ETA Adeena Ali organized an unforgettable English camp at SMAN2 Tanjung Pandan, inviting six other schools from the Belitung community for a unique cultural exchange centered around American traditions and language. This was the first-ever English camp in the Belitung community, offering students a chance to connect, learn, and practice speaking English in a comfortable, immersive environment.

The event’s Halloween theme brought a festive atmosphere, with students from the SMAN2 English Club taking the lead in decorating for the occasion. The highlight of the evening was the Halloween Scavenger Hunt, where students dressed up in costumes and worked together to solve clues. The fun continued with a cozy bonfire for making s’mores, line dancing, the Cha-Cha Slide, and a movie night with hot cocoa—creating lasting memories and providing plenty of opportunities for Instagram-worthy photos.

The following day, students participated in engaging American and Texas culture workshops. They learned about popular slang, famous American landmarks, and Texas’ unique cultural heritage, led by ETA Adeena, who hails from Texas. ETA Mary Breen from Manggar was also invited as a guest to help with the workshops, bringing her expertise to the experience and enhancing cultural exchange.

The camp’s primary goal was to foster connections among students from SMAN2 Tanjung Pandan and other schools, encouraging them to speak English with one another in a fun, relaxed environment. By the end of the camp, students were energized and more confident in their language skills, leaving with new friends, new knowledge, and a deeper sense of community.

Adeena Ali is currently teaching at SMAN 2 Tanjungpandan, Kepulauan Bangka Belitung.