Participants from the Language School of Pusat Pendidikan Bantuan Administrasi (Pusdikbanmin) under the Indonesian Navy’s Doctrine, Education, and Training Command (Kodiklatal), along with representatives from GLC ITS, posed for a group photo on the GLC ITS terrace before attending the English Communication Readiness Workshop 2026, Thursday (11/6) (Source: GLC ITS Documentation)

ITS Campus, GLC News — Global Language Center (GLC) at the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) established a partnership with the Language School of Pusat Pendidikan Bantuan Administrasi (Pusdikbanmin) under the Indonesian Navy’s Doctrine, Education, and Training Command (Kodiklatal) through the English Communication Readiness Workshop 2026 in the BTI (Bhinneka Tunggal Ika) Room at the GLC ITS on June 11. This event was part of English language training for personnel assigned to the 2026 3rd Wave of the Gaza Task Force, aimed at enhancing their international communication skills and cross-cultural understanding to support the execution of humanitarian missions.

The Head of GLC ITS, Ms. Cahyani Satiya Pratiwi SS, explained that English communication skills today are not only focused on language proficiency but also encompass cross-cultural understanding. According to her, these skills are essential for participants to build effective communication and foster collaboration in an international setting.

“Through this workshop, we hope participants can improve their English communication skills while expanding their cross-cultural understanding. Through the Cross-Cultural Understanding, Essential English Communication, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) sessions, participants are expected to develop valuable skills, become more confident in communicating, and be able to build good relationships and collaborations with fellow participants. In an increasingly interconnected world, communication skills are not just about mastering a language, but also about understanding differences, appreciating diversity, and being able to work together with people from various backgrounds,” said Ms. Cahyani.

The Head of GLC ITS, Ms. Cahyani Satiya Pratiwi SS, delivered opening remarks and officially opened the English Communication Readiness Workshop 2026, which was organized for personnel from the Pusdikbanmin Language School in the BTI Room at GLC ITS (Source: GLC ITS Documentation)

This workshop featured two instructors from GLC ITS, Mr. M. Teguh Prasetiyo MPd and Ms. Meilisa Sindy Astika Ariyanto MPd. The topics focused on intercultural communication in humanitarian contexts, ranging from cultural awareness and understanding culture shock to communication in emergency situations, as well as techniques for effectively conveying information and reports in English.

During the learning sessions, participants were guided through various communication scenarios commonly encountered in multicultural environments and humanitarian situations. Through discussions, simulations, and case-based exercises, participants practiced conveying information, seeking clarification, showing respect to their conversation partners, and responding to community needs appropriately and empathetically.

A total of 23 personnel participated in this workshop, representing various corps within the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), including Seaman, Medical, Special Services, Electronics, Supply, and Marine Corps. Although they came from different backgrounds, all participants took part in the training together to strengthen their English communication skills and deepen their understanding of cross-cultural interactions.

GLC ITS instructors, Mr. M. Teguh Prasetiyo MPd and Ms. Meilisa Sindy Astika Ariyanto MPd, presented on cross-cultural communication and communication in humanitarian contexts during the English Communication Readiness Workshop 2026 (Source: GLC ITS Documentation)

Ms. Meilisa Sindy Astika Ariyanto MPd, explained that the workshop materials were designed to build participants’ communication readiness in real-world situations that require cultural sensitivity and the ability to interact with the international community in humanitarian settings.

“We provide a learning experience that combines practical and communicative language learning with direct interaction with international students at ITS. Through this experience, participants can apply what they have learned in real-life situations while broadening their global perspective and strengthening their cross-cultural communication skills,” said Ms. Meilisa.

What made this workshop unique was the involvement of international students from the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) and Global Excellence Scholarship (GES) programs. During the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) sessions, participants interacted directly with students from various countries to discuss the cultures and social norms prevalent in each country.

Personnel from the Pusdikbanmin Language School discussed with international students in the KNB and GES programs during a focus group discussion (FGD) on the cultures and social norms of various countries (Source: GLC ITS Documentation)

Through these activities, participants gained real-world experience in understanding differences in communication styles, body language, gender interactions, photography etiquette, and the use of English as a communication tool in international settings. The results of the discussions were then presented in groups as a means of sharing insights and experiences among participants.

This activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education through human resource capacity building, as well as SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals through collaboration between GLC ITS and the Pusdikbanmin Language School in developing global competencies.

In the long term, GLC ITS is committed to continuing to offer training programs tailored to partners’ needs that integrate language skills, cross-cultural communication, and global perspectives. Through ongoing collaboration with various institutions, ITS hopes to continue contributing to the development of human resources who are adaptable, competent, and ready to face the challenges of the international arena. (*)

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