KGRE visited clubs in Java, Sulawesi and Lombok. Kevin, Sue, and Cheryl brought back stories about active clubs and energetic club leaders and members; one of another is English Society Club in Semarang.Kevin’s visit was to a special event at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), home of Student English Activity UMY. Members of this club and English Society Club from Semarang organized a cultural day, with students and other guests from Slovakia, the Philippines, South Africa, Bangladesh and Australia. Guest students are all studying under a scheme called Dharma Siswa From the Indonesian Departement of Education. These scholarships are available to students in Australia and many other countries such as Bangladesh and South Africa.
The international students then began giving information about life in their countries and accepting questions from the audience. A few of them even sang traditional songs from their own countries. Sabbir from Bangladesh began the session with two songs – one was a love song and the other a religious song from his home country of Bangladesh. He was terrific. Three of his friends then joined him to answer questions. They certainly informed everyone about life in their home country.
Keyko, the newest KGRE Champion, and the leader of public relation of ESC in Semarang, then talked about traditional food from Semarang and in particular, lumpia made with baby bamboo shoots – a Semarang delight she said.
There were also cultural performance from the Indonesian participants including dances, role-plays and vocal performances.
Three visitors from South Africa also spoke about life in their country. That was fascinating as they were very keen to explain that the view of South Africa is being full of elephants and lions was not quite true. In fact it became obvious as people listened to the visitors that other countries are not always as we think.
Stereotyped impressions of other cultures and other people are generally wrong or at the least, misleading. Information about lifestyle and culture of other countries is revealed when different cultures get together and discuss, compare and enjoy their differences.
It was very successful and a good example of language clubs working together. Congratulations to the members of both clubs.