Halim Ahmad Faizin; Imam Mudofir; A’thi Fauzani Wisudawati; Netty Listidantini; Jannatul Laily Noviabahari +1 more
The low awareness and motivation of students (santri) at the Miftahul Huda Islamic boarding school to pursue higher education abroad is a primary issue, stemming from a lack of English proficiency, limited information, and conventional teaching methods. This Community Service (PkM) program aimed to enhance the santri's English language skills and motivation for further studies. The method involved three stages: preparation through surveys and interviews; implementation of a motivation seminar and interactive English training covering reading, listening, speaking, and writing; and evaluation using pre-tests, post-tests, and questionnaires. The program's content focused on addressing the key challenges faced by the santri, including language barriers and the lack of exposure to scholarship opportunities. The results demonstrated the program's significant effectiveness. There was an average 40% increase in English proficiency scores, with participants showing improved communication skills across all four language areas. Additionally, students' motivation to study abroad increased from 30% to 85%. This program successfully fostered the santri's interest in higher education opportunities abroad and built their self-confidence, evidenced by the formation of a proactive discussion group seeking scholarship information and further academic guidance.