Yogyakarta, 16/2/2025 – Middle Eastern Cultural Studies (KBTT) students at Universitas Gadjah Mada have launched a new initiative: a weekly exercise session held every Sunday morning. The inaugural event took place on Sunday, February 16, 2025, and was attended by several KBTT students. The goal of this initiative is to enhance both physical and mental health while fostering social connections among students. With a spirit of togetherness, this activity serves not only as a sports event but also as a way to create a healthier and more productive environment, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which focuses on health and well-being.

This regular sports activity is designed to provide long-term benefits for students. In addition to maintaining physical fitness, sports have been shown to improve concentration, reduce stress, and build self-confidence—important factors that support optimal academic achievement. Furthermore, this initiative aligns with global efforts to promote an active lifestyle as a preventive measure against various non-communicable diseases (NCDs). 

By involving the student community, the program contributes to the formation of healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Beyond health benefits, this initiative also reflects KBTT’s commitment to sustainable development. Sports not only enhance individual health but also help build more inclusive and harmonious communities. By including this activity as a regular agenda, KBTT students aim to inspire other communities to adopt a healthy lifestyle, while also contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. 

This program demonstrates that small actions, such as weekly sports participation, can have a significant impact on global health and sustainable development.

[Public Relations Master of Middle East Faculty of Cultural Sciences FIB UGM, Nafila Azzahra]

Yogyakarta, 4/2/2025 – The Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program (KBTT) at Universitas Gadjah Mada held a Coordination Meeting for the even semester of 2024/2025. This meeting was attended by all lecturers, including: Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., Prof. Dr. Syamsul Hadi, S.U., M.A., Prof. Dr. Fadlil Munawwar Manshur, M.S., Prof. Dr. Fadlil Munawwar Manshur, M.S., Prof. Dr. Lasiyo, M.A., M.M., Prof. Dr. Siti Mutiah Setiawati, M.A., Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati, M.A., Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., Dr. Arief Ma’nawi, M.Hum., Dr. Arifuddin, Lc. M.A., and Dr. Imam Wicaksono, Lc., M.A. The meeting commenced with remarks from the Head of the Intercultural Department, Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum. He emphasized the significance of collaboration among lecturers to create a better future for the study program and the students in the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program. “We must fulfill this teaching mandate to the best of our abilities for our collective progress,” stated Prof. Sangidu. This message aligns with the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in supporting quality education as a foundation for sustainable development.

The meeting continued with a session led by Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., the Secretary of the Intercultural Department, focused on the lecture system. The purpose of this session was to ensure that all participants shared a common understanding of the lecture system and the learning strategies that will be implemented in the upcoming semester. Attendees engaged in intensive discussions to design innovative teaching methods that cater to student needs and respond to global developments. It was agreed that strong collaboration among lecturers is essential for producing competent and competitive graduates successfully.

The Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program aims to enhance its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through this coordination meeting, particularly focusing on quality education (SDG 4) and partnerships to achieve the goals (SDG 17). The collaboration among lecturers is expected to develop a curriculum that is not only academically focused but also promotes sustainable values. This initiative demonstrates the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program’s commitment to nurturing a generation capable of effecting positive change within the global community.

[Public Relations Master of Middle East Faculty of Cultural Sciences FIB UGM, Nafila Azzahra]

Yogyakarta, 28/2/2025 – INCULS marked the successful conclusion of the GMIF 2024 Program with a closing ceremony held in Room 709 of the Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. The program welcomed 14 students from diverse national backgrounds, with the majority—nine students—hailing from Pakistan, while the remaining participants came from Uganda, Malawi, Kenya, Yemen, and Ethiopia.

During the event, Dr. Wulan Tri Astuti, S.S., M.A., Coordinator of INCULS, presented a comprehensive report summarizing the students’ activities throughout the program. Over the course of approximately four months, GMIF students undertook beginner-level Indonesian language courses, covering Reading, Vocabulary, Listening, Speaking, Writing, and Grammar, amounting to a total of 12 credits. Beyond classroom instruction, they engaged in cultural and educational excursions, including reading activities at Grhatama Pustaka Library, reading and listening exercises at the UGM Museum, and writing practice at the Chocolate Monggo Museum & Factory.

The ceremony also featured remarks from lecturer representative Ilfat Isroi Nirwani, S.S., M.A., and INCULS tutor Iqbal Tafqy Aunika. Representing the GMIF students, Muhammad Aarif delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on their journey. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates and a video screening that captured memorable moments from the GMIF 2024 students’ time at INCULS.

With the program officially concluded, the students depart not only with improved Indonesian language skills but also with lasting memories and a deeper connection to Indonesian culture.

[INCULS Admin, FIB UGM, Decika Syahda Maharani]

Yogyakarta, 24/3/2025 – Gayatri Dyah Paramesti Lituhayu, a student of the Japanese Language and Culture program, class of 2021, had the opportunity to study at Kansai University in Japan for one semester with a scholarship from the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO). Kansai University was the university Gayatri chose to experience studying in Japan because it offers an attractive program focused on career preparation in Japan.

