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Recently, Asia Pacific Language Centre (APLC), specialist language centre of Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), brought language learning beyond the conventional classroom through its Spooktacular Language Fest 2026; creating an immersive experience filled with themed language stations, creative challenges, and eerie encounters.

Exploring English through Spooky Encounters and Creative Challenges

By incorporating language practice into the themed activities, students were encouraged to communicate and think creatively, while using English in a relaxed and interactive setting.

The top three best spooky booths were also recognised for their creativity and presentation; adding a friendly competitive element to the event.

Drawing long queues throughout the event, the Haunted House welcomed hundreds of students from across APU, with screams and laughter echoing throughout the premises, as they made their way through the experience.

The Creature Zone added an extra sense of excitement to the event; giving students the chance to discover and interact with creatures they would rarely encounter in everyday settings. 

Language learning Beyond the Classroom

Through the combination of language activities, themed attractions, and student participation, Spooktacular Language Fest 2026 demonstrated how English learning can extend beyond formal lessons and become part of the wider campus experience.

Reflecting on the atmosphere created throughout the event, Ms Nur Nazrin Hadia Zakaria (Lecturer, APLC at APU) noted the enthusiasm shown by both students and lecturers in embracing the Halloween theme, particularly those experiencing an event of this nature for the first time.

“The students enjoyed every moment, with plenty of smiles, unexpected jump scares, and lots of laughter, as everyone had fun while using English effortlessly throughout the activities.”

Beyond the enjoyment of the activities, Ms Haryati Mohd Amran How (Senior Lecturer, APLC at APU) highlighted how the activities encouraged students to use English naturally, while engaging with one another and experiencing the different attractions.

“What makes events like this rewarding is seeing students use English actively, as they discussed challenges, expressed themselves, laughed together, and even video called their loved ones back home to share what they were experiencing, without even realising how much they were learning; showing how language can come alive beyond the classroom.”

Building on this, Ms Sharen Kaur (Senior Manager, APLC at APU) emphasised the importance of creating an enjoyable learning environment where both students and lecturers can look forward to using English beyond the conventional classroom setting.

“The Haunted House certainly stole the show, with hundreds of students from across APU queuing up to experience it, and for me, this is what APLC should stand for; creating an environment where coming to APLC to work, teach, or learn English never feels like just another obligation, but, something both students and lecturers genuinely look forward to.

“When people are happy and passionate, that positive energy naturally flows into the classroom, because, we do not just teach English, we make learning matter, and sometimes, all it takes is a little jump scare to get all that English vocabulary screaming out of students, quite literally,” she said.

At APLC, language learning goes far beyond the classroom, with Spooktacular Language Fest 2026 showing how how creativity, participation, and education can come together to create an experience where learning takes on a spirited twist and being ordinary is never an option.