Diorama Harun Nasution, PPB UIN Jakarta - In supporting the university's internationalization program, Language Development Center (PPB) UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta held a Foreign Language Training for Lecturers and Education Personnel. This activity was opened directly by the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of UIN Jakarta Prof. Dr. Ahmad Tholabi, S.Ag., S.H., M.H., M.A., at Diorama Harun Nasution, Friday (9/8/2024).

Head of PPB UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Kustiwan, S.Ag., M.A., Ph.D., said that this training aims to prepare lecturers and staff to be able to actively participate in international academic forums and support relevant international activities.

“The target of this training is the fulfillment of Academic Public Speaking skills for Arabic and English for lecturers, as well as Arabic and English skills for business in the context of university services for staff,” said Kustiwan.

The Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Tholabi, S.Ag., S.H., M.H., M.A., welcomed this initiative. He emphasized the importance of participants' independent efforts to improve their language skills outside the training.

“The training time which is only about six meetings must be supported by independent efforts through various media platforms so that language skills continue to improve,” said Prof. Tholabi.

 Muhammad Anas, L.C., M.A., the Arabic language coordinator for the training, explained that the training will take place over six meetings. “We will emphasize the application of basic things, such as the ability to introduce oneself, guide a forum, and interact in an international academic context,” he explained.

The training itself will take place from August 13 to 29, 2024 in the Foreign Language Course (KURBAS) classroom located at UIN Jakarta Campus 2. A total of 81 participants consisting of 64 English Language Training participants and 17 Arabic Language Training participants participated in this activity.

In the question and answer session, several participants asked questions and suggestions. One lecturer suggested an IELTS learning program. In response to this, Kustiwan explained that the program was already in the plan, but was constrained by the budget.

Dr. Suwendi asked how to encourage lecturers' interest in learning foreign languages. Kustiwan replied optimistically that this training would provide many valuable sessions, including the exchange of tips and tricks in learning.

Meanwhile, Dhorifah, M.A., the English coordinator for the training, explained that participants will be trained to welcome and serve international guests and students, including email correspondence skills.

“We will emphasize interaction with guests with various backgrounds and cultures here because it is very important in supporting the university's internationalization program,” he explained.

This foreign language training shows UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta's commitment in improving the quality of its human resources to support the university's internationalization vision. With the improvement of foreign language skills, it is expected that lecturers and staff can contribute more optimally in international academic forums. (Eka Patmasari/Archy)