Gayatri’s journey to Kansai University began with her desire to join an exchange program in Japan. She prepared all the necessary requirements for applying for the scholarship, including documents such as her Japanese language proficiency form, reasons for choosing the program, and future plans. However, passing the program did not guarantee a scholarship. Nevertheless, Gayatri eventually passed the program and was able to attend Kansai University with the JASSO scholarship.

One of the most memorable experiences for Gayatri during her time at Kansai University was working part-time as an English teacher at a Kindergarten after receiving a recommendation from Kansai University. At the kindergarten, Gayatri engaged in activities such as singing and playing games in English. Additionally, Gayatri introduced Indonesian culture and language to the children at the kindergarten. The warm welcome from the teachers made this part-time work experience one of the most unforgettable moments for Gayatri in Japan. Gayatri also shared her participation in the Ikeda Matsuri, a festival held to welcome the autumn season. The participation of international students in this festival is a special activity arranged by Kansai University. The students wore traditional Japanese attire and joined the local residents in celebrating the festival.

One of the challenges Gayatri faced in Japan was the limitation of her Japanese language skills. This obstacle made it difficult for her to actively participate in the Japanese Corporate Culture class. In this class, students were expected to answer questions, engage in discussions, and give presentations related to business. Consequently, the Japanese language used in this class included many vocabulary terms specific to Japanese business, which were quite difficult for foreign students to understand. Despite this, Gayatri did not give up and studied Japanese more diligently in order to participate actively in class.

Japanese society is often viewed as homogeneous. Knowing this initially made Gayatri concerned about the adaptation process in Japan. However, her concerns proved to be unnecessary. The people of Kansai whom Gayatri met were welcoming and respectful of religious differences. Gayatri’s new friends helped her find halal food, and even a dim sum vendor informed her that the dim sum he was selling contained pork when he noticed that Gayatri was wearing a hijab.

This valuable experience at Kansai University ultimately changed Gayatri’s future plans. Initially, Gayatri wanted to work in a field unrelated to Japan. However, this plan changed, and her dream now is to work in a field related to Japan. Furthermore, Gayatri has expressed her determination to pursue graduate studies in Japan.

[Valentina Pramahita Iswari through Public Relations of Japanese Literature UGM, Yulia Agustiani]

Yogyakarta, 3/1/2025 – A year prior to his enrolment to IISMA, Elkholy was already certain that he wanted to participate in this program. In order to succeed, this English Literature student of Batch 2021 had prepared himself by doing various preparations. Elkholy participated in ATF 2023, ISKA 2023 and some other organisations to gain more experiences in order to increase his chances of passing the first stage of selection. After passing the preliminary stage, Elkholy continued to prepare for the interview session by doing mock-up interviews. His efforts paid off because he was accepted as an IISMA Awardee at University of Leeds.

After going through a preparatory stage encompassing academic, financial, social, and technical aspects called IISMA Pre-Departure Series, Elkholy departed to University of Leeds on 16th of September. Upon arriving first at Manchester airport, Elkholy was warmly welcomed by a representative from University of Leeds. Prior to his departure, Elkholy had already received so many emails and newsletters from the university—which really proved to be a great source of information to help him settle in during his first weeks in Leeds. In addition to that, the university also gave two weeks of orientation filled with welcoming activities which really prepared Elkholy to start his academic lectures when week three came.

During his study period at Leeds, Elkholy was enrolled in four different modules. This was in accordance with the arrangement done by IISMA and the Study Abroad Team. These modules were Introduction to Psychology, Psychology in the Media, Challenges in Transport and Mobility and Natural Hazards. Elkholy intentionally chose modules that are not directly related to English Literature or one specific field, because he wanted to learn something entirely new. The efficacious teaching methods and well-structured assessments boosted Elkholy’s academic journey experience. Overall, Elkholy felt that he has been well enlightened of academic life at the world-renowned University of Leeds—an opportunity he would forever cherish.

Apart from academic obligations, Elkholy also experienced new cultural exposure during his stay.  It was easy to spot many castles and historical landmarks, which were still well preserved. Every city Elkholy visited had an art gallery and a museum housing their own individual contribution to the country’s history. Elkholy did not only learn new cultures from visiting historical sites or museums. For him, even the mundane activities of grocery shopping or interaction with locals in public transport were the greatest contributors to him learning new cultures. 

Elkholy was a little bit reluctant to bid farewell to the city that had left such great impressions on him. During his journey back home, he reflected how this IISMA journey has been nothing but extraordinarily worthwhile. It gave Elkholy the chance to study outside his major in a globally renowned university, exposed him to new cultures and people, enlightened his view upon the outside world, and shed light on possible future prospects of my study. There might be difficulties along the way, but they were easily paid-off with the vast amount of new academic and global experience he gained.

[Public Relations of English Literature UGM]