Berita

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), through its Office of Cooperation and International Affairs (OCIA), warmly welcomed its new cohort of international students during the Induction Day 2024/2025. The event, hosted at the UMY Graduate Building, served as a platform to introduce international students to their new academic environment and foster cross-cultural connections. This year, UMY has admitted 51 full-time international students hailing from diverse nations including Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Gambia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen, and Turkey. Additionally, the university welcomed 15 exchange students from Malaysia, India, and Spain, as well as two research internship students from the Netherlands.

The event commenced with an opening address by Fitri Arofiati, S.Kep., Ns., M.A.N., Ph.D., Head of the Office of Cooperation and International Affairs. In her remarks, she expressed gratitude for the enthusiasm shown by international students. She emphasized that UMY is committed to being a second home for students far from their native countries, offering academic support and guidance through its dedicated faculty and staff. Fitri Arofiati, Ph.D. encouraged students to communicate their needs and inquiries to OCIA and ended her speech with a message of encouragement: “Have fun during your academic journey at UMY!” 

Following Fitri Arofiati, Ph.D., Prof. Muhammad Faris Al-Fadhat, S.IP., M.A., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Al-Islam & Kemuhammadiyahan, delivered his welcoming speech. He expressed his appreciation to Fitri Arofiati, Ph.D. and her team for organizing the Induction Day and officially inaugurated the event by striking the ceremonial gong. In his address, Prof. Faris highlighted the complexities of the modern world, including fierce competition among nations and persistent issues such as poverty. He underscored the importance of maintaining Southeast Asia’s status as a peaceful region with progressive economic growth, noting Indonesia’s position as one of the leading economies in the region. Prof. Faris also urged students to focus on three key aspects during their studies: Adaptability to Change – The ability to adjust to new environments and challenges; Cultural Intelligence – Building meaningful connections with peers from diverse backgrounds; and A Mindset of Continuous Learning – Embracing lifelong learning as a cornerstone for personal and professional development.

He concluded his speech by reaffirming UMY’s commitment to providing a nurturing academic environment, stating, “You have chosen the right campus. Welcome to Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta.” The event was also attended by Idham Badruzaman, Ph.D., Head of the International Affairs Office, and Puthut Ardianto, S.Pd., M.Pd., Head of the Career Development Center, reflecting UMY’s dedication to supporting its international community academically and professionally. The Induction Day marks the beginning of an enriching journey for international students, one that promises opportunities for academic growth, cultural exchange, and personal development.