THE ROLE OF REAL-WORLD PRACTICE IN BOOSTING INTERNS’ CONFIDENCE COMMUNICATING IN ENGLISH WITH CUSTOMERS AT PEDRO SUN PLAZA MEDAN

Abstract

This research, titled “The Role of Real-World Practice in Boosting Interns’ Confidence Communicating in English with Customers at Pedro Sun Plaza Medan,” aims to explore the impact of real-world practice on the confidence and communication skills of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) interns in a professional setting. The data was collected by a qualitative descriptive approach, they were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation analysis involving four interns and three mentors at Pedro Sun Plaza Medan. The study evaluated interns’ confidence levels, linguistic proficiency, adaptability, and the role of mentorship in addressing psychological barriers. The findings reveal that real-world practice significantly enhances interns’ confidence by exposing them to authentic interactions and providing immediate feedback. Mentorship was instrumental in overcoming fears and fostering resilience, resulting in improvements in fluency, vocabulary expansion, and problem-solving skills. The study concludes that structured real-world practice and mentorship are essential for bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application in EFL contexts.