Learning English does not just open opportunities to communicate with the world, it is also a path to personal growth, building self-confidence, and broadening one's perspective. Over its two years of implementation, the Access Program has given 27 students from the English Literature Study Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga the opportunity to improve their English skills while developing various competencies beneficial for their education and future careers.

The Access Program is an English language scholarship program supported by the U.S. Department of State and administered in Indonesia by the Indonesian International Education Foundation (IIEF). The program aims to provide quality English learning access to young people, while also introducing American culture and equipping participants with skills that support academic development, leadership, and professional life.

For the 2024-2026 period, the Language Development Center (P2B) of UIN Sunan Kalijaga has been entrusted as one of the site partners implementing the Access Program in Yogyakarta. Through this partnership, UIN Sunan Kalijaga facilitates a wide range of English learning and personal development activities designed comprehensively for participants throughout the program.

Since its launch in 2004, the Access Program has given thousands of participants across various countries the opportunity to receive quality English education. During its implementation at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, the program received an excellent response, nearly half of all applicants came from the English Literature Study Program, reflecting students' strong interest in joining an international program that supports the development of their competencies.

Interactive English Learning

One of the main activities in the Access Program is the intensive English class, held twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursday after school or university hours. In these classes, participants study various aspects of English, from speaking, listening, reading, and writing to grammar.

Learning is not limited to material delivered in class, it is also packaged interactively through educational games, group discussions, simulations, and various collaborative activities that encourage participants to actively use English in real-life situations. This approach makes the learning process more enjoyable while also being effective in improving language proficiency.

Sharpening Soft Skills Through the Unit Project

Beyond classroom learning, participants also take part in the Unit Project, held at the end of each learning unit. In this activity, participants are divided into small groups to design and complete various projects, which are then presented in front of their instructors.

Through the Unit Project, participants not only practice their English skills but also learn teamwork, leadership, creative thinking, problem-solving, and responsibility for the tasks assigned to them. This activity becomes a space for participants to integrate academic ability with the soft skills needed in both education and the workplace.

Building Compassion Through Community Service

In addition to classroom learning and the Unit Project, the Access Program also includes Community Service, a community engagement activity that allows participants to learn through direct, hands-on experience. Through this activity, participants not only serve as volunteers but also learn to identify community needs, design appropriate solutions, and implement programs that create a meaningful impact on the surrounding community.

Throughout the program, participants carried out Community Service at four different locations: an elementary school, an orphanage, a natural spring area, and a mosque. Before each activity, every group conducted a field survey to analyze community needs. Based on their observations, they drafted proposals, designed programs, carried out activities, and conducted joint evaluations.

Through this experience, participants learned that English skills are not only used in the classroom, they can also become a tool for collaboration, communication, and making a positive contribution to society. Beyond building social awareness and empathy, Community Service also develops communication skills, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Mayang Aprilla Putri, a 2024-cohort student from the English Literature Study Program, shared that Community Service was one of the most memorable experiences during her time in the Access Program. "One of the biggest changes I felt was becoming more confident speaking with new people. In Community Service, we have to communicate a lot with participants, so whether we like it or not, we're pushed out of our comfort zone," she said.

Learning Culture Through English Camp

At the close of the program, participants also take part in English Camp, a three-day, two-night event. This activity offers a more relaxed, interactive, and enjoyable learning atmosphere through group activities, educational games, discussions, and experience-sharing sessions.

One of the topics covered during English Camp is an introduction to American culture. Through this session, participants gain new insights into cultural diversity, lifestyle, and the importance of understanding cultural differences in building communication at a global level.

Portfolio Showcase as a Space for Reflection

At the end of each semester, all participants take part in the Portfolio Showcase, a presentation event that brings together Access Program participants from various sites across Indonesia.

In this activity, each participant creates a portfolio, in the form of a poster or presentation, featuring their most memorable experiences and activities during the program. The Portfolio Showcase serves as a space for reflection, allowing participants to see their own growth while practicing presentation skills and sharing inspiration with participants from other regions.

The Impact Felt by Participants

The series of activities undertaken over two years has had a real impact on participants' development, both in terms of English proficiency and character building. One such example is Salwa Shofwatun Nakhwah Purwonegoro, a 2024-cohort student from the English Literature Study Program. According to her, the biggest change she felt after joining the Access Program was increased self-confidence. Before joining the program, she often relied on notes when giving presentations. However, after going through various activities and projects, she became braver about speaking in front of others without always having to read from a text.

A similar sentiment was shared by Dian, also a 2024-cohort student from the English Literature Study Program. "Through English Access, I gained a lot, from communication skills, teamwork, and leadership to public speaking, as well as new ways of thinking and facing new challenges. Joining English Access was one of the best decisions I've ever made, because it pushed me out of my comfort zone," she said.

These experiences show that the Access Program is more than just an English learning program. It has become a space for participants to grow into individuals who are more confident, adaptable, socially aware, and ready to face future challenges.

Closing a Journey, Opening a New Path

The Access Program for the 2024-2026 period is now approaching the end of its journey. Although the series of activities will soon come to a close, the experiences gained by participants will continue to serve as valuable capital as they continue their studies, build professional careers, or contribute to their communities.

Improved English proficiency, combined with greater self-confidence, teamwork, leadership, and social awareness, has become a valuable asset for participants as they face future opportunities.

For the English Literature Study Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, students' participation in the Access Program is further proof that learning does not only happen in the classroom. Collaboration with international programs like the Access Program opens opportunities for students to gain broader learning experiences, build networks, and develop competencies relevant to the demands of a globalized world.

The end of the Access Program is not the end of participants' learning journey, rather, it marks the beginning of applying the experiences and skills they have gained over the past two years. The Access Program is not just an English learning program, but also a space to grow into individuals who are more confident, compassionate, and ready to face the challenges of the future. (SNJ)