On Wednesday, January 31, 2024, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences recieved a high school visit from SMK Mutiara Terpadu, Sukabumi from 09:00 – 11:00 AM in the Auditorium Soegondo, 7th Floor. In the opening speech delivered by the representative of SMK Mutiara Terpadu, it was mentioned that this visit focused on the similiar principle between both instituions in preserving culture.

Interestingly, the strong principle of upholding local wisdom by SMK Mutiara Terpadu was vividly reflected in the enthusiasm of the students who asked about various aspects related to culture, from the definition of culture to the origin of the name “Gadjah Mada” in the university’s name.

As usual, the visit ended with a photo session with all participants. The warm atmosphere could be easily felt and seen from the closeness among the participants who eagerly interacted with each other.

In a dedicated effort to empower students of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and strive towards achieving SDG 4 – Quality Education, Pusat Bahasa organized a free IISMA Preparation during the winter break of 2024. The primary objective of this initiative was to provide support to the students aspiring to participate in IISMA Program 2024, which is part of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology’s broader initiative, the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) Programs. Held each morning from January 22nd to February 2nd, 2024, the bootcamp served as a platform to equip students with essential skills and strategies crucial for participation in IISMA Program 2024.

The mentoring team, comprising Adiba Qonita Zahroh, S.S., M.Litt., Alvanita, M.Ed., and Diyah Ayu Puspitasari, S.S., M.A., played a pivotal role in guiding students through the intricacies of essay writing and interview strategies. Their collective expertise aimed to enhance the students’ chances of becoming recipients of the IISMA Program awards. By delving into these key aspects, the bootcamp not only offered valuable academic insights but also contributed to the personal and professional development of the participating students.

Beyond skill development, IISMA Preparation 2024 also provided tangible benefits for active participants. Students who attended a minimum of 70% of the sessions were entitled to receive a chance for the Academic English Proficiency Test (AcEPT) at Pusat Bahasa FIB UGM for free. This added incentive further reinforced the university’s commitment to fostering holistic growth and creating opportunities for students to excel both academically and beyond.

By: Pusat Bahasa FIB UGM