On Wednesday, May 8th, 2024, Pusat Bahasa at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada welcomed a group of enthusiastic students from Pondok Modern Selamat 3 Batam who were keen on enhancing their English skills. The visitation took place in the Language Laboratory room 616, Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada where students were introduced to a world of English language learning opportunities. As a result, this visitation opened a new horizon for the students of Pondok Modern Selamat 3 Batam to gain knowledge on how to learn English and what English tests available at university scope, which further sparks their learning interest.

Accompanied by their teachers, 15 students from Pondok Modern Selamat 3 Batam embarked on this educational journey, absorbing insights shared by a Pusat Bahasa staff member. They listened attentively to the detailed information about the importance of learning English, services offered at Pusat Bahasa, and units at Pusat Bahasa that can assist them in engaging with foreign languages.

During the interactive Q&A session, the students showed great interest in learning about the importance of English proficiency and the various services provided by Pusat Bahasa. Furthermore, the students eagerly participated by raising their hands and asking questions during the question and answer session. Some students questioned the difference between English tests such as AcEPT, TOEFL, and IELTS while others expressed their interest in taking English tests to assist them in enrolling at their dream universities. With detailed responses to their questions given by the speaker, the students were able to obtain valuable information and direction on which test they should take based on their specific goals.

All in all, this visitation not only familiarized the students of Pondok Modern Selamat 3 Batam with Pusat Bahasa but also equipped them with valuable insights into English language tests and foreign language learning, empowering them for their future endeavours.

Nine students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) have successfully implemented a teaching program for students at SMA Negeri 1 Seyegan. This teaching program is a collaboration with the principal of SMA Negeri 1 Seyegan, as a joint effort to preserve Javanese culture, particularly the use of Javanese script. The program was held from December 12 to 21, 2023, and concluded with a competition on December 22, 2023.

Nine students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program participated in this program. They are Sindi Virninda, Nanda Nursa Alya, Rafael Raga B.P., Faradila Putri M., Ahmad Nur Astha, Enjang Prasetyo W., Fazi Arifian Pradara, Novita Nurhasanah, and Inayah Milati. The teaching was conducted using creative methods, with the hope that students could understand Javanese script comprehensively.

Nanda Nursa Alya, one of the teaching participants, expressed her joy in an interview, “It was very exciting because we were able to interact with the students.” Nanda explained that this program not only benefits students but also develops their skills of students, “This program trains us as students to be able to become teachers as well as friends for the students. In addition, this program also demands the creativity of students in creating good and enjoyable learning methods and media for students.”

With the implementation of this teaching program, Nanda hopes that the activity can be carried out every year. “I hope this program will always be there every year,” she said. This teaching program is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, especially the fourth point, Quality Education, which aims to improve the quality of education.