iLELAC 2026 RETURNS AFTER SIX YEARS, PROMOTING ENGLISH LEARNING THROUGH CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES
11 June 2026–The International Leadership and English Language Camp (iLELAC) 2026 successfully made its return after a six-year hiatus since its last edition in 2019, conducted in Sabah. This camp was organised by 20 students from the Bachelor of Education (TESOL) programme at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), from 2-5 June, 2026. The four-day, three-night camp brought together local and international participants in a vibrant environment that promoted English language learning, intercultural understanding, and meaningful social interaction.
A total of 74 individuals participated in the programme, including organising committee members, facilitators, and participants. The camp welcomed eight international participants from Indonesia, one international facilitator from Indonesia, and four international facilitators from
Bangladesh, creating a diverse and multicultural learning community.
Held at Universiti Sains Malaysia, iLELAC 2026 was designed to provide participants with opportunities to develop their English communication skills through experiential and implicit learning. Rather than relying solely on formal classroom instruction, the programme incorporated a variety of interactive activities, games, team-building sessions, and cultural exchanges that encouraged participants to use English naturally in authentic social contexts. This
year's camp adopted a "Squid Game" inspired theme, transforming the learning experience into a
series of interactive challenges and missions that encouraged participants to communicate in
English while building teamwork and leadership skills.
One of the highlights of the programme was the active involvement of international participants and facilitators, whose presence enriched discussions and interactions throughout the camp. The opportunity to communicate and collaborate with facilitators from Indonesia and Bangladesh
provided participants with valuable exposure to different cultures, experiences, and communication styles, further enhancing the programme’s language-learning objectives.
Beyond language development, iLELAC 2026 also aimed to nurture important soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, and intercultural competence. The thematic approach not only enhanced participant engagement but also fostered teamwork, resilience, and
camaraderie among individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
The successful revival of iLELAC reflects the commitment of TESOL students at USM to creating meaningful educational experiences beyond the classroom. The programme served as a platform for future educators to apply their knowledge and organisational skills while contributing to the evelopment of young learners through engaging language-learning experiences.
According to the Project Director of iLELAC 2026, Larissa Binti Faisal, the return of iLELAC after six years marked a significant milestone for the TESOL community and demonstrated the enduring value of experiential language learning in fostering communication, friendship, and
cultural understanding.
The overwhelming response from participants further reflected the success of iLELAC 2026. Many expressed their enthusiasm to participate in future editions of the programme and shared their intention to invite their friends, classmates, and cousins to join iLELAC next year. Their eagerness to return highlights the meaningful experiences and strong connections fostered throughout the camp.
On 5 June 2026, following the closing ceremony, an emotional atmosphere filled the venue as participants prepared to return home. Many participants personally approached the committee members and facilitators to express their gratitude and bid farewell. Some were visibly emotional as they said their goodbyes, reflecting the deep friendships, memorable experiences, and sense of
belonging that had been formed over the four days and three nights. These heartfelt moments served as a testament to the programme's impact and the strong bonds created among
participants, facilitators, and organisers.
As iLELAC 2026 concluded, participants departed with strengthened English communication skills, greater intercultural awareness, and cherished memories that will remain with them long after the camp ended. The programme not only achieved its educational objectives but also created a supportive community that participants were reluctant to leave, underscoring the lasting value of language learning through meaningful human connection.
Text by: iLELAC 2026 organisers
