For me, traveling is not just about visiting new places but also about how the journey enriches my perspective and broadens my understanding of the world. One of the most memorable journeys I have ever taken was my visit to Kampung Inggris in Pare, Kediri. As an English Education student, I saw this experience as an incredible opportunity to improve my language skills while exploring a different learning environment from what I usually encounter in college.
The main reason I decided to go to Kampung Inggris was that I wanted to experience a new atmosphere that could broaden my knowledge and help me develop independence. I realized that learning a language is not just about studying in a classroom, but also requires real world practice in an immersive environment. Additionally, I wanted to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone, adapt to a new place, and become more responsible for my own learning journey.
I had heard about Kampung Inggris many times from seniors at my university, YouTube videos, and articles online. However, experiencing it firsthand was far more valuable than just reading about it for listening to other people’s stories. This journey became a turning in my academic path, as it not only enhanced my English skills but also taught me valuable life lessons.
First Impressions: An Atmosphere That Encourages Learning
The moment I arrived at Kampung Inggris, I was immediately greeted by a unique atmosphere. Unlike tourist destinations or other educational sites, this place had an environment that truly fostered a passion for learning. Everywhere I went, I saw people speaking English in food stalls, on the streets, and even in small shops.
One of the most remarkable aspects was the English Area system in certain locations. This meant that everyone in those areas had to speak English, whether in daily conversations or academic settings. At first, I felt awkward and was afraid of making mistakes. However, after a few days, I started to get used to it and even became more confident in speaking without worrying too much about perfect grammar.
I stayed in a dormitory that also enforced a strict English speaking rule. This was a major challenge for me because, in college, I was still accustomed to using Indonesian during group discussions. But in this dormitory, I had to speak English from the moment I woke up until I went to bed. Although it was difficult at first, the supportive environment made me feel comfortable enough to keep practicing.
Engaging and Unique Learning Methods
One of the reasons why my experience at Kampung Inggris was so valuable was the interactive teaching methods, which were quite different from the formal education I received in college. While, university classes focused more on theory, here I was encouraged to learn through direct practice.
I enrolled in several courses, including:
- Speaking Class
This way my favorite class because it significantly boosted my confidence in speaking. Every day, we were given specific topics to discuss in English. Sometimes, I had to give presentations in front of the class, which initially felt nerve wracking but eventually became an enjoyable routine.
- Pronunciations Class
Before coming to Kampung Inggris, I often struggled to differentiate between British and American accents. However, through this class, I learned a lot about how to pronounce words more clearly and accurately. Out tutor also taught us techniques to improve intonation and rhythm to sound more natural.
- Grammar and Writing Class
Although speaking was my primary focus, I also wanted to refine my grammar and writing skills. In this class, I learned how to construct sentences more effectively and write better essays, which was extremely useful for my academic work.
- Learning Beyond the Classroom
Aside from classroom learning, I also gained a lot from real-life experiences outside of class. Kampung Inggris was not just a place to study English; it was also an environment that allowed me to understand local culture and social life.
I often spent my afternoons cycling around the village, enjoying the vast green rice fields, and chatting with local residents. Surprisingly, some of the vendors around Kampung Inggris were quite fluent in English. This showed me that the learning atmosphere extended beyond the students and had also influenced the local community.
Additionally, I joined an English Camp, where we had to complete various challenges while speaking English. These activities were incredibly fun and made the learning process feel much lighter and more enjoyable.
On weekends, my friends and I visited some tourist attractions in Kediri, such as Mount Kelud and Simpang Lima Gumul Monument. Besides being a refreshing break from our intensive studies, these trips also allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of local culture.
Valuable Lessons from This Journey
My journey to Kampung Inggris taught me that courage is the key to mastering a language. Before coming here, I was often hesitant and afraid of making mistakes when speaking English. However, after being in a supportive environment, I realized that mistakes are part of the learning process. The only way to improve is to keep trying.
I also learned to be more independent and disciplined. I had to manage my own study schedule, budget my expenses while staying there, and adapt to a new environment. All of these experiences prepared me for future academic and professional challenges.
Another realization I had was that learning a language is not just about memorizing vocabulary and grammar but also about understanding culture and the mindset of its speakers. By speaking English every day and interacting with people from different backgrounds, I came to appreciate that language is a tool that connects us to the world.
Returning Home: What Has Changed?
After returning from Kampung Inggris, I noticed significant changes in myself. I became more confident in speaking English, both in class and in daily conversations. I also started actively participating in academic activities that required English, such as presentations and group discussions.
Moreover, I became more aware that learning a language requires consistent practice. Therefore, I continued honing my skills by reading English books, watching videos without subtitles, and occasionally speaking English with my friends.
Conclusion
My journey to Kampung Inggris was not just an ordinary trip—it was an eye-opening experience that changed my perspective on language learning. I not only improved my English skills but also gained valuable insights into the importance of a supportive learning environment.
I am grateful for the opportunity to experience this journey, and if given the chance, I would love to return to Kampung Inggris to learn even more. I also hope to share this experience with my friends who want to improve their English in a fun and effective way.
By: Cahya Nayla Sujudi
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