Congratulations to 2024 English Department Graduates!
Event
Career Talk Stepping into the Unknown: Exploring Diverse Countries and Managing Cultural Shock
POPSI Kicks Off with Academic Integrity Workshop
New English Department students, join us as we kick off an exciting new chapter! POPSI will help you navigate your life as a university student and discover possible career paths after graduation.
This critical issue was at the heart of a recent roundtable discussion held as part of the AAS-in-Asia Conference 2024 events at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, from July 9-11. Chaired by Juliana Wijaya from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the discussion brought together leading figures in Southeast Asian language education to share insights and best practices for adapting to the changing educational landscape.
Panelists included Pia C. Arboleda from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, representing the Filipino language program; Sakti Suryani from Harvard University, representing the Indonesian language program; Jenjit Gasigitamrong from the University of California, representing the Thai language program; and Thúy Tranviet from Cornell University, representing the Vietnamese language program.
One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the importance of proactive marketing and outreach. Pia C. Arboleda emphasized the need to effectively “sell” language programs, akin to marketing a product. Strategies such as showcasing student success stories through testimonials and engaging with high schools through presentations and workshops were identified as crucial for countering declining enrollment often seen in humanities programs.
However, attracting students is just the first step. Sakti Suryani highlighted the importance of adapting lesson plans and content to meet students’ interests and current proficiency levels. She emphasized engaging students by asking what they want to learn, which fosters greater involvement and caters to specific needs. Suryani also suggested collaborating with Indonesian student associations and the broader Indonesian community to create real-world connections for students and provide opportunities for cultural exchange.
The discussion also highlighted the significance of heritage learners—students with a family background in a particular language. Jenjit Gasigitamrong shared experiences from the Thai language program, which primarily attracts Thai-American students pursuing STEM fields. Recognizing their cultural heritage, Gasigitamrong stressed the importance of incorporating elements like food, art, and cultural practices into the curriculum. Additionally, encouraging students to use the language to discuss their STEM studies helps them connect more deeply with their heritage and highlights the value of Southeast Asian languages in broader academic contexts.
The transformative power of project-based learning was another focal point. Thúy Tranviet championed this approach, emphasizing its role in allowing students to immerse themselves in the language through practical application, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture. Tranviet shared a unique example where Vietnamese students visited Thailand, demonstrating the potential of language learning to bridge cultural divides and foster regional understanding. This approach transcends traditional language learning, offering enriching experiences across academic disciplines and fostering meaningful connections.
The roundtable concluded with a renewed sense of optimism for the future of Southeast Asian language programs. By embracing adaptability, fostering a culture of collaboration, and utilizing innovative teaching methods like project-based learning, these programs can not only survive but thrive. The concept of “border crossing” was highlighted, extending beyond geographical boundaries to encompass collaboration with STEM fields and other disciplines. By demonstrating the versatility and relevance of Southeast Asian languages in today’s world, these programs empower students to navigate a globalized landscape and bridge cultural divides. This holistic approach positions Southeast Asian languages as valuable tools for future generations, enabling meaningful engagement with the world.
Writer: Hasyim Kurniawan, S.S., M.App.Ling.
Join Magang Merdeka at STAR Indonesia to gain new experience as professional linguists/translators! Send your CV, latest academic transcript, and short essay (500-700 words) explaining why you need to participate in this internship program and its impact on your future career by August 7th.
On Saturday (15/6/2024), students of English Literature Study Program batch 2023 held a theater performance and exhibition with the theme “Ru(me)nation” which was held at Soegondo Building 7th floor, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. The theater performance entitled Carol ad Caroline and the exhibition entitled 1001: One Frame, A Thousand Pictures is a part of their final project that must be fulfilled in the Language and Literature Production course. The event was organized by all students of English Literature UGM class of 2023 and attended by lecturers, students, parents of students of English Literature UGM, and also by the public.
This event aims to improve students’ ability to work in the use of English, increase students’ appreciation of art and literature, and develop students’ talents, potential, and soft skills. The benefits of this activity are no other than equipping students with non-technical skills in terms of organizing and running events, improving their ability to use English in oral and written form in academic and non-academic environments, and enriching students’ knowledge in their artwork appreciation and self-confidence through artwork production.
The event was opened with much enthusiasm by the host, followed by a warm welcome by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Nur Saktiningrum, M.Hum. and Alvanita, S.S., M.Ed. as the lecturer of the course. In the welcome speech, Mrs. Alvanita mentioned that the students have been practicing for months in order to present this theater performance to the whole audience.
The theme of the theater performance was a topic related to mental health and self-acceptance, which is no longer out of place, especially among fellow students. This performance is expected to open a broader perspective to the audience, the committee, and the actors on the issue of mental health. This performance is also a picture and a reminder to be fully accepting of ourselves and loving it by being gentle to our own selves and hearts.
The event ended with a standing ovation as the audience stood up in appreciation of the spectacular performance. After this point, all the committee and performers danced together with lively music while the host read out the names of the committee and performers involved. Not to forget, all 2023 students of the UGM English Literature Study Program expressed their gratitude for the enthusiasm and participation of the audience in the success of the event.
On Monday (13/5/2024), the English Literature Program held an alumni talk with Drs. M. Wahid Supriyadi at Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. Drs. M. Wahid Supriyadi had worked as the Indonesian Ambassador to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus since 2016. The year of 2020 was the year of retirement for Drs. M. Wahid Supriyadi as an Indonesian ambassador.
The Career Talk was attended by all students of the UGM English Literature Program batch 2021, 2022, and 2023. The event was opened by the host Aimar Prabhaswara Dzakri, the President of the English Literature Department Student Association (IMAJI) 2023. The event continued with a warm welcome by the Head of the English Literature Program, Dr. Adi Sutrisno, M.A.
This event aims to enhance students’ understanding of careers in politics and diplomacy. The importance of knowing contemporary issues regarding relations between countries is to create an educated society, strengthen universal solidarity, and be aware of the latest global news. In essence, individuals are part of a large group of people in the world. An individual has a role and contribution to the development and peace of the world.
Story after story was told by Pak Wahid to the students. The story starts from his career journey to the tips given by Pak Wahid to students who want to pursue their career path in diplomacy. He shared tips by saying to broaden the understanding of global issues through reading a lot of the latest news, both those happening in Indonesia and those happening in a worldwide scale.
During the question and answer session, Pak Wahid said that not only students of international relations-related study programs have the opportunity to work in foreign institutions/ministries. He said that anyone can pursue a career as a diplomat, both men and women. He also advised the students to avidly read various books and make reading books a hobby. It is no secret that books can help improve critical thinking, one of the elements needed by students and it is essential in the professional world.
The event ended with the awarding of a book written by Mr. Wahid to one of the student participants who actively asked questions during the activity. The title of the book is Diplomasi Ringan dan Lucu Kisah Nyata. After the awarding session, Pak Wahid and the students took selfies together and had a group photo session.