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ITS Campus, GLC News — Global Language Center (GLC) at the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) provided language and cultural learning activities to five students from Saga University, Japan, as part of the CommTECH Nusantara program. This flagship international short program of ITS Global Engagement (GE) took place from Thursday (27/8) through Wednesday (2/9), combining language learning with an introduction to Indonesian culture.
On the first day of the program, Thursday (27/8), participants attended English language classes on the topics of Self-Introduction & Daily Communication and Campus Life & Asking for Information in Room 2 at GLC ITS. During these sessions, participants practiced introducing themselves, engaging in everyday conversations, and using vocabulary and expressions related to campus life.
The program continued with a Japanese Cooking Class organized in collaboration with the Foreign Language Community (FLC). Students from Saga University and ITS worked together to prepare Japanese dishes such as sushi and miso soup while interacting and sharing cross-cultural experiences. On the same day, CommTECH Nusantara participants also took part in a Campus Tour organized by ITS GE as part of an introduction to the campus environment and Indonesia’s cultural diversity.
On the second day, Friday (28/8), participants further developed their English language skills through the Talking about Culture session. They discussed traditions, customs, values, and cultural differences in English while sharing experiences about their respective cultures. The session then continued with a non-textbook activity, an introduction to traditional dance, which allowed participants to learn basic movements and explore local culture in an interactive way.
Participants also took part in a number of activities organized by ITS GE as part of their out-of-class learning experience, namely an Excursion to Bromo on Saturday (29/8) and a Local School Visit on Monday (31/8). The learning activities then continued at GLC ITS with Fun Bahasa Indonesia & Enjoying Indonesian Culinary, Public Speaking & Presentation Skills, Crafting, and Presentation sessions before the closing ceremony of CommTECH Nusantara on Wednesday (2/9).
According to Mr. Emharis Gigih Pratama MA, Staff for International Student Services at ITS GE and the program coordinator, the learning series is not only aimed at improving English proficiency but also at providing communication experiences in more realistic contexts. “We want participants to gain practical language learning experiences while getting to know Indonesian culture through direct interaction,” he said.
In implementing the program, GLC ITS managed the language learning sessions and non-textbook activities, while ITS GE supported other agenda items within the CommTECH Nusantara program. This collaboration combined language learning with cross-cultural interaction experiences for Saga University students.
The CommTECH Nusantara program also contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, or Quality Education, through language learning and communication skills development in an international environment. The program also aligns with SDG 17, or Partnerships for the Goals, through the collaboration between ITS and Saga University, which provides opportunities for knowledge, experience, and cultural exchange across countries.
Through contextual language learning and culture-based interactive activities, GLC ITS enriches the learning experience of international students while supporting the strengthening of ITS’ international network. (*)
Written by: Alzena Mayla Shabrina
Editor: Global Language Center, ITS