The Language Training Center of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is, again, trusted by the Center for Assistance, Education, Training and Planning from the National Planning and Development Agency (Bappenas) to train some 70 central and regional planners from across Indonesia. They are the staff selected for scholarships in double degree program in Indonesia-Netherlands or Indonesia-Japan.
The coordinator of English For Specific Purpose (EAP) at UGM, Drs. Adi Sutrisna, M.A., explained that this language training is compulsory and determines their study in many leading universities in Japan and Netherlands. If they fail, they can not join this double degree program. “Those who fail will certainly join the single degree program in Indonesia only,†said Adi Sutrisna when he opened the training.
Adi Sutrisna said that those who pass the test will start the course in Magister of Urban and Regional Planning Program, Magister of Development Economy Program and Geo-Information at UGM in September 2010. Besides Indonesia, they will also study in Japan or the Netherlands.
The training lasts full time for six months starting from 15 February to 31 July 2010. The students will follow language training Mondays to Saturdays from 08.00 AM to 17.00 PM. The materials include English language skills for academic purposes that emphasize on writing, speaking, reading and listening skills. Upon completion, they are expected to get a minimum of 550 ITP TOEFL score or a minimum of 80 IBT TOEFL score, or 6.5 in IELTS. â€In addition, the participants should be able to fill in forms for international scholarship, know academic writing well, give presentation in English and also be fluent in interviews for scholarship selection purposes,†Adi explained. He added that the language training program, which is a cooperation between Bappenas, Government of the Netherlands, Government of Japan, leading universities in Japan and the Netherlands and UGM Language Training Center, also presents native speakers from the USA.
Also attending in that occasion were Management of Master of Development Economy Program, Management of Geo-Information Program and Management of Master of Urban and Regional Planning Program.