MAXIMIZING ENGLISH PROFICIENCY THROUGH SHORT-TERM INTENSIVE COURSES
Abstract
This study investigates the effectiveness of a short-term intensive English course designed to improve English Proficiency Test (EPT) scores among postgraduate students at Universitas Islam Kadiri (UNISKA) Kediri. EPT at UNISKA mirrors the TOEFL structure and functions as a critical requirement for postgraduate academic standards. However, many students struggle to meet the required scores due to limited time and lack of targeted instruction. Drawing on theories of motivation (Goal Setting Theory, Achievement Goal Theory, and Behavioral Goal Setting Theory) and Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, this research implements a five-session course focusing on listening, structure and written expression, and reading comprehension. The study uses a pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design with 70 postgraduate participants. Findings show a significant improvement in students’ EPT scores after completing the course. The results highlight the potential of well-structured, short-term interventions in enhancing academic English proficiency in a time-efficient manner, particularly when tailored to learners' needs and supported by motivational strategies. This study offers practical insights for higher education institutions aiming to support postgraduate students in meeting English language proficiency standards.
References
American Association of Community Colleges. (2020). Case study in global education.
Baker-Smemoe, W., Dewey, D. P., Bown, J., & Martinsen, R. A. (2014). Variables affecting L2 gains during study abroad. Foreign Language Annals, 47(3), 464–486.
Brooks, R. L. (2008). Language Assessment in the US Government. In Encyclopaedia of Language and Education: Language Testing and Assessment. (Third Edition, pp. 63–76). Springer Science.
Cheng, X. (2023). Looking through goal theories in language learning: A review on goal setting and achievement goal theory. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1035223
Chwialkowska, A. (2020). Maximizing cross-cultural learning from exchange study abroad programs: Transformative learning theory. Journal of Studies in International Education, 24(5), 535–554.
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Method Approaches (Fifth). SAGE Publications, Inc.
Dalimunte, A. A., Somanawattana, C., & Siregar, D. Y. (2025). The Effectiveness of TOEFL Program on the Students’ English Proficiency: A Case of an Indonesian University. JEELS (Journal of English Education and Linguistics Studies), 12(1), 141–173. https://doi.org/10.30762/jeels.v12i1.3970
Darul Ihsan, M. (2023). LANGUAGE TESTING IN ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TEST (EPT): URGENTLY NEEDED OR ADMINISTRATION FORMALITY. https://www.scopus.com/home.uri
Elmes, D., & Kunishige--, T. (2025). Beyond the Classroom: Cultivating Cultural Competency through Study Abroad for Students of Sport. JOURNAL OF WORLDWIDE EDUCATION, 17, 53–76. https://www.sa-sig.org/jowe
Fitria, T. N. (2021). An Analysis of the Students’ Difficulties in TOEFL Prediction Test of Listening Section. ENGLISH FRANCA: Academic Journal of English Language and Education, 5(1), 95–110. https://doi.org/10.29240/ef.v5i1.2212
Gaia, A. C. (2015). Short-term faculty-led study abroad programs enhance cultural exchange and self-awareness. International Education Journal: Comparative Perspectives, 14(1), 21–31.
Grajales-Díaz, J. (2025). Short-Term Study Abroad Programs: A Sustainable Model for Short-Term Study Abroad Programs: A Sustainable Model for Community Colleges Community Colleges. Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges, 28(1), 1–37. https://commons.vccs.edu/inquiry
Hassal, T. (2013). Pragmatic development during short-term study abroad: The case of address terms in Indonesian. Journal of Pragmatics.
Humphreys, G. (2020). Developments in perspectives towards English use and intercultural communication among university students in Japan from short-term student exchanges. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES School of Humanities.
Isabelli-García, C. (2006). Study abroad social networks, motivation and attitudes: Implications for second language acquisition. In M. A. Dufon and E. Churchill (Eds.), Language Learners in Study Abroad Contexts. (pp. 150–166). Multilingual Matters.
