The English Education Department (ELED) at Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) Yogyakarta is deepening its commitment to supporting English language education for local tourism groups in Yogyakarta. Located in the heart of the city, UKDW is strategically positioned to assist in enhancing the language skills of tourism stakeholders. This initiative was highlighted by Anesti Budi Ermerawati, S.Pd., M.Hum., fondly known as Mera, Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Cooperation of the Faculty of Education and Humanities (FKHUM), during a partnership gathering held at PORTA Hotel by Ambarrukmo on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
Mera emphasized that many tourist villages around UKDW are not yet fully equipped to accommodate international tourists. In response, ELED UKDW is ready to provide ongoing support to local tourism awareness groups. Through this collaboration, students gain practical experience by applying classroom theories to real-world contexts. “Our lecturers first explore the local potential, and we involve students in the process. They take courses on English for Specific Purposes, including tourism, and design programs that are implemented in the tourist villages we engage with. As UKDW continues to grow, we plan to expand our collaborative partnerships,” she explained.
The partnership gathering aimed to strengthen relationships with various partners, including local governments, schools, and tutoring institutions. Participants had the opportunity to engage with the PBI UKDW academic community, offer feedback, and discuss potential collaborative programs.
“We are responding to the feedback and requests from our partners, particularly in the area of English language education in schools. We will develop these initiatives further, enriching our cooperation. This will not only sustain our regular programs but also introduce new ones,” Mera added. [humasukdw/trans.drr]