Yogyakarta, 15/5/2025 – Rina Dwi Astuti, a 2021 student from the Bachelor of Japanese Language and Culture who had the opportunity to study at Ferris University, shared her meaningful experiences during her time in Yokohama, Japan.

As part of the Spring Semester exchange program, Ferris University organized a study tour called the Japan Study Tour. This three-day, two-night trip to Hiroshima aimed to strengthen the bonds between exchange students and local Ferris University students, while also deepening their understanding of the importance of peace.

During the trip, Rina and other participating students visited several iconic locations, including the Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima and Hiroshima Castle. They also visited significant sites such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Honkawa Elementary School—which served as an evacuation site for survivors of the atomic bombing—and the former site of an Indonesian student dormitory in Hiroshima. Additionally, the students had the rare opportunity to listen to a firsthand account from Mr. Yamada, who was just two years old at the time of the bombing.

As a history enthusiast, Rina mentioned that visiting Itsukushima Shrine, known for its famous torii gate standing in the sea, and Hiroshima Castle left the deepest impression on her. Her visit to the castle allowed her to imagine how people once lived and thrived in the area, which is now preserved as a historical site. Although the tour did not directly relate to her academic courses or specific field of study, Rina appreciated the chance to learn new vocabulary that she might not encounter in class.

Rina also expressed her gratitude to Ferris University for the thorough support provided to international students during the preparation for the Japan Study Tour. The university shared a clear and well-structured itinerary, helping prevent confusion and patiently assisting students who faced difficulties in getting ready for the trip.

The Japan Study Tour had a profound impact on Rina’s perspective of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. Through learning about the event in depth—without justifying the actions of any party—she came to a greater understanding of the value of global peace. Rina also expressed her desire to spread the message of peace by sharing the knowledge she gained with those who are willing to listen.

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

Yogyakarta, 13 May 2025 — The Indonesian Language and Literature Programme at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), welcomed a visit on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, from 15 students and two faculty members from Warren Wilson College, North Carolina, United States. This student meeting was held as part of the Indonesian Friends Program (TESIA – Teman Indonesia). The programme was initiated in 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic as an adaptation to cross-cultural learning through online platforms. This gathering marked a special moment within the collaborative efforts of the Indonesian Friends Program.

The meeting was attended by the Head and Secretary of the Indonesian Language and Literature Programme, Dr. Pujiharto, M.Hum., and Dr. Novi Siti Kussuji Indrastuti, M.Hum., who personally welcomed the Warren Wilson College delegation. Representing the guests were Prof. Kevin Kehrberg and Prof. Siti Kusujiarti, M.A., Ph.D., who served as faculty supervisors and key figures in fostering this inter-institutional partnership. The event brought together 15 students from Warren Wilson College and 30 students from the Indonesian Language and Literature Programme at FIB UGM for active and meaningful interaction.

The event opened with a classical Yogyakarta-style dance performance entitled “Sesanti Mangayu-Hayu”, performed by FIB UGM students. In her welcome speech, Dr. Novi Siti Kussuji Indrastuti, Coordinator of the Indonesian Friends Program, remarked that the gathering was a particularly meaningful moment, as it allowed both parties to finally meet face-to-face after months of online interaction. “Our students have been teaching the basics of the Indonesian language and culture to students at Warren Wilson College, and through that process, a very meaningful cross-cultural communication has emerged,” she noted.

In addition to the welcome ceremony and introductions, students from both universities participated in discussion sessions and shared experiences related to cross-cultural learning. During their stay in Indonesia, the Warren Wilson students are scheduled to visit several historical and cultural sites in Yogyakarta, including the Yogyakarta Palace (Keraton), Taman Sari, Malioboro, Prambanan Temple, and Borobudur Temple.

Throughout their time in Yogyakarta, the Warren Wilson students are staying in the Bulaksumur area, near the Universitas Gadjah Mada campus. UGM students have been assigned to accompany and support them during their visit to Indonesia. Through this programme, UGM reaffirms its commitment to international collaboration based on cultural exchange and the strengthening of educational diplomacy.

[Dr. Novi Siti Kussuji Indrastuti, M.Hum.]

Yogyakarta, 8/5/2025 – Rr. Rachma Amalia Putri, a student of English Studies Program UGM, was enrolled in Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) 2024. IISMA is a mobility program under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. After a rigorous selection process, Putri was accepted for IISMA at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), Lithuania. 

Putri was very enthusiastic for this studying opportunity. “Studying abroad is a stepping stone towards greater opportunities in academics and non-academic fields. I want to get firsthand experiences from the professors, as they are not only experts in their fields but also active practitioners,” she mentioned.