Jafarova Ilqar, F. (2025). A Comprehensive Examination of Full English Immersion in Language Education. Porta Universorum, 1(3), 87–92. https://doi.org/10.69760/portuni.010307
Kim, J., Zhao, H., & Diskin-Holdaway, C. (2022). Willingness to Communicate and Second Language Fluency: Korean-Speaking Short-Term Sojourners in Australia. Languages, 7(2), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.3390/languages7020112
Krantz, R. (2024). Maximizing Short-Term Study Abroad: A Practical Guide to Program Design. US-China Foreign Language, 22(6), 283–297. https://doi.org/10.17265/1539-8080/2024.06.001
Llanes, À., & Muñoz, C. (2009). A short stay abroad: Does it make a difference? System. 37(3), 353–365.
Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2006). New directions in goal-setting theory. In Curr. Dir. Psychol. Sci. (Vol. 15, pp. 265–268).
Ma, J., & Cheng, L. (2016). Chinese students’ perceptions of the value of test preparation courses for the TOEFL iBT: Merit, worth, and significance. TESL Canada Journal, 33(1), 58–79.
Maehr, M. L., & Zusho, A. (2009). Achievement goal theory: the past, present, and future. In Educational Psychology Handbook series. Handbook of Motivation at School. eds. K. R. Wenzel and A. Wigfield (pp. 77–104). Taylor & Francis Group: Routledge.
Maharani, M. S., & Putro, N. H. P. S. (2021). Evaluation of TOEFL preparation course program to improve students’ test score. Jurnal Penelitian Dan Evaluasi Pendidikan, 25(1), 63–76. https://doi.org/10.21831/pep.v25i1.39375
McNair, J. K., Friginal, E., & Camacho, A. (2020). Learning from Short-Term Study Abroad to Innovate Intensive English Programs on U.S. Campuses. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 32(3), 182–207. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v32i3.584
Meece, J. L., Anderman, E. M., & Anderman, L. H. (2006). Classroom goal structures, student motivation, and academic achievement. Annu. Rev. Psychol., 487–503.
Molnar, J. A. (2025). Experiential Learning Tasks for Study Abroad Orientation: Reflections on Using a Digital Scavenger Hunt. JOURNAL OF WORLDWIDE EDUCATION, 17, 223–224. https://www.sa-sig.org/jowe
Northern Virginia Community College. (2025). Nova: Study Abroad.
Prouty, D., Panicucci, J., & Collinson, R. (2007). Adventure education: Theory and applications. Human Kinetics.
Putri, R. E., & Syarif, H. (2021). Students’ Needs for TOEFL Preparation Course at University. Proceeding of International Conference on Language Pedagogy (ICOLP), 1(1), 171–182. https://doi.org/10.24036/icolp.v1i1.37
Rachmad, Y. E. (2022). Behavioral Goal Setting Theory. YER E-Book Publication. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/KP968
Roy Douglas--, S. (2025). Meaningful Elements and Impactful Outcomes: A Thematic Review of the Literature on Short- Term Study Abroad for English as an Additional Language Learners. JOURNAL OF WORLDWIDE EDUCATION, 17, 21–52. https://doi.org/10.37546/JALTSIG.SA.JOWE17.2
Santora, N., & Major, J. (2012). Learning to be a culturally responsive teacher through international study trips: transformation or tourism? Teaching Education, 23(3), 309–322.
Serrano, R., Llanes, À., & Tragant, E. (2016). Examining L2 development in two short-term intensive programs for teenagers: Study abroad vs. “at home.” 57, 43–54.
Shohamy, E. (2008). Critical Language Testing. In Encyclopaedia of Language and Education: Language Testing and Assessment. (Third Edition, pp. 441–454). Springer Science.
Stirling, B. (2017). TOEFL Strategies: A Complete Guide to the iBT. Nova Press.
