I grew up in a family and community where the primary language was Nias, and Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) served as the second language learned at school. My interest in learning English began in Junior High School, however the classroom environment did not offer many opportunities to improve my English skills. Consequently, I performed poorly in […]

I grew up in a family and community where the primary language was Nias, and Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) served as the second language learned at school. My interest in learning English began in Junior High School, however the classroom environment did not offer many opportunities to improve my English skills. Consequently, I performed poorly in English until my second year of Senior High School. To address this, I enrolled in a private English course, which significantly aided my progress, allowing me to grasp some basic English skills. Encouraged by this achievement, I continued to pursue independent English learning even throughout my studies at Seminary in Nias.

When I embarked on a journey to study theology in an English-speaking country, Australia, it was important for me to complete an English course which I did so through the English Language Centre at the University of Adelaide. I enrolled in a 20-week program that commenced on August 28, 2023, and concluded on February 1, 2024. This intensive course consisted of classes held from Monday to Friday, with each class lasting for four hours per day. I was placed in PEP 5 class, which comprised 16 students, predominantly from China, with one student hailing from Taiwan.

The routine activities in this program included:
▪ Warm-up sessions involving various games, storytelling, and engaging in argumentation on specific cases.
▪ Lectures and workshops covering English grammar, distinctive styles of thinking, learning, and presenting ideas, analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as reading and writing skills in English (including academic essays) and research skills, including referencing.
▪ Seminars involving some activities such as note-taking, leading group discussions, presenting ideas.
▪ Research activities, including secondary research, group projects, and oral presentations.
▪ Friday lectures covering various topics related to Australian tertiary academic culture.
▪ Integrated Skills Tasks (IST) focusing on listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills tests.
▪ Academic Research Tasks (ART) involving research reports, portfolios, and oral presentations.
▪ Weekly reflections on learning and progress.

I am deeply grateful to God for providing me with the opportunity to study English before commencing theological study. This preparation has filled gaps in my previous English learning. Throughout the course, I acquired new knowledge and corrected misconceptions. The structured learning environment and professional instructors imparted invaluable insights and practical skills that were lacking in my previous self-study efforts. My confidence improved, as did my ability to communicate ideas effectively in conversation, class, group discussions, seminars, and presentations.

My experience at the University of Adelaide has been more than just an educational pursuit; it has been a transformative journey enriching both my personal and academic growth. I am immensely thankful for the numerous benefits this course afforded me. It introduced me to a different academic culture and equipped me with academic skills that were previously elusive during my studies in my home country. I developed a deeper understanding of effective essay and paper writing in English, along with a stronger commitment to academic integrity.

Additionally, the course enhanced my critical and analytical reading skills. Furthermore, it empowered me to present arguments and ideas confidently, both in writing and through oral presentations in academic settings. These experiences have laid a solid foundation for my growth as a student and future professional.

I recognise that my journey of English learning and academic skills is ongoing and that there is always room for improvement. Nevertheless, this English course has provided me with a clear direction on how to navigate academic settings in my future studies.

I believe this opportunity is a blessing from God, who has prepared me adequately for my theological studies at the Australian Lutheran College. I can only imagine the significant challenges I might have faced in my further studies without this English course. However, God’s love has equipped me for this journey, guiding me in answering the call to study at the Australian Lutheran College. I trust in His guidance as I strive to fulfill His mission, saying, “Here am I, send me Lord.”

I also need to acknowledge that there are some extra activities that have contributed to the improvement of my English skills.
▪ Attending conferences such as Speak Lord 2023 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Magill, and the Confessing Christ event at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Underdale.
▪ Attending Sunday services in some Lutheran congregations and engaging in conversations with members after the service.
▪ Establishing connections and friendships with fellow believers during my stay in Adelaide, including Lutheran Church of Australia staff, Australian Lutheran College staff and students, church members, and housemates at the mission house.
▪ Meeting with Janine, who has provided me English tutoring once a week since January 2024.
▪ Being involved in various other activities and events, which has contributed to my language development and proficiency.

In conclusion, having the opportunity and receiving support to study in this English course is a privilege for me. Words alone cannot express my deep gratitude. I believe that what I have gained through this English course will equip me to fulfill God’s calling for the ministry I will engage in after completing my study at Australian Lutheran College.

If you would like to know more about opportunities to personally support a scholarship recipient in your congregation during their stay in Australia, or ways in which you can financially and prayerfully support LCA International Mission’s scholarship program, you are invited to phone Matt on (08) 8267 7300 or email matthew.anker@lca.org.au

Read more stories about LCA International Mission scholarships at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/scholarships/