Two BYU–Hawaii students recently represented the university on an international stage as they presented original research at the KOTESOL International Conference 2026. Alongside educators, researchers, and language specialists from across Asia, recent graduate Aliah Flores and senior Jolina Vivas Vidal shared research on language assessment and gained valuable professional experience. Their journey reflected the opportunities available through BYU–Hawaii's Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Program and the impact of faculty mentorship, academic research and faith.
The Road to South Korea
Though both are from the Philippines, Flores and Vivas Vidal stumbled upon this journey differently. For Flores—while majoring in TESOL and psychology—the opportunity started with a desire to strengthen her graduate school applications. Hoping to pursue a master's degree in speech-language pathology, she contacted TESOL professor Brent Green for an opportunity to gain experience.
"He was so quick to offer me help," Flores shared. "I quickly became interested in language testing and assessment, which ended up being what we presented at the conference in South Korea."
Flores and Green later invited fellow TESOL major Vivas Vidal to join the research project. Vivas Vidal, who learned English as a second language, said her own experiences inspired her.
"As a second language learner, I understand the students and have empathy for them, which created and strengthened my desire to help other multilingual learners," Vivas Vidal explained.
Throughout the Winter 2026 Semester, the team researched ways to improve language placement testing for English learners at BYU–Hawaii while preparing their presentation for the international conference.
Finding Confidence on the Conference Stage
The KOTESOL International Conference 2026 brought together TESOL educators and specialists from across Asia to exchange research, teaching practices and ideas for improving language education. Although presenting as undergraduate students among experienced scholars was intimidating, both students said the experience affirmed the preparation they had received at BYU–Hawaii.
"Our presentation was about language assessment and how we can improve the placement tests here at BYU–Hawaii," shared Flores. "It was intimidating, but we had prepared for months."
Vivas Vidal shared similar feelings, confessing, "It was so nerve-wracking, presenting as an undergraduate at a conference filled with presenters who already have their master's and Ph.D.s…But it was also so fulfilling. I was so proud to be presenting there—having a space there—and being able to represent the school in that field."
As the two attended presentations and discussions throughout the conference, Flores realized “that a lot of the technical terms other teachers and presenters used were terms that were taught in classes," she had taken, and how she "was actually able to share personal insights and contribute to the conversations.” Flores happily shared, “It was like I finally felt prepared to graduate and go into the real world."
Joining the Global Conversation
Beyond presenting their research, both students said the conference strengthened their commitment to serving multilingual learners and reminded them of the importance of seeking opportunities throughout their education.
"I was inspired to work on projects that could help multilingual learners be able to fully express themselves without any limits," Vivas Vidal said. "Language is such a powerful thing, and being able to carry your original language with you into English can represent more than just yourself, but also your family."
Looking back, both students encouraged other BYU–Hawaii students to take initiative and rely on spiritual support, as well as the support of faculty mentors.
"Ask your professors for help and for opportunities," Flores advised. "Our professors are so knowledgeable and eager to help us improve and grow professionally. If doors don't open for you, you just need the courage to open one for yourself."
Vivas Vidal reflected on the faith that carried the team through every stage of the process. "Everything leading up to preparing for the conference felt like a miracle: finding the conference, getting a spot in the lineup to present, getting our visas—we kept praying as we prepared, and the Lord provided every step of the way."
Both Flores and Vivas Vidal hope their experience encourages others to embrace the opportunities available at BYU–Hawaii, where classroom learning, faculty mentorship and faith can open doors to meaningful experiences around the world.