Tanaka, K. (2007). Japanese students’ contact with English outside the classroom during study abroad. New Zealand Studies in Applied Linguistics, 13(1), 36–54.
Vande Berg, M. (2007). Intervening in the learning of U.S. students abroad. Journal of Studies in International Education, 11(3/4), 392–399.
Baker-Smemoe, W., Dewey, D. P., Bown, J., & Martinsen, R. A. (2014). Variables affecting L2 gains during study abroad. Foreign Language Annals, 47(3), 464–486.
Brooks, R. L. (2008). Language Assessment in the US Government. In Encyclopaedia of Language and Education: Language Testing and Assessment. (Third Edition, pp. 63–76). Springer Science.
Cheng, X. (2023). Looking through goal theories in language learning: A review on goal setting and achievement goal theory. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1035223
Chwialkowska, A. (2020). Maximizing cross-cultural learning from exchange study abroad programs: Transformative learning theory. Journal of Studies in International Education, 24(5), 535–554.
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Method Approaches (Fifth). SAGE Publications, Inc.
Dalimunte, A. A., Somanawattana, C., & Siregar, D. Y. (2025). The Effectiveness of TOEFL Program on the Students’ English Proficiency: A Case of an Indonesian University. JEELS (Journal of English Education and Linguistics Studies), 12(1), 141–173. https://doi.org/10.30762/jeels.v12i1.3970
Darul Ihsan, M. (2023). LANGUAGE TESTING IN ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TEST (EPT): URGENTLY NEEDED OR ADMINISTRATION FORMALITY. https://www.scopus.com/home.uri
Elmes, D., & Kunishige--, T. (2025). Beyond the Classroom: Cultivating Cultural Competency through Study Abroad for Students of Sport. JOURNAL OF WORLDWIDE EDUCATION, 17, 53–76. https://www.sa-sig.org/jowe
Fitria, T. N. (2021). An Analysis of the Students’ Difficulties in TOEFL Prediction Test of Listening Section. ENGLISH FRANCA: Academic Journal of English Language and Education, 5(1), 95–110. https://doi.org/10.29240/ef.v5i1.2212
Gaia, A. C. (2015). Short-term faculty-led study abroad programs enhance cultural exchange and self-awareness. International Education Journal: Comparative Perspectives, 14(1), 21–31.
Grajales-Díaz, J. (2025). Short-Term Study Abroad Programs: A Sustainable Model for Short-Term Study Abroad Programs: A Sustainable Model for Community Colleges Community Colleges. Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges, 28(1), 1–37. https://commons.vccs.edu/inquiry
Hassal, T. (2013). Pragmatic development during short-term study abroad: The case of address terms in Indonesian. Journal of Pragmatics.
Humphreys, G. (2020). Developments in perspectives towards English use and intercultural communication among university students in Japan from short-term student exchanges. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES School of Humanities.
Isabelli-García, C. (2006). Study abroad social networks, motivation and attitudes: Implications for second language acquisition. In M. A. Dufon and E. Churchill (Eds.), Language Learners in Study Abroad Contexts. (pp. 150–166). Multilingual Matters.
Jafarova Ilqar, F. (2025). A Comprehensive Examination of Full English Immersion in Language Education. Porta Universorum, 1(3), 87–92. https://doi.org/10.69760/portuni.010307
Kim, J., Zhao, H., & Diskin-Holdaway, C. (2022). Willingness to Communicate and Second Language Fluency: Korean-Speaking Short-Term Sojourners in Australia. Languages, 7(2), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.3390/languages7020112
Krantz, R. (2024). Maximizing Short-Term Study Abroad: A Practical Guide to Program Design. US-China Foreign Language, 22(6), 283–297. https://doi.org/10.17265/1539-8080/2024.06.001
Llanes, À., & Muñoz, C. (2009). A short stay abroad: Does it make a difference? System. 37(3), 353–365.
Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2006). New directions in goal-setting theory. In Curr. Dir. Psychol. Sci. (Vol. 15, pp. 265–268).
