Berita

Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY)’s commitment on creating an international environment has been implemented through the student exchange program. Each semester, the student exchange program is conducted to provide students valuable experience and fostering international understanding.

Before the students depart from UMY, the Office of Cooperation and International Affairs of UMY (CIAO UMY) held “Pre-Departure Student Exchange Fall Semester 2023/2024” to ensure that students have enough preparation for their departure. For this Fall Semester 2023/2024, 99 students are ready to be departed to UMY’s partner abroad.

Idham Badruzaman, S.IP., M.A., Ph.D. as the Head of International Relations Office of UMY on his opening remarks conveyed the messages from the Rector of UMY, “All the pre-departure students must keep the good name of UMY because you are representing the university. All UMY’s partners abroad are looking at you not only as an individual but also as an institution.”

In addition, Idham emphasized that the students must maintain a good Muslim behavior abroad. As they are also representing the university, Muhammadiyah, and Indonesian Muslim community as well. Thus, keeping a good Muslim behavior is essential during the student exchange.

Arie Kusuma Paksi, S.IP., M.A., Ph.D., then gave a presentation on surviving abroad, covering topics such as maintaining the reputation of UMY, culture shock, halal cuisines, academic survival, money management, and travel documents & safety.

After the discussion ends well, each group of students presents their ideas for promoting UMY and Indonesia. Each of the seven groups presented unique concepts based on the location of their host university.

This pre-departure program held by OCIA UMY aimed to make students more prepared for student exchange, ensure their preparation as well as to prevent the unpleasant things happened throughout the student exchange program.