Arts Integration in Language Education: Practical Insights from AIFLI

The Arts Integration in Foreign Language Instruction (AIFLI) Online Conference took place on 31 May 2025, bringing together educators interested in merging the arts with language instruction. Organised by Sabancı University, School of Languages, an Eaquals Accredited Member, and supported by the Eaquals Member Event Fund, the event served as a space for meaningful exchange and professional development.

Over 250 people registered, and 50 joined the live sessions. The conference opened with a keynote by Patricia

 Sobral of Brown University, who discussed how arts-based approaches can shape teaching and learning. Her talk, focused on creativity and exploration, set the tone for the day.

Following this, a panel of instructors from Sabancı University’s School of Languages shared their experiences. They discussed the benefits and challenges of using arts-based strategies in English language classrooms. This session encouraged attendees to reflect on their own teaching.

Later, six breakout presentations offered classroom-ready ideas. These ranged from visual storytelling to drama-based learning. Each session aimed to show how arts can support engagement and meaningful communication.

The conference demonstrated how arts integration language education can move beyond theory and into real classrooms. It also created space for educators to learn from each other.

As the first event of its kind in higher education, AIFLI succeeded in combining creativity with academic purpose. Participants left inspired and equipped with new approaches to language teaching.