Kudus, September 19, 2022 – The English Education Department (Tadris Bahasa Inggris) at the Faculty of Tarbiyah, IAIN Kudus, hosted an engaging guest lecture on Multiculturalism and Language Education featuring Sam Shlanky, BA, a representative from the Australia-Indonesia Youth Association (AIYA) Melbourne Chapter. The event, held on Monday, September 19, 2022, provided valuable insights into the intersection of multiculturalism and language learning.

Sam Shlanky, an advocate for cross-cultural exchange and understanding, shared his experiences in fostering relationships between Australian and Indonesian communities. His lecture, titled "Navigating Multiculturalism in Language Education," highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and global citizenship in teaching and learning languages.

Drawing from his work with AIYA, Sam emphasized the role of multicultural perspectives in enhancing language education. He shared strategies for integrating cultural awareness into language curricula and encouraged educators to view language as a bridge that connects diverse communities.

During the interactive session, students and lecturers discussed practical approaches to addressing cultural diversity in the classroom. Sam’s anecdotes about his experiences working with Indonesian and Australian youth added a personal and relatable dimension to the session.

One of the participants, Ahmad Fauzi, a third-year student, expressed his thoughts on the lecture:
"Sam’s perspective on multiculturalism really opened my eyes to how cultural understanding can enhance language learning. It inspires me to promote inclusivity in my future teaching."

A faculty member and coordinator of the course, praised the event:
"This session aligns with our department’s vision of nurturing educators who are not only linguistically skilled but also culturally competent. We are grateful for the insights Sam has shared."

The guest lecture reflects IAIN Kudus’ commitment to equipping its students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a globalized world. By fostering discussions on multiculturalism and language education, the program aims to prepare future educators to promote cross-cultural understanding in their professional roles.