On Monday, April 14, 2025, the English Studies Program held its annual Halal Bihalal gathering at UC Hotel UGM. This event is a cherished tradition following Eid al-Fitr, held each year to foster togetherness and maintain strong bonds within the academic community. In addition to this event, active lecturers also took part in anjangsana—an annual routine to visit the homes of retired English Studies Program faculty members.

The event was attended by active and retired lecturers of the English Studies Program, along with their families. It served as a meaningful occasion to seek and offer forgiveness in the spirit of Eid, while strengthening the relationships among the academic community.

 

The event began with opening remarks from the Head of the English Literature Study Program, Dr. Adi Sutrisno, M.A., who emphasized the importance of maintaining familial ties within the members of the English Studies Program. The gathering continued with a lunch and casual gathering session, followed by a group photo to capture the warmth and joy of the moment. 

Sasynchronize is an exhilarating event assembled by the batch 2023 of the English Literature Study Program with the aim of strengthening the connection with the batch of 2024. It was held within a span of two days, from the 23rd to the 24th of February 2025. Inspired by My Little Pony, this year’s theme highlights the magic of synchronizing through friendship. During the first day, freshmen formed a momentous fellowship with their seniors via a special talent show, as well as by playing challenging games in a treasure hunt.

After the official start of Sasynchronize had been marked, the day began with talent show performances. Freshmen were put into certain groups randomly, alongside their seniors as Friendship Guardians. Various performances were carried out, with every single group coming up with their unique style to brighten up Soegondo’s 7th-floor auditorium.

The treasure hunt was the second major segment of the event. Each group was given a clue card that described a senior with whom they were supposed to take a picture as a token to get to a post. These posts were spread throughout the Soegondo building, each containing a game that rewarded the groups with envelopes containing a clue card and a possible letter for the word puzzle, the result of this segment. The games really brought out the group spirit since they require tight-knit teamwork and energy to voice out their group jingles. In other news, the tagline made up from the word puzzle was the cherry on top for this event. With it being “Every Group Holds A Magic Spark Among Their Heart,” it firmly recapitulates the very soul of Sasynchronize 2025.

Sasynchronize 2025 successfully captured the essence of unity and friendship, bringing freshmen and seniors together through creativity and teamwork. From the spectacular talent show performances to the exhilarating treasure hunt, every activity fostered a sense of bonding and collaboration.

On the following day, both batch 2023 and 2024 of the English Literature Study Program are back in their class again. However, their day did not end just yet. After their class was finished, they marched to the Soegondo’s 7th-floor auditorium to attend the second day of Sasynchronize 2025.

Contrary to the first day of Sasynchronize 2025, which was an informal event and had a cheerful vibe, the second day of Sasynchronize is a more serious event because the lecturers also joined this event as speakers. The lecturers who joined the second day of Sasynchronize 2025 are Hasyim Kurniawan, S.S., M.App.Ling., Alvanita, S.S., M.Ed., and also Adiba Qonita Zahroh, S.S, M.Litt.

The second day of Sasynchronize 2025 begins with a performance from Vari and Lugas, members of Kombantrin. Afterwards, the lecturers explained the agenda of the English Literature Study Program for this year. The students listened respectfully as the lecturers gave their explanation, proven by how active the discussion session was. After the main event, Sasynchronize 2025 was finally closed by the excellent performance from Icety.

As the two-day journey came to an end, Sasynchronize not only fulfilled its goal of synchronizing the students but also reinforced collective teamwork based on a sense of togetherness that will continue to shine throughout their academic journey.

 

Writers: IMAJI Editorial Ministry

Photographs: Naufal Arif, Zahra Ulayya

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Congratulations to 2024 English Department Graduates!

On Thursday (21/11), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a graduation ceremony in Grha Sabha Pramana for 2,049 students that have finished their undergraduate degree. 18 of those graduating students are from the English Department which follows: 

1. Aliyah Noviyanti, S.S.
2. Asa Alia Aprodita, S.S.
3. Bagas Cahyo Haninditomo, S.S. 
4. Chika Adlia Manurung, S.S.
5. Farrah Nadia Azzahra Adji, S.S.
6. Intan Dwi Lestari, S.S.
7. Mahdi Ismail Syariati, S.S.
8. Nabila Zulfa Maghfira, S.S.
9. Pranaya Keiza Walitama, S.S.
10. Rieneza Nabiila Muna, S.S.
11. Wedhar Satya Kalbu, S.S.
12. Elkholy, S.S. 
13. Khansa Avissa Salsabila, S.S.
14. Martha Sarah Natasha, S.S.
15. Puspita Restu Astuti, S.S.
16. Brigita Sekar Rahadiyanti, S.S.
17. Diah Handika Larasati, S.S.
18. Mellyana Nungki Pramitha, S.S.

