Have you ever wondered what truly separates students who land global careers from those who stay confined to local opportunities? The answer often lies in a skill that’s both fundamental and transformative: English proficiency.
UTU’s Language Unit Hosts Career Talk OCEAN 2025: English Becomes Key for Students to Achieve Global Careers
As part of the Olympics for English Competency in Agro and Marine Industry (OCEAN) 2025, Universitas Teuku Umar’s Language Development Unit (UPA Bahasa) and English Language and Culture Study Program organized an inspiring Career Talk session. The event, titled “English and the Global Getaway,” took place at Teuku Umar Auditorium on Wednesday, October 22nd, reaching students both in-person and via Zoom Meeting.
Bridging Local Talent with Global Opportunities
The hybrid format allowed high school, vocational school, and equivalent-level students to gain valuable insights about English as a strategic gateway to international careers. Meanwhile, the interactive discussion sessions generated remarkable enthusiasm among participants, who actively engaged with the speakers throughout the event.
This initiative demonstrates how English language education continues to evolve beyond traditional classroom settings, connecting students directly with real-world success stories.
Inspiring Voices from West Aceh’s Global Ambassadors
Two remarkable young professionals from West Aceh shared their international journey, proving that global careers are within reach for dedicated students. Gusti Milla Quwaidy, currently teaching at Aalam International School in Kyrgyzstan, emphasized that English mastery extends far beyond job opportunities abroad.
“English gives us access to understand the world and contribute in diverse environments,” Quwaidy explained, highlighting how language skills expand cultural perspectives and cross-border networking.
The second speaker, Zuwidah Dewi, works as a flight attendant for Saudi Airlines and represents one of UTU’s most distinguished graduates. Her professional story illuminated the crucial role of confidence, professionalism, and English communication skills in building a global career foundation.
Language as a Bridge to Professional Success
Dewi’s insights resonated particularly strongly with the audience as she described her daily interactions with passengers from numerous countries and cultures. “English proficiency helps me communicate with people from various nations and backgrounds. It becomes a bridge for building trust and collaboration,” she shared, demonstrating the practical applications of language skills in customer service excellence.
As a result, participants gained concrete understanding of how English functions as strategic competency across diverse sectors, from international education to aviation industry operations. For example, both speakers illustrated how language skills directly translate into professional confidence and career advancement opportunities.
Strengthening Regional Educational Leadership
This Career Talk reinforces UTU’s English Language and Culture Study Program as a pioneering force in language competency development throughout Southwest Aceh region. Furthermore, the program consistently encourages young generations to view English as an essential life skill for enhancing competitiveness in our globalized era.
According to British Council research on English language impact, countries with higher English proficiency levels demonstrate stronger economic performance and international connectivity, validating the strategic importance of such educational initiatives.
Preparing Students for Tomorrow’s Global Workforce
The OCEAN 2025 Career Talk successfully demonstrated that English proficiency serves as more than an academic requirement—it’s a transformative tool for accessing international opportunities and building meaningful cross-cultural connections. Both speakers proved that students from West Aceh can compete and excel on the global stage when equipped with strong English communication skills and professional determination.
As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, events like these remind us that investing in English language education isn’t just about career preparation—it’s about empowering the next generation to become confident global citizens who can contribute meaningfully to our interconnected world.
