From March to June 2024, Jesse Puspita, a student in the English Literature Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, had the opportunity to become a local buddy for several members of Chi Alpha America.
Chi Alpha is an English-speaking community aimed at helping students aged 18-26 to discover who you are and connect with God. The community is open to everyone, and those who want to join do not need to worry if they are not confident in their English, as Chi Alpha is a safe place where no one will judge. In fact, this community can help improve its members’ English-speaking skills.
Chi Alpha Yogyakarta holds regular meetings every Friday at 6:30 PM WIB at IEC C. Simanjuntak, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Activities include playing games, chatting, and eating together. Each meeting features a speaker who presents material that then becomes the subject of small group discussions. These small groups allow members to share and learn from each other.
As mentioned earlier, the main goal of this community is to help students discover who you are and connect with God. Chi Alpha provides a platform for students seeking a community and friends who support each other in personal and spiritual development.
Jesse has gained many benefits from joining Chi Alpha. “Of course, I made friends, I learned many new and exciting games, I improved my English speaking skills, and I learned a lot about self-development that I had never encountered before,” said Jesse.
Occasionally, teams from Chi Alpha America come to visit, adding an exciting dimension to the experience. This interaction not only provides an opportunity to make new friends from abroad but also to learn a lot about American culture. They come to Indonesia to volunteer at IEC, visit campuses in Yogyakarta, and learn about the local academic environment. Each team usually consists of about 7-9 people.
Chi Alpha is more than just an English-speaking community. It is a place where students like Jesse can find friendship, support, and opportunities for personal growth while connecting with God. For anyone looking for a welcoming environment that enriches their abilities and knowledge, Chi Alpha is the perfect choice.
