By Atasha Gabrielle P. Vito, BA ELS 4, The Centralian Link Intern

The compound of the MK Language Training Center in the Westwoods Subdivision. The main building and the roof of the guardhouse were shown.

On January 22, 2026, the Department of Languages, Mass Communication, and Humanities (DLMCH) of the College of Arts and Sciences, led by Dr. Annalee L. Cocjin, Department Chairperson, visited the MK Language Learning Center in Westwoods Subdivision in preparation for the Practicum On-the-Job Training (OJT) of fourth-year English Language Studies students.

The visit aimed to introduce the learners to their prospective training site, where they will serve as assistant teachers and student interns. This orientation allowed the interns to familiarize themselves with the workplace environment and provided them with initial exposure to teaching in a foreign learning setting.

The MK Language Learning Center is the only language learning institution in Iloilo with its own compound. It features various facilities, including a basketball court for recreational activities, dormitories for learners, cafés and a cafeteria for dining, and a gym for physical fitness. The center caters primarily to students from Korea, China, and Japan who are studying the English language.

A meeting was arranged between the directors of the MK Language Learning Center and Mrs. Cocjin, during which the learners were formally introduced to the worksite. Discussions focused on teaching responsibilities, work schedules, and expectations in the field. The students also introduced themselves, affirming their passion for teaching. The visit opened opportunities for English Language Studies learners to apply their skills in an international learning environment.

The directors of the MK Language Learning Center warmly welcomed the DLMCH English Language Studies learners and even extended invitations for future employment. The department and its students expressed their gratitude to the learning center for its hospitality and for providing meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. They also shared their enthusiasm for the upcoming collaboration, which is set to begin on January 27, 2026.

The visit highlights that opportunities abound for learners who are eager to explore new experiences. This Practicum OJT is expected to be a fruitful learning journey for English Language Studies students as they develop their skills as English educators for a foreign audience.