RELO to Explore Cooperation Opportunities with UMIKT, Boosting Students’ English Capabilities

umkt.ac.id, Samarinda — Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur (UMKT) welcomed a distinguished delegation from the Regional English Language Office (RELO) of the United States Embassy in Jakarta on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. The high-level meeting focused on exploring strategic cooperation to advance English education, including the potential implementation of the Access Career English program for students.

The RELO delegation, led by the Director of RELO, Kevin McCaughey, and his team, was warmly received by Abdul Halim, UMKT's Vice Rector for Academic, Quality Assurance, Student, and Alumni Affairs.

During the reception, Halim presented a brief overview of UMKT’s history and highlighted the university's premier international programs. Among them is the International Community Service initiative in Southern Thailand, which was designed to provide students with deep cultural immersion and direct experience in a global environment.

“Through our expansive cooperation network, we regularly send our students and pre-service teachers to Thailand for community service. Praise be to Allah, this initiative has been highly acclaimed by various Thai institutions, who have expressed great satisfaction with our students’ skills and competencies,” Halim stated.

Impressed by UMKT's proactive international stance, Kevin McCaughey offered several partnership opportunities, specifically introducing the Access Career English program. He explained that RELO is currently seeking host institutions in the region to implement this initiative, which aims to elevate students' English proficiency.

“Given UMKT's track record with outstanding international initiatives, we sincerely hope the university will become a host institution for the Access Career English program here in Samarinda. We strongly prefer partnering with forward-thinking universities to achieve the goals of this program,” McCaughey noted.

Following the primary meeting, a separate ceremony was held where RELO and UMKT’s Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) signed a preliminary (initiating) partnership agreement. Hosted in the Meeting Room of Building G, this initial accord serves as a foundational stepping stone for a more comprehensive, long-term collaboration.

This momentous visit marks a significant milestone in UMKT’s ongoing efforts to broaden its international network. The newly forged ties and upcoming programs are expected to bring more accessible, world-class global learning opportunities to the entire UMKT academic community, benefiting both students and faculty members alike.

Author: M. Rafly Raihandy

Translator: M. Rafly Raihandy

Editor: Raisha Azzahro

Photo: Raihana Adhwa & M. Rafly Raihandy