Immersion Program - IAIN Walisongo English Club - Semarang
The Walisongo English Language Club (WEC) is the only campus-wide organization at IAIN Walisongo which endeavors to promote the use of English as a means of both academic and social communication. It is a fantastic organization, and I have had the privilege of working closely with this club over the past two years of my fellowship. However, while the WEC has over 200 members from all faculties at IAIN Walisongo, it has been difficult to get the members to attend events and outings which the WEC supports and funds.
As such, two weeks ago, I was approached by the new president of the WEC, Kurnia Muhajarah, to see if we could brainstorm different ideas for an upcoming WEC event. Our main purpose was not only to motivate the members of the WEC to attend, but also to inspire them to use English throughout the event. As a result of our brainstorm, Kurnia decided to hold an all day immersion program at Limut Waterfall Regency Park. The purpose of this immersion program, called “English Village”, would be to motivate the members of the WEC to use English all day by playing games, putting on skits, going on hikes, and buying food from WEC-run warungs (the students worked these stands and the other members has to speak English in order to purchase food and water). During the day, English Language Fellow, Matthew Pizzorno, also agreed to hold a series of speeches and discussions on how to motivate themselves and each other to higher levels of English proficiency.
Outcomes of the event:
The event was a great success. Limut Waterfall Regency Park is about an hour and a half outside of Semarang. At first, I was unaware of this and as I drove my motorbike out to the immersion program early Sunday morning, I got the feeling that the event would not be as well attended as it should be. However, my fears were unfounded as I found around 60 members in attendance upon my arrival. They were all busy setting up the “English Village” and were really excited to have a native English speaker there.
Overall, I felt that the immersion program was a great success. However, I also think that it could have even been better if a few dosen from IAIN Walisongo had attended. Even though the event was held on Sunday, it would have been great for some of the lecturers from IAIN Walisongo to be there if only to practice their own English skills. In spite of this, the WEC members and I had a wonderful time. Again, I was reminded how excited the students at IAIN Walisongo are at having an American at their school. Many of these students have never had the opportunity to meet and speak with a native English speaker, and it is a privilege for me to give them this opportunity. As an English Language Fellow, I was honored to help organize and take part in such a wonderful event.
As such, two weeks ago, I was approached by the new president of the WEC, Kurnia Muhajarah, to see if we could brainstorm different ideas for an upcoming WEC event. Our main purpose was not only to motivate the members of the WEC to attend, but also to inspire them to use English throughout the event. As a result of our brainstorm, Kurnia decided to hold an all day immersion program at Limut Waterfall Regency Park. The purpose of this immersion program, called “English Village”, would be to motivate the members of the WEC to use English all day by playing games, putting on skits, going on hikes, and buying food from WEC-run warungs (the students worked these stands and the other members has to speak English in order to purchase food and water). During the day, English Language Fellow, Matthew Pizzorno, also agreed to hold a series of speeches and discussions on how to motivate themselves and each other to higher levels of English proficiency.
Outcomes of the event:
The event was a great success. Limut Waterfall Regency Park is about an hour and a half outside of Semarang. At first, I was unaware of this and as I drove my motorbike out to the immersion program early Sunday morning, I got the feeling that the event would not be as well attended as it should be. However, my fears were unfounded as I found around 60 members in attendance upon my arrival. They were all busy setting up the “English Village” and were really excited to have a native English speaker there.
Overall, I felt that the immersion program was a great success. However, I also think that it could have even been better if a few dosen from IAIN Walisongo had attended. Even though the event was held on Sunday, it would have been great for some of the lecturers from IAIN Walisongo to be there if only to practice their own English skills. In spite of this, the WEC members and I had a wonderful time. Again, I was reminded how excited the students at IAIN Walisongo are at having an American at their school. Many of these students have never had the opportunity to meet and speak with a native English speaker, and it is a privilege for me to give them this opportunity. As an English Language Fellow, I was honored to help organize and take part in such a wonderful event.
posted by Kun Herrini | 9:34 PM
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