This qualitative research explored the issues and challeges in teaching English as Foreign Language (EFL) in Gorontalo, Indonesia, from two main cases. First is the implementation of the Kurikulum Tingkat Satuan Pendidikan (KTSP) in EFL Instructions; second is the integration of technology in EFL instruction.
This research utilized interviews, observations, and document analysis as the instruments in data collection. The participants consisted of four EFL teachers, three EFL faculty members, and two administrators, representing four schools, one university, and
one college in Gorontalo City, where this research was conducted.
In the case of the implementation of KTSP in EFL instruction, findings indicate that EFL teachers in Gorontalo face challenges in implementing KTSP due to lack of understanding about the new curriculum. Their challenges are exacerbated by the limited
access to the educational facilities in Gorontalo, which are a consequence of the unequal spread of development in Indonesia. Professional development training workshops that focus on increasing the teachers' knowledge and increasing the supervising functions are recommended to help minimize those challenges.
Regarding the case of the integration of technology in EFL teaching, findings indicate that the availability of technology was not the only challenge in integrating technology in EFL instruction. Preparing teachers to understand how to use the 4 technology in EFL teaching was also one of the challenges they faced. Therefore, in addition to providing more appropriate technology in the classroom, it is also highly recommended that the teachers be given the technical training and professional development to implement new technology in EFL Instruction.