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]

Yogyakarta, 25/1/2025 – The Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Student Association (IMABTA) at Universitas Gadjah Mada held an online evaluation of the work program and finalized the accountability report for the IMABTA Management of 2024 on January 25, 2025. This event was attended by the Core Management of IMABTA 2024 and representatives of the prospective management candidates for 2025. The meeting began with remarks from Muhammad Rizqy Nawwari, the Chairperson of IMABTA 2024. He expressed his gratitude to all members of the management for their dedication in making the organization’s annual work program a success. Rizqy also conveyed his hope that this evaluation would provide valuable insights for the management in the upcoming year, enabling IMABTA to continue building strong and sustainable organizational governance.

Deputy Chairperson of IMABTA 2024, Farhan Aziz Wildani, expressed his appreciation to the management for their hard work over the past year. In his remarks, Farhan emphasized the importance of preparing the Articles of Association and Bylaws (AD/ART) to strengthen the organizational structure for the future. He hopes that the IMABTA 2025 management can prioritize this effort to ensure the sustainability of better organizational governance. This input aligns with the goal of supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 16, which focuses on creating effective, transparent, and inclusive institutions.

The event continued with a main session that included the evaluation of the work program and the finalization of the Accountability Report for the IMABTA 2024 management, led by the Secretary of IMABTA 2024, Aisyah Dian Azhar. During this session, various achievements and challenges encountered during the management period were discussed in depth to provide a clear overview for the next management team. This activity aims to ensure that IMABTA continues to adapt and evolve into a student organization that can positively impact its members and the wider community. This meeting marks the first step in building a strong institution in line with the values of the SDGs.

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

Yogyakarta, January 21, 2025 – The Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Study Program (KBTT) at Universitas Gadjah Mada held a meeting to prepare a new curriculum for 2025. The event took place in the Soegondo Building UGM and was attended by a team of curriculum-drafting lecturers, including Prof. Dr. Fadlil Munawwar Manshur, M.S., Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., and Dr. Imam Wicaksono, Lc., M.A. They were assisted by two student staff members, Nafila Azzahra and Hermawati Putri Dian Insani. The meeting began with opening remarks from Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., the Head of the Intercultural Department. In his speech, he expressed gratitude to the attending lecturers and emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing a more relevant and adaptive curriculum. Prof. Sangidu also underscored the necessity of updating the curriculum to align with KBTT’s three main concentrations: Arabic Language and Literature, Arabic Culture, and Islamic Studies. Additionally, student input was taken into account when revising several key elements, such as Graduate Learning Outcomes (CPL), scientific vision, and course naming.

The intensive discussion was led by Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., the Secretary of the Intercultural Department, who provided a platform for lecturers to share their ideas. One notable suggestion came from Prof. Dr. Fadlil Munawwar Manshur, who proposed that the scope of Middle Eastern studies should extend beyond Arab culture. He recommended the creation of a special course that explores both Arab and non-Arab cultures, including those of Israel, Iran, and Cyprus. This proposal aims to enhance students’ understanding of cultural diversity in the Middle East, while also contributing to the development of an inclusive and comprehensive curriculum. 

Through this meeting, the KBTT Study Program aspires to create a curriculum that meets academic needs and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which focuses on quality education. With this initiative, the KBTT Study Program is dedicated to producing graduates who excel in their fields while also possessing a broader global perspective. This new curriculum is envisioned as a strategic step toward establishing sustainable education that is responsive to global dynamics and the needs of contemporary society.

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

Yogyakarta, 20/3/25 – The Human Resource Development (PSDM) Division of the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Student Association (IMABTA) held its first online meeting on March 5, 2025. The meeting was attended by Tasya Syams El-Diny, the Deputy Chairperson of IMABTA, along with all the administrators of the PSDM division. In her remarks, Tasya highlighted the importance of synergy among members in developing effective work programs during the management period. She stated that strong collaboration would be essential in creating activities that promote the ongoing advancement of the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program (KBTT). This initiative aligns with the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in enhancing the quality of education (Goal 4) and fostering partnerships for shared objectives (Goal 17).

The meeting continued with a discussion of the activity plan led by Anugrah Maulana Fadhli, the Chairperson of the PSDM Division. The conversation was dynamic, featuring a variety of ideas and proposals from division members. Some of the flagship programs planned include the compilation of a journal bank focused on Middle Eastern Cultural Studies, a scientific writing workshop, and a career development seminar featuring KBTT alumni. 

Additionally, IMABTA is committed to maintaining collaboration with the Indonesian World Student Association for the Middle East and Africa Region (PPIDK Timtengka). This collaboration will involve a series of events, starting with IMABTA Menyapa, followed by a book review, and concluding with an essay writing competition. 

All of these programs are designed to empower KBTT students with competencies relevant to contemporary needs while supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals. Through this meeting, the IMABTA PSDM Division hopes to create activities that benefit not only KBTT students but also have a positive impact on the wider community. With a spirit of collaboration and a vision for sustainability, all administrators are committed to implementing innovative programs that make a real difference. This initial step serves as an important foundation for developing superior human resources capable of contributing to sustainable development in the future.

[Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies, Nafila Azzahra]

Melbourne, 15-17 December 2024 – Lecturers from the UGM Korean Language and Culture study programme once again took part in one of the international conferences related to Korean Studies. This time Alfiana Amrin Rosyadi participated as a presenter from Indonesia in ‘The 4th Biennial International Conference and Annual Teacher Workshop’ organised by the Australian Association of Teachers of Korean (AUATK) held in Melbourne from 15 to 17 December 2024. This annual event attracts Korean language researchers and educators from around the world, providing a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices in Korean language education.

In 2024, AUATK’s theme is ‘The Use of AI in Korean Language Teaching,’ a topic relevant to technological developments in education. The integration of artificial intelligence into language teaching is a significant step towards improving access to education. By utilising AI technology, educators can create a more inclusive learning environment that meets a variety of learning needs.

During the three-day event, the conference featured various academic activities, including a workshop from the Korean National Language Institute, paper presentations, and an AI Prompt Engineering Workshop. The event provided a platform for academics and educators to discuss and share insights regarding innovations in Korean language teaching methods. The conference can serve as an important platform to foster collaboration among educators and researchers in the field of Korean language education. By bringing together experts from different backgrounds, the event encourages the exchange of ideas and the development of new approaches in teaching Korean as a foreign language.

The following are our lecturers’ impressions of the conference:

‘Wonderful. I gained new experiences and networks. I think it is time for the UGM Korean Language and Culture programme to not only focus on Korean Studies in Korea but also around the world. It is possible that UGM researchers can collaborate with Korean language researchers from renowned universities in the world besides those in Korea.’ – Alfiana

The participation of UGM Korean Language and Culture Study Programme lecturers in this prestigious conference confirms the commitment to advancing the field of Korean language education. By sharing knowledge and experiences, educators can contribute to global discussions on best practices and innovative teaching methods. The conference is also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly on Quality Education, as well as Innovation and Infrastructure.

[Public Relations of Korean Language and Culture, Sherina Azmi Ahmad translated by Public Relations of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]