work in your own classroom? What would you change? How would your students respond? 

The session turned into a dynamic exchange of ideas, full of enthusiasm and thoughtful discussion. Participants were eager to engage, share, and ask questions - even after the workshop officially ended. Some participants stayed behind to continue the conversation, and we ended up discussing ideas for another hour and a half. I’m still in touch with some of them today, which speaks to the kind of meaningful connections IATEFL makes possible. 

Perhaps the most unexpected moment came even before I delivered my session. An editor who was attending the exhibition noticed my workshop title in the conference programme and reached out to ask whether I would be interested in turning my PhD into a book! The publishing house is one I deeply admire, known for producing the very books that shaped my understanding of multilingual assessment. Without their encouragement, I might not have had the confidence to even consider publishing with them so soon after completing my PhD. That invitation alone is a testament to how IATEFL opens doors and connects people in powerful ways. 

Looking back, IATEFL 2025 was more than just a conference for me. It was a space for growth, connection, and recognition. It brought together the global ELT community in a way that felt both inspiring and deeply personal. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s worth attending or applying to present, my answer is a wholehearted yes! Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, IATEFL has something to offer. And if you go with an open mind and a willingness to engage, you might just leave with more than you ever expected. 

Burcu Kayarkaya 

kayarkayaburcu@gmail.com