 

 

After the completion of the ceremony, the students then go to FIB’s Soegondo to take a picture as this is one of their most memorable moments in life before they continue their endeavours. They also took photos with IMAJI as it is a historic moment for them to share with their underclassmen of the English Department.

Last but not least, the English Department would like to congratulate the graduates as they have successfully completed their studies here in Universitas Gadjah Mada, specifically the English Department. We wish them the very best as they venture into their future journey.

 

 

 

 

Exploring the World of Art Deco in English Days 2024

On 29/12/2024, the English Department Students Association (IMAJI) held its annual event, English Days. This event promotes and celebrates the English Department at UGM. This year, English Days lasted three days, each offering different entertainment.

The first day of this event, held on October 29, had an exhibition and games. For the games, there were board game stations, which the committee provided for everyone, and there was also a murder mystery-solving game where the players who solved the mystery would get a prize from the committee. There was also an exhibition of arts and literary works about the theme of the 2024 English Days, which is about the Art Deco movement, which came to the surface in the 1920s.

On October 30, the second day of English Days, the committee arranged a costume party to celebrate Halloween on campus. Many cosplayers from all over UGM attended this event, which was open to everyone. The event also included a costume contest, where cosplayers could show their costumes in the fashion show to win the prize. Alongside the costume party, an exhibition with the same theme and accommodations was held on this day.

In the night, as for the closing for the second day of English Days, there was also a performance held by Kombantrin, one of Imaji’s clubs that clubs music bands. People were enjoying their moment at the time as they danced and sang during the closing party with the performance of Kombantrin. There was also a Karaoke and DJ after the concert that night.

The third and last day of English Days was November 1. On the seventh floor of Soegondo’s Auditorium, a theatre show with the theme of Art Deco was arranged. The show was set during the Jazz Age, in the 1920s, when the Art Deco artistic movement was rising in society. Many people attended the show, and it is safe to say that it went smoothly, as the audience was delighted.

On Monday, 07/08/2024, the English Department arranged a special course for a public speaking training, collaborating with the Swaragama Radio Station. The course will be held for 11 days with three different mentors, Gideon Surya, Cici Priskila, and Bara Zulfa. Each of the mentors will have their own materials, respective to their specialties.

The first part of this course, which was held for 4 days, was held by Gideon Surya. The main focus of the first part of this course was to teach the participants to improve their public speaking skills in general like for a class presentation or a thesis presentation. Mr. Gideon also taught the participants on what should and should not be done during a presentation so that it will improve their delivery during the presentation. The first session was then closed by each of the participants practicing a presentation.

As the first session was done, the course was then continued by Cici Priskila that was held for 3 days. The second session focuses mainly on how to be a good radio announcer. She also taught the participants regarding a good vocal technique, the divisions, and what should be prepared before airing. Just like the first session, the second session also closed by the participants practicing their radio announcing skill.

Finally, there came the third and final session which was handled by Bara Zulfa. The main topic for this session is regarding on how to be a got MC in an event. He taught the participants on how to adjust our atmosphere so that our style as an MC could match the atmosphere of the event. He also said that it is also important to have a self-branding as an MC so that people would know what are the MC’s style. Just like the previous sessions, this session also ended with the participants practicing the materials as an MC.

English Department UGM and Swaragama Training Center proudly present “Scholarship for Public Speaking and Communication Course” program for the students interested in enhancing their public speaking skills. To enroll, submit all of the requirements via bit.ly/EDPublicSpeaking 2024 by 23 September 2024.

Career Talk Stepping into the Unknown: Exploring Diverse Countries and Managing Cultural Shock

On September 3, 2024, students from the English Department, batches 2022 and 2023, gathered for a career talk with Mrs. Swasti Pritandari Crain, an alumna of the department, and her sister-in-law, Mrs. Lauren, who joined from the U.S. The event was packed with personal stories, advice, and meaningful insights.

Mrs. Swasti, originally from Yogyakarta, reflected on her journey studying abroad after graduating from the English Department. She opened up about the culture shock she experienced when she first moved to Switzerland, especially back when the internet and smartphones weren’t as widely available. “It was a different time,” she said, “you couldn’t just Google everything. Now, with technology, it’s so much easier to prepare and deal with these things.

 

Following Mrs. Swasti, Mrs. Lauren took the stage, sharing her personal experiences with learning new languages. She asked students about their motivation for studying languages, which sparked a lively conversation. Mrs. Lauren spoke about how learning Spanish helped her in her role as a nurse in a psychiatric hospital and also made traveling through Latin America much smoother. “It just opens doors,” she said, “whether in your career or when you’re out exploring the world.”

The session wrapped up with a Q&A, where students eagerly asked Mrs. Swasti about her life and career. The room buzzed with energy as students shared their thoughts and questions. The event ended on a high note, with everyone gathering for a group photo, and some students even stayed behind for selfies with the speakers. The talk left students feeling motivated and inspired by the relatable and down-to-earth stories.

