On February 15, ETA Maria Osman organized and hosted English Olympics Day, an engaging, school-wide competition that brought together around 200 students from SMK Abdurrab Pekanbaru. This event aimed to enhance students’ English proficiency, teamwork, and critical thinking skills while fostering cultural exchange through American and Indonesian traditions.

The immersive experience featured six dynamic games, including Jeopardy, which tested students’ knowledge of Indonesian and American culture, history, and English. Other activities included a word-scrambling race, whispering relay, picture memory game, obstacle course, and an energetic game of Capture the Flag. The competition challenged students to listen attentively, think strategically, and actively use English in real-time scenarios. Before the event, 62 percent of participants reported feeling excited and eager to put their skills to the test.

By the end of the competition, 77 percent of students reported improvements in their English abilities, while 89 percent noted stronger teamwork skills. Many highlighted the joy of collaborating with teammates, practicing English in a competitive setting, and forming new friendships with students they don’t typically interact with. They also valued how the event strengthened their public speaking, critical thinking, perseverance, and competitive spirit.

With students already looking forward to next year’s event, English Olympics Day successfully reinforced AMINEF’s mission of cross-cultural exchange and educational development. The event proved that language learning extends far beyond the classroom—it’s an opportunity for students to challenge themselves, grow, and connect with others.

Maria Osman is currently teaching at SMK Abdurrab Pekanbaru, Riau.