Toraja – The English Language and Literature Study Program of Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Alauddin Makassar continues to strengthen contextual learning aligned with industry needs. A total of 88 students from the 2023 cohort participated in a three-day academic study tour to Tana Toraja Regency from 18–20 January 2026 as part of the implementation of the English for Tourism course. This activity aimed to provide students with direct learning experiences related to culture-based tourism and local wisdom, while also enhancing their English communication skills within the tourism industry context.
Through this program, students not only studied the theoretical concepts of English for Tourism but also applied them directly in real-world settings. This contextual learning approach is expected to improve students’ understanding of the actual dynamics of the tourism sector.
One of the course lecturers, Syahruni Junaid, S.S., M.Pd., emphasized that the activity plays an important role in preparing graduates who are adaptive and ready to compete in the workforce. “This program broadens students' perspectives on the realities of the tourism industry. They are able to observe tourism practices firsthand and use English for Tourism terminology and communication in real situations,” he explained.
During the study tour, students visited several cultural and religious tourism destinations in Tana Toraja, including Sa’dan Tobarana Village, Kete Kesu, Londa, and Buntu Burake. In Sa’dan Tobarana Village, students carried out community service activities through performances and cultural interactions with local residents. Meanwhile, at Kete Kesu and Londa, students learned about Torajan history, customs, and cultural narratives as key tourism attractions.
“As the chairperson of the organizing committee, I see that Tourism 2026 in Toraja is not merely about visiting destinations, but about learning to understand culture. Through this activity, we learned how the Torajan people preserve traditions, honor their ancestors, and live in harmony with nature. These values are important lessons for all of us to practice respectful and responsible tourism,” she stated.
At the final destination, Buntu Burake, students enjoyed the natural panorama of Tana Toraja while also studying the potential of religious tourism as part of sustainable tourism development.
Through this activity, the English Language and Literature Study Program of UIN Alauddin Makassar reaffirmed its commitment to providing education that is relevant to industry needs, globally oriented, and grounded in local cultural values. In addition to enhancing academic competence, the program also developed students’ soft skills, including communication, teamwork, leadership, and cultural sensitivity.
