FTK UIMSYA Visits FBS Undiksha: Academic Synergy for Quality Education Enhancement

In an effort to enhance academic quality and program management for English Language Tadris and Indonesia Language Tadris, the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training (FTK) KH. Mukhtar Syafaat Banyuwangi University (UIMSYA) conducted a benchmarking visit to the Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS) Ganesha University of Education (Undiksha). The event, which included both benchmarking sessions and a guest lecture, took place at the Nitisastra Seminar Room, FBS Undiksha, on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Around 90 participants from UIMSYA attended as part of their Practical Fieldwork Program (PKL), aimed at broadening students’ academic perspectives and fostering direct engagement with other educational institutions. 

The event was opened by the Vice Dean I of FBS Undiksha, Dr. Ni Luh Putu Eka Sulistia Dewi, S.Pd., M.Pd., who emphasized the importance of inter-institutional synergy in advancing academic excellence. “Activities like this not only contribute to academic quality improvement but also open opportunities for future collaborations. This serves as a strong foundation for collective progress in the education sector,” she stated.

The benchmarking session carried out the theme “English Language: Challenges and Opportunities for Gen Z”, addressing various challenges and opportunities in English language teaching for the younger generation. Through insightful discussions, participants gained valuable knowledge on developing effective language teaching methods tailored to Gen Z’S characteristics. 

Following the benchmarking session, a guest lecture was conducted, featuring two distinguished speakers from FBS Undiksha: Dr. Kadek Sonia Piscayanti, S.Pd., M.Pd., a lecturer in the English Language Education Study Program, presented a lecture titled “The Role of English in Character Formation Among Youth.” She highlighted how English proficiency serves as a tool for shaping open-minded, critical and competitive individuals in the era of globalization. I Dewa Gede Budi Utama, S.Pd., M.Hum., a lecturer in the Indonesian Language and Literature Education Study Program, discussed “Linguistic Landscape” examining how language use in public spaces reflects social, cultural, and identity dynamics within a community. Both sessions provided new insights for participants, enriching their academic understanding of language-related fields.

Through this event, both institutions aim to strengthen academic collaboration and explore broader partnership opportunities, particularly in education quality enhancement, research, and community service. Beyond enriching students’ academic knowledge, this initiative also represents a strategic step toward long-term partnerships, supporting the Key Performance Indikator (IKU) 7, which focuses on strengthening inter-university networks.