Various Foreign Language Community sessions with international and local speakers on topics of education, culture, and language skills at ITS Campus (Source: GLC ITS Documentation)

ITS Campus, GLC News — The Foreign Language Community (FLC) at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) serves as an inclusive and friendly learning space for students and the general public to improve their foreign language speaking skills. Through a community-based approach, this program initiated by the Global Language Center (GLC) ITS aims to bridge language proficiency gaps while building participants’ confidence to communicate in a foreign language.

Held routinely every Thursday from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM WIB, FLC carries the concept of relaxed discussions with diverse and relevant topics. In each session, participants are invited to discuss in English or other foreign languages, while also exchanging cross-cultural perspectives. This activity presents an interactive learning atmosphere guided by experienced instructors, and occasionally involves native speakers as facilitators. For example, participants have the opportunity to learn about the Finnish education system with Paavo Mulari, and about secondary school life in France presented by Engie En Nana. Other perspectives are also highlighted through discussions on students’ study-life balance in the Netherlands by Nila Hernandez, as well as the discipline culture in Japanese classrooms presented by Aiko Omura.

A participant, Rume, a Physics student from the class of 2023, admitted to gaining many benefits from this program. “Participating in the FLC gave me new insights into things I had not known before. During sessions with international students, they shared their experiences of culture shock when they first arrived in Indonesia. From that, I realized that everyone’s culture and lifestyle can be very different, and that actually motivated me to explore the world more,” she said.

Not only focusing on language skills, FLC also presented a session related to mental well-being. Through a special edition activity led by Mrs. Cahyani Satiya Pratiwi, Head of GLC ITS, participants were invited to join a hands-on phone strap crafting session. In this session, participants were introduced to the idea that engaging in handicraft activities can help reduce stress, improve focus, and provide a sense of satisfaction and happiness.

ITS Foreign Language Community session with Mrs. Yani who invited participants to take part in phone strap crafting activities while also understanding their benefits for mental health at ITS Campus (Source: GLC ITS Documentation)

Unlike formal classes, FLC emphasizes real conversation practice in a relaxed atmosphere without pressure. This method is considered effective in increasing participants’ confidence to speak. In one of the latest sessions held on Wednesday (16/4/2026), FLC featured the topic Language Acquisition as Knowledge and Cultural Behavior with Ms. Dhini, who encouraged participants to understand language as part of both knowledge and cultural behavior. 

A public participant, Mrs. Farisati Izza, shared her impressions after participating in this session. “Joining FLC makes me want to continue attending future sessions because the atmosphere is fun and interactive. Ms. Dhini is able to encourage us to be brave in expressing ideas. In addition, FLC also gave me a new community to practice English more deeply,” she said.

Foreign Language Community activity on Wednesday (16/4/2026) with Ms. Dhini with the topic Language Acquisition as Knowledge and Cultural Behavior at ITS Campus (Source: ITS GLC Documentation)

Not only enhancing individual skills, FLC also plays a role in building an inclusive learning community. With an open system and no selection process, anyone can participate in this activity for free. Activity information is also regularly shared through GLC ITS social media, making access to language learning increasingly equitable.

This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) point 10, namely Reduced Inequalities. Through FLC, ITS strives to reduce education access gaps by providing an inclusive language learning space for all levels of society, regardless of initial ability backgrounds.

Looking ahead, GLC ITS hopes FLC can continue to develop as a platform that inspires change and broadens participants’ global perspectives. With the spirit of empowering and accompanying the community, this program is expected to create a generation that is more confident, adaptive, and ready to compete internationally. (*)

Written by: Alzena Mayla Shabrina
Editor: Global Language Center, ITS