BILINGUAL CLASS PROFILE FACULTY OF PSYCHOLOGY UIN SUSKA RIAU

BACKGROUND

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) was launched in 2015. AEC provides ample opportunity for the citizens of Southeast Asia’s nations to work and trade in a free market. As part of ASEAN, Indonesia needs to prepare for this free competition era by equipping its human resources to compete with overseas workers for jobs, both locally and abroad. The university, in this case, plays an important role in helping to produce good quality human resources.

The Faculty of Psychology, Islamic State University Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau (UIN Suska Riau), aspires to improve its curriculum to produce distinctive graduates in a standardized manner. However, to face AEC challenges, students not only need to be competent as psychology scientists, but they also need to have the capability to communicate in an international language such as English.

In consistency with UIN Suska Riau’s vision to be a world class university, in the academic year of 2016/2017 the Faculty of Psychology UIN Suska Riau introduced a Bilingual Class for new students. This class covers the same materials as a regular class, but some of the subjects will be taught fully in English, including subject references, assignments and tasks, and evaluations. This class is one of the first steps towards the establishment of an international class of the Faculty of Psychology in the near future. Students who graduate from this Bilingual Class will be sufficiently competitive at an international level and will better positioned to contribute to the global community.

OBJECTIVES

Objectives of the Bilingual Class Program of the Faculty of Psychology UIN Suska Riau include:

1. To be a part of the embodiment of UIN Suska Riau’s vision

2. To assist in the  pioneering of an international class of Faculty of Psychology in the coming years

3. To increase cooperation with Faculties of Psychology abroad such as student exchange programs, continuing masters studies overseas, etc

4. To produce graduates who are sufficiently competitive at an international level and can contribute to the global community.

BRIDGING AND COMPLEMENTARY PROGRAMS

There are several bridging and complementary programs that the Faculty initiated prior to the establishment of the Bilingual Class, namely:
English course for lecturers and staff– This program was established in 2015 with the assistance of SEEDS which provides two dedicated English teachers. This program is planned to be completed in three years. However, a longer period of training could be considered depending on the needs of the faculty and SEEDS’ willingness to continue assisting in the development of the faculty’s lecturers.
Micro teaching– Lecturers selected for teaching in the Bilingual Class attended a micro teaching program to help them with the teaching preparation tailored for this specific purpose. The micro teaching, held on August 24th, 2016, was designed to be a one day workshop.
Lecturers’ weekly meeting – Lecturers are required to attend weekly meetings to prepare lecturing materials and strategies for the Bilingual Class. These meetings are intended to provide opportunity for sharing and discussion amongst the Bilingual Class lecturers regarding program progress and challenges.
Student orientation week – Students who are selected for this class will have to attend an orientation week that is designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills in order to successfully complete the class. Included in this orientation is information about the Bilingual Class, effective studying practices, and academic writing and oral presentation skills.
Consultation opportunity – Students experiencing problems with academic writing will have opportunities to consult with a dedicated language consultant. SEEDS personnel will provide consultancy hours for students to book appointments. In addition, the faculty will provide peer tutors (assistant lecturers) for Bilingual Class students if they have study problems. They will also have academic counselors who will accompany and guide them so that they can thrive in this program.

STUDENTS

A. Student requirements:

1. Passed entrance examination to Faculty of Psychology and English language proficiency test
2. Have sufficient English skills that are required in this program

B. Bilingual Class size: 20 students

TEACHING STAFF

Following are the Teaching Staff of the Bilingual Class of the Faculty of Psychology UIN Suska Riau:
1.    Language and Teaching Counsultant: Mr. D. David Evans from SEEDS
2.    Clinical Psychology and Religion Department:

1)    Diana Elfida, M.Si, Psikolog
2)    Lisya Chairani, M.A., Psikolog
3)    Anggia Kargenti Eva Nurul Marettih, M.Si
4)    Ahyani Radhiani Fitri, M.A., Psikolog
5)    Indah Damayanti, M.Psi., Psikolog
6)    Yuli Widiningsih, M.Psi., Psikolog

3.    Educational and Developmental Psychology Department:

1)    Dr. Zuriatul Khairi, M.Ag., M.Si.
2)    Alma Yulianti, M.Si
3)    Sri Wahyuni, M.A., M.Psi., Psikolog
4)    Desma Husni, M.A., Psikolog
5)    Indah Puji Ratnani, M.A.
6)    Eka Fitriyani, M.Psi., Psikolog

4.    Organizational and Social Psychology Department:

1)    Hijriyati Cucuani, M.Psi., Psikolog
2)    Ami Widiastuti, M.Psi., Psikolog
3)    Jhon Herwanto, M.Si
4)    Dede Fitriana Anatassia, M.A.
5)    Ivan M.Agung, M.Si
6)    Ricca Angreini Munthe, M.A.

BENEFITS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Faculty of Psychology UIN Suska Riau offers some benefits and opportunities for Bilingual Class students.

A. Benefits:

1)    Mastering critical professional/academic language skills in english e.g academic writing, public speaking, professional presentation, and debate.
2)    Distinguish yourself in job application or study abroad application through the receipt of additional graduation certificate exclusively for Bilingual Class participants.
3)    Experience creative and fun group building activities designed to develop “softskills” (leadership, teamwork, decision making, assertiveness, etc).

B. Opportunities:

1)    Participation in student exchange programs with universities abroad
2)    Increased confidence and opportunity to join international workshops, seminars, and conferences
3)    Further study abroad
4)    Greater access to jobs at multinational companies following graduation