Global Campus Hosts Indonesian Teens for English, Cultural Classes
The World Scholars Youth Program, sponsored by the International Islamic Education Council and Australia-based education company Lumiere International, has been held annually since 2006. This is the first time SDSU is hosting the program.
The 14- to 17-year-old students, who arrived in November, will spend five weeks taking English as a Second Language classes and studying other subjects including social issues, how to communicate like a San Diego local, seasonal celebrations, and California vibes, which teaches them the history of our region, organizers said.
Theresa Perales, director of English Language Programs for Global Campus, said a custom curriculum was created for the group. Some 20 courses will be taught in person by adjunct SDSU professors.
“It is a tremendous honor to host these amazing future world changers,” Perales said. “We are truly grateful for the opportunity to create a specialized language program that not only allows them to learn from us, but also teach and share their rich culture with the SDSU community.”
The World Scholars Youth Program, typically held each March, had to be rescheduled in 2020 due to travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The group visiting SDSU this month was originally scheduled to visit campus last year.
While here, the group participated in International Education Week and visited the International Peace Village. The Indonesian students donned cultural costumes and performed traditional dances and songs at the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union.
In addition to their classroom work, the group will also visit Universal Studios in Los Angeles and take a San Diego city tour, making stops in La Jolla and Coronado, Perales said.
Additional, customized workshops are scheduled for their adult chaperones.
The group returns to Indonesia on Dec. 20.