Putri noted that the experience studying abroad was beyond her expectations. At VMU, she took four courses: Introduction to Sociolinguistics, Media and Popular Culture, Creative and Feature Writing, as well as Lithuanian as a Foreign Language A1. Putri enjoyed her learning process, especially due to the dedication of lecturers at VMU. She was also grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with other international students. 

Outside the classroom, Putri encountered many valuable experiences. She joined Kaunas Muslim Sister, a community for muslim women in Kaunas to share their experiences as a minority. During her stay at VMU, Putri was also given the opportunity to share Indonesian culture in Lithuanian schools. She was also appointed as the moderator in the Alumni Day event to celebrate the re-establishment of VMU. Putri and her IISMA fellows also held a charity event to promote Batik, Weaving Cultures: Batik Day and Charity Gala. 

From the exchange at VMU, Putri learned many things: how to survive in a new environment, be independent in any situations, and be an ambassador of Indonesian culture. After graduating, Putri planned to pursue a master’s degree abroad in order to fulfil her dream of being a lecturer, a way to dedicate her knowledge for Indonesia.

[Public Relation of English Literature, Sekar Ajiningsih]

Yogyakarta, 5/5/2025 – UGM Korean Language and Culture Study Program held a public lecture entitled “ Oratory Techniques in Korean” in the Multimedia Room of the Margono Building. The event presented the Chairman of K-Speech Indonesia, Woo Young Taek, as a speaker who delivered the material entirely in Korean. This activity aims to improve students’ oratory skills and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the fields of education and global partnerships.

This public lecture lasted for approximately one and a half hours. During the presentation, Woo Young Taek shared various oration techniques commonly used in Korean, such as the use of intonation and tone, voice modification, facial expressions, and body language.

In the middle of the lecture, students were also encouraged to practice these techniques through short self-introductions to improve their public speaking skills.

The event was closed with the presentation of certificates to the speakers and a group photo session. Through collaborations like this, it is hoped that the Korean Language and Culture Study Program can send its students to participate and compete in oration competitions at the national and international levels.

[Public Relation of Korean Language and Culture, Sherina Azmi A.]

Yogyakarta, 7/5/2025 – Faculty of Ushuludin, Adab, and Humanities of UIN Salatiga made a significant visit to the Faculty of Cultural Studies (FIB) at Gadjah Mada University (UGM). The event took place in the Auditorium Margono and was attended by students from various programs, including Quranic Studies, Arabic Literature, and Islamic Theology and Philosophy. The primary aim of this visit was to gain insights into the curriculum and learning methodologies of the Cultural Anthropology and Middle Eastern Studies programs at FIB UGM.

The event commenced with an opening ceremony that set a warm and collaborative tone for the day. The opening remarks highlighted the importance of educational partnerships and the role of civil society in fostering academic exchanges. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting quality education and partnerships for the goals.

Following the opening, a representative from UIN Salatiga, Prof. Dr. Mubasirun, M.Ag., delivered a welcoming speech. He emphasized the significance of collaboration between institutions and the sharing of knowledge, which is essential for enhancing educational quality. His remarks resonated with the audience, underscoring the importance of civil society partnerships in achieving educational objectives.

The Faculty of Cultural Studies at UGM was represented by Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., who also provided a welcoming address. He expressed his enthusiasm for the visit and the potential for future collaborations. His speech highlighted the importance of cultural studies in understanding diverse perspectives, which is crucial in today’s globalized world.

The first session of the event focused on Cultural Anthropology, presented by Dr. Elan Lazuardi, M.A. He provided an overview of the program, discussing its curriculum and the methodologies employed in teaching. The session was interactive, with students engaging in a Q&A session, allowing them to delve deeper into the subject matter and clarify their queries.

Following the discussion on Cultural Anthropology, the second session was dedicated to Middle Eastern Studies (KBTT). Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., led this session, providing insights into the unique aspects of the program. The students from UIN Salatiga were particularly interested in the comparative studies and cultural exchanges that the program offers, which are vital for understanding the complexities of the Middle Eastern region.

The event fostered an environment of sharing and learning, with students from both institutions exchanging ideas and experiences. This interaction not only enriched their academic knowledge but also strengthened the bonds between the two faculties, paving the way for future collaborations.

As the event drew to a close, the participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn from one another. The closing remarks emphasized the importance of continued partnerships in education, which is essential for achieving the SDGs related to quality education and fostering inclusive and equitable learning opportunities.

In conclusion, the visit of the Faculty of Ushuludin, Adab, and Humanities of UIN Salatiga to FIB UGM was a successful event that highlighted the importance of educational collaboration. It served as a platform for knowledge exchange and reinforced the commitment of both institutions to work together in promoting quality education and cultural understanding.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]