Abstract: This study investigates the challenges sixteen nonnative
preservice ESL teachers in a Bachelor of Education (English
Language) (BEdEL) programme from Hong Kong experienced in an
eight-week teaching practicum. Qualitative data from semi-structured
interviews and reflective journals were collected from all 16
participants to obtain a detailed description of the participants’
perceptions of their field-based practicum experiences. Results indicate
that the preserviece teachers’ practicum was characterized by a reality
shock due to difficulties in experimenting with pedagogical practices
they were taught in the BEdEL programme, and a lack of sense of
control in class. This reality shock could destabilize the already
anxious student teachers and have adverse effects well beyond the
eight-week teaching practicum. Inadequacy in English language
competence also appeared to affect not only these student teachers’
teaching performance but also how they established and maintained
their teacher role and relationship with their students. Implications of
the results for strengthening current ESL teacher preparation
programmes in non-native English speaking contexts are discussed.