 

 

POPSI Kicks Off with Academic Integrity Workshop

On August 12, the opening session of POPSI featured an engaging workshop on academic integrity led by Paris and Mia from the Oberlin Shansi Fellows. The first day focused on an anti-plagiarism workshop, where new students learned essential skills to avoid plagiarism, particularly through proper citation techniques.

The session included a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation, fun interactive activities, and a discussion on AI’s role in academic integrity. Students participated in games, reviewed key terms, and explored various methods to prevent plagiarism. The atmosphere was lively, with students showing great enthusiasm and interest throughout the session, actively engaging in discussions and asking thoughtful questions.

By the end of the workshop, participants gained a solid understanding of how to uphold academic integrity in their work and felt confident in applying these practices in their studies.

POPSI Continues with Inspiring Alumni Talks

On August 14, the second day of POPSI featured an insightful alumni talk, focusing on career paths in academia. The event included two sessions, both held online via Zoom, and was led by two distinguished lecturers from the English Studies Program, Bu Mala Hernawati, and Mbak Ashika Prajnya Paramita, both currently pursuing their doctoral degrees abroad.

The first session started with Bu Mala Hernawati, who shared her journey to becoming a lecturer in English Literature. She candidly spoke about her experiences and challenges, offering valuable tips to new students on how to navigate their college life while staying passionate about their goals. Her advice was practical and encouraging, motivating students to make the most of their time at university and to pursue their ambitions with dedication.

Students eagerly engaged with her, asking questions and seeking further guidance on how to build their own academic and professional paths. Bu Mala’s words resonated deeply with many through an inspiring tone for the rest of the day’s sessions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second part of the alumni talk on August 14 was led by Mbak Ashika Prajnya Paramita, a lecturer at UGM, who created an interactive and engaging atmosphere with a two-way conversation between herself and the new students. Rather than just giving a presentation, Mba Ashika opened the floor to an open dialogue, encouraging students to share their thoughts and ask questions.

She shared her personal journey to becoming a lecturer by offering a candid look at the challenges and triumphs along the way. In addition to academic advice, Mba Ashika provided valuable guidance on navigating life beyond university. She shared some words of wisdom not just for surviving UGM but for handling the ups and downs of life in general.

The session was a refreshing change of pace, with students feeling comfortable enough to ask questions about both their academic paths and personal growth. Mba Ashika’s approachable style and relatable stories made the conversation feel more like a mentoring session, which left students inspired and reassured as they began their own journeys.

Mba Hesti Aryani Shares Global Career Journey in Business Development

The second session of the alumni talk on August 14 featured Mbak Hesti Aryani, who joined via Zoom all the way from Switzerland, where she works as a business development manager at janzz.technology. As a 2007 graduate of the English Literature program, Mba Hesti took the opportunity to share her career journey by offering a candid look at how she transitioned from a literature student to a successful professional in the tech industry.

Mba Hesti spoke about the challenges she faced and the steps she took to get where she is today, highlighting the twists and turns along her career path. She emphasized that her English Literature background played a key role in her success, from sharpening her communication skills to helping her navigate the international business world.

Her story resonated with students who are unsure about the career options available to them outside of academia. Mba Hesti’s experiences showed that there’s no one-size-fits-all path, and that with determination and a willingness to keep learning, English Literature graduates can find themselves thriving in unexpected fields—even halfway across the world. Her talk was a relatable, down-to-earth conversation that left students feeling inspired and optimistic about their own futures.

POPSI Day 3 Wraps Up with Alumni Insights and a Potluck Celebration

The third day of POPSI on August 15 kicked off with the continuation of the alumni talks, beginning with a session led by Indra “Andrew” Pradipa Yudha, S.S., M.A., CEO of Discovering English, an English learning institution. Before stepping into his current role, Mas Andrew had experience as a financial advisor and an English teacher. Now pursuing a career as an edupreneur and content creator, he shared practical advice with students on how to leverage their English Literature degree to break into the business world, particularly through content creation. His tips were especially valuable for those looking to explore non-traditional career paths in the digital age.

The second session featured Dr. Eddy Pursubaryanto, M. Hum., a former lecturer and cultural scientist from the English Studies Program. In his talk, Pak Eddy encouraged students to delve deeper into the concept of “culture,” emphasizing its relevance as they study within UGM’s Faculty of Cultural Sciences. He highlighted the importance of understanding cultural contexts, especially in an academic setting that bridges literature and broader cultural studies.

The final day of POPSI ended on a high note with a lively potluck party hosted by IMAJI and the English Studies Program. Dr. Adi Sutrisno, the head of the study program, officially welcomed the new students, with many other lecturers joining in to greet the newcomers. The event also covered important academic topics, such as the MBKM programs, and provided a more informal introduction to the study program.

The atmosphere was festive, with students and lecturers enjoying the food, conversations, and a sense of community. It was a fitting conclusion to the three-day orientation. All students were excited and well-prepared for their journey ahead in the English Studies Program.