SILLIMAN University faculty members highlighted the often-overlooked issue of foreign language anxiety among international students during the 5th International Conference and 2025 NOTED Annual National Convention held in Cagayan de Oro last week.

The conference, themed “From Vision to Reality: Strengthening Pathways to Quality Education and the Other Sustainable Development Goals,” gathered educators and researchers to share strategies for advancing sustainable development through education.

Department of English and Literature chair Dr. Joan C. Generoso and assistant professor Ronelaine B. Picardal presented their study, “Exploring Foreign Language Anxiety in Silliman University’s English Orientation Program.”

Their research examined how international students experience anxiety in language learning, particularly in terms of communication apprehension, test anxiety, and fear of negative evaluation.

The findings emphasize the importance of addressing both psychological well-being (SDG 3) and quality education (SDG 4) to enhance student engagement and performance.

“The participation of SU faculty in this international forum reflects the university’s continuing commitment to advancing research that enhances learner engagement and supports inclusive, globally responsive education,” the school said.