Ma, J., & Cheng, L. (2016). Chinese students’ perceptions of the value of test preparation courses for the TOEFL iBT: Merit, worth, and significance. TESL Canada Journal, 33(1), 58–79.
Maehr, M. L., & Zusho, A. (2009). Achievement goal theory: the past, present, and future. In Educational Psychology Handbook series. Handbook of Motivation at School. eds. K. R. Wenzel and A. Wigfield (pp. 77–104). Taylor & Francis Group: Routledge.
Maharani, M. S., & Putro, N. H. P. S. (2021). Evaluation of TOEFL preparation course program to improve students’ test score. Jurnal Penelitian Dan Evaluasi Pendidikan, 25(1), 63–76. https://doi.org/10.21831/pep.v25i1.39375
McNair, J. K., Friginal, E., & Camacho, A. (2020). Learning from Short-Term Study Abroad to Innovate Intensive English Programs on U.S. Campuses. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 32(3), 182–207. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v32i3.584
Meece, J. L., Anderman, E. M., & Anderman, L. H. (2006). Classroom goal structures, student motivation, and academic achievement. Annu. Rev. Psychol., 487–503.
Molnar, J. A. (2025). Experiential Learning Tasks for Study Abroad Orientation: Reflections on Using a Digital Scavenger Hunt. JOURNAL OF WORLDWIDE EDUCATION, 17, 223–224. https://www.sa-sig.org/jowe
Northern Virginia Community College. (2025). Nova: Study Abroad.
Prouty, D., Panicucci, J., & Collinson, R. (2007). Adventure education: Theory and applications. Human Kinetics.
Putri, R. E., & Syarif, H. (2021). Students’ Needs for TOEFL Preparation Course at University. Proceeding of International Conference on Language Pedagogy (ICOLP), 1(1), 171–182. https://doi.org/10.24036/icolp.v1i1.37
Rachmad, Y. E. (2022). Behavioral Goal Setting Theory. YER E-Book Publication. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/KP968
Roy Douglas--, S. (2025). Meaningful Elements and Impactful Outcomes: A Thematic Review of the Literature on Short- Term Study Abroad for English as an Additional Language Learners. JOURNAL OF WORLDWIDE EDUCATION, 17, 21–52. https://doi.org/10.37546/JALTSIG.SA.JOWE17.2
Santora, N., & Major, J. (2012). Learning to be a culturally responsive teacher through international study trips: transformation or tourism? Teaching Education, 23(3), 309–322.
Serrano, R., Llanes, À., & Tragant, E. (2016). Examining L2 development in two short-term intensive programs for teenagers: Study abroad vs. “at home.” 57, 43–54.
Shohamy, E. (2008). Critical Language Testing. In Encyclopaedia of Language and Education: Language Testing and Assessment. (Third Edition, pp. 441–454). Springer Science.
Stirling, B. (2017). TOEFL Strategies: A Complete Guide to the iBT. Nova Press.
Tanaka, K. (2007). Japanese students’ contact with English outside the classroom during study abroad. New Zealand Studies in Applied Linguistics, 13(1), 36–54.
Vande Berg, M. (2007). Intervening in the learning of U.S. students abroad. Journal of Studies in International Education, 11(3/4), 392–399.
Published
2025-07-01
How to Cite
ASYHAR, Wildan Isna; NAF'IHIMA, Fika Ar-rizqi.
MAXIMIZING ENGLISH PROFICIENCY THROUGH SHORT-TERM INTENSIVE COURSES.
Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris Proficiency, [S.l.], v. 7, n. 2, p. 211-223, july 2025.
ISSN 2775-0450.
Available at: <https://ejournal.uniska-kediri.ac.id/index.php/PROFICIENCY/article/view/7361>. Date accessed: 01 july 2025.
doi: https://doi.org/10.32503/proficiency.v7i2.7361.
Section
Articles
