Try to be Creative

The closer to the end of the class the more practice. Besides having class as usual, we had test simulation twice a week. Here, you will understand about the important of time management. As we knew that it was just a practice, we seemed taking it for granted. In my case, as the score was up and down, I started to be realistic that total score I needed was just 6.5. Forgot 7 or 9.

The class getting boring, anyway, therefore the teachers tried to be. For example, our native speaker from Sunderland took along his two Spanish friends, and we're enthusiastically welcome them. Also, doing outdoor class, like Ms. Sophie did. Then, singing and karaoke with Mr. Rukman. He provided us guitar and let us came over to his office. Interestingly, we had dancing class every Friday.

Then, the other days, the class was invited to have lunch at Ibu Tien's house. It was kind of farewell, actually, unfortunately, just some of us came in. Then, UPT had big event on the end of June, International Conference, and we were involved as participants.

Then, we met with the previous batch sharing their experiences: during EAP, facing the IELTS test, and dealing with classes. We met with ITB-Japan students before the ITB-Netherland. Basically, their stories were the similar, but the ITB-Japanese students had better rate for IELTS score. Generally, they said that EAP class should be enjoyed because once you were officially PWK students, free time to have fun was a precious thing.

Along with that we had to get prepared for the real test. First, we must pay the fee to Commonwealth Bank $195. We chose our own test schedule and location. Since there is no agreement regarding organizing the test at ITB, we did it at IDP Sulanjana, Bandung. We were split into 3 period. Two of us did the test on 30 June, few were on early of August, and the rest, including me, on 21 August.

Getting Closer

After about two months we got boring. As we getting closer, we laught a lot and many rumors were blown up whether true or not. It was added by practice test three times a week and the score didn't show improvement.

During the class we also prepared the documents to apply as ITB students. All documents should be submited to Administrator for Postgraduated, Ibu Jane. It is better in collective. All documents that we must fill were available in ITB website. They should be printed and make them double. This was the time we need the recommedation letter from our boss. For my case, I just had one and it was fine. 

One of the documents was about health. We took that at Puskesmas, it was on Kebon Bibit, and it cost Rp15,000. The pictures only some of us before the others ones came. After that we met and you know... we went to PVJ, had lunch and sang along in Inul Vizta...

One day, we went outing to Saung Udjo, replacing Reading and Speaking classes. It was planned and charged by ourselves but should be adjusted to teacher's schedule. We chose this place because ot only it was presented in English, but also none of us have been there. 

On weekeed, started from Friday afternoon, the class usually was incomplete. People who married and live around Bandung went back home, but not for the singles and others who stay in Bandung. Then on Monday, usually the class will be full of food.

In the EAP Class

During the classes many things happened as we got closer. 

To face IELTS we were demanded to be master in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. For me, those were very hard. So, practice a lot is the best solution, including practice English out of the class. But, forget it! Karaoke, movies, futsal, for example, were common activities on weekends or after class. Therefore, we should be aware of flyers or advertisements around us to find out the entertaining (free) events. 

Every week, we had module explaining the material and its teacher. We went to listening room for listening session with Mr. Bambang. Usually, to discuss the answers we were divided into group consist of 4 or 5 people. As we used a head-set, it was a tool to talk each other in the group. We couldn't hear what other groups said, except him only, therefore it was possible to him revealing whatever you said.

Reading and writing session were stressful and tough. Here, you need to improve your vocabularies. For instance, how to choose False/No, True/Yes, and Not Given statement. Once you have at least 6 for them, you'll feel quite happy.

For speaking class we had three natives, two from US and one from England (Sunderland). The English one had unique accent. We also had two local teachers. They all were fun, anyway. It's time to be confident for whatever topic. 

At the Beginning...

At the first day I met most of all candidates accepted in ITB. We were students for ITB-Japan University and ITB-the Netherland University. Then, Mr. Bambang, the Program Director nicely welcomed and explained about EAP program. After that, he took us to see around, and about at 9 am we did the IELTS pre-test without speaking session.

Honestly, it was quite easy to get mingle and make friend with other candidates. The same background as civil servant and new person in Bandung, we always have topic to share. For example, the reason you take the scholarship, your institution, and information about place to stay in Bandung (kost-an).

the EAP classroom

The Morning Call

I was called by university accepting me in the morning when I was doing regular activity in my office. I just said yes to all information said by the lady on the phone. 

After getting the letter of acceptance, I was so excited preparing all documents to leave the office.

By the way, before starting the class, all candidates must take English class as preparation to gain IELTS score.

P.S.

• For confirmation, don't hesitate to call back the university accepting you.
• Prepare a recommendation letter from your boss in case you need it but impossible to go back to your hometown. It should be signed by two important people, one is fine, though.
• Just because you are called and registered in english class (EAP), it's not automatically you are enrolled to the university, still, you must follow the procedure as new student.