Jo's Week Long Adventure at ISUFST, Philipines 🇵đź‡
George Abraham - IELS Internal Team
From Malang to the Philippines, George Abraham—better known as Jo—brought the spirit of IELS across borders. As a Project Leader at IELS and a Computer Science student from Universitas Brawijaya, Jo spent a week on a cultural and academic exchange program at Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST).
During his stay, Jo had the chance to explore five different campuses, join IT-focused short courses, and engage with both faculty and students. The experience wasn’t only about academics—it was about immersion. From joining local tours and exploring the city, to enjoying the beaches of Iloilo, Jo embraced the warmth of Filipino culture with excitement and curiosity.
“What made the journey even more special was how English became my bridge,” Jo shared. Conversations with fellow students and lecturers flowed naturally, even when he stumbled or made small mistakes. “As long as you have the confidence to speak, you’ll be fine. People aren’t that scary—especially when they know you’re still learning too.”
For Jo, his time at ISUFST wasn’t just an academic trip; it was proof of how language can unlock global experiences. Being part of the IELS community gave him the courage and practice to communicate confidently in real-world settings. From English Lounge discussions to teamwork inside IELS projects, he felt prepared to step outside Indonesia and connect internationally.
Jo’s story is a reminder that opportunities often come to those who dare to try. By stepping into new environments, embracing mistakes, and trusting the skills he built with IELS, he showed that Indonesian students can thrive on the global stage.
“I hope more students realize that English isn’t just a subject—it’s a passport. If you have the willingness to learn and the courage to use it, the world becomes a lot closer.”
✍️ Content Written by Najlaa Thufailah Shafut
🎨 Design by Muhammad Athallah Khairi
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